The Official Site of Siphne A. Sylve

I Am America: ?uestlove + Black Thought (Progress 1)

2011-11-15T11:57:00.001-08:00

I Am America: ?uestlove (Progress 4)

2011-11-02T22:15:00.001-07:00

Memphis Greenline Mural (Progress)

2011-09-23T11:51:00.001-07:00

Mural Volunteers: Rory-Ann Austin, Angel Bonesteel, Alexis Kraus, Maysa Sem, Jeff Muncy, Kezia Snipe and Brandon Tolson

I Am America: Black Thought (Progress)

2011-09-12T12:29:00.001-07:00

I Am America: ?uestlove (Progress 3)

2011-09-05T16:35:00.001-07:00

A little Labor Day fun.

I Love Memphis Mural: Butler and Allen

2011-08-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past two weekends UAC and the I Love Memphis Crew has teamed up with Matthew Swanson and MIFA (Patrick Howie) to create this "I Love Memphis" mural on Butler and Allen. This week Patrick Howie has arranged for a number of volunteers to assist with painting this mural. The volunteers have come from various cities including, but not limited to: Washington D.C., Jersey City, and Philadelphia.

Mural Designer: Matthew Ladner
Mural Artist Team/Volunteers: Angel Bonsteel, Brandon Tolson, Rory-Ann Austin, Whitney Ranson, Jonah Westbrook, Kezia, Siphne Sylve, Matthew Swanson + many more volunteers.

Character Development: Color Application

2011-08-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Character Development revisited. See: here for original depictions.

I Am America: Black Thought (Sketches 3)

2011-08-08T17:55:00.001-07:00

Progress...

I Am America: ?uestlove (Progress 2)

2011-08-08T16:58:00.001-07:00

Progress...

I Am America: Black Thought (Sketches 2)

2011-08-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

Adding color...

I Am America: Black Thought (Sketches)

2011-08-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

Working on Sketches

A Balanced Story

2011-07-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

I Am America: ?uestlove (Sketches)

2011-07-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

Sketchbook drawings of ?uestlove.

I Am America: ?uestlove (Progress)

2011-07-05T16:32:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend I tried for a.little progress.

To Be an American!

2011-07-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here's to the beginnings of understanding a hybrid, true American music -
Hybrid Mix: "American Music" (Juneteenth) Pt. 1

Memphis Business Journal

2011-07-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

"Memphis is like that Aunt that's not your mom, but you still love her like your mom."

Check out the article here: Memphis Business Journal

Artists involved: Krickett King, Rory-Ann Austin, Brandon Tolson, Jonah Westbrook

Warm-Up!

2011-06-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

In an effort to stay loose and ready, I'm working on a few sketches of ANYTHING. Here's a start.

I Am America is back in effect!

2011-06-02T02:33:00.001-07:00

I Love Memphis Mural: Cooper + York

2011-05-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yes! Memphis! If you have not had a chance yet, please check out the first of many "I Love Memphis" murals located on Cooper and York. Designed by Brandon Marshall. For more about the Kerry Crawford's "I Love Memphis Blog please visist: www.ilovememphisblog.com + UrbanArt Commission

Guillaume Alby's Mural Complete

2011-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

It was an extreme pleasure to work with Guillaume Alby last Month! For more of Guillaume's work please visit, REMED. Thank you, Guillaume!

Guillaume Alby in Memphis!

2011-04-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

Visiting Artist, Guillaume Alby working on a mural on Broad Ave.

Artistik Approach: The Mixtape

2011-04-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

More to come! www.artistikapproach.com

Grizzlies' Mural

2011-04-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Union and S. November 6th Street. Artist Assistant Rory-Ann Austin.

For more photos please visit: UrbanArt Commission on facebook.

Yay! Memphis 365!

2011-04-20T16:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks Kerry! Check out the I Love Memphis Blog!

MIFA/UrbanArt Paint Day (MLK Memorial)

2011-04-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Mural is located on the corner of Linden and Dudley.

MIFA/Urban Art Paint Day

2011-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

UrbanArt Commission teams up with MIFA's Board-Up Program and MCA volunteers to create this mural, designed by Siphne Sylve

Illustration: Character Study

2011-01-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Some current illustrations I'm working on. This is a character sketch for a friend's future comic. (possibly)

Best 60seconds of 2010

2011-01-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

Check out the full list here

Artistik Approach and Live From Memphis

2011-01-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

Help Emilie!

2011-01-07T11:07:00.001-08:00

EMILIEGOSSIAUX.COM

Not to sound selfish or self centered, but I can't help to think "what if that were me?" Considering how much I've rode my bike around midtown and downtown, it easily could have. Similarly, if you're the type of person who typically bikes to majority of your destinations it could be you too.

