WeMerge Magazine

WeMerge Magazine is an independent free quarterly South Florida art magazine with distribution (20,000 copies and 80 pages) throughout the tri-county area (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Parts of Martin County). WeMerge Magazine focuses on giving publicity and exposure to South Florida artists of all genres, encompassing a full range of painters, musicians, bands, poets, comedians, photographers, tattoo artists, rap artists, film makers, cartoonists, & writers. If you or someone you know is an artist who needs more exposure, please email [email protected]

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Pink Slip Threads

In a closet, or in a pile, we all have a stash of t-shirts.  I bet half of them aren’t even in your size anymore. We all have at least one favorite t-shirt that we wore in high school or found in a thrift store.  It’s been years since you’ve worn it but you cant find it in you to get rid of it either.  It’s been staring at you long enough don’t you think?!  It’s time to Chop em’ up, embellish and redesign! There are lots of ways to transform, alter, embellish and reconstruct old clothes into a fashionable and trendy wardrobe. With a little imagination and creativity you can recreate your tshirt and make super cute tanks, mini shirts, pillows, tote bags, quilts and more! Now you can wear any t-shirt, no matter what size it is. Some ideas require a little sewing, others just a few snips here, a few stitches there, a bit of hot glue and a ribbon later...turn that large tshirt and modify it to give you the perfect fit!

You Can Win $50

Hey all you spunky, talented DIYers!  Feelin’ crafty?! Here’s your chance to win a $50 dollar gift certificate from Pink Slip Threads Boutique! ENTER the PINK SLIP THREADS “It used to be a T-shirt” CONTEST! All you have to do is Post your upcycled t-shirt creation on Pink Slip Threads facebook page by May 1st! www.facebook.com/PinkSlipThreads Winner of our favorite T-shirt challenge wins $50 to shop at Pink Slip Threads Boutique!

www.PinkSlipThreads.com

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If you haven’t seen any of local artist, designer and all around urban art juggernaut ENRICO MORALES, you definitely haven’t been reading the last few issues of WeMerge. The Miami based painter, illustrator, muralist and web designer is an esteemed product of the prestigious Design and Architecture High School in Miami and went on to receive his Fine Arts Degree from Florida State University in 2003 and has caving his indelible mark on the art world ever since. His artwork has always been the driving force in his life, allowing him the voice to express his creativity and harness it in a positive way. He has drawn inspiration from some of his favorite authors and artists such as Hunter S. Thompson, Basquait, Dali and Rauchenberg, incorporating their various symbolisms, vivid color schemes and imagery to create his own unique style that spans as many genres as there are layers in his incredible works. Through research and knowledge of his craft is always expanding and growing. Compelled to create since his youth, Enrico is driven to stay fresh and unique offering unconventional solutions for common problems we all face in design. His skilled services include but are certainly not limited to: Art Direction, Graphic Design, Illustration, Web Design, Custom Murals, Video Editing and Motion Graphics with Graffiti and Beat Making becoming new passions. Check out his work at www.enricomorales.com or contact him via text (305-807-8001) or email ([email protected]) for a more direct connection. More to come from Enrico in the bright future and WeMerge will be there to document his journey. Come along for the ride.

Enrico's process in general: First thing is doing research, collecting images and elements to collage. Stuff from old books, thrift stores, even around your house, coffee stains on paper, you can even try putting a wet tea bag on different paper and let it dry. Creates a cool effect. Another technique that works well is using soy sauce and a brush and spattering the paper, use different strokes. It drys and an abnormal rate so you can get some cool effects, darker vs lighter lines etc. Finally when drawing try to ink it, then scan it, add stuff with another pen that has a different thickness or weight, scan it again and layer them together in photoshop. This “Scan, print, copy, repeat” method can be done a bunch of times to make some awesome halftone effects. I experimented a lot to find these tips out and then I found an article where UK artist and designer Paul Insect does the same thing.

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Sorry for the slight delay, but WeMerge is back on tumblr. with Issue 15. Better than ever and going strong, showcasing some of South Florida's boldest and brightest new artistic stars in the making. Take a look. Share your thoughts with us and share ours with others. Enjoy. Here is Enrico Morales cover that also includes a look at whats to come in our charity coloring books. 

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Brown Bag Wednesdays @ Green Room. Hosted by DJ Immortal w/ PROTOMAN, Phresh James and Community Property. Come out and show love for some of the hardest working hustlers in the music biz today. Support South Florida's Independent DJs and artists, Green Room, WeMerge Magazine and great hip-hop in general. Downtown Ft. Lauderdale is quickly becoming a hot spot for big national Hip Hop acts. Come out to Green Room and help get our local homegrown talent the spotlight that they deserve as well. Support the scene, or there will be no scene to support. See you there.

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Foxy Red Promo Video

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This is the music video for Fonda Cash's new hit single, GOODBYE written by Fonda Cash & Todd Deason. The song was recorded, mixed & mastered by Marc Karmatz of Insane Sounds Studio. The video was directed, filmed, edited and produced by Alex Weir & Tim Mahlbacher of Dream House Studios. Fonda Cash is a singer, song writer and talent developer who resides in South Florida. She is currently unsigned and looking for record label & publishing interest. Visit FondaCashMusic.com to find out more about her, her artist's, live show dates and more.

