Graffiti Beach Magazine - Street Art Issue - Summer 2013 - Issue 004

I n s p I r I n g C r e a t I v I t y

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004summer

2013

Featuring Fo Porter

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12

GRAFFITi BEACHGRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e

ARTI S S U E

G R A F F I T I B E A C H M A G A Z I N E

Brandie mata CreATive DireCTor / GB MAGAziNe PArTNer

BrANDieMATA.CoM

From an early age I watched my talented father, flamenco guitarist

Thomas Michaud, struggle to get into the public eye. While today

he is a successful entrepreneur and thriving musician, I found he

wasn’t the only person to face this challenge when starting a creative

career. In fact, this is usually the case for creatives in any industry—

art, fashion, music. So I made it my life’s mission to support these

talented individuals. My first initiative began in 2009 when I leased

a temporary space to open a pop-up store in which emerging brands

and artists could sell their products to the local community. Through

this concept I developed a strong following and customer base,

allowing me to expand Graffiti Beach in March 2012. I launched

Graffiti Beach’s first boutique in the South Park neighborhood

of San Diego (2220 Fern St., San Diego), an e-commerce website

(GraffitiBeach.com) and created Graffiti Beach’s first magazine.

My passion and talent for art started at a young age and flourished

from there. As a teenager I would cut up magazines such as Seventeen

or Cosmo and rearrange letters and images to form new graphic

collages. In the years that followed, I completely developed a design

style and an appreciation for the arts. I’m currently Creative Director

and partner of Graffiti Beach Magazine and continue to work with

other professionals as a designer under my own company name,

ART+DESIGN+LOVE=ME (brandiemata.com). Further pushing

my art career, I attend local craft and art fairs selling art prints and

handmade goods throughout Southern California. You may find me at

LACMA, Amoeba Music, Wacko Soap Plant or various monthly art

walks around Los Angeles.

meLanie miCHaUd oWNer / FoUNDer oF GrAFFiTi BeACH

GrAFFiTiBeACH.CoM

Giovanna aviLa - BeAUTy DireCTor

[email protected]

CHristine PasaLo - WriTer / CoPy eDiTor

CHrisTiNePAsAlo.CoM

eiLLeen doñieGo de FranCe - WriTer

[email protected]

Dreaming of your next masterpiece is the first step. Acting on your

dream and creating your art piece is the next. Sharing your work with

the world finalizes the process. These steps are easy to say and write, and

so much harder to do. But the artists, designers and musicians within

these pages have done just that, and we at Graffiti Beach aim to support

the bravery, inspiration and dreams of these Creatives by sharing their

work with the world.

This issue is Graffiti Beach’s Street Art Issue and the first-ever printed

edition. Many have asked us, “Why print in a world where digital is taking

over?” We believe that having a tangible and beautiful magazine is a piece

of art in itself. We also believe that the stories within these pages are worth

reading, and that a digital issue just isn’t enough to communicate these

amazing stories and visuals that we want you to see and experience.

We were inspired by the innovation, passion and creativity of

unconventional street artists from around the globe. These are individuals

who are striving to educate our communities about how street art can be

used to create a positive impact on the world.

We hope that you feel inspired, moved and happy while you are reading this

issue. Please continue to support emerging Creatives because they are the

innovators and muses of the world. The more we can help them succeed, the

more they can continue to inspire the world around us!

G E T I N s p I R E d !

Melanie Michaud Brandie Mata

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//

HeatHer Gildroy - PHotoGraPHerHeatHerGildroyPictures.com

teresa Hernandez - PHotoGraPHerPinkzebradesiGn.com

sonya calderon - [email protected]

erik cardona - [email protected]

alexa manGrum - Writer alexamanGrum.com

emma micHaelson - Writer littlebirdsbiGWorld.tumblr.com

myrrH raGuro - VideoGraPHer cHaPterfold.us

rHoel PaGHunasan - desiGneraGuynamedrHo.com

marcy kraft - artistfacebook.com/crocHetGrenade

joel Parker - [email protected]

linda zirkus - Hair & makeuPlindazirkus.com

corrinne bollendorf - Writercorrinnebollendorf.com

blaire babyak - stylist [email protected]

Garone africa - PHotoGraPHerGaroneafrica.com

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miGuel “m.i.G.” martinez - PHotoGraPHer miGmartinez.com

samia laVenant - fasHion stylist samiastylinG.com

lucas Passmore - PHotoGraPer lucasPassmore.com

francesca rotH - fasHion stylist francescarotH.com

james lee Wall - PHotoGraPHer jamesleeWallPHoto.com

yVes truonG - PHotoGraPHer yVesHuytruonG.com

soPHia f. mclane - Writer [email protected]

Vanessa broin - makeuP beePretty.net

monarose ryan - desiGnertHePinklibrarian.com

jay bartlett - PHotoGraPHer jaybartlettPHoto.com

soreya yann - Hairsoreyayann.com

aliana moss - makeuP alianamoss.com

Vanessa d’amico - Writer [email protected]

kallaH oakes - Writer [email protected]

andrea reitman - [email protected]

crystal WasHinGton - Writer [email protected]

Hailie steVens - Writerzmemusic.com/autHor/HailieHay

Wendy diaz - HairWendyjdiazHair.com

jaVier Garcia - [email protected]

andreia Hurley - makeuP andreiaHurley.com

danielle roxanne - Writer danielleroxanne.Webs.com

GB

MEET THE TEAM

LETTER To REAdERs

CoNTRIBUToRs

spECIAL THANKs

GRAFFITI BEACH FAsHIoN sHoW

INspIRATIoNAL QUoTE

soUTH pARK sAN dIEGoCHARMING HOT SPOTS

THE ART OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHYby CORRINNe bOlleNdORf

CosMIC NATIVE by KAllAH OAKeS

BREAK AWAy by KAllAH OAKeS

EMERGING BIKINI dEsIGNERs by CRySTAl WASHINGTON

WILd AT HEART by CRySTAl WASHINGTON

SummER JEwElRY TRENdS by VANeSSA d’AMICO

dIy - HALo BRAIdby dANIelle ROXANNe

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THE pERFECT sTUd

dREssEd IN yEsTERyEARby CRySTAl WASHINGTON

LET’s GET pERsoNAL by ANdReA ReITMAN

CoLoRFUL TRENds oF sUMMER

dREAMING A FAIRy TALE by GARONe AfRICA

CApTURE REsoLUTIoNby AleXA MANGRuM

BIRd CITy sAINTsby SOPHIA f. MClANe

GAME oNby SOPHIA f. MClANe

GEEKING OuT wITH FO PORTER by eIleeN dOÑIeGO de fRANCe

No CoMpLyby eMMA MICHAelSON

uNCONVENTIONAl STREET ART eRIK CARdONA ANd MelANIe MICHAud

PAINTING THE TOwNby CHRISTINe PASAlO

MUsIC FEsTIVALs oN THE FRINGEby JOel PARKeR

EMERGING MUsICIANsby HAIlIe STeVeNS

GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e

I n s p I r I n g C r e a t I v I t y

004summer

Body CHAIN By BEATRICE HOlIdAY EARRINGs By muKEE

ON THE COVERSpHoToGRApHER: luCAS PASSmORE sTyLIsT: BlAIRE BABYAK BEAUTy dIRECToR: GIOVANNA AVIlA HAIR: SOREYA YANN MAKEUp: AlIANA mOSS ModELs: FO PORTER FROm NOuS mOdEl mANAGEmENT

A SPECIAL THANKS T o o U r

SUPPORTING BRANDS

Graffiti Beach has been supported by a handful of emerging brands since

its inception. While there are many brands we are thankful to, these brands

played an important role in helping this issue come to life!

BeatriCe HOLiDaY beatr icehol iday.com

PaPer BirD CreatiOns shoppaperbird.com

CHime chimejewelr y.com

KanDaLs kandals .com

muKee etsy.com/shop/Mukee

KOveY kovey.co

COntinuOus thecontinuousl ine.com

FLeet COLLeCtiOn fleetcol lect ion.com

tHese BranDs are avaiLaBLe at graFFit i BeaCH 2220 Fern st. , san DiegO Ca 92104 / graFFit iBeaCH.COm

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Holi day FaSH ioN SHow

Photos By JOSE G. PEREz (JGPS) Fashion show Coordination By ROBERT NGUyEN, BLAIRE BAByAK ANd ESTELLA PARK hair and MakeuP By VANESSA BROIN, LINdA zIRKUS, CHELSEA CONKLIN ANd TIFFANy TALARSKI Floor ManaGeMent By MICHAEL RICHMONd, LAUREN AdAMS ANd SUSANNA LIANG sPonsored By STILA COSMETICS, CHIME, BEATRICE HOLIdAy, CONTINUOUS, FLEET COLLECTION, PAPER BIRd CREATIONS, MUKEE ANd KANdALS

GB out

No great artist ever sees things as they really are. if he did, he would cease to be an artist.” - osCAr WilDe

“

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ARTIsT: HENSE pHoToGRApHER: mIGuEl “m.i.G.” mARTINEz / mIGmARTINEz.COm

Graffiti Beach is a concept created by owner Melanie Michaud

to provide a platform for emerging designers and artists to sell and

market their products to the public. The brick-and-mortar store, which

launched in March 2012 in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego,

sells merchandise from hundreds of up-and-coming creatives across

the nation. Help support these creatives by shopping in store at 2220

Fern Street, San Diego, or online at GraffitiBeach.com.

G R A F F I T I B E A C H2 2 2 0 F e r N s T. , s A N D i e G o , C A 9 2 1 0 4

P : 8 5 8 . 4 3 3 . 0 9 5 0 W : G r A F F i T i B e A C H . C o M

P H o T o s B y l A r A T i s H l e r

GB locals o U T H pA R K

s A N D i e G o

South Park is a charming and

historic San Diego neighborhood

located in the heart of San Diego, at the

southeast corner of Balboa Park just

up the hill from Downtown, between

Golden Hill and North Park. The main

business area is along Beech Street

between 28th and 30th, along 30th and

Fern north of Beech up to Laurel Street,

and on Juniper between 31st and Fern.

More info: SOUTHPARKSCENE.COM

saLon on 30tH2225 30th street, san Diego, CA 92104

salonon30th.com

GinGerLy Wax2226 Fern street, san Diego, CA 92104

gingerlywax.com

make Good2207 Fern street, san Diego, CA 92104

themakegood.com

JUst skin1531 Fern street, san Diego, CA 92102

justskinbylo.com

aLCHemy CULtUraL Fare1503 30th street, san Diego, CA

alchemysandiego.com

GoLdLine3009 Beech street, san Diego, CA 92102

goldlinesalon.com

BUona ForCHetta3001 Beech street, san Diego, CA 92102

buonaforchettasd.com

stUdio maUreen & tHe next door GaLLery

2963 Beech street, san Diego, CA 92102studiomaureen.com

pHoT

o By

LAR

Ry C

ATT

pHoT

o By

LUC

I dUM

As F

oR s

oUTH

pAR

K sC

ENE

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GBlocal

JUnC2209 Fern street, san Diego, CA 92104

junclifeandstyle.com

ProGress soUtH Park2225 30th street, san Diego, CA 92104

progresssouthpark.com

GraFFiti BeaCH2220 Fern street, san Diego, CA 92104

shopgraffitibeach.com

pHoT

o By

CHA

d TH

oMps

oN p

HoTo

GRAp

HypH

oTo

By G

ARoN

E AF

RICA

Kalmia St.

30th St.

Juniper St.30th St.

30th St.

Dale St.

Dale St.

Ivy St.

Fern St.

Fern St.Fern St.

Hawthorn St.

Grape St.

Fir St.

Elm St.

Date St.

Cedar St.

Beech St.

Ash St.

To Grape St. Dog Park

9

4

11

3

8

5

Albert Einstein Academies

Church

N

S

W E

To Balboa Park Golf

To 94

30th St.

Fern St.

1

27

10

6

9

10

11

- CHaRMiNG -

SPOTSHOT

13

Ready, Set,Shoot!

A F R I D AY I N T H E L I F E O F F O U R D I S T I N C T LY D I F F E R E N T FA S H I O N

P H O T O G R A P H E R S T R Y I N G T O S TA N D O U T I N A N I M A G E -

S AT U R AT E D W O R L D :

L U Ca s pa s s M O r e ,

ga r O n e a F r I Ca ,

H e at H e r g I L D r Oy a n D

y v e s H U y t r O U n g .

In fashion photography, you are what you shoot. If you want

to break out as the next Richard Avedon or David LaChapelle,

you’re going to need a lot more than talent. You’re going to

need the gear, the drive and the commitment to put 100% into

everything you do or you’re going to fail miserably. If you’ve

ever wondered what it would be like to be a freelance fashion

photographer for a day, read on as four Los Angeles-based up-

and-coming photographers share their take on the incredibly fast-

paced and intensely gratifying world of fashion photography.

written By: Corrinne Bollendorf desiGned By: Brandie Mata

GB art

F E AT U R I N G E M E R G I N G FA S H I O N P H O T O G R A P H E R S

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GBart

HeatherGarone

Yves

Lucas

6 : 0 0 A MAs the sun rises over the rusted skyscrapers of downtown

L.A., the alarm goes off and Lucas Passmore tosses in

his bed, still tired from the anticipated excitement of the

day’s shoot. He studies the light coming in through his

bedroom window, noting the shadows and flickers of dust

floating in the rays of light.

Passmore describes his work as

mysterious, sensual and a play on

light and shadow. He did not start

off like most budding photographers

with an amateurish camera, shooting

shaky portraits of awkward family

members and friends. No, that’s not

his style. Instead, he impulsively

dropped $10,000 on camera gear

that any camera geek would die

for. However, he quickly learned

that fancy gear does not make a

photographer. He learned that

hard work and perseverance are

what separate hobbyists from

professionals; talent and gear come

second. For the past three years,

Passmore has shot photos as an

editorial fashion photographer,

finding inspiration in the beauty

of the womanly form.

8 : 0 0 A MPassmore chugs coffee in his car on the 405 Freeway

on his way to the photo shoot location. He mentally

prepares himself, going through a checklist in his head of

the first people he needs to touch base with once on set:

the lighting crew, then the stylist, followed by hair and

makeup, and lastly the models. According to Passmore,

the connection and moment created by the interactions

between photographer and muse must provoke an

emotional response within both parties to create a

compelling image.

GB art

Lucas

1 1 : 0 0 A MGarone Africa has been on set for a few hours, setting up in an

open, grassy field near the San Gabriel Mountains. His crew already

unpacked his gear and set up the lighting. Everything looks ready

to go. Time to get his feet wet! He takes his camera and composes a

few test shots to make sure everything is just right. Once everything

is perfect, he jumps in.

Africa feels one step closer to defining his artistic voice with every

shot he completes. His style is edgy and a bit raw, but he’ll tell

you that he’s still working on his artistic sense, chipping away at it

every day. It takes practice, experimentation and relentless repetition

to discover one’s own unique take on the world. He is constantly

visualizing new concepts and techniques to try, feeding off his own

surroundings and striving to create the perfect shot.

1 1 : 1 5 A MAs Africa takes the first shots of the day, his adrenaline rises with

every click. A naturally shy and modest guy, working as a freelance

fashion photographer has taught him how to break out of his shell.

Photography challenges Africa professionally and personally, and

how could it not? The relationship between photographer and

subject is a very intimate and life-altering phenomenon.

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GBart

Garone

1 : 0 0 P MHeather Gildroy and her team just finished

taking an hour for lunch. Mexican food was

delivered to them so that no one had to leave

the set. After tossing back some much needed

food and chatting with the models and stylist

about how the next four looks will unfold,

Gildroy takes her camera and messes with the

settings while testing the light.

1 : 4 5 P MWith the sun harsher at this time of the day, the

lighting will have to be changed. A renegade

fashion photographer, Gildroy shoots anywhere

at anytime, no permits, no limits, no fear. She

works quickly to get the cinematic pictures she

wants, flying by the seat of her pants, feeling the

moment out and going with the natural flow.

