#ssf2013

[breadthewholetime]

trying to write a set for Southsea Fest. Not sure whether to go acoustic, or acoustic punk.  Because.. if i do the latter, heavy hits, heavy hearts will be on that set, and i will have to scream all crazy at the end. I'm also doing Letters due to high demand from one guy who wont even be at the show..

[djnancystarr]

This is a live recording, from the Spoken Soul Festival 2013, mixed by featured DJ, Nancy Starr. #SSF2013 #SwanDayMiami Tracklist: Pitbull, Eagles, Snoop & Cassidy - Hotel Room Service (DJ Delirious MASHUP) The Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow Stevie B - Dreamin Of Love Salt-N-Pepa - Push It Alexandra Stan - Mr Saxobeat (Extended Version) Pitbull ft TJR - Don't Stop The Party (DJ FmSteff Remix) House of Pain vs. Steve Angello - Jump Around Knas (DJ Jenil Transition) DJ Laz, Flo Rida - Move Shake Drop (Remix) ft. Casely Rockell - In A Dream Alex Gaudino - Destination Calabria (Leo Burn Sax Remix) Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey (Df's Attention Vocal Mix) Nice and Wild - Diamond Girl Tapps - My Forbidden Lover Kool & The Gang - Ladies Night Earth, Wind & Fire - September ABBA - Dancing Queen Celia Cruz - Guantanamera

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: Jessica Concepcion Q&A

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist?

I was about 5. I remember always having a pad of paper, pencil, crayons or markers with me. I could draw before I could speak, so art was really my first language. My aunt, Esther, is a pretty creative woman and when I was young she would often take me to parks to draw or take pictures. One day she asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I don't remember my response but I remember her holding up one of my drawings and telling me "You can do this!". I remember how excited I was at the possibility of being able to do something that I loved when I grew up. 

2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why?

Aside from my aunt, Esther, who gave me my first push, and my mom who has been and is my biggest supporter, the woman who inspired me the most was Robin Cody, my first year painting teacher at Ringling School of Art & Design. I had never really painted before her class and she gave me confidence when I struggled in my later years at art school. In her class, I was able to explore the medium and work freely in a way I had never experienced with male instructors. She was my only female art teacher and someone I turned to when simultaneously trying to find my voice and meet my instructors' expectations. At the time, the latter was winning and I was therefore losing my individuality. She went to her slide folder, pulled out one of my pieces and told me she had shown that piece as an example to new students. She held it up and asked me "Where is she? You have to find this person again". It was a breakthrough moment for me and a lesson I carry with me in moments of self-doubt. 

3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why? 

I wish I was more business conscious with my artwork.

4- How would you like your work to most impact our community and why?

I hope my work brings a sense of hope or playfulness to my audience. I work with birds a lot and I admire their curiosity, grace, purpose and freedom. I try to convey those attributes along with symbols of playfulness from childhood. People always have something interesting to relate back to me when they see my nest series, be it their own childhood memories or their interpretations of what the paintings mean. By and far, they're always smiling when they speak. I hope that trend continues.

5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As a full time successful and profitable artist. I'd also like to work with kids. Who didn't love art class as a kid?

6- What is your favorite quote or affirmation?

“Everything you can imagine is real.” - Pablo Picasso

Andriod or iPhone - iPhone Sneakers or Wedge- sneakers Lipstick or Lipgloss - lipstick

Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis – Angela Davis

Lady Gaga or Madonna – Lady Gaga Bette Davis or Joan Crawford – Bette Davis 

Social Media (liked and followed you)-

facebook.com/JessicaConcepcionArtist

twitter.com/jess_concepcion

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: Fania Five Q&A

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist?

There was not a specific moment in my life. Art for me happened as a transformative process, nurturing a seed that  has always been there. Since i was a child i remember very vivid images in my mind that developed with rich characters and intricate stories that later transformed in to paintings, photography protects, and general art projects. These stories and their inspiration have always been an integral part of who i am and the way i see the  world. 2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why? 

During my life i have always been inspired by the female figure and essence, specially those depicting strength, sensuality, beauty and the constant struggle of the being. my work has been inspired in several ways by the strong symbolic content similar to those found in khalo paintings. Actual fictional female characters have been the ones that have had the most impact in my art: Jamie Hewlett's tank girl, innita by NO, aeon flux, the many women of Manara and Serpieri and Valentina by Crepax.