Overall, Emilie is a extraordinary artist and the miraculous fact that she is still surviving after such a tragic accident shows that her fight is worth an extra push toward full recovery.

Please help by purchasing items/works from supporting artist ordonating funds.

To hear more about Emilie visit: http://www.emiliegossiaux.com/

Album Design: Jeremy De Jesus

2011-01-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

These are images of a album design I completed this past summer. Including album's interior, exterior, and compact disc.

And I'd have to add that it's a pretty great album recording. Check out Jeremy De Jesus!

I Am America: Women in History

2010-12-21T01:38:00.000-08:00

I Am America: Women in History

Top to Bottom: Edmonia Lewis, Zora Neal Hurston, Mammie Till, Jackie Ormes

I Am America: American Music

2010-11-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

(Kanye West, Marvin Gaye, and Nina Simone)

In the most simplest of specifics I will explain the significance of these paintings. In connection to my previous works dealing with the hybrid nature of American culture, I'm presenting a specified approach to the very basics of American culture, American music, specifically the faces of American music.

Looking for AA?

2010-10-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Artistik Appraoch and all our relations@www.artistikapproach.com. For direct updates please email@artistikapproach[at]gmail.com

Poster: The Love Experiment

2010-09-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

For more information on The Love Experiment please visit the following links.

Posters: Gya Events

2010-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Posters for upcoming events at GYA. For more information on GYA and Yeyo Arts Collective please visit the provided links.

Reggie Clemons Painting

2010-09-10T11:42:00.001-07:00

Reggie Clemons. 2010

Inspiration Paintings: Lauryn Hill

2010-09-10T11:32:00.001-07:00

LBoogie. 2010

Art & Performance: ReRooted

2010-08-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Black Star Books and Cafe Presents:

ReRooted a grassroots and traveling exhibition and musical performance by St. Louis artists Dail Chambers with performances by Blue with special guest Artistik Approach.

When: Saturday September 25th 2010 7PM-10PM

Where: Black Star Books & Cafe 3211 General Meyer Ave New Orleans LA 70114

Cover: $5

For more info connect to the following:

dailchambers{at}gmail.com

sylvesiphne{at}gmail.com

GYA

Blue

Artistik Approach

Black Star Books & Cafe

Reggie Clemons

2010-08-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Local Artist to Help Celebrate Reggie Clemons’ 39^th Birthday

GYA Art Gallery will host the 39^th birthday celebration for Reggie Clemons on Monday, August 30, 2010 at from 6:00-8:00 pm . The Gallery will feature several local performing and visual artists who have rallied around the theme, “ART & LIBERATION: The Fight for Justice.” They include Khalil the Poet; Aja LaStarr; El Thought; Ms. Interpretation; Blue; Siphne Sylve; and Anthony Reed.

“Artists will use their artistic talents to honor Reggie’s struggle for justice in particular and also to recognize the human struggle for justice in this city, in this country,” says Dail Chambers, GYA spokesperson. Chambers has been working with the Justice for Reggie Campaign to make sure that the birthday event is a memorable one. She’s looking forward to welcoming new visitors to the recently opened gallery located at 2700 Locust in midtown St. Louis.

The birthday celebration is free and open to the public. However, the Campaign is encouraging supporters to bring one completed clemency petition or to get a blank petition at the event, get signatures and return it. The goal is to reach the 50,000 signature mark by the birthday party; a few thousand signatures are needed in order to reach the goal . The petition form can be downloaded from Reggie’s website at www.justiceforreggie.com.

Friends will be able to leave birthday greetings for Reggie Clemons at the party, a tradition that was started by his Campaign four years ago. For more information about the celebration, call the Justice for Reggie Campaign at (314) 367.5959.

Also See: GYA

I Am America: Watercolor

2010-08-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

I Am America: Nina Simone

I Am America: Assata Shakur

I Am America: Fela Kuti

I Am America: Harriet Jacobs

I Am America: Nikki Giovanni

I Am America: W.E.B. DuBois

I Am America: Fredric Douglas

All watercolors (plus more) are currently on exhibit at GYA and are available for purchase. If you are interested in purchasing one of the following pieces please contact, sylvesiphne{at}gmail.com for further information.

Great Inspiration: Herman Leonard

2010-08-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

"the standard by which the music style of jazz was, and continues to be, visually represented"

Being that I have such a profound interest in jazz music and the musicians that spark my visual and musical creative self it becomes incredibly difficult to ignore the work of a man whose interest is obviously just as, if not more, profound.

I take this moment to excellent work of Mr. Herman Leonard.

For more information please visit: NPR

Artistik Approach Live @ SWG Reunion

2010-08-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

For more information and videos on Artistik Approach join us on Facebook.

Happenings @ GYA

2010-08-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

If you missed both the "I am America" show and Artistik Approach's live performance at GYA you can check out what you missed at indevisual.