Growing up with hippies in Montana, Gildroy

learned to take life as it comes. It’s an attitude

she developed early on in life and often

reflects in her work. Her inspiration comes

from traveling, the campy movies of the ‘60s

and ‘70s, and Kate Moss. She would love to

photograph Kate Moss one day because Moss

has a versatile yet alien and wonderful face.

What is most important for Gildroy during a

shoot is to stay true to the story or theme of it.

The theme is a foundation on which to build

amazing images that work together.

GB art

Heather

3 : 0 0 P MYves Huy Troung bobs his head along with the loud thumping

music that echoes throughout the small studio. Although the day

is winding down, his energy is not. There’s about two more hours

left until he has to be out of the L.A. studio his client rented for the

shoot. On set, his crew and the models mingle together as the loud

music unites them and pushes everyone’s energy up. Troung thrives

on the collaboration between the stylists, models and set designers.

He got his first camera when he was 6 and has always been curious

about the intricacies of shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Eventually,

what started out as a hobby became a full-fledged career flip.

Tired and unsatisfied with the corporate world, Troung fled to

the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, to pursue his

passion. Building on the skills learned as a child, he developed

a strong portfolio and shared his creativity in hopes of inspiring

others. In order to get creative feedback and an honest exchange of

ideas, Troung feels it’s all about building solid relationships with the

people he works with.

5 : 0 0 P MTroung takes a quick break to see how his images are looking on his

digital contact sheet. He clicks through the hundreds of images from

the day’s shoot, trying to nail down if he has “the shot” along with

everything else he had previously envisioned and planned out weeks

earlier. After an exhausting day of working in the studio for about

eight hours, he finally sees the concept, imagery, theme and feeling

come together and yells to his team, “We got it!”

6 : 0 0 P MIt’s clear that all four of these photographers share the same

passions but have completely different styles when it comes to how

they work towards “the perfect shot.” Each has their own way

of getting to that place where vision comes to fruition through a

model, location or moment. To be up-and-coming in the fashion

photography industry, one has to be a self-starter, a hard networker

and must dedicate their life to shooting all day every day for the

next decade. The career might be daunting to newcomers but the

recognition and credit that comes with it is a magical thing that few

will ever know.

That’s a wrap!

Photos By: Colleen ordonio

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GBartYves

GB fashion

BIKINI KOVEY Top $65 BoTToM $48

GBfashion

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PhotoGraPhed By: Yves truong desiGned By: Brandie Mata Beauty direCtor: giovanna avila stylist: franCesCa rothasst. stylist: Colleen ordonio Model: Makaela sandoval

availaBle at graffitiBeaCh.CoM or in-store 2220 fern st, san diego Ca

FEATUREd ITEMs AVA ILABLE AT GRAFF IT I BEACH 2220 FERN ST, SAN dIEGO | 858 .433 .0950 | GRAFFIT IBEACH.COmbuy now

(LEFT) TANK NEOClASSICS $34 sHoRTs CHElSEA B $65 dRUM CyMBAL BRACELETs CHImE $54 - $56 (RIGHT) dRUM CyMBAL EARRINGs CHImE $48 TANK NEOClASSICS $34

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BRACELET PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $35 NECKLACE PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $25 sWEATsHIRT mNKR $26

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GBfashion

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(LEFT) TEE NEOClASSICS $36 INNER TUBE TIRE NECKLACE BEATRICE HOlIdAY $44 sHoEs KANdAlS $34 (MIddLE) RINGs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $20 - $25 BRACELET PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $28 14K CUsToM HANd sTAMpEd NECKLACE PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $55 - $75 oNE-pIECE sUIT KOVEY $130 yARN BoW (MEN’s BoW TIE) BOwS BY BROS $18 sKIRT GENTlE FAwN $54 (RIGHT) TEE NEOClASSICS $36 INNER TUBE TIRE NECKLACE BEATRICE HOlIdAY $44

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written By: KALLAH OAKES desiGned By: SONyA CALdERON

WHy NeoClAssiCs’ riCHArD BAo GAve UP iNvesTMeNT PorTFolios For looKBooKs

BREAK AWAY

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GBNEOClASSICS .ORG

Individuality is embedded into the brand

effortlessly in its look off the shelves as well as in

lookbooks. Bao muses that his typical clients are

a lot like himself. “They’re definitely open-minded

individuals, concert-going, art-appreciating and

anti-institution.” So far, the most inspiring of these

fans is Michael Costello, featured fashion designer

on “Project Runway All Stars.” “[Michael is] simply

a gifted and talented mind in the fashion industry,”

Bao raves. “When he reached out to me and told me

he was a fan of my work, it really gave me a lot of

encouragement.” When the season aired on TV just

a few weeks later, Bao was blown away to see that

Costello sincerely meant every word that he said.

“He wore my shirts in almost every episode! It was

awesome.”

This kind of rapidly-growing success for a true artist

isn’t easy. “One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t

force it,” says Bao about his creative process. “I

would give myself timelines and deadlines but, at

the end of the day, it’s all about being in the right

mindset.”

Still, Bao admits there is one thing that consistently

gets the juices flowing: a good soundtrack. The rebel

beats of Hendrix, the White Stripes and Glitch Mob

are just a few that pound in the background, helping

Bao create clothing that inspires kindred spirits

to march to the beat of their own drum and be

unafraid to admit they want something more.

“Whether you’re bound by habit, money or stereotypes,

make sure you tune everything out and march to

the beat of your own drum.” These words jump

out from the archives of Richard Bao’s blog for his

brand Neoclassics. He had recently leaped into this

lifestyle for himself, leaving white-collar stability behind

in order to branch out as a designer.

“I started in April 2010 while I was still working in

the finance industry as a private banker/investment

consultant,” Bao says. “Clocking in day and night in

a suit and tie just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. The

money was good and life was comfortable but my mind

was on cruise control. I was completely bored. Ever

since I was a kid I’ve always been sketching and a

student of art, so I figured I’d go back to my roots and

give it a shot as a lifestyle.”

Bao’s daring choice flowed into the creation of the

clothing line Neoclassics. The clothes, which are

designed against the canvas of high quality made-in-the-

USA tops, stand out for themselves with their seamless

blend of fresh Cali-cool and forgotten old-school.

Sporting bold designs that draw from ancient myths

and psychedelic patterns, there is a grungy ‘70s feel

to the modern cut of Neoclassics clothing. “We pride

ourselves on our creative process,” Bao says. “Most of

our designs start on traditional canvas, normally hand

drawn originals on paper.” The result? Clothing that

looks fresh and wildly organic, as if it grew out of the

sandy ground and salty air of the West Coast.

GB fashion

A fleeting idea. Accruing days of vacation time. Passing on

lattes for months to save up. Passport. Tickets. Shots. Pack.

Re-pack. Itinerary. Scratch that. Map. Lose it. Re-pack again.

Goodbye kisses at the airport. A dash through the terminal

with a hastily packed backpack. Three movies, a mini bottle

of wine or two, and a seemingly never-ending restless nap.

Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the

captain has turned off the seatbelt sign.

Then finally: paradise!

The most essential element of an anxiously awaited

vacation to an exotic faraway shore or a jaunt to a local

beach is the swimsuit. From the soft frothy mist where the

water dances with the sand to the punishing waves, there

are few roads less traveled than the sea, especially where

fashion is concerned.

Melanie Michaud, owner and founder of Graffiti Beach,

once traveled down that path as the marketing director of

a swimwear company. “Since I was young, I always felt the

drive and passion to be an entrepreneur,” she says. “What

my specialty has always been is marketing. So I have always

wanted to find the perfect way to start a company and utilize

my skills as a marketer.”

Fashion design is a difficult industry to get started in and

marketing plays a key role, almost equal to design itself.

“My experience in a mid-sized beachwear company helped

me develop my skill set and also taught me that there was

a major need for someone to create a platform for new

designers that were just starting out,” Michaud explains.

The evolution of the swimsuit through the years has taken

us from under- to overexposed and everything in between.

making waveswritten By: CrYstal Washington desiGned By: Brandie Mata


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Recently, there has been a demand for styles that translate off

the runways and onto the sand, as well as sexy showpieces for

the beach bunnies that prefer to bask in the sun. The mark of

a great swimsuit, whether a modest one-piece or a scandalous

barely-there bikini, is in the way it fits. No article of clothing

can provoke as much fear as an ill-fitting swimsuit. With the

endless options and innovations, the liberated suit is now

one of the most beloved pieces in a summer wardrobe and

certainly in one’s suitcase.

“When I entered the industry back in ‘07, beachwear had

already come a long way,” Michaud recalls. “I was lucky

enough to have a mentor that had seen the industry from

when it had just started to take shape into what it is today.

While swimwear started out as being a rare commodity with

same-sized tops and bottoms and a few styles to choose from,

now bikinis are taking center stage! Some of the most well-

known designers are now swimwear designers.” Though a

challenging industry to embark upon, there is a fresh crop of

designers taking on the task, many of whom are undeniably

talented. “It all makes sense,” she continues. “Who doesn’t

like seeing models in sexy swimwear, strutting their stuff down

the runway?”

Graffiti Beach Magazine touched base with the people behind

four of its favorite emerging brands: Beach Riot, PilyQ,

Boys+Arrows, and Kovey. Each line incorporates styles that

translate off the pages and onto the beach. While each brand

varies vastly in aesthetics, they each share a ferocious drive to

design and a love for the adventures and amazing times that

await those wearing a bikini.

Here’s a look into the lives and vision of the masterminds behind

Graffiti Beach’s favorite emerging bikini brands for 2013.

making waves pHoTo CoURTEsy oF PIlYQ sUIT By PIlYQ

N AV I G AT I N G T H E E M E R G I N G S W E L L S I N S W I M W E A R W I T H

G R A F F I T I B E A C H ’ S O W N M E L A N I E M I C H A U D

GB fashion

pHoTo By JAmES lEE wAll (LEFT) KYlA BRENNAN sALEs MANAGER, BEACH RIoT (RIGHT) NICOlE HANRIOT oWNER / dEsIGNER, BEACH RIoT

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Form-fitting silhouettes, bold colors and mesmerizing prints: The designs of

Beach Riot are straight off of a fashion week runway and onto the coast. Fashion

forward yet completely wearable. The Beach Riot girl is both the girl next door

and the It girl. She finds the latest trends boring, so she invents her own. She can

remake herself on the outside, over and over, while managing to stay true to who

she is on the inside.

“Beach Riot is a California beach babe swim brand… a mix between

contemporary chic and surfer girl,” declares Nicole Hanriot, owner and founder

of Beach Riot, on the diary page of BeachRiot.com.

With an existing fan base and rave reviews, the creation of Beach Riot was

long awaited and sincerely welcomed by the fashion-savvy crowd. “I have been

following designer Nicole Hanriot for years!” says Michaud. “Back when I was

a marketing director, I loved her styles! Then, she was the swimwear designer for

Tavik [Swimwear]. She, in fact, was a major inspiration for me to start Graffiti

Beach.”

In the fashion world, unexpected and jaw-dropping styles are a prerequisite.

Swimwear, on the other hand, has often been treaded upon with caution. “Nicole

has always been ahead of the curve in design,” Michaud recalls. “This can often

be a challenge for young designers because they have to convey their vision to

buyers that are often looking for tried and true styles that are a ‘safe bet.’ I think

Nicole not only creates innovative designs, but she is also able to translate her

vision through her lookbooks which ooze with great style.”

Hanriot’s creative and hip vision has allowed her to skyrocket as a designer in the

swimwear industry. “She has made it through a competitive market and rocked the

pages of the coveted swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated and even has her line sold

in Urban Outfitters,” says Michaud. “For any emerging brand, those are two huge

accomplishments!”

CoMpANy NAME: BEACH RIOT dATE sTARTEd: 2012 WEBsITE: BEACHRIOT.COm

B E A C H R I o T

GB fashion

Graffiti beacH: WHat makes your line uniQue from tHe otHer sWimWear brands out tHere?

nicole Hanriot: I felt the biggest thing that separates

our brand from other swim brands is our unique prints

and bold silhouettes. Our designs are bold and edgy

just like the Beach Riot girl and that sets her apart from

everyone else!

Gb: HoW lonG HaVe you been in tHe sWimWear industry and WHat did you do Prior to beacH riot? did you alWays Want to become a fasHion desiGner?

nH: I have been designing swimwear since I was in

fashion school but actually dove into it in 2009 when

I launched my license with Tavik Swimwear. I always

knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry. I had

multiple internships during college and really found

what I loved and wanted to pursue during that time.

I’ve always been a beach girl and live in bikinis in the

summers, so designing swimwear came really naturally.

Gb: WHat tyPe of Girl do you see WearinG tHe sWim line?

nH: The Beach Riot girl is a mix between your

bohemian beach babe and California surf girl. There

are styles for every girl which is great. The Beach Riot

Q A&

pHoTos By JOSEPH TRAN

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“Nicole has always been ahead of the curve in design.”

girl is bold and isn’t afraid to rock her look from the

beach to the street!

Gb: tHe brand Has mastered tHe california beacH babe Vibe eVen tHouGH you’re oriGinally from tHe soutHeastern seaboard. WHicH otHer beacH communities around tHe World HaVe a Place in your Heart?

nH: I grew up in Georgia and Texas. Those places

will always have a special place in my heart.

Gb: for 2013, WHat Has been your major insPiration?

nH: My inspiration for spring 2013 was cabin fever.

It’s inspired by camping and has that whole woodsy

feeling. There are a lot of animal prints, plaid and

pretty ditsy florals. For summer 2013, I was inspired

by one of my favorite movies, “True Romance.”

That collection is very ‘80s/‘90s inspired with lots of

bright neons, florals and color blocking.

Gb: WHat is your faVorite Piece in your collection?

nH: My favorite piece in the collection is the Puma

one-piece. It’s named after my nickname, “The

Puma.” My boyfriend is a little younger, so instead

of “cougar” I was tag named “The Puma.” It’s a

great piece you can pair with denim shorts and cute

booties.

Gb: your desiGns are sold in boutiQues across tHe Globe as Well as online. WHere do you Plan to exPand to next? do you Want to exPand tHe line to otHer tyPes of clotHinG articles?

nH: I would love to expand to the Australian market.

I am obsessed with their style and trends and think

our suits would do really well over there! As of right

now, I am just sticking to bikinis but we have some

exciting collaborations coming out in 2014!

p i l y Q“ViX Swimwear is a household name

for the swimwear industry. One of

the key components that have made

the brand successful—aside from the

amazing designs—is their marketing,”

says Michaud. “Well, [PilyQ] co-owner

Amber Delecce was the VP of ViX and

the mastermind behind their marketing.

She ventured off a couple years ago to

team up with Pily [Queipo] to start a

line that has equally amazing designs

and marketing!”

PilyQ designs would fit in quite

nicely amongst the jet-set crowd. The

sensual, sophisticated pieces are what

you might wear while lounging under

a breezy cabana, sipping sangria under

the Mediterranean sun. Once the sun

sets, all you’d need to do is throw on

a chic cover-up and continue the party

with the beautiful people at a posh

seaside nightclub.

“No one can deny that PilyQ features

wearable and sexy bikinis on some of

the world’s hottest swimwear models,”

Michaud continues. After mastering

the art of sexiness in swimwear form,

the brand branched out to offer off-

the-beach resort wear, footwear and

even children’s swimsuits. The brand

has received publicity from models

and celebrities adorned in their styles,

from Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria

in their famed sandals to Kendra

Wilkinson and Audrina Patridge in

their sexy suits.

“But the biggest thing that makes

PilyQ such a great brand is that they

know how to create designs that

compliment a women’s body,” says

Michaud. “Fit is what makes the

swimwear industry so challenging. If

you cannot design a line that helps

cover up the flaws in a women’s body

while flattering the parts she wants

to expose, chances are you will not

succeed as a swimwear designer.”

With PilyQ’s precise cuts and

luxurious fabrics imported from

Italy, the hardest work you’ll have

won’t be getting the nerve to take off

your pareo; it’ll be working on your

tan. We interviewed co-owner and

merchandiser Amber Delecce on how

to “Vive La Vida!” the PilyQ way.