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John Paul James & The New Taste - InnerState Love Song From The Album "Dressed To Kill Time" Available at: JohnPaulJames.bandcamp.com Hear More & Like This Artist @ Facebook.com/JPJTNT Directed by: Dwayne Adams of WeMerge Magazine

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Download City Life for FREE at www.OfficialJohnPaul.com

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Craig Mcinnis

What is art?  If you ask this issues featured artist Craig Mcinnis it is, “embarking on a journey to transfer new images from my brain to the canvas.”  In Craig’s case their truly is no other kind.  He expresses his creativity through absolutely every avenue. Not only bringing images from his brain to the canvas, but also bringing new images to the masses. Most people who have ever been to local art show, now own a Craig Mcinnis Art piece. His Artwork Is Everywhere.  His seemingly endless list of services rendered includes but is certainly not limited to; commissioned canvas paintings of all shapes and sizes, digital illustrations and intricate cartooning, logo design and computer graphics, set design and props, massive murals and imaginative concept art, extraordinary special F/X makeup, detailed tutorials and personalized consultations.  Oh yeah, did I forgot singer/songwriter/heavy metal rock star?!  Craig was in a touring heavy metal band,  GoneMad, singing and screaming up and down the east coast in his roaring twenties.  He currently writes and performs with funk/soul group Speaking Volumes as well as providing music for other talented local acts.  Craig also enjoys getting involved artistically with the community, with his tremendous contribution to Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds growing larger and larger each year, providing everything from set design to the utilization of his F/X makeup skills.  With support from his wife Raquel , family and friends, the Art Institute graduate and valued part of the WeMerge family continues to take his artistic game to the next level.  The sky is the limit for this humble jack of all artistic trades and WeMerge has been happy to be along to document the ride.  For more on Craig and to view and purchase his artwork, go to www.craigmcinnis.com

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Cary Polkovitz

With a slight twinkle in his eye, a few wrinkles, and one of the most charismatic smiles around, Cary Polkovitz adds welcomed warmth to the Palm Beach art scene. His pleasant personality is in stark contrast to his rather stunningly dark paintings. He is an art director by day and then makes the seamless transformation into a modern day renaissance man at night, demonstrating his talents by painting live at various shows around Palm Beach. He is also an alum and current participant of Art Nouveau Events, taking no prisoners when it comes to his enthusiasm for every spectacular themed art event. His last Art Nouveau Event was based around vintage Hollywood, and he certainly did not disappoint. He pulled inspiration from cinematic genius Alfred Hitchcock and truly made scenes from his past films “The Birds” and “Psycho”, come alive.  Cary’s devotion to art and to the scene as a whole is undeniable. “Between the Art Nouveau Events shows and Art/Heart as well as Art Rock and the rest, the exposure and the support is just addictive. When you get feedback, it just makes you want to do the work all the more.”  Cary’s art is currently being featured in Art/Heart at Green Room in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information about Cary Polkovitz: www.Facebook.com/CaryPolkovitz

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Amanda Valdes

Born in Miami and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Amanda Valdes has broken new ground in the West Palm Beach Art Scene with a vision that appeals to the masses. Picking up a paintbrush at the age of two she began painting with all of the whimsy and fantasy that she still does today. Amanda found herself at a crossroads at the age of 19, while attending the Art Institute for graphic design and supporting herself financially as a makeup artist. When an injury prevented her from working and continuing her studies she began to paint again and it wasn’t long before her passion took over. She quickly traded in a blush brush for an acrylic and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s hard to mistaken the artist when encountering one of her many provocative characters. Her work mostly focuses on female identity and the way that she expresses herself through her creations. Only two male characters have been painted to date, one of which was inspired by a real life romance between her mother and an old flame. Her paintings are primarily Acrylic on canvas, but she has been known to incorporate watercolor, spray paint, and other mediums as well. She is influenced by society’s trends, music, fairytales, medieval centuries, Greek mythology, and the Elizabethan era. Her inspiration can also be found in music and lyrics by various artists when naming her paintings. Amanda Valdes has a strong presence in the South Florida art scene and is looking forward to expanding in other markets across the World. She was recently commissioned to paint a second original large-scale mural inside of one of West Palm Beach ’s oldest nightlife establishments, Respectable Street Café, in celebration of their 21st and 22nd Anniversary. The first mural took 5 ½ days to complete, and the second stretched over 10 days, and is viewed by hundreds of people on a nightly basis. In addition to her mural work, she has been honored as the first female-featured artist at Urban Outfitters in Palm Beach Gardens. More displays of her artwork can be found at Howley’s Restaurant and Monarchy Nightclub in West Palm Beach, LF Stores in Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, and Ft. Lauderdale, Bond Street Salon and DaDa Restaurant in Delray Beach, Bear and Bird Boutique & Gallery in Lauderhill, and The Vagabond in Miami. “I like variety, originality, and spontaneity. My work is constantly evolving and my goal is continue to reflect my views of the world, while sharing those views with as many people as possible.” www.AmandaValdes.com

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Official WeMerge Food Truck

PS561 is an old school bus styled food truck, serving New England style hot dogs with a wide variety of toppings. We also serve veggie dogs and a rotation of snacks and cold drinks. Decked out in black and yellow with a big stop sign in the back, it is an eye catcher that is reminiscent of old school hip hop style and summertime. Our home base is Lake Worth, but we can be found at events and parties all over South Florida. Hit us up! www.PS561.com