I Am America: OPENING @ GYA

2010-07-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

For more images please visit: GYA. The show will be on display until August 30th

I AM AMERICA: Celebrating the faces of American People

2010-07-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Poster by: Brandon Tolson

Join GYA and YeYo Arts Collective in experiencing the works of Siphne A. Sylve as she showcases a new series on the faces of American people who have struggled, fought, and died to achieve greatness for our nation.

This series will present the faces of American people who have struggled, fought, and died to achieve greatness not only for themselves, but for their people and our nation. The purpose of this series is to function primarily as a reminder of the American history and heroes who are often forgotten and overlooked, while also standing as a source of inspiration.

When: July 17th @ 7:00PM - 9:30PM

Where: 2700 Locust St Louis, MO

For Additional Information contact: sylvesiphne[at]gmail.com

Artistik Approach Live @ The Hi-Tone

2010-06-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Artistik Approach live at The Hi-Tone fro Jason the Hater's CD release party.

More info on Artistik Approach

Prospect One and the Oil Spill...

2010-06-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Definitely worth checking out...Art and the Oil Spill/NYC Exhibition Extended

2Cent and Mos Def on the Gulf

2010-06-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out more videos from 2cent.

Album Design: Jeremy De Jesus

2010-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I've been working on this summer.

Summer Sketches

2010-06-07T18:53:00.001-07:00

Color pencils and watercolor, 2010.

American Hybrid: Black Star (Mighty Mos Def)

2010-05-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

These works will function as a means of illustrating a literal hybrid in the form of a tree, where the roots of the tree are a collaged representation of the musical history of specific contemporary, American music artist. The roots are then attached to the tree/figure form which will further emphasizing the way in which history is assembled, and also the importance of creolization and hybrids within American culture.

At the root of all genres of music are links to preceding and or future genres of music. Through these links one can determine the way in which American culture and history are fused. By using the five most influential genres of a contemporary artist I am able to connect the ways in which a large variety of musical genres have ultimately influenced the artist through trailing the history of each genre. By doing so I am able to illustrate, through various images the ways in which American culture has been merged.

Artistik Approach: "Summertime" Live at the Word

2010-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Illustrator Research Part II

2010-03-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Here are a few artist that are quite inspirational:

American Hybrid: Progress

2010-03-09T15:54:00.001-08:00

This series of paintings/drawings are illustrations that will depict the many fused qualities of American music in hopes of better revealing the highly creolized nature of American culture. (Top to Bottom: Graphite on wood panel, sketch in newsprint)

Heal Haiti

2010-02-02T01:13:00.001-08:00

Poster by Brandon Tolson

Art for Art Sake feat. Brandan Odums of 2Cent

2010-01-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite art forms. Such a beautiful hybrid!

"Every Book in the World" by 2Cent

2010-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

An incredible spend on Young Money's "every girl in the world", which is culturally a bit disappointing, thus it is quite refreshing to see such a positive intake of that song.

Character Development: Joy

2009-12-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Character Reference Book: Location

2009-11-19T00:52:00.001-08:00

Character Reference Book Location Studies

Character Reference Book: Characters

2009-11-19T00:48:00.001-08:00

Character Reference Book Character Studies

Visual Essay 2: John Coltrane (Drawings in Progress) Part 2

2009-11-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

About half way complete with the entire series.

Visual Essay 2: John Coltrane (Drawings in Progress)

2009-11-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Visual Essay 2: John Coltrane

2009-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Visual Essay 2_John Coltrane: Working Hard

Summary:

For this Visual Essay I would like to begin another series on a different artist, possibly Sarah Vaughan or John Coltrane. I think Coltrane will be a more interesting subject, while I find myself more comfortable working with Vaughan because I’m more familiar with her music. This series will focus mostly on Coltrane’s great dedication to mastering his horn. Like Mingus, Coltrane was also very innovative in his approach to music, less so in composition. Alice, Coltrane’s wife would describe how he would stay up into the wee hours of the morning practicing. Coltrane ate, drank, and breathed jazz, which undoubtedly dubbed him possibly the best jazz saxophonist of all time, certainly the greatest of his day.

Coltrane was born in the month of September in 1926, North Carolina, received his first musical encounter from the church and his father who was a tailor by trade but also played violin. One of the most interesting qualities of Coltrane was his not his profound genius, but his hard works and dedication at obtaining his genius. As a young boy Coltrane always was interested in Western Classical music, but he was immensely committed and drawn to the current jazz stage of the day, be-bop. Even when Coltrane was hushed by his neighbors he would remove the horn from his, but still continued practicing by fingering the notes.

Coltrane began on clarinet, and then switched to alto once his family move to Philadelphia, but after joining the military finally found his making with the tenor saxophone in a band with Eddie “Clean Head” Vinson.