CoMpANy NAME: PIlYQ dATE sTARTEd: 2010 WEBsITE: PIlYQ.COm

pHoTo By JAY BARTlETT AmBER dElECCE Co-oWNER / MERCHANdIsER, pILyQ

GB fashion

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Q A&Graffiti beacH: HoW does your line differ from otHer sWimWear brands?

amber delecce: PilyQ strives for a designer look

with exceptional fabrics for an exceptional price.

Given that the fabrics are from Italy and the details

are from Spain, they should retail around $200 but

we retail closer to $130 and our customers really

value good quality. Also, we offer lots of padding and

construction that our clients love for more security

and support.

Gb: HoW Would you describe your oVerall fasHion style? do you HaVe any faVorite fasHion icons?

ad: We love the femininity of Isabel Marant and

the strides that are taken with Stella McCartney’s

designs. These fashion icons inspire us, but our clients

motivate us to create something they feel beautiful in

while wearing at the beach.

Gb: HoW lonG HaVe you been in tHe sWimWear industry and WHat did you do Prior to PilyQ? WHat insPired you to become a fasHion desiGner? HoW did you and Pily oriGinally meet and decide to collaborate in a business Venture?

ad: Before PilyQ, I was the VP at ViX Swimwear

and before that worked at one of the largest swim

companies out of LA. I have been in swim for almost

16 years and am still learning with each season.

I don’t design; I merchandise and I love it. I have

always loved Pily’s style when she was the designer

for OndadeMar and we met at shows, year after year.

Once we both left our prior companies, we were

excited to embark on a new adventure together.

Gb: PilyQ Has a beautiful Globetrotter aestHetic. WHicH locales insPire you tHe most? WHat is tHe most beautiful beacH you’Ve traVeled to?

ad: I have been to Positano, Italy, four times and have

loved every trip. The clubs by the beach, the lounge

attire, the beautiful boats and what people wear are

just fascinating to watch. The beaches there are to DIE

FOR!


ad: Pily and I traveled to Spain last year and decided

to embrace some recent trends and do tribals, but

focus on color and basics! We came up with some

amazing brights and simple treatments that everyone

is loving so far.


ad: My favorite piece is our solid braided gold suit.

I love simplicity and the color is amazing. It is called

“Sangria.”

Gb: PilyQ desiGns sWimWear as Well as resort clotHinG for off of tHe beacH. do you Plan to exPand tHe brand eVen furtHer in any Way?

ad: We currently have sandals, kids [attire], swim

and resort. Eventually we will expand into some

accessories because people are asking us to, but our

growth is so much at the moment we need to focus on

our key categories!

pHoTo CoURTEsy oF PIlYQ sUIT By PIlYQ

GB fashion

There is a sweet nostalgic vibe to the world of Boys+Arrows. The designs are clean with a single

bold embellishment to take a wearable piece and make it special, whether in the form of fringe,

figure-enhancing ruching and twists, or an eye-catching pattern to induce double takes. It’s the

bikini you wore while stealing your first kiss by the pier during that youthful spring break vacation.

“This line is every boho girl’s dream,” Michaud says of the inspiring collection. “Boys+Arrows

really made its name with a unique fringe bikini. Not like every other fringe bikini out there, but

B o y s + A R R o W s

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pHoTo By HEATHER GIldROY mEAGAN SCOTT oWNER / dEsIGNER, Boys+ARRoWs

a native-inspired design that is less ‘in

your face’ and has more of a carefree style.

The swimwear line features great low rise

bottoms and flattering bandeaus. While I still

think the fringe bikini is my favorite piece

in the collection, a close favorite are the

scrunch-back bottoms that are sure to add

some curve to any girl’s bottom.”

Meagan Scott, who hails from picturesque

Ventura County, California, runs the brand

with her sister Samantha, who works behind

the scenes, and a dedicated band of kindred

spirits. There is playfulness and whimsy

down to the last thread. Even the name,

which is a play on “bows and arrows,”

reminds you of your secret crush at summer

camp ages ago.

The old adage of too much work and no

play creating dull boys doesn’t apply to

this line, which blends a love of impulsive

travel, beers and bikinis with hard work

and excellent marketing to succeed. The first

year alone had skyrocketing sales and the

brand continues to look ahead and across

the sea for the next market and the next

unforgettable memory.

CoMpANy NAME: BOYS+ARROwS dATE sTARTEd: 2011 WEBsITE: BOYSANdARROwS.COm

“This line is every boho girl’s dream.”

GB fashion

Graffiti beacH: WHat makes your line uniQue from tHe otHer sWimWear brands out tHere?

meaGan scott: I mean I could

go into the development of each

piece, the top of the line materials,

construction and fit, but at the end of

the day, Boys+Arrows swimwear is

set apart because each design is pure

and original, just hoping to put huge

smiles on the consumer’s face when

they are creating memories staying out

too late in a foreign land and sleeping

in their Boys+Arrows bikini, because

why take it off! We are proud to be

an all-American brand whose product

resembles just that.

Gb: HoW lonG HaVe you been in tHe sWimWear industry and WHat did you do Prior to boys+arroWs? WHat insPired you to become a fasHion desiGner?

ms: I have been in the swim industry

since the launch of Boys+Arrows in

2011! But I have been researching

swimwear itself since 1983. Before

the B+A launch, I was a buyer for an

innovative boutique in Santa Barbara

[California] called Blue Bee. I love

everything about what being in a bikini

represents. That’s why we are here. Pure

love for the memories and escapades

bikinis can create.

Gb: WHat is your absolute faVorite beacH on tHe Planet? faVorite memory sPent in a bikini?

ms: My absolute favorite beach on the

planet is Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica!

If you go to the “tall tales” section of

my website you’ll see why. Pretty much

Q A&

pHoTos CoURTEsy oF BOYS+ARROwS sUITs By BOYS+ARROwS

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black sand beaches, tequila and constant tunes will make you fall madly in love with this beach.

Really, it’s not the beach; it’s what you do at the beach that makes you love it. I went there with

my then boyfriend, now fiancé. It doesn’t get better than being on a beautiful beach in a faraway

land with the one you love.


ms: My major inspiration has been my own recent adventures and wild animals. I find that if I

haven’t taken a trip or caused some sort of trouble, I am not as inspired to design and create. And

wild animals are just radical, so they always help out when it’s time to develop a Boys+Arrows

collection.


ms: I am always a sucker for simple, so right now it’s the new “Peggy the Party Animal Tri-Top”

in charcoal or emerald and, of course, “Carm the Conwoman” bottoms.

Gb: your desiGns are sold in boutiQues across tHe Globe as Well as online. WHere do you Plan to exPand next? states? countries?

ms: Right now we are really focusing on our international sales. It’s extremely satisfying when you

get to add another country to the “stocklists” page [of boysandarrows.com]!

GB fashion

K o V E yWhere the sun meets the sand and the water meets the shore is where fashion meets

function. When you’re chasing waves, running along the surf and playing an intense

game of beach volleyball, the last thing you want is an ill-fitting suit.

Kovey caters to the beach beauties who are tomboys at heart. The girls who climbed trees

higher than the boys. The girls who aren’t fazed by a scraped knee. The adventurers. The

thrill seekers. Those who consider battling waves in the brisk morning air, then watching

the sun set into the sea by a warm bonfire, to be the definition of a perfect day.

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Fittingly, Huntington Beach, California, aka Surf

City USA, is home to the active swimwear brand.

“Kim Luong the owner and designer of Kovey,

is one of the freshest faces in the industry,”

Michaud says of the line’s creator. “She caters

to the active beach girl which I think is a market

most swimwear designers are missing. Think

volleyball players, swimmers, surfers... the list

goes on. Who needs a flattering and functional

suit more than the active girl on the beach?”

In the past, swimwear for active girls was very

limited, consisting of standard one-pieces and

separates cut with suppressed sex appeal. Kovey’s

designs were a game changer for the industry.

“One of my favorite one-pieces for 2013 is the

‘Swimzie.’ This is a super cute one-piece with a

super low back. I think this is going to be a key

selling item that will help brand Kovey,” says

Michaud. “The ‘Swimzie’ to me is her key piece

that separates her from the rest. However, she

offers a lot of great fitting styles that will become

a staple in women’s closets this year.”

CoMpANy NAME: KOVEY dATE sTARTEd: 2012 WEBsITE: KOVEY.CO

“who needs a flattering and functional suit more than the active girl on the beach?”

pHoTos By JAmES lEE wAll MAKEUp By CATHY TANN KIm luONG oWNER / dEsIGNER, KoVEy

GB fashionpHoTos CoURTEsy oF KOVEY


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Graffiti beacH: WHat sets your line aPart from otHer sWimWear brands out tHere?

kim luonG: We are an activewear and lifestyle brand that

fuses fashion and function. All our Swimzies are proudly

made in Southern California. It’s just me building the

brand, without any corporate or company backing. In

other words, the line is not mass-produced overseas nor

widely distributed. I personally designed, drafted, hand-

cut, fit and tested all my designs.

Gb: HoW lonG HaVe you been in tHe sWimWear industry and WHat did you do Prior to koVey?

kl: I’ve been in the swimwear industry for seven years.

It all started when I first worked at a local surf shop

in Houston when I was 17, still in high school. Then

I worked at a Brazilian swimwear shop and later

transitioned onto bigger brands and chain swimwear

boutiques such as Everything But Water [in San Diego]

and Zingara Swimwear through college. I graduated from

the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in

consumer science and merchandising in 2009 and worked

full-time after. I decided in order to pursue my dream of

starting my own swimwear line, I needed more technical

skills, so I moved to California to attend FIDM [Fashion

Institute of Design & Merchandising]—and conveniently

got to surf whenever I wanted! When I moved to

California, I got an internship for a swimwear line in

which I worked studiously for while attending FIDM, and

later became an assistant designer right before graduating

in 2012. After my graduation, I decided it was time to

take the plunge and pursue my dream!

Gb: did you alWays Want to become a fasHion desiGner? HoW Has tHe journey been so far?

kl: Honestly, not always. At some point in middle school,

I seriously wanted to become a fashion designer. But as

any kid, my career choices changed often—crocodile

hunter-Steve Irwin, scientist, archaeologist, nutritionist,

you name it. Some things never changed though. I’ve

always been carefree, adventurous and in love with

the ocean. My obsession for swimwear started when I

started surfing. With my passion for surfing, fashion and

swimwear, it was just natural to want to start my own

women’s surf brand. It’s not just going to be swimwear;

I plan to have ready-to-wear, accessories and more for

Kovey. It’s a lot of work for just one person but I love

it. It’s a daily relentless fight with endless obstacles, but

the battle is worth every bit when I remind myself I’m so

lucky to do what makes me happy: surf and make bikinis!

Gb: WHere are your faVorite surf sPots?

kl: Flagship, Texas. Matagorda, Texas. 17th Street,

California. San Onofre, California.

Gb: for 2013, WHat Has been your major

insPiration?

kl: For my first line, I wanted it to be a representation

of my simple, clean, classic surfing lifestyle. Cheeky, yet

modest.

Gb: WHat is your faVorite Piece in your collection? do you Plan on exPandinG tHe line and VenturinG into off-tHe-beacH Wear?

kl: That’s a hard one but I’ll say my favorite is The

Surf Suit. It’s pretty much a wetsuit turned swimsuit.

Speaking of wetsuits, I do plan on expanding the line, not

necessarily off-the-beach (since why would you ever want

to leave the beach?), but as mentioned earlier, sportswear

and accessories are definitely planned for Kovey’s future!

Whenever an inspirational breeze of wanderlust consumes

your thoughts or an impromptu drive to the nearest beach

highlights your weekend, these new brands are the ones

to watch this season for perfectly suiting your adventures.

From Kovey to Boys+Arrows, and PilyQ to Beach Riot,

these innovative designers have started a swimwear

renaissance, creating not only splashes in the world of

fashion but making bold, beautiful waves.

Q A&

GB fashion

Wildat

PhotoGraPher: luCas PassMore desiGned By: Brandie Mata hair & MakeuP: staCY rosas stylist: kristina van dYk Model: Mia kerr at next la


Heart

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GBfashion

BIKINI BEACH RIOT Top $76 BoTToM $71 INNER TUBE TIRE CUFFs BEATRICE HOlIdAY $24 - $28 NECKLACE ARdENT REVERIE $38

GB fashion


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GBfashion

NECKLACE ARdENT REVERIE $38

GB fashion

oNE-pIECE BEACH RIOT $153 FEATUREd ITEMs AVA ILABLE AT GRAFF IT I BEACH 2220 FERN ST, SAN dIEGO | 858 .433 .0950 | GRAFFIT IBEACH.COmbuy now

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GBfashion

GB fashion

BIKINI BOYS+ARROwS Top $99 BoTToM $86


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GBfashion

BIKINI KOVEY Top $59 BoTToM $48 NECKLACE HYPER HAuTE $40

BRACELET ARdENT REVERIE $25

GB fashion

BIKINI KOVEY Top $59 BoTToM $48 NECKLACE HYPER HAuTE $40

BRACELET ARdENT REVERIE $25 dRUM CyMBAL EARRING CHImE (soLd As sET) $48


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GBfashion

sUMMER

JEWELRY TRENds

THE BeSt- of -

2013

written By: vanessa d’aMiCo desiGned By: Brandie Mata


GB fashion

Your greatest memories of

summer can be seen in

pictures you’ve taken during the

season. It’s the time of year when

you look your best and smile

your brightest, when you’re quite

obviously having the time of your

life. Graffiti Beach Magazine

sat down with four different

jewelry designers to find out what

they have in store to help you

stand out during the sun-kissed

months. Each has their own

unique taste and style, creating

designs for every occasion you

could possibly imagine.

This year, go green with jewelry

made from upcycled materials.

Beatrice Holiday has a soft line

of earrings made from recycled

inner tubes, often shredded to look

slightly feathery, and a hard line

of necklaces and bracelets made

from bicycle chains. When asked

who her jewelry is made for, owner

and designer Alison Franson says,

“The girl that likes accessories

that aren’t the norm or the trend.”

Beatrice Holiday jewelry gives off

a cool and sexy rocker girl vibe.

Franson’s must-have item? “I wear

the Tripod Finger Harness almost

every day,” she admits. “For me,

it just feels natural, sexy and

substantial. It’s a must. I almost

feel naked without it.”

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65pHoTos By GARONE AFRICA JEWELRy By BEATRICE HOlIdAY MAdE FRoM BIKE CHAIN ANd INNER TUBEs

Following the same eco-

conscious vain is Leslie

Barrett of CHIME Jewelry

who offers the clean-

looking geometric trend

popular this summer. All of

CHIME’s earrings, necklaces,

bracelets, key chains and

belt buckles feature thin

metal discs made of recycled

drum cymbals. These loud

rocker instruments create

a surprisingly beautiful,

delicate look. “The cymbals

are cleaned, cut, buffed and

polished to create a clean

and sleek finish,” shares

Barrett. “When worn, the

Crash earrings give a pleasant

chime.” The bracelets are

made for stacking and,

with the musical essence

of CHIME’s line, all of the

pieces are perfect for outdoor

events. “Summer to me means

music festivals, barbeques

and beach cruisers,” Barrett

says. “I’d like to think that

CHIME Jewelry fits with that

aesthetic during my favorite

season of the year!” Some of

her latest releases for summer

2013 include earrings dubbed

Echo, Crescendo and Reverb.

“I, personally, am a fan of

the clash bracelets with the

smooth metal discs linked

together in a chic chain-mail

type fashion,” she says.

pHoTos By YVES TRuONG (ABOVE) JEWELRy By CHImE MAdE FRoM dRUM CyMBALs (RIGHT)VES TRuONG JEWELRy By PAPER BIRd CREATIONS HANd sTAMpEd WITH LoVE, CUsToMIZE yoUR NECKLACE oNLINE AT GRAFFITIBEACH.CoM

i, personally, am a fan of the clash bracelets with the smooth metal discs linked together in a chic chain-mail type fashion.” - LEsLIE BARRETT oWNER / dEsIGNER CHIME JEWELRy

“


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For your lazy summer days at the beach and by the pool, simplicity is key. “This

summer, I am definitely doing more delicate gold-filled pieces, things that you can

wear all day in the water and in the sun,” says Michelle Villarroel, owner and

designer of Paper Bird Creations. The Costa Mesa-based business offers delicate

necklaces, rings and customized bracelets. “Definite must-haves are mid-knuckle

rings and post earrings,” she says. In terms of her own styling, Villarroel explains,

“I love stud earrings paired with a couple of layered necklaces, thin bangle bracelets

and thin delicate mid-finger rings. I also love seeing girls wear multiple rings. When

it comes to delicate jewelry, you can never over accessorize.”