3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why?

Is difficult to point one thing i would like to change since i believe I am constantly making changes, mutating, experiencing new ways of doing things. Even failure becomes a welcomed experience. Life is not linear, it fluctuates trough experiences that shape us, that teach us, making us instruments of a constant process of evolution and transformation in which changes happen constantly in a rather undefined frame of action. 

4- How would you like your work to most impact our community and why?

My work has a big symbolic and "psychomagic" component. I used my art initially as a tool to deal with life itself: emotions, traumas, celebrations, is a whole universe from which i can shape any outcome and desire. Trough the years my work ha helped me in many aspects not only as a form of self expression but as a away to resolve conflicts in my life. I believe this is what i have to offer to my community and the world: art as a healing tool. In 2010 I founded The Elastic Mind Project, a non profit organization that through the use of art programs, is helping neglected children from the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia to deal with traumas associated with poverty, violence, and abandonment.

5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Doing what i like to do the most, painting!

6- what is your favorite quote or affirmation For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love. Andriod or iPhone  iphone Sneakers or Wedge both

Lipstick or Lipgloss lipgloss Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis  Lady Gaga or Madonna Madonna 

Bette Davis or Joan Crawford Bette Davies

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: DJ Nancy Q&A

1- How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist? 

I'm not sure I ever gave much thought to wanting to be an artist... I simply realized and accepted, one day, that I was.

2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why?

I am inspired by any woman that is doing what I'm doing... making their dreams happen, against all odds, and all costs. Pursuing one's dream, or making a living off of your artistic talent, doesn't come easy. There is a true dedication and intention behind the work an artist does, whether it be a painting or a musical set. There is a struggle we all go through, and constant obstacles we must overcome. I am inspired by those women that know what it's like to hustle, and juggle all the work on their own (social media, marketing, website, networking, etc.), because there's a dedication and ferocity in their spirit, that will land them that next "big" gig, or opportunity. I look at women in my industry, such as Tracy Young, and the legendary DJ Baby Anne, who I've admired since I began deejaying back in '99, and they give me hope. I look at them, and I tell myself, "I want to be where they're at. I can do this."

3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why?

This is always a tricky question to answer, because a part of me believes everything has happened exactly as it should, and that I have gotten where I am today because of it. Needless to say, and as cliché as it may sound, I wouldn't change a thing. The other part of me wishes I had been more consistent, and believed in myself more, earlier in my career. However, I'm not one to dwell on "what if's" anymore; today, it's about living in the solution, and what I can do right now.

4- How would you like your works to most impact our community and why?

I would like my work to impact my community in a positive manner. I hope to inspire other women, who have been in my shoes, and motivate them to pursue whatever goals and dreams they have. Like anyone else, I've made poor life choices in my past, and today, I do my best to lead by example, in my personal and professional life. One of the ways I do this is by living a drug-free lifestyle, and getting involved with community service. I organize an annual collection of goods for the homeless, called "Starr in the City," right before the holidays. I also volunteer my time, talent, and services to charity events, where 100% of the proceeds collected benefit a charity or cause directly. I believe in community service, and the "we" concept: "What I can't do alone, WE can do together."

5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to have continued a successful path as a producer, touring the world, uplifting spirits with my musical creations, and staying humble through it all.

6- What is your favorite quote or affirmation?

 I have a few that I love, here they are:

"If God brings you to it, God will get you through it." - Anon.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

"Doubt everything. Find your own light." - Buddha

Andriod or iPhone  - iPhone

Sneakers or Wedge  - Sneakers

Lipstick or Lipgloss: More like chapstick!

Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis: Angela Davis

Lady Gaga or Madonna: Madonna all the way!

Bette Davis or Joan Crawford: This is a tough one, but I'm going with Bette Davis.

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: Omilani Q&A

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist? I was 7. Wrote a song & at first my parents didn't believe I wrote it - had to sing in the living room in front of my whole family (11 children) and the next week I did my first real show. 