Character Development: Woman with Full Armor

2009-11-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

A character development based on Ephesian 6

Jazz Improv: Jazz Legends Sessions and Portraits

2009-11-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

Portraits and Interpretations: Top to Bottom: "Jazz Improv: Session 1" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Session 2" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Max Roach (Mr. Hi Hat)" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Dizzy" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Billie Holiday (Lady Day)" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Miles Davis" 2009. "Jazz Improv: John Coltrane" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Session 2" 2009. "Jazz Improv: Session 3" 2009.

Artist Research

2009-11-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Illustrator Research Project (45 Artists) Due: 11/6

Tagtool

Moose and Mr. Scruff

Poster Boy

Diem Chau Lynda Barry

Frank Chimero

Ze Frank See more about Zee Frank 2

Jack Delgado (Michael Gray)

Reuno (Renaud Forestie)

Matt Duffin Also See Matt Duffin's website

Matt Cruickshank

Michael Murphy

Marq Spusta Also see Marq Spusta's work here

Promotion Research (5 Artists Promote) Due: 10/30

Creative Business Card Ideas

Self Promotion Package and Stationary

Self Promotion Memo Pad

Self Promotion: Kit Kit

Character Development: Donna Jeanette Ferrand

2009-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Nickname: Nettie

Age: 42, but appears a bit younger

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Weight: about 180 lbs

Height: 5' 5"

Distinguishing Marks: None

Glasses: None

Hometown: New Orleans, La

Hobbies/Profession: English College Professor, writes for the local news paper and an independent magazine.

Character Development: Joseph T. Macarty

2009-10-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Nickname: Joe, Jo-Jo,or Mac

Age: 67

Eye Color: Hazel

Weight: 250lb

Height: 5'10"

Distinguishing Marks: none

Glasses: occasional reading glasses

Hometown: New Orleans, LA, but Joe spent a good bit of his childhood years in France, with his father's family.

Hobbies/Profession: Established clarinetist and retired high school music instructor. Also, he owns a local instrument repair shop.

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator Page Sketches Pt 1-4 (Revisited)

2009-10-24T09:52:00.001-07:00

Revisited sketches for the Charles Mingus book. October 9, 2009

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator Final Drawings Part 1

2009-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Four of the drawings from the Charles Mingus Series, not quite finished, but certainly on the way. The first two depict Mingus' inspiration from his sisters and his first instrument, the trombone. The last two depict Mingus' later musical career including images of him playing with derived depiction of characters like Duke Ellington and Max Roach, finally ending with an illustration of Mingus in the Studio, hinting towards his massive career as a astonishing composer.

I’m somewhat pleased with the progress of the Mingus pieces though I feel they certainly can be worked and tweaked quite a bit. At this point my biggest decision revolves around figuring out whether I should continue working on the Mingus story or continuing with another artist. Previously, I had planned to structure my next pieces in a style I was even more comfortable, that is using closer portraits with collaged backgrounds, though a part of me feels as though the last two drawings of the Mingus series we the most successful because of the use closer portraits, but also the an older Mingus. There’s a lot of time spared on drawing a varied older Mingus mostly because of the largely available and recognizable images of Mingus.

For secod Visual Essay I would like to begin another series on a different artist, possibly Sarah Vaughan or John Coltrane. I think Coltrane will be a more interesting subject, while I find myself more comfortable working with Vaughan because I’m more familiar with her music. This series will focus mostly on Coltrane’s great dedication to mastering his horn. Like Mingus, Coltrane was also very innovative in his approach to music, less so in composition. Alice, Coltrane’s wife would describe how he would stay up into the wee hours of the morning practicing. Coltrane ate, drank, and breathed jazz, which undoubtedly dubbed him possibly the best jazz saxophonist of all time, certainly the greatest of his day.

Sharpie Work

2009-10-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

A few images done with sharpie.

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator Page Sketches Pt 1 & 2

2009-10-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Pencil Drawings of two pages depicting Mingus' youthful inspiration and his first instrument, the trombone.

Character Development: William C. Thomas

2009-10-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Character Development:

Name: Willliam C. Thomas

Age: 73 (but appears younger)

Eye Color: brown

Weight: 190 lbs

Height: 5'9"

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Hobbies/Profession: Established pianist. Retired high school music professor. Plays occasional gigs with his band in local jazz spots.

Character Development: Errald

2009-10-01T22:11:00.001-07:00

Character Development:

Name: Errald Trevon James

Age: 21

Eye Color: brown

Weight: 160

Height: 5'8"

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator Pt 2

2009-09-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

Pencil Drawing of semi-middle age Charles Mingus

2cent Presents: New Orleans Pt 1&2

2009-09-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

Support young arts! 2cent

Children's Books of Color

2009-09-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

A list of over 300 hundred books featuring children of color, created by Elizabeth Bluemle.