GB fashion

pHoTo By luCAS PASSmORE JEWELRy By HYPER HAuTE MAdE FRoM HINGEs


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If your summer is more likely to be

spent walking Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue

or Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, you’ll

be excited to dive into this season’s

trend for extreme high fashion and

statement pieces. Erica Dunk, designer

of the jewelry line Hyper Haute, creates

edgy looks that will

make you stand

out anywhere. The

pieces often feature

a signature gold

hinge, giant stones

and stunning chain

links. She is able

to mix all of these

elements together to

create an eclectic but

incredibly beautiful

and inimitable work

of art. Confidence

is required to carry

off these styles.

Dunk’s favorite piece from her runway

line epitomizes the drama of her entire

collection. “It is an asymmetric crystal

necklace with an exaggerated collar,”

she says. “The collar folds over and has

a hand-sewn lining of crystals made

from a repurposed vintage crystal purse

and broken necklaces. It has a crystal-

covered sliding chain lock attached

to crystal chains that lay under the

bustline and wrap around the side of

the body, behind the arm to the back of

the collar, leaving two chains that drape

on the shoulder blade.” Although you

can get these dramatic statement pieces

all year round, Dunk

says, “For summer,

I usually take a little

bit more of a minimal

approach and will

incorporate lighter

weight materials and

some easy everyday

pieces.” This season,

her Spinal Chic

necklace and Brass

Bracelet will offset

your tan nicely while

still giving you the edge

you need.

All of these lines allow you to be in style

and on trend in whatever you’re doing

and at any exotic destination you choose

to escape to this summer. Each designer

is able to capture a personality in their

pieces. Whether you chose a statement

ring, dangle earrings, a collar necklace or

stackable bracelets, you will shine.

For summer, i usually take a little bit more of a minimal approach...” -ERIKA dUNK oWNER / dEsIGNER HypER HAUTE

“

STEP 1. Make a side part.

STEP 2. Tightly French braid one side.

STEP 3. When the braid is 3/4 around your head, tie it off with a rubber band.

STEP 4. Do the same to the other side until the braids meet.

STEP 5. Hold both ends and remove smaller rubber bands.

STEP 6. Twist hair into a bun and fasten with rubber band and bobby pins.

STEP 7. Pull your braid out a bit to give it a looser look and more volume. Pin and spray.

desiGned By: Brandie MataYH A L o B R A I d

W I T H S I D E B U N

FINAL FRoNT

FINAL BACK

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

TUToRIAL By dANIEllE ROXANNECHECK oUT HER BLoG AT dANIEllEROXANNE.BlOGSPOT.COm

PhotoGraPh oF Fo Porter By: luCas PassMore desiGned By: Monarose rYan sPeCial thanks to nous Model ManageMent

s T U D s A r e o N e o F G r A F F i T i B e A C H ’ s FAv o r i T e A C C e s s o r i e s T H i s s U M M e r ! C H e C K o U T s o M e o F T H e FA s H i o N - F o r W A r D A N D U N i q U e

s T U D s T H A T W e l o v e !

TH E PE R FECT STU d

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1. LAsER-ETCHEd Wood sTUds SImBIOTEK $12 2. HANd-pAINTEd Wood sTUds lIKEGJEwElRY $12 EACH 3. TypEWRITER KEy sTUds PuSH $34 4. HANd-pAINTEd CHEVRoN sTUds A mIllION CITY lIGHTS $15 5. CAssETTE sTUds uNICORN CRAFTS $20 6. CIRCLE BAMBoo sTUds mAPlE + mAuVE $16 7. CIRCLE CIRCUIT BoARd sTUds mARA SAXER $20 8. HANd pAINTEd oCTo sTUds A mIllION CITY lIGHTS $15

1 .

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ITEMs oN Fo poRTER : CIRCUIT BoARd sTUds mARA SAXER $20 oNE-pIECE sUIT KOVEY $130 dRUM CyMBAL NECKLACE CHImE $72

i think what Fleet really excels at is highlighting an element of vintage...”

“GB fashion

Imagine that feeling that overwhelms you while gazing through an old family photo album hidden deep within a time-worn attic. Every page, delicate from age yet sturdy with craftsmanship familiar to days gone by, is dripping with enchanting nostalgia. Sepia-tinged photographs, like miniature time portals, offer a glance into a moment frozen and unchanged by the passing years. Vacations. A wedding. Well-dressed, sophisticated people smile back from the pages and unknowingly inspire another generation.

Somewhere between a walk down memory lane and a stroll along the Champs-Élysées is where you will find Fleet Collection. The line is comprised of whisper-soft Georgette Crepe fabrics, cleverly placed bows and pleats, and a mix of both crisp lines and romantic draping. Each piece is a statement on its own yet never detracts from the wearer’s own natural beauty.

“We design things we would want to wear ourselves while ensuring the garments are comfortable, wearable and practical for women,” explains co-owner Eileen Chai of the company’s

philosophy. The versatile pieces are fitting for everyday wear but are a far cry from being nondescript or casual. Each hand-finished item is an excuse to dress up and make an ordinary day absolutely remarkable. “We want Fleet Collection items to be that go-to dress in the closet.”

Their designs are a nod to the days of handwritten love letters and the warm hum of a vinyl record. “I think what Fleet really excels at is highlighting an element of vintage, such as a 1940s-inspired illusion neckline, and creating a balanced design that’s

DRESSED IN YESTERYEAR:

F LEETCOLLECTIONHOW FRIENDS EILEEN CHAI AND LISA HSIEH TURNED DESIGNS THEY’D WANT TO WEAR INTO CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES EVERY WOMAN WANTS TO WEAR

written By: CrYstal Washington desiGned By: rhoel Paghunasan Photos By: garone afriCa

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feminine, sophisticated and at the same time modern,” says Chai. The creations draw from that once-loved but since-forgotten feeling, like a vintage find tucked away in the corner of an obscure thrift shop. But while Fleet Collection achieves an unmistakable sense of familiarity and unison among the collection, it does so without predictability. “Our creative process is very organic and I believe that is reflected in the garments,” she says.

In addition to the bevy of apparel, the collection also features a growing assortment of handmade jewelry, from dainty gold-filled necklaces with personalized charms to natural gemstone pendants. In an era where “bold,” “edgy” and “over-the-top” are the adjectives that dominate women’s fashion, charming chains and baubles beautifully compliment the clothing rather than compete against it, adding a sweet finishing touch to the refined, ageless clothing styles.

Sewing and making jewelry in co-owner Lisa Hsieh’s small apartment in Southern California, the former UC San Diego college roommates founded Fleet Collection in 2011. “We started on Etsy and the demand for our dresses skyrocketed,” recalls Chai. “We are trying to keep up with demand by constantly designing new styles to add depth to the collection.”

“Lisa is in charge of the company’s creative direction and the development of a visual aesthetic for our brand,” Chai adds. “She also takes and edits all

the photos, creates graphic design and develops our jewelry line. The both of us design the clothing and handle everything else that needs to be done for the company together.” Chai is the business guru of the partnership, directing business development and handling all of the company’s finances and operations. She also sews the finishing touches for the designs.

The company, which is a well-oiled machine that blends both business and creativity, is the brainchild of a beautiful friendship. “When Lisa and I were roommates, all throughout college we’d always say that the two of us should start a company together,” Chai says of her longtime friend. “We took the leap and decided to start a clothing brand, creating things that we love but can’t find on the market. There seemed to be a void in the clothing market for beautiful garments at accessible prices and, as young women nearing our thirties, it was increasingly difficult to find age-appropriate garments that didn’t cost upwards of $100. It just seemed like the right time to create something we could see benefiting people in similar life stages as ourselves and our friends.”

It often takes decades for something to be considered timeless but, in barely two years, Fleet Collection has already proven itself to be unforgettable for many years to come. Being relevant and relatable to their target audience has made them quite successful. “We’re a very new business so we’re trying to take our growth one step at a time,” says Chai.

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we design things we would want to wear ourselves while ensuring the garments are comfortable, wearable and practical for women.”

“

73

GB fashion

What do you get someone who has the newest technological

gadgets, the hippest clothes and shoes, the coolest knick-knacks?

The answer, often, is to get personal.

Personalization is an ever-growing trend. Within the past

five years, we’ve gone from “personalization” to “deep

personalization” to “hyper-personalization.” Tees can be

personalized, teddy bears can be personalized, champagne flutes

can be personalized, social media pages are

automatically personalized…for better or

worse! But what if you could go one better

and give Mr. or Ms. Impossible-to-Shop-

For a fantastic piece of jewelry that had

their name on it? Or their children’s name?

Or their newly taken last name? The list

goes on!

Enter artist Michelle Villarroel. She had

created jewelry for years but stopped when

major boutique-type shops first began

carrying jewelry and selling it at rock-

bottom prices. Figuring that she could not

compete as a sole proprietor using fine

materials, she started Paper Bird Creations

in 2005 and made custom invitations,

adding personalization to the first step of any soirée. Jewelry,

though, was still in Michelle’s heart and her opportunity to return

to it came with the 2005 wedding of a close friend.

While Michelle was creating custom invitations for her friend’s

wedding, she was asked to also make personalized bridesmaid’s

gifts. Not long after, Michelle closed shop on the invitation

biz to go back to her true love—custom jewelry making. And

customization was something the mall stores didn’t do.

Hand stamping is no small feat. It’s a labor-intensive process of

cutting, stamping, drilling, sanding and polishing. But Michelle

loves doing it and is committed to getting every stamp just

right. “Usually, if I’m lucky, I get the name stamped straight and

centered the first time,” she says. “The slightest crookedness will

drive me nuts!” So she stamps until it’s right.

Paper Bird Creations stamps more than names. Letters, numbers,

emoticons and hearts can also be added to a personal message. “I

usually get a lot of the simple one-name requests,” says Michelle,

but she also gets requests for “‘he loves she,’ ‘she loves he,’ and

even ‘he loves he.’”

PBC Jewelry’s busiest time of year is during

the winter holidays, as can be expected. “I

have people who order all of their Christmas

gifts through me,” Michelle says, and “brides

love giving personalized pieces as gifts to their

bridesmaids.” Customization is also popular for

Valentine’s Day gifts, anniversary gifts and as a

special gift for new parents. “Having something

customized is unique, it’s personal, and it’s from

the heart. Whatever it is that someone wants

to have stamped has some kind of meaning and

history that is special only to that person.”

Michelle has stamped many different sayings but

the most touching one, and perhaps the most

important, was for a very personal fundraiser. When her best

friend Carmela Ocampo, nicknamed “La,” was diagnosed with

cancer, Michelle and a group of her close friends got together

and created a pendant stating “WE HEART LA.” Proceeds from

the sales were dedicated to funding Carmela’s treatment. The

group is now branching out and is in the process of becoming a

nonprofit that will provide financial assistance to patients with

life-threatening conditions.

Michelle Villarroel makes customized jewelry with heart. She has

done many things from personalized invitations to personalized

jewelry. “This life was given to me to follow this specific dream,”

she says, “and I am 100% in love with what I do!”

Having something customized is unique, it’s personal, and it’s from the heart.”

“

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L E T ’ s G E T p E R s o N A L

written By: andrea reitMan Photos By: Yves truong desiGned By: sonYa CalderonBeauty direCtor: giovanna avila stylist: franCesCa rothasst. stylist: Colleen ordonio Model: Makaela sandoval

T r e N D W A T C H

ColoR FUl TR EN dS oF

PhotoGraPhy: heather gildroY desiGned By: Javier garCia hair: WendY diaz MakeuP: vanessa Broin Model: elizaBeth tWaits

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(oN ModEL) sUNGLAssEs SOlO $74 EARRINGs muKEE $26 sUIT KOVEY Top $57 BoTToM $48

(ABoVE) sUNGLAssEs SOlO $74 JAmmYPACK $48 sHoEs KANdAlS $34 WATCHEs RAdAR MIx & MATCH WRIsTBANds! $34.95 EACH

GB fashion

FLoWER CRoWN ARdENT REVERIE $48 dREss FlEET COllECTION $74

PhotoGraPhed By: garone afriCa desiGned By: Brandie MataVideoGraPher: MYrrh raguro – ChaPterfold ProduCtions

Beauty direCtor: giovanna avila hair: WendY diaz Model: lilY McCune


Dreaming a

F a i r y T a le

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GBfashion

GB fashion


FLoWER CRoWN ARdENT REVERIE $48 dREssEs FlEET COllECTION $48 - $74

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"A dream is a wish your heart makes."

CinderellaFRoM THE dIsNEy ANIMATEd MoVIE "CINdERELLA"

GBfashion

GB fashion

oNE-pIECE KOVEY $130 dRUM CyMBAL NECKLACE CHImE $120


GBfashion

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fashionGB

"W hat if it'snot everything

i dreamedit would be?"

RapunzelFRoM THE dIsNEy ANIMATEd MoVIE "TANGLEd"


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EARRINGs HYPER HAuTE $40 dREss FlEET COllECTION $68

GB fashion


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GBfashion

"Life itself is

the most

wonderful

fairy tale."Hans Christian andersen

FLoWER CRoWN ARdENT REVERIE $48 dREss FlEET COllECTION $48

For fashion photographer and visual artist

Krissy Fernandez, art is the lens by which

reality comes into focus. Her soft yet vivid

images carry a subtle complexity, evoking

a mysterious quality that hints at a greater

narrative.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Guam,

Fernandez moved to San Diego almost

immediately after high school. “I had a

cousin out in San Diego who sparked

my interest,” she recalls. “I was 18 and

I realized I was an adult who could do

whatever the hell she wanted. My main

goal—and I remember writing this down—

was ‘Be independent.’”

So, without thinking twice, Fernandez

booked her ticket as soon as graduation

hit. “I think I maybe had $200 in my back

pocket. I just thought, ‘I’m going to do it

and figure it out as it goes along.’”

Fernandez traces her creativity back to

the age of 3 and her childhood babysitter

who happened to be an artist. “I took her

watercolor set and watched the blocks of

colored chalk dissolve under water,” she

says. “It was the first time I saw color and

light interact. I was amazed by it.”

But with both parents working full time,

the young Fernandez grew up feeling she

had to figure out the world on her own.

written By: alexa MangruM desiGned By: Brandie Mata

C A p T U R E R E s o L U T I o NJ U N K & P O ’ S K R I S S Y F E R N A N D E Z

S H A R E S A PA N O R A M I C V I E W O F T H E M E A N I N G B E H I N D H E R W O R K

TITLE: HuNGRY FISH MEdIUM: OIl ON CANVAS sIZE: 24” X 18”

GB art

She became frustrated at things she couldn’t understand

and, because she kept to herself, spent most of her days

drawing in a sketchbook. Then, when she was 10, her

parents divorced. “It was a relief but it sort of tore my

existence apart,” Fernandez explains. “Since then, I’ve

struggled with issues of love and religion—I grew up

Roman Catholic—and the hypocrisy that exists between

both. To me, art became self-therapy.”

Today, Fernandez explores those personal experiences

and feelings through her paintings. Much of her

canvases are painted in shades of gray and feature a

young woman facing the viewer. For the most part,

that young woman is herself. “A figure facing front—no

profile or angles—is the most confrontational stance,”

she says. “That represents me confronting an experience

and reliving it.”

The melancholy in the portraits is quite a shift from the

forward-looking person Fernandez has become. “While

I look at everything in a positive light now, I was an

angry kid. I would never deny that,” she admits. “I think I

would tell myself back when I was a kid to lighten up and find

a little humor in everything.”