2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why?  Artistically I am inspired by La India, Celia Cruz, Jill Scott & Erykah Badu. However the greatest influence comes from soul singer Betty Wright - through her I learn excellence in artistry, rendering a "story" on stage as well as a sense of humility. She is an amazing mentor.   3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why? If I could change something it would be living closer to my family. We grow older, pursue careers, and then realize life is not forever. I recently lost my grandmother & wish I could've held her hand as she crossed dimensions.  Time & space did not permit. I would change that.  4- How would you like your work to most impact our community and why? I've always been an activist artist, taught from young to share. My art is a reflection of real life so I hope it speaks through my work & I always try to find ways to return the inspiration back into the community. I work mostly with teens but do workshops for young children too.  

5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully on your radio, television, iPods - but still sharing with the community. Infinite possibility.  6- what is your favorite quote or affirmation?

"Disfrute bien de la vida, aunque tomando medidas - Azúcar!!" Is my all time favorite & life motto :)

Andriod or iPhone -- IPhone, of course Sneakers or Wedge. Neither, ballet flats Lipstick or Lipgloss.   Haha!! i keeps the lipgloss poppin!!! Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis - Can I put my fist in the air??? Angela Davis!!!! Lady Gaga or Madonna - Gaga all day! Bette Davis or Joan Crawford  - had to Wikipedia this one...Bette Davis? I guess, because that Mommy Dearest movie seems kinda creepy. 

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: Eva Ruiz Q&A

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist?

By the age of six I danced and drew as much as possible, I knew then I wanted to be part of the art world.

2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why? (The woman doesn’t have to be an artist - for example my biggest artistic inspiration is my mom)

Artistically I have been very inspired by Frida Kahlo; I believe it takes a lot of courage to have your heart completely exposed to the world.

3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why?

I am a bit shy around big crowds, I feel more comfortable in solitude, with family and close friends, often I am invited to do live painting as a form of performance, I find myself a little uncomfortable and anxious, I am also a very social person, so I guess I if I had to change one thing about me, it would be to be more comfortable around large crowds and be more open.

4- How would you like your work to most impact our community and why?

I would like my work to remind people to be more loving and grateful for their lives. I would like to remind people about nature and all the things that we sometimes take for granted, the beauty of a tree, a simple walk, I would like my work to remind women and people in general of their inner beauty, show them what beautiful and powerful creatures we are.  Remind people that there is an inner world, it must be nurtured and tended like a garden.

5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself traveling as often as possible, working with non profits and organizations that are focused on children and women, using the arts as a vehicle to heal and inspire.  Planting community gardens and showing people how to compost. 

6- What is your favorite quote or affirmation?

This is translated; I have always read it in Spanish:  May thoughts of love fill everything and everyone.  Above, down and along without obstruction, hatred, feud.  Remember, your heart is the natural temple of God.

Andriod or iPhone: Android

Sneakers or Wedge: Sneakers Lipstick or Lipgloss: Lipgloss

Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis: Angela Davis

Lady Gaga or Madonna: Madonna Bette Davis or Joan Crawford: Joan Crawford

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here

[spoken-soul]

Inside Spoken Soul Studio: Nadyia Duff Q&A

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist?

I was always into art at a young age but I first realized I wanted to be a professional artist when I was about 16 years old in an introductory art class. 2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why?

The women that inspire me the most artistically are my mother and other female artists. My mother has always been my number one supporter and my number one promoter. She always has artistic suggestions, and positive critiques to give me. Whenever there is a positive change in my artistic style it was probably influenced by my mother. Other female artists influence me to reach to their level of success and even beyond. I am enthralled to see the art coming from women artists. I'm not just talking about visual artists but of women artists from all the facets of "art". 3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why?

If I could change one thing about myself it would be my height. I would like to add an inch to my legs so I can at least reach the 5 foot mark :). That was just a joke and honestly I am content with the way I am and the person I am. I would probably really only want to change my economic status. 4- How would you like your works to most impact our community and why?

I would like my work to get people to stop, look, enquire, and admire. I want the people of the community to take a minute out of their daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the image in front of them. It might make their day a lot better than it was before. 5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself still teaching and creating art. However, hopefully to/for a broader group of pupils and audiences. 6- What is your favorite quote or affirmation My favorite quote comes from Norman Peale “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” - Norman Vincent Peale   Android or iPhone = Android Sneakers or Wedge = Sneakers Lipstick or Lip-gloss = Lip-gloss Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis = Angela Davis Lady Gaga or Madonna = Madonna Bette Davis or Joan Crawford = Joan Crawford

For more info on Spoken Soul Festival 2013, click here