Enjoy!
A World Full of Color

Cultural: Hair (Black Hair, Sill Tangled in Politics)

2009-09-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

"For Professor Banks, making a choice is crucial, not the resulting hairstyle. 'If a black woman makes a choice to relax her hair, or to cut all her hair off, or just do nothing to it, it’s empowering to make that choice,' she said, noting that black women on plantations didn't have that luxury."- Skin Deep

So many compelling arguments arose from this article, yet this one seems to strike me the hardest, though I feel it shouldn't. Many may argue that we as Americans have overcome the slavery "problem" and our progression as a nation is a great success. Possibly, this is truthful, but there's something about understanding the full oppression of Blacks that makes you think this is not the case.

Being a nappy head is so much more than politics, fashion, or self expression. It's about you being able to be whoever you want to be however you want to be it. If wearing straight hair or nappy hair works for you so be it. I'm more concerned with the reasoning behind the choices. Essentially what I'm saying is know the history of what you're into, if your feelings are unchanged then keep on keeping on, as long as you're informed.

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator

2009-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Visual Essay 1: Jazz Icons Charles Mingus: The Innovator

Summary:
For this Visual Essay I would like to explore the realm of children’s books, illustrating the significant importance and progress of Jazz Greats. The first of which is the story of jazz innovator and master composer, Charles Mingus. Mingus from a very young age was dedicated and serious about his music. Beginning his musical journey with the trombone and then switching to the cello, Mingus eventually found his love with the bass, introduced by “high school friends Buddy Collette and Britt Woodman.”
Mingus was born in Nogales, Arizona, but was raised in Los Angeles, California. Introduced at a young age to classical music by his mother Mingus also found great astonishment in jazz composer Duke Ellington, whose tune St Louis Toot-a-lou, influenced Mingus’ style and musical outlook greatly. As a child prodigy Mingus gained a sturdy name for himself, playing with Jazz greats Lionel Hampton, Barney Bigard, a clarinet player from Duke Ellington’s band, and New Orleans’ native and trombonist, Kid Ory.
In later years Mingus moved eastwardly, playing with jazz greats Max Roach, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillepsi, and Bud Powells. It was during these years that Mingus stretched his title of innovator to the extreme. Known for his quick, hot temper, Mingus ran into a number of troubles, yet Mingus still determined to think outside of the box continued to push himself and his musicians outside of the box. Buddy Colette describes in similar worlds how no one would do what Mingus would do and sometimes that sort of stuff would work. “It’s like somebody saying hey, give me a sandwich and a salad and I’ll be happy and a glass of milk. No, he had to have maybe syrup on the sandwich, a scoop of ice cream on in the salad he was creative.” Mingus says “my music is alive. It’s about the living and the dead, the good and the evil.”

For more information concerning Charles Mingus please consider: NPR's Jazz Profiles

Format:
The format of this essay will be in the shape of a several illustrations for a children’s book, consisting of about 5 to 10 pages including 4 to 6 illustrations. Currently I am open to the type of book format that is appropriate for a 5 to 10 page book, though I am leaning towards the simplest, yet most visually appealing method of book binding.

Illustration: State of the Union #6

2009-09-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Review your responses to the above questions. What sort of an illustrator are you?

I don't think I can say for certain. I'm a certain kind of illustrator. I'm just an illustrator. I'll do whatever, however if necessary.

What sort of career to you want to have?

Most likely a career in children's books.

Does you present body of work reflect your aspirations?

No, not necessarily, but I feel it easily can.

Could it do so more strongly?

Yes, certainly.

List ten images/themes/techniques/subjects/formats that your portfolio needs in order to become more in line with your aspirations.

1. paintings possibly not using collage
2. digital works
3. works that tell a more direct story
4. works that relate to children's understandings
5. works that are of a smaller format
6. works that are

Illustration: State of the Union #5

2009-09-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

If you had to spend the rest of your life illustrating one book, what would it be? Why?

If I had to spend the rest of my life illustrating one book it would have to be a book about something I was certainly dedicated and interested in, but also something that would never become boring or dull. I guess it would have to be a book about myself, music, or art. I think the three are very similar and I'm pretty confident that I won't get tired of illustrating them, maybe.

If you could go apprentice with any two artists in the history of the world, who would they be and why?

Hmmmm, that's a tough one. The first I think would be Kara Walker. Mostly because I'm interested in knowing what types of literature she's reading. Her work seems so richly rooted in Southern history, I certain she must have tons of amazing books and documents on the traditional and non-traditional history of American South.

I second I believe would be Jackie Ormes, mostly to decipher the era she was from. Considering how Ormes spent most of her years in the jazz age I sure she must have ran across tins if amazing musicians, in fact I think I remember seeing a picture of her and Ertha Kit together. Not to mention how difficult, yet amazing it must have been to be one of the only, if not the only female African American illustrator.