Beyond her painting, Fernandez takes photos under the brand

Junk & PO, a fashion and portrait photography business she

launched in San Diego in 2011. The name is a play on “Jan

Ken Po,” the Japanese term for the children’s game rock-

paper-scissors. It represents her personal philosophy of viewing

every moment in life as an opportunity for play time. Ever

tenacious, the full-time artist loves to challenge herself, both

in the varied mediums she uses and her ethos surrounding

the work she makes. She also draws energy from San Diego’s

creative community. “People are so supportive of each other!”

she says. “The fact that we’re not constantly in a competitive

state like other cities, the fact that we acknowledge that we’re

all artists, means we’re collectively growing together. That’s

really important.”

A true creative spirit dedicated to her artistry, her creations

are not only a product of love but for the greater community.

“As an artist, you owe it to leave something behind on this

earth to generations after you!”

(ABoVE) TITLE: lOVE BuTTER MEdIUM: OIl ON CANVAS sIZE: 24” X 18”

(BELoW) TITLE: CAT RESCuER MEdIUM: OIl ON CANVAS sIZE: 18” X 24”

GBJuNKANdPO.COm

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GBart

GB art

Joseph “Sentrock” Perez discovered his artistic voice through

the sights, sounds and movement of the street. He credits hip-

hop culture for playing an integral role in his identity–for his

name (a breaking/break dancing nickname) and for introducing

him to a multisensory language of expression.

The four tenets of hip-hop culture according to Wikipedia are

D.J.-ing, MC-ing or rapping, breaking and graffiti–all of which

provide a stylistic and conceptual foundation for Sentrock’s art.

The DJ provides the sound, beats, backbone breaks; the MC

calls out the spoken word that responds to the turntable truth;

break dancing battles are the arena for dialogue and statement

through dance and movement; and lastly, graffiti is the visual

expression in color and paint that, Sentrock enthusiastically

explains, allows one the opportunity to GO BIG!

Line weights are thick and heavy in Sentrock’s compositions.

On a larger scale, the graphic affect reads bold, clear and clean

like that of woodblock prints or linocut stencil works. Sharpie

sketches and cartoons evolve into strong statements on walls in

colorful paint and, more recently, in acrylic on canvas or wood.

The artist’s subject matter speaks to rising above life challenges,

finding strength and hope. In his artwork, Sentrock also

alludes to important individuals in his life as saints as a way

to immortalize and honor influential people who have passed

through his life.

ART IsT: SENTROCK WEBsITE : B IRdCITYSAINTS .COminfo

F e A T U r i N G s T r e e T A r T i s T J o s e P H “ s e N T r o C K ” P e r e z

written By: SOPHIA F. MCLANE desiGned By: SONyA CALdERON

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GBfashion

ARTI S S U E

There is a parallel between the mythical firebird

known as the phoenix, the name of Sentrock’s

hometown in Arizona (Phoenix), and his

determination to rise up and see possibility in places

he lives.

Hooded animal heads factor frequently in his

compositions. Birds are the most prevalent. As the

artist notes, birds have the power to fly away, fly

above, to soar, to rise above their environment.

A bird’s eye view of anything means stepping back or

up from something in order to gain perspective. From

this vantage point, we are better positioned to take in

and consider context and a larger picture, and to see

how our experience of a situation relates to something

bigger than ourselves. In doing so, we’re able to see

where we could go and what we can become.

Wolves also show up in his art. Pack animals find

strength in numbers and alliance. For Sentrock, these

animals represent strength and transcendence in the

struggle for survival.

Particularly striking are the eyes of his figures. The

eyes look back at the viewer in a disconcertingly

knowing and familiar way. They are unsettling

and intriguing. Sentrock doesn’t consciously assign

meaning to the eyes he paints, though it is fair to note

that we rely on our eyes to protectively keep a watch

on the world. Our eyes are the lens through which

we translate the physical world in addition to being

thought of as a mirror back into the soul.

It will be exciting to see how Sentrock’s open

expression, which began out in the public domain,

translates to indoor venues as with new gallery

commissions and formal academic study in his newly

adopted hometown of Chicago.

He assures me he will always stay connected to

hip-hop culture. He continues to dance and attend

breaking competitions, though a little less often. No

doubt he intends to keep it real and will bring us

back out and above our limited view of the world as

firebirds are wired to do.

In today’s world of hyper technology and

electronic social connectivity, mixed media

artist Mr Benja invites us in to a tactile,

tangible, non-virtual world to remember what

it’s like to play and wonder.

Through paint, print and plastic, Mr Benja’s

collage compositions give us permission and

space to toggle between fantasy and reality by

layering the visual and social world of games

with images from our collective cultural

past and everyday lives. His motivation: the

desire to create new ways of bringing people

together in play.

Drawing from a lifetime of experience

playing, making and then programming

games, Mr Benja keeps this motivation

in mind because, as he explains, making

something people can touch forces them to

interact outside of a gaming console; the art

becomes the conduit between reality and the

world of possibility.

Using language and source material from

his past, Mr Benja continues to program

an experience. He uses images and icons

of gaming, ranging from Nintendo’s Super

Mario Bros. and the gaming font of “Pac-

Man” to the crossword puzzles and j

umble/scramble creations that harken back to

the “funny pages” and cartoon section of a

newspaper.

Mr Benja also draws inspiration from the

documented worlds featured in popular

publications such as National Geographic

and Life magazine. He pastes clippings from

their pages in his work because he believes

that incorporating history into his art—

physically including a record of something

that has happened—anchors the composition

in reality.

His creative process involves the assimilation

of visual information, allowing thoughts

and memories to pour out of his mind and

on to a surface or sculpture. In a series he

contributed to the 2012 art show, “Deck the

Halls: a custom skate deck art show” Mr

Benja painted and placed tiny skateboards

in standard picture frames. The series

“Symbols of Life” is defined within acrylic

and magazine-collaged canvases. His most

recent works include wooden heart containers

(symbolic indications of a player’s health and

character longevity in a game) and toy art.

Currently, the toy figures take the form of

statuesque characters that have stepped out

of a make-believe world into ours. These

personality-filled avatars stand 10 inches tall

on platforms made of retired game cartridges.

Collaged in attributes, these metaphoric

statues echo the worlds they represent and

reflect our own.

On creating in San Diego, Mr Benja reflects

that a major benefit is that he doesn’t have to

make art in a particular way. There is room to

experiment in the city without anyone looking

over his shoulder; a “whatever, man” attitude.

written By: soPhia f. MClane PhotoGraPhed By: BenJaMin Johnson desiGned By: Brandie Mata

GaM E oNi N T r o D U C i N G T H e v i D e o G A M e -

i N s P i r e D A r T o F M r B e N J A

artistShowcase

V Is IT MR BENJA’s NExT sHoWCAsE AT GRAFF IT I BEACH SEE EVENT CAlENdAR AT GRAFFIT IBEACH.COm

GB art

This extends to how an artist exhibits his work. For

example, Mr Benja loves the intensity of “one night only”

events like those hosted by Graffiti Beach in San Diego’s

South Park neighborhood. He sees them as opportunities

to create what he calls “poison gas moments,” a desired

and all-consuming reaction by viewers. Mr Benja notes

that there is an amazing freedom in the idea that his art

will be seen for one night only because it gives him a no-

holds-barred permission to experiment. Conceptually, he

can throw the dice.

Of course, there is always thought and preparation to Mr

Benja’s meticulously programmed environment, down to

the careful selection of the music played in the gallery. He

credits seeing the work of street artist Banksy in post-

Katrina New Orleans for teaching him that the setting of

the artwork is as important as the subject. Mr Benja’s art

direction still remains subtle enough that there is room for

viewers to delight in their own personal connections and

assign their own meaning to the work.

Experience his art for yourself. Accept his invitation to

jump in and play.

It’s all a game.

Mr Benja hosts quarterly art shows at Graffiti Beach. For

dates on upcoming shows, visit shopgraffitibeach.com/

pages/event-calendar.

(sKATEBoARd pIECE)GRoW Up ANd sKATE

(UNdERNEATH)syMBoLs oF LIFE: LANGUAGE

(sTATUE)dETACHEd FRoM THE VIoLENCE

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Model Fo Porter had just turned 19 when she appeared on “America’s Next Top Model.”

Like most people beginning their careers just out of high school, Fo had no idea where her

life would take her. She only knew what was in front of her and somehow a reality show

and a modeling career became part of the equation, giving her previously unscripted life

a direction. Now 23, Fo is still in the modeling game and having the time of her life! We

got to know Fo beyond ANTM and, as it turns out, she’s the woman we all wish we could

be—or at least could be friends with! Crazy-fun and refreshingly geeky, Fo shares with us

her life as both a model and a geek girl.

- GeekinG Out With -

Fo Porter

PROFILE

written By: eileen doÑiego de franCe desiGned By: Brandie MataPhotoGraPhed By: luCas PassMore stylist: Blaire BaBYak

Beauty direCtor: giovanna avila hair: soreYa Yann MakeuP: aliana Moss Models: fo Porter froM nous Model ManageMent and JaCk the dog


Q A&

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Graffiti beacH: you Were in antm cycle 12 in 2009. since tHen, you’Ve been in tV sPots and Print camPaiGns. HoW do you feel about tHe PatH you’Ve been on sincetHe sHoW?

fo Porter: I wouldn’t necessarily call it a path but a roller coaster

ride! From growing up in the slums of Albuquerque, NM, living in a

trailer with my mom and little brother, to being flown to Vegas,

NYC, and Brazil for ANTM, I’m experiencing a whole new

world I never even imagined existed! It’s been beautiful.

Gb: WHat’s been your biGGest job since?

fP: I’ve had some really amazing campaigns with print:

Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Nike, Billabong. I’ve even worked

and lived in Cape Town, South Africa, to shoot for Cosmo, Elle

Magazine, and Glamour. But my biggest job wasn’t in print: It’s

a commercial with Lowe’s Hardware that’s still airing. It’s one

thing to see yourself in store windows. But commercials? That’s a

whole other ballpark! Being just a pretty face and resting on your

laurels is half assed and mediocre in LA. If you’ve got the whole

package, there’s no telling what you can achieve!

Gb: HaVe your Goals cHanGed since tHe sHoW?

fP: It’s funny to say “goals.” I had none coming into this. Three months

out of high school, I was a preschool teacher who was trying to find herself.

Once I was offered the spot on ANTM, my life flipped. After ANTM, I

joined Nous Models and that’s when staying true to who I am—being

happy with accomplishments and remembering where I came from–was

the number one goal I had. It’s easy to lose yourself with such power and

vanity. I see girls and dudes lose themselves to competition, the pressure

to be perfect, and jealousy. That’s something from day one I told

myself I would never do.

Gb: HoW Would you say you’Ve GroWn as a model and a Person since 2009?

fP: Pshhhh!! I’m a completely different person from the

girl the audience watched every week on ANTM. I’m

stronger with criticism, more independent, and I know

what and who I want to be in life:

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PROFILEdRUM CyMBAL NECKLACE CHImE $72 RINGs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $10 - $20 BRACELETs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $24 CIRCUIT BoARd sTUds mARA SAXER $20 oNE-pIECE sUIT KOVEY $130 UpCyCLEd dENIM sHoRTs SHEGREETSTHEdAY $49 HAT STYlIST’S OwN

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RECoRds TEE mNKR $28 dRUM CyMBAL NECKLACEs CHImE $56 - $64


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simply happy. I remember my first shoot after

ANTM and how scared and driven to please I

was. Now I find myself pairing with young girls

at their first shoot, working with them in a way

that I had wished a fellow model had worked

with me. I pass it on because I know they’re

probably just as scared as I was on that first

shoot. I’d like to think I have a good strong head

on my shoulders. I know what’s good and what

a “no-no” is now. As I progress, I’ll develop and

flourish. There’s no telling where I’ll go!

Gb: WHat adVice can you GiVe asPirinG models WHo WisH to be on antm?

fP: When it all comes down to it, it’s still reality

TV. It’s over the top and nothing like the real

industry. In some aspects, it teaches you to take

harsh criticism, how to use your face and body, and

it’s one hell of a good time! A great crash course

for someone who’s never modeled. I’m extremely

thankful for where it’s taken me. But once the

real world hits and you want to be a true model,

then do like the rest and submit yourself to actual

agencies all over the world. You don’t need ANTM

to tell you, “Yes, you are a model!” If you believe

in yourself enough to submit to ANTM, then you

sure as hell can take your beautiful self to any

agency and do it all on your own. I’ve lost jobs just

for being on ANTM. Some clients want fresh faces

not “so-and-so from ANTM.” Sometimes clients

like the idea. It all just depends on who you’re

working with.

Gb: i cHecked out your sHoot WitH Graffiti beacH. you seemed to HaVe a lot of fun! a certain enerGy and sPunk comes across in your Work. HoW imPortant is it for your oWn Personality to sHine tHrouGH your Work?

fP: That’s 85% of how I book my jobs and

commercials. I’m not the skinniest model around

by any means, but when you have personality,

clients could care less. They want you for you!

With Graffiti Beach, I had a blast doing what I do

best: being a geek and letting it shine!

Gb: WHo are tHe most imPortant PeoPle in your life?

fP: First, my boyfriend Nico. He’s helped me

overcome some inner demons in work and life. I

have a tendency to beat myself up sometimes when

I feel I could’ve done better. He keeps me believing

in myself and is all the family I have in Los Angeles

I admire him and his strengths. I would be honored

to be his wife someday.

And, of course, my mama. She’s my best friend and

soul mate. I love her for raising me and my three

brothers on her own, for the independence that

comes along with that, and for her unconditional

love for anything and anyone. She’s so gentle and

has struggled so much to make sure we had the

best of everything even when she couldn’t afford

it. She raised me to have a big heart and to never

judge. I confide in her, telling her everything

from how stressful life gets to my sex life. There’s

nothing I couldn’t tell her. She’s the most beautiful

being I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Gb: i knoW you HaVe a suPer cute doG, jack, tHat made an aPPearance on tHe PHoto sHoot. HaVe you alWays been adoG loVer?

fP: Yes and no. Jack is my boyfriend’s dog who I

adopted. My “Jacky Boy.” I love him to death! But

I love, love cats! So independent and not needy!

I grew up with cats so it’s in

my blood. I feel if you don’t

like cats because they’re

not like dogs,

then you don’t

like independent

women

and that’s

me all the

way!

PROFILE

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Ahhh!


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PROFILETEEs mNKR $28 - $34 LEGGINGs lEG CANdY $30 sHoEs T.u.K. $75 - $105

ACCEssoRIEs: (LEFT) sKATEBoARd JEWELRy muKEE $26 EACH pIECE (MIddLE) dRUM CyMBAL NECKLACEs CHImE $56 - $64 (RIGHT) CRoss EARRINGs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $18 CoLLAR NECKLACE ARdENT REVERIE $48

GB profile

Gb: HoW Would you describe your Personal fasHion sense?

fP: Geeky. My everyday attire consists of

comic tees, comfy leggings, boots, a beret, and

some hoop earrings. I like to keep it simple

and cute. When I go out, I love to clean up

well and shock the hell out of people! I’m all

about that one signature conversation piece,

whether it be my shoes or an elegant dress,

something vintage or whatever to feel and

look stunning. That’s what women are all

about and look forward to on date night!

Gb: WHat are some of tHe staPle items in your closet tHat you cannot liVe WitHout?

fP: My Dr. Martens 14-

hole boots. I was lucky

enough to receive a dope

pair of T.U.K. boots from

the Graffiti Beach shoot

that I wear everyday

now! My black beret, my

Wolverine X-Men tee,

and my See You Monday skeleton leggings.

Gb: you Were asked to brinG in some items tHat you Would like to Wear on tHe sHoot. you brouGHt in an x-men sHirt. WHo’s your faVorite cHaracter?

fP: Ororo Munroe, aka Storm. Nico and I just

rescued a little doggy off the street. She’s black

as night and a badass bitch—no pun intended—

so we went with “Ororo” or “Oro” for short!

Gb: so Would you call yourself a closet Geek? are tHere otHer comics, moVies, or subjects you Geek out oVer?

fP: I’m a flaming geek. There’s no “in the

closet” here! I’m a sucker for “Star Wars”

and pretty much any comic. Yet X-Men is my

favorite! I also geek out over “The Walking

Dead” graphic novels and TV show, so much

to the point where my BF and I quiz each other

on what we would do if a zombie apocalypse

hit the human race. We have this e-card that

we laugh about that states: “Before you marry

someone, ask yourself, ‘Will they be a good

killing partner during the zombie apocalypse?’”

Gb: if you could star in a major blockbuster suPerHero moVie, WHo Would you Want to be?

fP: I want to be a Jedi

who can fly. Jedi Fo

would be the character’s

name!

Gb: WHat are some must-sees at comic-con?

fP: Anything and

everything! There’s no

way I would be able

to point out a few things to check out. If you

have an interest in comics, the San Diego

Comic-Con has to be on the bucket list! The

fancy schmancy folks have their art museums

and cathedrals. I have Comic-Con!

Gb: Graffiti beacH Has a fondness for street art. WHat’s your oPinion on street art? do you HaVe a faVorite artist or street art location?

fP: There’s a mural [in LA] on La Brea just

north of San Vicente that I’ve admired for years

now that changes every three or four months.

The one thing I cannot stand, though, is the

“I’m A sucker for ‘stAr WArs’

And pretty much Any comIc. yet X-men Is my fAvorIte!”


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PROFILE

pshhh...pshhh...

BIKE CHAIN NECKLACE BEATRICE HOlIdAY $24 TIRE CUFF BEATRICE HOlIdAY $24 RINGs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $10 - $20 CIRCUIT BoARd sTUds mARA SAXER $17

TEE, VEsT & LEGGINGs ModEL’s oWN

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I want to

be a Jedi

who can fly.

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PROFILE

ghetto gang bombing. It’s hideous and it’s just a group

of people with huge egos trying to prove they can “rep

their set” in our communities when, in retrospect, it’s

a waste of spray paint.

Gb: HaVe you tried to create your oWn

street art?

fP: When I was in high school, I used to “bomb” this

Gwen Stefani profile stencil I made. They didn’t last

very long, but I think one of them is still up in my

hometown! If I had the supplies and skill, I sure would

make some sick art to contribute.

Gb: since moVinG to los anGeles, WHere’s your

faVorite Place to Grab a Quick bite to eat?

fP: Bloom Cafe on Pico. The best organic restaurant

ever! I sometimes just go for the Wi-Fi and the

great coffee.

Gb: faVorite underrated Place to dance/listen

to Great music?

fP: I love Harvard and Stone on a Friday or Saturday.

It’s a really cool whiskey bar that has some amazing

bands that play.

Gb: faVorite Place to unWind?

fP: The Silver Lake Reservoir. It’s a great place to get

some fresh air, go on a walk, and relax. Not to mention

there’s a really awesome dog park, too!

Gb: last but not least, WHat is a fetisH of yours tHat readers may not knoW about you?

fP: I am a total comic and “Star Wars” fan. I collect

original action figures and posters. Every time I whip

out my wallet or cell phone, both decked out in “Star

Wars” gear, I always get the “You like ‘Star Wars’?”

look. I guess being a model and being obsessed with

“Star Wars” and comics is rare. At the end of the stare

down of disbelief, I get quizzed on all my “Star Wars”

and comic knowledge and I live up to my geeky title.

(LEFT) BIKE Body CHAIN BEATRICE HOlIdAY $180 sKATEBoARd EARRINGs muKEE $26 BooTs T.u.K. $90 dREss sTyLIsT’s oWN (RIGHT) CRoss EARRINGs PAPER BIRd CREATIONS $18 CoLLAR NECKLACE ARdENT REVERIE $48 TEE mNKR $34 LEGGINGs lEG CANdY $30

THE STAND-APART PHILOSOPHIES BEHIND SKATE-INSPIRED BRANDS MUKEE DESIGN AND THE CONTINUOUS LINE

(LEFT) TANK JEdIdIAH sKATEBoARd JEWELRy muKEE sHoRTs SHEGREETSTHEdAY WATCH RAdAR

(MIddLE) TEE CONTINuOuS WATCH SwAE sKATEBoARd BELT BUCKLE muKEE (RIGHT) TEE CONTINuOuSsKATEBoARd BELT BUCKLE muKEE

written By: eMMa MiChaelson PhotoGraPhy: JaMes lee Wall stylist: saMia lavenant hair & MakeuP: andreia hurleY

Photo assistant: riCardo Cuevas desiGned By: rhoel Paghunasan


I had an early lust for streetwear. A desire to stand out at a young age was

only further inspired by my older brother and his decade-long obsession with

skateboarding. Call it a phase or my way of trying to fit in with a crowd that I

clearly didn’t belong to, but I began to dress the part of a sponsored rider.

The market at that time was mostly tailored for men, so the lines that carried

women’s clothing were generally picked over and maintained a rather basic fitted

selection. I didn’t let my lack of choices deter me from belonging to this culture,

though. I worked with what I had and borrowed the rest of my attire from my

brother’s wardrobe.

My favorite piece of clothing was my brother’s pants—can you believe those were

actually marketable? They were so ridiculously enormous that I’m not even sure

how my brother was able to successfully ride his skateboard while wearing them.

At the time, I was pretty self-conscious but I felt so cool wearing those pants. I felt

like I was expressing myself in a way that wasn’t emotionally exhausting for

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Fashion has always been about self-expression. Some

of the most innovative trends have stemmed from

an attitude of wanting to break the mold and push

boundaries. Recently, though, the most replicated and

sought-after trends reflect a more carefree and active

form of self-expression.

Skateboarding, while once a more underground

culture, has noticeably influenced the designs of both

men’s and women’s apparel. Designers are looking

for more ways to incorporate the philosophy of active

self-expression into their lines, and some of the most

innovative of these minds are just beginning to make

their marks. Two such up-and-coming brands—Mukee

Design and The Continuous Line—have successfully

weaved the ingenuity of fashion with the art of living

an active lifestyle, specifically through the medium of

skateboarding.

Whereas Derek Keenan, founder and creative mind

behind Mukee, began using broken skateboards as the

centerpieces of his designs as a way of recycling and

reusing previously purposed material, The Continuous

Line got its start with a metaphorical version of

recycling by marketing a line that reflects a lifestyle co-

owners Jessie Castro, Gail Gonzales, Mike Gonzales

and Erwin Abcede once belonged to.

sKATEBoARdER

TYlER AGHAS

sAN dIEGo, CA

GB fashion

The people who live and breathe these sports are all about being an individual...”Kim woozyFoUNdER oF MAHFIA

“

The winding unbroken line used as the brand for

Continuous reflects the owners’ philosophy and the

way they found their footing. “It was about finding

a connection where these people and how they live

validate that [continuous image],” says Castro.

Both Mukee and The Continuous Line believe in

actively pursuing and living in the present, and that

perspective is manifested in each of their designs.

“Being present in the moment is important to me,”

confirms Keenan when asked about his brand’s mantra.

“All these pieces have a past life because they were cut

from what used to be a skateboard. You can see all the

scratches that tell a story from that life, but now that

wear gives each piece its own unique character in its

present form.”

The art of skateboarding is undoubtedly centralized

around the idea of presence: riders must remain

focused with what they are doing at that time. Tyler

Aghas, Tyriece Bovain and AmeeJay Papelera are

all riders for Continuous and their styles mirror

this concept.

“I don’t really even consider it a style,” Aghas says.

“I’d say it’s whatever I feel like I’m most comfortable

wearing and skating in.”

(ABoVE) TEE CONTINuOuS(LEFT) HAT YEllOw 108

TEE CONTINuOuSsKATEBoARd BELT BUCKLE muKEEWATCH SwAE

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Continuous is all about never giving up and continuing to persevere.”

“

sKATEBoARdER

AmEEJAY PAPElERA

LAKEWood, CA

(LEFT) sWEATsHIRT CONTINuOuS opposITE pAGE(LEFT) sKATEBoARd JEWELRy muKEE TANK JEdIdIAH(RIGHT) sHoEs KANdAlS

GB fashion

When I asked them about how they’ve seen

skateboarding influence fashion, the response was

pretty unanimous: the lifestyle has become more

popular and more people are beginning to replicate the

carefree style in response.

“So many different types of people are becoming

interested in it,” Bovain says of skateboarding’s impact

on the fashion industry. “They are mixing their styles

with skateboarding and coming up with new ideas for

fashion all the time.”

Kim Woozy, founder of a crew of professional female

athletes, artists and action sports influencers known

as MAHFIA, has also witnessed how the culture of

action sports is influencing the fashion industry.

“The people who live and breathe these sports are all

about being an individual and expressing themselves

on and off their board,” explains Woozy. “Everything

from the way we dress to the music we listen to is

unique and different than the general mainstream.

Action sports are driven by non-conformity; there are

no rules to how to ride your board, which means there

are also no rules on how to dress. Skateboarders like

being individuals and embrace being different which I

think can translate to setting trends, not because they

aim to but because they stand out from the crowd.

Authentic trendsetters don’t set out to be trendsetters.

They just do what they do because they feel like it and

that’s exactly what action sports culture is about.”

Mukee and The Continuous Line consistently impart

this sentiment into their brands with the way they

draw from a culture that wants to stand apart. Their

designs are original and innately constructed to appeal

to a way of life, not a specific demographic.

Many challenges that a brand faces are maintaining a

connection with the culture they are marketing for. “It’s

a constant soul search for how you can adapt and react

to the market and still stay relevant,” Castro reveals. ISS

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sKATEBoARdER

TYRIECE BOVAIN

sAN dIEGo, CA

GB fashion

Yet both Mukee and Continuous share a sense of

perseverance that pushes them forward. “For years I’ve

been selling directly to my customers, so I’ve had tons

of feedback and I’ve learned what shapes women are

looking for,” Keenan says on one way he maintains

relevancy. “People have all kinds of ideas about what

goes best with their sort of face, so I try and have

something for everyone.”

“Continuous is all about never giving up and

continuing to persevere,” says Papelera about her

relationship with the brand. “For me personally,

the Continuous slogan is inspirational and helps

me mentally to never give up when I am in doubt of

myself. I just continue to move forward and believe

in myself.”

Looking back, I finally understand what those

elephant pants meant to me. Much like the stories

behind Mukee and Continuous, I didn’t have to

conform to a specific style and I didn’t necessarily have

to understand or know how to ride a skateboard to be

a part of the culture. The elephant pants represented

more than a desire to fit in with my brother or a way

to stand apart from the crowd. They symbolized a

lifestyle that encouraged me to express myself in a way

that seemed limitless. IS

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GBfashionTEEs CONTINuOuS

WATCHEs SwAE sKATEBoARd BELT BUCKLEs muKEE HAT YEllOw 108 BUTToN Up JEdIdIAH

ARTIsT: HENSE pHoToGRApHER: mIGuEl “m.i.G.” mARTINEz / mIGmARTINEz.COm INsTALLATIoN: wASHINGTON, dC INFo: PRIVATE COmmISSION, PAINTEd wITH HOuSE PAINT ANd AEROSOl

GB street art

//

Street art is visual art, either sanctioned or guerrilla, developed in public

spaces. This breed of artistry creates artwork in traditionally non-art contexts.

Street artists don’t aspire to change the definition of pre-existing environments

but rather to question the existing environment within its own language. In

doing so, these artists soon find their exhibitionistic tendencies reinforced by

the large scale audience of voyeurs that flock to their work in a complicated

but highly rewarding union.

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ARTI S S U E

A S T H E M E D I A U S E D I N U R B A N A R T E V O LV E S , S O D O E S S O C I E T Y ’ S P E R C E P T I O N O F T H E G E N R E

written By: erik Cardona and Melanie MiChaud desiGned By: Brandie Mata

STREET aRTaround the globe

unconventional

The marriage makes sense. As a society, we like to

watch. We like to be watched: Look up “Harlem

Shake” on YouTube. However, a street artist’s

medium is bolder than a 30-second video satirizing

a Baauer song with a misinterpretation of a dance

from the 1980s. Their canvas isn’t confined to a

museum of arts. Instead, they use urban landscapes

and living, breathing parts of our world as the

backdrop for their creations. It’s in our face, in front

of our nose and right over our heads. They layer

their artistry on top of structures, creating while

appropriating, rarely bothering to ask permission

for their public displays. This avant-garde method

of creation fuels the fire ablaze for street artists: the

danger, the thrill, the rush, the

high-risk, high-reward, not-

for-everyone philosophy. Other

artists prefer the solace and

friendly confines of a studio.

Private, personal, controlled. But

street artists are different. They

aren’t wooed by the thumbs-up

of a teacher, a parent or an art

curator. They want the eyes of

the world on their creations.

At its start, street art was far more

underground and controversial.

Graffiti in the form of obscenities and spray-painted

genitals are easy to quantify as anti-social behavior. But

what happens when the same wall is spray-painted with

an innocent child floating aimlessly into the sky on the

heels of several helium balloons? Yes, it’s spray paint

on a wall, but it’s also pleasant, attractive, thought-

provoking. In fact, the wall looks better than it did

before its “defacing.” The allure of the genre was the

challenge of breaking the law without upsetting anyone

too much for doing so and the talent and reputation

of a street artist was often measured by the reluctance

of public officials to paint over it. A combination of

talent, wit and moxie to waltz across the tightrope of

legality, to shape shift between criminal and creator,

between social hero and social scum, transformed these

community vandals into Robin Hoods.

Such is the appeal of Alex Brewer. An Atlanta-based

street artist better known as HENSE, Brewer began

working in the street art field in the early ‘90s. His

notoriety surged alongside street art’s skyrocketing

popularity and he left his mark across the United

States and as far abroad as Spain, Japan and Mexico.

He has hosted street art exhibitions professionally

and has scores of working credits with various

industry giants including Adidas, Toyota and Sprite.

But before HENSE’s fame and social acceptance,

there were late night sessions where nothing existed

but the overpass, the old building, the railroad car

and the vigilant moonlight above. It was in these

times that HENSE brought to life the passion that

flooded his veins. The illogic of

wanting to be seen but having

to hide in the shadows gave way

to the large scale reward of an

entire building shape-shifted by

sheer imagination and steadfast

will. Even HENSE could hardly

wrap his head around the

magnitude of the footprint he

was able to leave by coloring

outside the lines.

Ted Elmore, a reporter from

RVA News in Richmond,

VA, captured HENSE’s work best. “The works

that result from this unfolding do not serve as

an interpretation, but rather as a presentation—

an unconditional gift, an invitation with no

destination,” Elmore is quoted to say on HENSE’S

website, hensethename.com. “HENSE’S manic

marks, scribbles, drips and splashes produce an

agitated tangle of shapes, symbols and figures that

offer the viewer a unique and strangely peaceful

platform for the eyes and mind. His slick stylizing

may send observers on a roller coaster ride of

emotions, perturbed to peaceful, angry to inspired,

always travelling at the command of the individual’s

own subconscious collection of experiences.”

“a unique and strangely peaceful platform for the eyes and mind...”

GB street art//

H e N s e spECIALTy: LARGE-sCALE MURALs

BAsEd: ATLANTA, GA HENsETHENAME.CoM

ARTIsT: HENSE pHoToGRApHER: mIGuEl “m.i.G.” mARTINEz / mIGmARTINEz.COm INsTALLATIoN: wASHINGTON, dC INFo: PRIVATE COmmISSION, PAINTEd wITH HOuSE PAINT ANd AEROSOl

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ARTI S S U E

Another interesting aspect to the street art movement

is the tools behind the artistry and the role of public

perception behind the movement’s growth. There

was a time when street art was perceived as nothing

more than glorified graffiti. Perhaps the origin of

such thought came from the rogue, renegade style

portrayed by street artists in the genre’s earlier

stages, when the hooded misanthrope snuck out to

do his devious deeds by the cover of dark sky. At

that time, a spray can wasn’t necessarily the tool

of choice but one of necessity as these antiheroes

raced against the clock and exposure from the

morning sun, hustling to finish their effort before

daybreak broke their cover. But as the street art

movement grew, so did its comprehension. Now,

street art is not only valued, hanging next to Monets

and Rembrandts in some of the most renowned

museums worldwide, but in most places it’s legal

and sanctioned. With time on their side and the

law off their back, the field is wide open for artists’

imaginations to blister in the sun. And what once

was a game that extended no further than Krylon

is inundated by a bevy of creative media including

LED art, mosaic tiling, murals, stencil art, sticker

art, origami wall art, wheat pasting, wood blocking,

floating umbrella art and yarn bombing.