If you were banned from the art world, but could have any career you wanted that wasn't in art, what would it be? Why?

That's easy, a musician. It's certainly my second love, maybe my first. It's sort of like the side sweety. Whenever I feel like my art isn't going anywhere. I'll stop and play a song or two, just to clear my head and then get right back to drawing or painting. They certainly work hand in hand. I always said to myself that if I were not one I'd certainly be the other.

Describe the project you would propose under the following circumstances. Describe the project in detail: what would it be, how would you spend the money, how would you schedule the time allotted, and how would the work be presented upon completion?

1. You have one month and one thousand dollars (all of which must be spent on art expenses).

I would assume that the work would be some type of continuation or relationship to my Jazz Icon Series, which is a series of painting depicting the history of jazz, but also relaying the history of New Orleans and in a sense America. Each piece illustrates a biographical depiction of that artist life or path to becoming an artist, including parallels to other artists. For example there's a piece about Afro-Cuban, jazz percussionist, Tito Puente. In this piece I make reference to Duke Ellington because Peunte says that he was inspired by these types of big band playing. This reference of Duke can and probably will lead to another piece about Ellington, which will lead to another piece about someone who has inspired or influenced his life as a musician.

Also in the Puente piece he mentions how he began playing the piano, where I use a a simple drawing of keys to reference this event. Consciencely knowing that I've used keys in the Fletcher Henderson piece, since he was a piano player and king of swing.

Considering how there's only one month I think I'd use smaller paintings somewhere around the size of 15"x15" or 20"x20". I guess I could probably crank out at least 4 really good paintings a week, if all I'm doing is painting.

I'd probably spend most of the money on really sturdy cradles, canvas, nice paint and a brush or three.

As far as presentation is concerned I think I would like to present them in a way that would give off the vibe of jazz club or stage. As if all of the artist were uniting to give one massive performance.

2. Six Months and ten thousand dollars.

I think it would be about the same as the first scenario with the exception of larger paintings produced at about 2-3 a week at about 4'x4' to 6'x6' and a trip or two or three or four more to the cities where some of these artist lived to get better reference photos and reference information.

3. One year and one hundred thousand dollars. Still the same plan, but this time around I'd probably try to extend the medium a bit possibly using footage or audio as a source. There's something about watching a live performance that really gets me moving. It's such a freestyle moment, anything can and does happen. It's a lot like a painting I think. Usually when I paint I have a general idea of what I'm going to paint but every now and again I go off script and add a little orange or collaged element that wasn't planned. I think musician work the same way, especially jazz musicians. Sometimes when you're caught in the moment a certain part of the song may call for an extra measure or a little squeal or moan.

I'm certain I'd like to incorporate this parallel in some way. Possibly something along the lines of creating a improvised painting that depicted a live performance. Presented in a way where the viewer would feel as though they were watching this performance.

Illustration: State of the Union #4

2009-09-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Illustrators I admire:

Sophia Touliatou

Sean G. Qualls

Ansel Pitcarin
Michael Laurtan

Jerry Pinkney

Jackie Ormes

David Monette

Jaime Hernandez

Leo and Diane Dillon

Jeff Crowther

Other Artist:

1. Lena Ralston
2. Russ Daff
3. McNevin Hayes
4. Milla Zeltzer

Who are their clients? Their clients are mostly people who read children's books.

What sort of works do those clients look for? I suppose they would look for works that would be visually appealing yet would still convey the message, especially when relating to children.

Ten magazines I think I could work for (Not in any particular order):

1. African Voices Layding Kaliba, Managing Editor 212-865-2982

2. Black Women Unknown

3. Floss Unknown

4. Upscale Unknown

5. American Legacy Audrey M. Peterson, Editor

6. Urban Ink Unknown, Contact # for editor 201-843-4004

7. Down Beat Unkown rovides editor emaill

8. American History Brian King, Director of Internet Operations

9. Print Gary Lynch, Publisher & Editorial Director 212-447-1400, ext. 12102

10. Louisiana Life Errol Laborde, Editor (504) 828-1380

11. Jazziz

12. Jazz Times

13. American Times

14. Making Music

15. Modern Paintings

16. Jam Rock

17. St. Charles Ave

If you were starting your own magazine and your livelihood depended on it selling well and your sanity depended on it being something you wanted to spend all your time on, what would it be?

It would be a magazine that addresses music, history, or art. Possibly all three combined.

What sorts of writers and artists would you hire?

I would hire artists that are serious and passionate about their art and skill. I feel that if you are passionate about your art you will do what is necessary to perfect it, thus your work will always improve.

What subject matter would it deal with?

I think the subject matter would be young artist. I feel as a young person it's important to know that your opinion as a young person is valuable. I also feel that highlighting young artist is also motivation for other young artist. At least for me it is.