GB street art

ARTI S S U E

M A D e M o i s e l l e M A U r i C e spECIALTy: oRIGAMI ART BAsEd: pARIs, FRANCE MAdEMoIsELLEMAURICE.CoM

(LEFT) ARTIsT: mAdEmOISEllE mAuRICE INsTALLATIoN: PARIS, FRANCE INFo: SPECTRum SERIES FEATuRING ORIGAmI STREET ART(RIGHT) ARTIsT: mAdEmOISEllE mAuRICE INsTALLATIoN: PARIS, FRANCE INFo: SPECTRum HEXAGON FEATuRING ORIGAmI STREET ART

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//

GB street art

(LEFT) ARTIsT: mAdEmOISEllE mAuRICE INsTALLATIoN: PARIS, FRANCE INFo: SPECTRum HEXAGON FEATuRING ORIGAmI STREET ART(RIGHT) ARTIsT: mAdEmOISEllE mAuRICE INsTALLATIoN: lYONS, FRANCE INFo: lYONNAISE SmAll INSTAllATIONS FEATuRING ORIGAmI STREET ART

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With street art becoming more alive and present to the world around

us, the schism between human beings and their environment has new

opportunity to mend. Mademoiselle Maurice, a 28-year-old Paris-based

artist, echoes this sentiment through her street art exhibits. An origami

specialist, Mademoiselle Maurice seeks out the open air confines of the

street for some of her more provocative pieces. The extended freedom

allows her creativity to blossom far beyond the quaint quarters of her

small studio workplace. Using a myriad of contrasting colors opposite

dull, stagnant structural city pieces, Mademoiselle Maurice draws her

audience into a world overlooked. By blending beauty and drear, she

strengthens the link between nature and the individuals who form the

human network we frequent every day.

ARTI S S U E

ARTIsT: STEPHEN duNEIER INsTALLATIoN: SANTA BARBARA, CA INFo: YARN BOmB FOR A NEw YEAR’S RESOluTION

s T e P H e N D U N e i e r spECIALTy: yARN BoMBING

BAsEd: sANTA BARBARA, CA 12FoR2012.WoRdpREss.CoM

GB street art

Street art’s public stage is

also a powerful platform

for community outreach. In

June 2012, Stephen Duneier

showed us how to transform

yarn bombing into a message

to be heard on high. Together

with other yarn bombers,

Duneier, who also happens

to be the founding partner of

an investment firm based in

Santa Barbara, CA, hiked up

Santa Barbara’s Cold Spring

Trail to the most popular

eucalyptus tree in Southern

California. Once there, his

team meticulously wrapped

the arbor attraction from

base to branch in a rainbow-

colored medley of yarn

that would make a J.Crew

sweater model jealous. The

eucalyptus tree-turned-

fashionista became an instant

beacon for the beauty of the

Santa Barbara trails and the

concept of enjoying art for

art’s sake, all while drawing

attention to what Duneier

called “the benefits of a

purely analog activity in a

digital world.”

ARTIsT: mARCY KRAFT AKA CROCHET GRENAdE pHoToGRApHER: CORRINNE BOllENdORF / CORRINNEBOllENdORF.COm INsTALLATIoN: GRAFFITI BEACH – 2220 FERN ST., SAN dIEGO CA INFo: YARN BOmB RAISING AwARENESS ABOuT THE lAuNCH OF THIS ISSuE

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ARTI S S U E

C r o C H e T G r e N A D e spECIALTy: yARN BoMBING

BAsEd: sAN dIEGo, CA FACEBooK.CoM/CRoCHETGRENAdE

With great opportunity comes even greater responsibility. Street artists may

not be superheroes but they do voice social issues that would otherwise

be more comfortably swept under a politically-safe rug. But their method

isn’t to simply point out the elephant in the room, stomping, hooting

and dropping land mines all over the carpet (see Banksy’s “Elephant in

the Room”). It’s to ride it. Bareback. One in particular, Marcy Kraft aka

Crochet Grenade, rides for Graffiti Beach. Kraft, a San Diego local and

stand out street artist, exploded onto the scene after her brilliant exposé

at the Westfield Mission Valley Yarn Bomb Project. What started as a

simple invitation for Kraft to share her gift with summer shoppers quickly

morphed into an international campaign of yarn bombing. Enamored

by Kraft’s talent and ingenuity, various artists from around the world

contributed pieces to help Kraft complete her vision. In March 2013, she

also bombed Graffiti Beach’s brick-and-mortar store in San Diego with an

array of knitted colors, patterns and designs. She made the storefront a

little easier on the eyes, helping raise awareness of Graffiti Beach’s mission

to put the power of design and creativity back in the artist’s hands.

GB street art

ARTIsT: muNICIPAlITY OF ÁGuEdA pHoToGRApHER: PATRíCIA AlmEIdA / FlICKR.COm/PHOTOS/VENTO-NA-PRAIA INsTALLATIoN: ÁGuEdA, PORTuGAl

M U N i C i PA l i T y o F Á G U e D A pLACE: ÁGUEdA, poRTUGAL

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ARTI S S U E

To call a street artist complex is to severely understate

the obvious. They fearlessly toe the line between social

acceptance and persecution. They thumb their nose at

conventional jurisprudence, vacillating between legal

and criminal behavior. When you experience their art

with your mind and body racing from their maverick

storytelling, you hesitate defensively, experiencing the

natural wave of fear one takes on when presumptions

are challenged. But rather than turn away, you venture

further into the water, excited to see and experience more.

On pages 124-133, you will see some of the artists

Graffiti Beach feels are using the most unconventional

ways to translate what street art is today. While this is

only a handful of artists, we hope that after reading this

article and seeing the new art world that is out there, you

will embrace street art and explore what these amazing

artists have to offer.

//

s U z A N N e T i D W e l l spECIALTy: yARN BoMBING

BAsEd: sEATTLE, WA sUZANNETIdWELL.CoM

ARTIsT: SuzANNE TIdwEll pHoToGRApHER: KATYA PAllAdINA INsTALLATIoN: REdmONd, wA INFo: IN CElEBRATION OF THE CITY OF REdmONd’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY, SuzANNE wAS INVITEd TO YARN BOmB THE HISTORIC ANdERSON PARK

GB street art

ARTIsT: KEllY GOEllER pHoToGRApHER: KEllY GOEllER / KEllOTRON.COm INsTALLATIoN: NYC INFo: PIXEl POuR ORIGINAl wAS INSTAllEd APRIl 2008 ON 9TH ST. ANd 2Nd AVE. IN NYC

K e l ly G o e l l e r spECIALTy: INsTALLATIoN ART

BAsEd: BRooKLyN, Ny KELLoTRoN.CoM

ARTIsT: KEllY GOEllER pHoToGRApHER: BENJAmIN NORmAN / BENJAmINNORmAN.COm INsTALLATIoN: NYC INFo: PIXEl POuR 2.0 wAS INSTAllEd ON mERCER ST. ANd HOwARd IN NYC

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ARTI S S U E

ARTIsT: mARTIN HEuwOld AKA mEGX pHoToGRApHER: ROlF dEllENBuSCH INsTALLATIoN: wuPPERTAl, GERmANY INFo: COlOREd PANElS THAT SPRAwl ACROSS APPROX. 250 SQuARE mETERS ON A BRIdGE TO mImIC lEGOS

M e G X spECIALTy: LARGE-sCALE sTREET ART

BAsEd: sCHWEsTERsTRAssE WUppERTAL, GERMANy MEGx.dE

GB street art

l e o N K e e r spECIALTy: 3d sTREET ART

BAsEd: UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANds sTREETpAINTING3d.CoM

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ARTI S S U E

(LEFT) ARTIsT: lEON KEER pHoToGRApHER: lEON KEER INsTALLATIoN: SwEdEN INFo: 3d STREET PAINTING AT wAY OuT wEST FESTIVAl IN SwEdEN

(ABoVE)ARTIsT: lEON KEER pHoToGRApHER: lEON KEER INsTALLATIoN: VENlO, THE NETHERlANdS INFo: 3d STREET PAINTING INSPIREd BY THE VIdEO GAmE PAC-mAN

//

ARTIsT: PAIGE SmITH INsTALLATIoN: lOS ANGElES, CA INFo: GEOdE STREET ART mAdE AS A 2d PlATFORm uSING PAPER ANd RESIN

GB street artPA i G e s M i T H spECIALTy: GEodE GRAFFITI

BAsEd: Los ANGELEs, CA ACoMMoNNAME.CoM

ARTIsT: dIHzAHYNERS pHoToGRApHERs: NAdIm KAmEl + dIHzAHYNERS INsTALLATIoN: BEIRuT, lEBANON INFo: STAIR ART FROm THE PAINT uP SERIES AImEd AT mAKING BEIRuT BRIGHTER ANd mORE BEAuTIFul, THROuGH COlOR

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ARTI S S U E

D i H z A H y N e r s spECIALTy: sTAIR ART

BAsEd: BEIRUT, LEBANoN dIHZAHyNERs.TUMBLR.CoM

GB street art

ARTIsT: ANNA GARFORTH INsTALLATIoN: lONdON INFo: A mOSS GRAFFITI PROCESS CREATEd BY ANNA SEARCHING FOR HIddEN, wIld SPACES AROuNd lONdON

(RIGHT ANd LoWER) ARTIsT: ANNA GARFORTH INsTALLATIoN: lONdON INFo: COmmISSIONEd INSTAllATION FOR THE lONdON FESTIVAl OF ARCHITECTuRE IN wHICH PAGES OF THE YEllOw PAGES ARE FOldEd ANd AdORNEd TO A STEEl wAll ON wICKlOw ST.

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ARTI S S U E

A N N A G A r F o r T H spECIALTy: INsTALLATIoN ART

BAsEd: EAsT LoNdoN ANNAGARFoRTH.Co.UK

Invader, Shepard Fairey, Os Gêmeos: These are just a few

of the internationally known street artists showcasing their

work on structures in San Diego. Their pieces can be seen in

Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and Little Italy; in

the neighborhoods of Normal Heights, North Park and South

Park; and even in La Jolla.

To understand why they’ve chosen to become a part of San

Diego’s diverse urban art landscape, one must first look back

a little more than 30 years ago. The 1980s are often regarded

as the decade San Diego’s street art movement began to take

shape. Whether it was the NO ART stencil of a Palomar College

art and photography student known as Saint Marko or the

colorful lettering and characters of graffiti writers (and kings)

like Quasar, Sake, Zodak and Dyse, it was equal parts talent

and rebelliousness that made the everyday business owner,

and occasional city official, pay attention to the voices of these

pioneers. Over time, that attention morphed into appreciation

and an understanding that these artists were doing something

positive, something that could enhance the city, and if given the

avenue to bring their art from the underground to the light of

day, these artists wouldn’t disappoint.

Maintaining the stage set by such legends are San Diego artists

Persue, whose mentorship by Quasar during the 1980s helped

him establish a style and an aesthetic that would heavily

influence the skateboarding industry in the 1990s; Gloria

“Glow” Muriel, whose solo pieces and collaborations with

renowned artists including Persue inject a feminine fluidity and

a holistic emotional power to the San Diego street art scene;

and Monty Montgomery and Jason Feather of KREASHUN,

whose work over the past three years has consistently taken

center stage at a variety of design and fashion events, including

PROJECT MVMNT and POOLTRADESHOW of the fashion

trade show giant MAGIC.

Persue, Glow and KREASHUN represent a small sample of

the talented artists in San Diego today, inspiring those who

visit and live in America’s Finest City to look beyond the

purpose of a wall as a boundary maker and consider the

murals on it as boundary breakers. Unlike a gallery, there are

no rules to view art in the street, no timeframe, no need for

hushed tones. Their art is simply there to shake us, confuse us,

make us smile, make us wonder, and make us feel.

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PACIFIC BEACH

MISSION VALLEY

SERRA MESA

NORMAL HEIGHTS

NORTH PARK

SOUTH PARK

OCEAN BEACH

SAN DIEGO

MISSION HILLS

POINT LOMA

THE FRENCH GOURMET960 Turquoise StSan Diego, CA 92109

Exterior mural by Glow

THRUSTERS LOUNGE4633 Mission BlvdSan Diego, CA 92109

Exterior mural by KREASHUN

1202 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101

2nd story exterior mural by Shepard Fairey on north wall of parking structure

G St & 3rd Ave San Diego, CA 92101

(1) Exterior mural by Os Gemeos on south wall of Horton Plaza parking structure.(2) Exterior mural by Chor Boogie located on level 7 of the Horton Plaza parking structure

VIN DE SYRAH SPIRIT & WINE PARLOR901 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92101

Exterior stairwell by KREASHUN

HART LOUNGE734 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101

Exterior mural by Persue, Monstrinho and Glow

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1250 G StSan Diego, CA 92101

2nd story exterior mosaic by Invader on the back of The Art Center building

HIVE241241 14th St San Diego, CA 92101

Exterior mural by Mike Maxwell

K St & 16th St San Diego, CA 92101

Exterior mural by Sake on the short wall behind Undisputed Downtown

BLACK ANVIL TATTOO SHOP3439 Adams AveSan Diego, CA 92116

Exterior stencil art on east-facing wall, unknown artist

VISUAL ART SUPPLY3524 Adams AveSan Diego, CA 92116

Exterior mural by various artists on west-facing wall

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3539 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Exterior mural by various artists, including Glow, Isaias Crow, Topaz and Infer; starting on east wall facing Wilson Ave and continuing behind Mega Dollar

ANIMAL HOUSE PET STORE2726 University AveSan Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Dabs Myla and PJ on west-facing wall

WANG'S NORTH PARK3029 University AveSan Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Mad Steez on west-facing wall

HOUSE OF HAIR3074 University AveSan Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Persue, Rime and Dabs Myla on west-facing wall of House of Hair in Grim Ave alley

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ARTWORK BY PERSUE

ARTWORK BY KREASHUN

ARTWORK BY GLOW

STREET ART

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CIRELLO GALLERY3803 Ray St San Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Glow and Maxx Moses on south-facing wall

30th St & Gunn St San Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Maxx Moses, Glow, KREASHUN and others

2202 30th St San Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Shepard Fairey on north-facing wall

2219 Fern St San Diego, CA 92104

Exterior mural by Persue, Reyes and Steel on north-facing wall

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S T R E E T A R T I S T M A P ARTI S S U E

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ART IsT: PERSuE WEBsITE : I TSBuNNYKITTY.BlOGSPOT.COminfo

LoCATIoN: BAy AREA, CApHoToGRApHER: ALLI BAUTIsTA

GB street artGB street art

If you’ve walked or driven south on Fern

Street just past the Juniper Street intersection

in San Diego, you may have spotted her: a

gray cat with green eyes and thick eyelashes

dressed in a white bunny jumpsuit. She’s lying

in a field awash in a colorful haze through

which steely graffiti letters pop out. You may

not be able to read what’s written, but she’s as

clear as day.

Her name is Bunny Kitty and her maker is

Dave Persue.

Persue (pronounced “per-sway”) helped set the

scene in San Diego for the purist form of street

art: graffiti. Introduced to the art through

San Diego’s Filipino hip-hop community,

he started painting decades before the

documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop”

turned the masses on to graffiti, back in 1988

when store owners were prone to view spray

painted lettering as a blight on property. And,

oh yeah: He hails from a planned community

in San Diego’s North County.

“I was raised in Rancho Bernardo of all

places,” Persue says.

The middle child in a group of six, Persue was

mostly raised by his mother and grandmother.

His interest in art was encouraged from the

T H E P U R I S T : D A V E P E R S U E

#19 oN sTREET ART MAp LoCATIoN: sAN dIEGo, CA (soUTH pARK) CoLLABoRATIoN: pERsUE, REyEs, sTEEL

ARTI S S U E

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GB street art

onset because being a creative professional ran in

the family. A late uncle was a fine artist and portrait

painter knighted in Austria whose work showed

at the Smithsonian. Another uncle was Frank

Satenstein, director of the American TV classic

“The Honeymooners.”