How would you want it to look?

I would want it to look funky. Visually attractive, yet informative.

List ten non-magazine clients that you would like to work with. Why are these your dream clients? Find and record their contact information.

Character Development and Complete Action

2009-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Illustrative Story 2_ Assignment 2
Using newly created character design a strip that contains a completed action.

Design: EP Cover

2009-08-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

EP Cover Design for Local New Orleans' Hip-Hop/Jazz, Floopy Head.

Illustration: Haitian Stamp

2009-08-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

Illustration 4 Assignment: Create a stamp from another country representing that country's culture.

Haitian Stamps: Final. 2008

Haitian Stamps: Inks. 2008

Illustration: Caretoon

2009-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

"Caretoon" Illustration drawn for a contest based on the theme of peace.

Illustration: Movie Review

2009-08-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Illustration 4 Assignment: Create a illustration for a movie that is in the movie theater or will appear in theaters. I chose 2012 starring Danny Glover. This is the first sketch.

Sketch for 2012 Movie Poster. 2009

Keep the Dream Alive

2009-08-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

Keep the Dream Alive, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collaboration with national artist John Quingley.

Art: T-Shirt Design

2009-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

Memphis in May BBQ Contest Design: This year they honored the Chile.

Above: Final/First Draft

Above: Second Draft

Painting: Common Deck Design

2009-08-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Deck Board design featuring hip-hop emcee Common: (Top: Final, Middle: First Draft, Bottom: Close up of middle draft)

Illustration: T-Shirt Design

2009-08-31T19:53:00.001-07:00

Character Development and Complete Action

2009-08-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Illustrative Story 2_Assignment 1:

Josephine Marie Ferrand
Age: 21 Brown Eyes
Height: about 5'3
Weight: 120 lb
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Hobbies: Reading and playing vibes

Body Sketches

First run through of facial expressions

Illustration: State of the Union #3

2009-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Describe your typical creative process, from getting an assignment to the finished piece.

It really depends on the assignment, but generally I'd begin with a few sketches, at least 3. Once the sketches are done I try to crank out the assignment usually as quickly as I can I tend to work slowly and often returning to the work to re-work it. I prefer to simply crank out pieces and if I don't like them or need to change something I'll just crank out another if I can't.

Describe what you think your creative process should be like?

My creative process should be tangible, by that I mean I should be able to pull an adjust to and from any sources that I desire. I feel that a person can find inspiration in almost anything and from just about anywhere.

Research and describe a professional creator's creative process.

Not sure if I can think of any professional artist's creative process. I usually don't may much mind to the creative process. I'm often interested in the creating process, but not so much creative process, unless we're talking about the research process, which I guess to some degree can be the creative process. I feel that as an artist I often find innovative ideas from non-art related resources or other sources that I receive research.

As far as innovation thinking goes the ultimately talented Charles Mingus comes to mind. Mingus was the type of artist who sort of felt as though he was never acknowledged for his gifts. So he always worked hard on being innovative and thinking outside of the box, thus making him one of the most successful jazz composers ever. "Nobody what do what he would do and sometimes that stuff worked."-NPR

Jazz Icons: Charles Mingus, Mix Media. 2009

I think a creative process also involves you work ethic in that sense I'm reminded of one of the greatest if not the greatest saxophonist, John Coltrane. Coltrane's wife describes how he would come home from a gig and lock himself in a room and play all night. He was committed to his profession, improving his skill so much that he used all of his time projecting it. Looking for ways to make it fresh, new, and creative.

Illustration: State of the Union #2

2009-08-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Of the work that you have done, what is your favorite piece?

I think my favorite piece is CD cover assignment from Illustration 4: Congo Funk. I like this one for two reasons the first is because it's one of my more successful attempts with digital work. The second would be because it was fun making work that included music and New Orleans.

What piece do other people like most? Do you agree? Why do you think they like it?

I'm not sure if I can say that people like any of my work, but if I had to choose I guess it would be between this lithograph print that Maritza Davilia always pins up, Embrace Kinky-curl and the last portion of the Hair Stories series, mostly because I they sold.

Embrace Kinky-Curl, Lithograph. 2006

Hair Stories: Embrace Kinky-Curl, Mixed Media. 2007

What piece surprised you the most?

That would have to be the Jazz Icons series, particularly Mingus. Mostly because of the satisfaction of random ideas working out for the better. I hadn't planned on using stencils for these pieces, but turns out they worked pretty well, especially this one.

Choose five doodles or sketches that you like as much as any of your finished pieces.
Middle Passage Sketches:
Other Sketches:

Illustration: State of the Union

2009-08-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

This is the first of several post from my Illustration 5 class:

What media do you like working in? List them.
I like working mostly in dry medias, (conte, charcoal, graphite and such) with occasional washes and bits of color, either with acrylic or water color.

What media do you hate working in? Why?
I don't think there's a media that I hate working in. If anything I hate being limited to just one type of media. I hate feelings as though I can't add color or a nice subtle wash if desired. I like the freedom of using which ever material I choose.

What media would yo like to try but haven't?
Wood

Elizabeth Catlett, Ife (Reclining Figure), 2002Mahogany

List three non-Illustration classes that have influenced you and/or your work positively. Explain 1. Printmaking- Because it has all of the qualities of drawing and painting, but with a strong emphasis in technique and method. I feel it enhances my drawings and paintings by allowing me to also consider the method in which something is created to play a roll into the final piece conceptually.
2. African American Art- Conceptually inspiring and motivating.
3. Design Systems I- Introduced me to the Adobe Illustrator Program and the pen tool, which I still in the process of perfecting.

How has the work of your peers influenced you and your work.
Work ethic. Conceptually, I find very few parallels between my work and the work of my peers, but fortunately our work habits are quite similar and certainly inspiring. I enjoy the company of artists who work continuously, it motivates me to work as well.

What sort of subject matter do yo like to create work about?
History and/or culture, particualrly African American.

What sort of subject matter do you like to read about?
History and/or culture, particularly people of Color.

What kind of music do you like? Why?
Mostly R&B, Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, Blues occasionally Rock, very little Country.
My mother's family is really big on singing, so I've always been around singers. It was until I was around 13 or 14 that I became interested in Hip-Hop. And then there is also the factor of living in New Orleans, where there's some sort of a festival happening, usually involving music. New Orleans is jazz, an American music, so creolized so articulate.

Quick List:

Others to consider:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dk16X-Wb1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB9hjYLkTMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV1SVBQaoCM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_5AvBD3rGI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaxBVUOkyLs

What non-art related interest/hobbies/skills do you have?
I always say that if I weren't a visual artist I'd certainly be a musician.

When I was younger I played cornet and trumpet while in elementary school. Once in middle school I dropped music and started playing basketball, which didn't last long. Then I rolled back into music, playing baritone, all the while taking piano lessons.

For a while after that I didn't play instruments very often, with the exception of guitar, but recently I've taking beatboxing pretty seriously so I've occasionally dipped into playing percussions, djembes and a little kalimba.
Siphne's Djembe Playing

Siphne's BeatBoxing

What is something that you like that nobody else likes?
I don't think there is anything that exists that only "I" like. If I had to pick something I would go for me. I'm sure no one likes me as much as I like me.

If you had the run of the world's museums, what three works of original art would you like to own?
1. Jacob Lawrence's "The Great Migration" entire series.
2. Caravaggio's "Judith Beheading Holofernes"
3. Kara Walker (Room Installations)

Illustration: Middle Passage

2009-08-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

Allmuseri: Male

Isadora: School teacher and Rutherford's love interest.

Ngomyoma: Rutheford's Allumseri guide and friend

Baleka: Allmuseri girl, Rutherford's adopted daughter.

This is the first of several illustrations extracted from Charles Johnson's Middle Passage. In this story "Rutherford Calhoun arrives in New Orleans as a newly freed slave who enjoys drinking and the company of exotic women. His soul craves adventure and new experiences He soon meets Isadora, a naïve schoolteacher with a fondness for all living things. Although their personalities are almost polar opposites, Rutherford finds himself drawn to her unconventional attractiveness and proper ways. Isadora soon grows tired of Rutherford's wild habits however, and brings up the subject of marriage, telling him all he needs is a woman like her to bring him down to earth. Rutherford tells Isadora he will never get married; that his soul yearns for excitement and adventure, not marriage" eventually forcing Rutherford to sea, where he finds his desire and crave for adventure is tipped to the extreme when he boards slave ship set to capture Allmuseri from the African coast. (bookrags.com)

Illustration: Paper Craft Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama

2009-05-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

This was a Illustration assignment where we had to create a paper craft from a editorial topic.

"American women already admired Michelle Obama before she left for London--her popularity rating had risen 18 points, to 72 percent, since September--but the TV coverage in the last two days has dialed her up dramatically to another level. Suddenly she has zoomed past Oprah as the inspirational 'It Girl' and iconic female African American role model."

-Tina Brown

Offensive? Maybe. I think it's obvious that most people are too smart to feed into a trivial mattersuch as this one. Even if Brown meant for this statement to have racial underlinings. I feel that the people's motives are much more concerned with these women's actions and not their competitive intentions.

For more information please consider:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-04-02/is-michelle-the-new-oprah/

Illustration: Taft

2009-05-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Illustration assignment for the book cover of Taft by Ann Patchet

Last Comic

2009-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is the last comic of the semester, a biographical depiction of the immensely talented, Latin American artist, Jaime Hernandez, of the Hernandez Brothers.