“My mom likes to tell this story of a teacher telling

me to stop drawing on my homework,” he says. “It

affected me to where I stopped drawing all together.

When I told her why I stopped, she was outraged.

So she told the teacher what type of family I came

from and if I felt like drawing on my homework, as

long as the homework was done, then it shouldn’t

bother her. I didn’t have any problems after that.”

At 17, Persue began taking bus trips into the urban

parts of San Diego to meet up with a graffiti writer

ARTI S S U E

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called Peng and (illegally) paint walls in places

dubbed Euclid Pits and TDK yard. Eventually,

Persue’s talent began to precede him.

“Peng showed me techniques that I applied to

my painting,” he explains. “Then, the kings at

the time saw that some guy called ‘Persue’ was

doing these really interesting paintings. So, they

started calling me at my grandmother’s place—

there was no internet or mobile phones then—

and they’d be all, ‘Wanna hang out?’”

From there, he was mentored by Quasar. “He’s

probably one of the most important graffiti

artists in San Diego history and I was his

protégé,” says Persue. “He pushed me. It was

mentally and physically challenging to create a

big piece within a certain amount of time. You’d

GB street art

be at a wall for nine hours straight—picking up

paints, up and down a ladder—in an effort to make

this very bold, beautiful statement that would echo

across the scene.”

And it did. As the 1990s settled in, the skate

industry began to break out. Owners of then-

fledgling companies wanted to infuse their brands

with a street aesthetic and many turned to Persue.

He designed for 8 Ball, Dub, Droors, DC Shoes,

Osiris and C1RCA, and essentially helped create

what is now known as street wear. But he didn’t

stick around for the long haul and acknowledges

that he missed opportunities in the skate industry—

ownership of Osiris, stake in DC Shoes—that would

have provided him a little more security today,

especially now that he’s raising a daughter.

Still, he considers himself rich in culture. His work in

the skate industry gave him access to the nation and

the world. He travelled with skateboard teams and

while they were out skating, he was out painting.

In this way, he built a rich network of friends

and collaborators while cultivating a worldwide

audience, becoming one of the most internationally

known graffiti writers from San Diego.

Some of the San Diego artists he’s excited about

today include Sergio Hernandez, aka Surge MDR,

Neko Burke and Gloria “Glow” Muriel, and his

mission is to keep artists like them in San Diego.

“A lot of talented artists feel they have to leave

to be creative,” Persue says. “I want to create

opportunities for the artists to stay.”

First step? Teach store owners to invest in the right

talent in San Diego. “Just because an artist uses

spray paint doesn’t mean they’re going to paint

something the business and the community is going

to be happy with,” explains Persue who is a store

what’s rad about Bunny Kitty is that little kids, 3 or 4 years old, gravitate to the character. That’s the thing about graffiti: it bridges cultures.”

“

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owner himself, running HOME in SD’s North

Park neighborhood with his brother, Adrian

Ross.

It also requires a willingness to pay what good

artists are worth. “People would rather go to

Ikea and buy some bullshit mass-produced

canvas as opposed to supporting an artist that’s

trying to make it,” says Persue. “They should

invest in these young artists. All of these artists

have lives that they live.”

And getting there begins with making positive

connections. This brings us back to Bunny Kitty,

a character Persue has drawn for 10 years. “I

wanted to do something that people of all ages

could understand and digest,” says Persue.

“What’s rad about Bunny Kitty is that little kids,

3 or 4 years old, gravitate to the character. That’s

the thing about graffiti: It bridges cultures.”

The Fern Street mural painted by Persue, Reyes

and Steel was featured on the cover of Issue 2 of

Graffiti Beach Magazine. See the mural in person

across the street from the Graffiti Beach store on

2220 Fern Street in San Diego.

GB street art

I met Gloria Muriel, aka Glow, at an industrial

work space next to Montgomery Field in the

Kearny Mesa community of San Diego. She

was borrowing it from a friend to work on a

commissioned piece for Solace & the Moonlight

Lounge, a restaurant in the coastal beach city of

Encinitas in San Diego County. “I didn’t have

room at my house,” she told me. “So, I asked my

friend if I could paint here. We’re doing a good

trade for the space.”

Expertly sawed two-by-fours of different lengths

were piled up throughout the small warehouse.

Apparently, the friend makes custom-sized

stretched canvases for artists around San Diego.

Evidence of his interest for making music was also

found: A drum kit occupied a stage set furthest

away from the rolled up storage door.

Glow’s work in progress hung opposite the stage,

on a wall next to an upright piano covered in fine

sawdust. Like much of Glow’s work, the painting

is of a big-eyed girl wrapped in thick, flowing

locks that both issue from and turn into elements

of nature, suggesting that the girl creates and is

part of a natural order.

“Her name is Solace,” said Glow as we looked

up at the piece painted on parachute cloth. Using

acrylics in colors Glow mixed herself, Solace

stood 11 feet tall and is intended to greet patrons

as they enter the restaurant.

We sat on a towel placed on the plastic tarp set

underneath the painting. I noticed a dry blotch of

bluish-green paint on the top of Glow’s right hand.

“Ah, this is my palette,” she said as she rubbed the

stained skin between her thumb and index finger.

“I’m too lazy to grab a tray. So, I just do it here.”

Born in Mexico City and raised in Mexicali,

Glow grew up around extended family.

Memories of going on little adventures with her

T H E S U R R E A L I S T : G L O R I A M U R I E L

#16 oN MAp LoCATIoN: sAN dIEGo, CA (NoRTH pARK) CoLLABoRATIoN: GLoW, MAxx MosEs pHoToGRApHER: TEREsA HERNANdEZ

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cousins reside with recollections of being a

quiet loner who liked to get away with things.

In fact, she still keeps secrets.

“Is there something you’re getting away with

here?” I asked in reference to Solace.

Glow smiled coyly. “For sure!”

“But the secret will stay with you?”

“Exactly,” replied Glow as she laughed and

hugged her knees. All she provided was a

cryptic clue. “All of those little things I did as a

kid reflect in my art.”

Another aspect of Solace sometimes seen in the

girls Glow paints is the way the left side of the

portrait is almost a mirror image of its right

side. Almost.

we’re always moving. we’re not perfect. we’re not symmetrical.”

“

ART IsT: GlOw WEBsITE : GlORIAmuRIEl .COminfo

GB street art

“We’re always moving. We’re not

perfect. We’re not symmetrical,”

she explained.

Glow moved to San Diego from

Tijuana in 2002 with her husband

and two daughters, but not in

search of art opportunities. “My

youngest daughter was diagnosed

with autism,” she shared. “And

in Tijuana, you can’t get a lot

of services.” So, Glow put her

painting on hold in order to

focus on the therapies that would

help her daughter. Now, she can

speak of her daughter’s autism

in the past tense. “She’s doing

awesome,” said Glow.

Both daughters have a flair for

illustrating. Their influences

include manga, particularly

by Hayao Miyazaki, and the

American animated television series

“Adventure Time.” “I’ve never

taught them anything. They’re just

on it,” said Glow. “They have very

good taste, actually.”

As she recalled leaving graphic

design behind in 2008 to pursue

art full time, the muffled whir

of a Cessna plane taking flight

echoed in the workroom. Today,

when Glow isn’t working on solo

projects, she’s collaborating with

artists like world renowned graffiti

writer Pose II aka Mr. Maxx

Moses, painting with the all-female

graffiti writing collective Few and

Far, and teaching art at America’s

Finest Charter School on El Cajon

Boulevard in San Diego.

Because of her many ventures,

Glow doesn’t attend every event

exhibiting her work. But when she

does, she’s most affected by the

little girls who gravitate toward

her art. “The new generations of

powerful women coming up, they

connect pretty fast,” she said. “It’s

pretty cool.”

Then there are the young artists

who approach her and ask, “Why

do you paint like that?”

“I don’t have a good answer for

that. I never do,” said Glow with a

smile. “I mean, why do you eat?”

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T H E M U L T I M E D I A A R T I S T S : K R E A S H U N

#17 oN MAp (LEFT & BELoW) LoCATIoN: sAN dIEGo, CA (NoRTH pARK)

ART IsT: KREASHuN WEBsITE : KREASHuN.COminfo

“Wasn’t the first time at Claire de Lune?” asked Jason Feather, aka JFeather, to Monty

Montgomery. The artists, known in the art scene as KREASHUN, were seated in the part lobby,

part studio of JFeather’s in the City Heights community of San Diego. Together, they’ve created

multimedia installations since 2010 but began going by their group name in the summer of

2011. Examples of their work, which are branded “KREASHUN,” can be seen in a mural on

Gunn Street at the 30th Street intersection in SD’s North Park neighborhood (the same mural

that Gloria “Glow” Muriel contributed to) and in the stairwell leading down to the entrance of

Vin De Syrah in Downtown.

GB street art

At the moment, JFeather and Monty were trying to

remember if the first time they formally introduced

themselves to each other was at Clair de Lune Coffee

Lounge in North Park.

“Yeah, we just ran into each other in the coffee line, I

think, three years ago,” confirmed Monty.

“He recognized my tattoo,” JFeather said as he turned

his left arm to show me a feather in grayscale lying

amongst red roses on his forearm.

“Then we started crossing paths more through shows

and mutual friends,” said Monty.

Eventually, JFeather was asked to curate art for Thread,

a travelling pop-up fashion show, in 2010 and he asked

Monty if he would be interested in showing art at the

event when it showed up in San Diego. Eager to have

something going on besides a gallery, JFeather decided

to paint live over the course of the one-day show.

“I think I did it once and then I asked Monty, ‘I need

to do a 20-foot wall. Can you help me out? We’ll do it

together,’” JFeather recalled. “We’ve done every show

together since.”

Originally from Wisconsin and Virginia respectively,

JFeather and Monty individually navigated San

Diego’s art scene as early as two years prior to their

collaboration at Thread. On their own, JFeather’s

pieces share his loose and instinctive approach to art

using a myriad of media—aerosol, acrylics, digitally

printed patterns, wheat paste—whereas Monty’s use of

simple iconography, bright colors and black lines are

inspired by his upbringing in the Blue Ridge Mountains

of Virginia. In theory, pulling their perspectives together

should create something incoherent, like mashing Play-

Doh into pizza dough and baking it. In reality, their

styles intertwine like an infusion of oil and vinegar.

“Our whole this is merging everything as much as we

can,” said JFeather. “It’s fun.”

The yin and yang of their partnership is mirrored

in their personalities. Monty has an exuberant,

infectious laugh and is a stream-of-consciousness

speaker. JFeather chuckles, smiles mischievously and

answers questions succinctly yet thoughtfully. This past

February, they were commissioned by MAGIC, one

of the fashion industry’s top trade show organizers, to

live paint at PROJECT MVMNT in Las Vegas. At the

end of each day, Monty preferred to kick it in his hotel

room after spending nine hours painting the side of a

corrugated shipping container; JFeather had the desire

to hit the craps tables and partake in a few cocktails.

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So the way they bridge their differences largely depends

on their ability and willingness to communicate.

“We kind of have our own language now,” Monty

said. “We joke all the time. We say, ‘Man, we need

to have mics here and someone needs to record this

whole process.’”

“People always ask us, too, before we start a project,

if we have everything planned,” added JFeather.

“The only thing we have planned is the scale of it

and the large image.”

From there, they embrace the unknown and talk

through it as they go. And they’ve been happy with

each resulting installation.

“Just looking at it, this is like Mars and Jupiter. It’s so

different,” Monty said. “But having those differences

is what makes KREASHUN. It’s what makes these

things turn out the way they do. It would never look

the way it does if it was just one of us.”

It’s that shared viewpoint that informs what they call

themselves and their unconventional way of

spelling “creation.”

“KREASHUN was just something I wanted to use

and be throughout my life,” explained Monty. “To

create something but not the normal way. And that’s

why our brand is simple. It enables us to take it where

we want to take it, from our color choices to our

imagery to our thoughts. It’s truly wide open and

that’s what we want to be.”

(opposITE pAGE) #2 oN MAp LoCATIoN: sAN dIEGo, CA pHoToGRApHER: TEREsA FERNANdEZ

#5 oN MAp LoCATIoN: sAN dIEGo, CA pHoToGRApHER: TEREsA FERNANdEZ

written By: Joel Parker desiGned By: Brandie Mata PhotoGraPhed By: saM heller / saMhellerPhotograPhY.CoM

BottleRock Music, Food, Wine, Comedy & Beer

BottleRockNapaValley.com May 8-12, Napa, CA

Line-up: The Shins, Alabama Shakes, Flaming Lips, The Avett Brothers, Kings of Leon

This festival will take place along two square miles of the Napa

River, a memorable setting in its own right. Mix the psychedelic

mélange of the Flaming Lips, a bevy of artfully crafted beer and

wine, and mid-70-degree temperatures and the steep ticket price

($399 for a 4-day pass) justifies itself. That said, this event will

probably be dominated by wine enthusiasts who are unaccustomed

to music festivals. So be prepared to envy. Select audience

members will get to enjoy acoustic performances at choice wineries

with venues that include—wait for it—caverns! Still, some old

Deadheads-turned-environmental-attorneys will keep things

crunchy and one can guarantee there will be guerrilla grilled cheese

sales and a minimum of flat brims and nitrous.

Every do-it-yourself endeavor has an audience that will appreciate it, whether it’s home-fermented sauerkraut, upcycled fashion or, in this case, a sustainable culture of live performance. What follows is a small taste of American independent music festivals that should not be overlooked this year. In a nation as youthful as our own, any personalized culture should be embraced openly. Keep creating your vision knowing that somewhere there are others yearning to share it.

t H e t O p t H r e e I n D I e F e s t I va L s yO U D O n O t wa n t t O M I s s I n 2 0 13

MUsIC FEsTIVALsoN THE FRINGE

»

GB calendar

High Sierra Music Festival

HighSierraMusic.com July 4-7, Quincy, CA

Line-up: Primus, Thievery Corporation, moe., Steel Pulse, Leftover Salmon

Nestled away in a coniferous valley in California, this gold-rushed

town now sustains a population of about 5000. However, for the

last 22 years, Quincy has politely accommodated as many as 10,000

families, freaks and first-timers attending HSMF over the Fourth

of July weekend. The festival, which included everything from The

Lumineers to Sound Tribe Sector 9 in 2012, oozes eclecticism in

both line-up and attendees, consistently providing fertile ground

for collaboration since the artists are basically “stuck” in this

remote wonderland. The festival’s “artist playshops” are the truest

embodiment of this sentiment. One example? A Levon Helm tribute

in 2012 brought together members of Railroad Earth, Elephant

Revival and ALO, just to name a few. Also, it isn’t uncommon to

catch a “lower-tier” show in the early hours of an increasingly warm

day and find yourself jamming alongside a performer who you may

have lost your shirt and mind to a few beer-drenched hours ago.

I love this festival so much that I’m a little hesitant to bring

additional attention to it. But I figure if you find yourself inspired

enough to make the trek, you deserve it.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

TellurideBlues.com September 13-15, Telluride Town Park, CO

Line-up: Mumford & Sons, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Richard Thompson, Steep Canyon Rangers This festival is held inside the historic mining

town of Telluride where hotel accommodations,

late night juke joints and campgrounds are all

only a few steps away from the event grounds. If

you’re unwilling to exercise your credit on a pricey

stay at a Telluride hotel, you can either flex your

couch-surfing muscles, chance last minute price

reductions on cancellations, or camp. Should you

camp, be prepared for any and all types of weather

since you are 8,750 feet above sea level.

With one stage for all acts, there is zero overlap.

So once you’ve committed, you’ll enjoy a string

of back-to-back performances. Beyond the

music, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample

Telluride’s brew. Saturday lends itself to endless

pouring from 50 microbreweries, all for the price

of admission. Since this takes place within the main

stage grounds, it helps to stake your plot early in

the day. Just remember to remain civil to the people

and environment around you. The producers of the

festival have taken great efforts to make composting

and recycling accessible. After all, the event’s

natural setting is a big part of why we show up, so

treat the area like your home or better.

»

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GBcalendar

NiGHTMaRE aiR alternative/indie rocklos angeles, caBlending dark, surf-esque riffs reminiscent of the raw days of the Pixies with the ethereal intertwining of distant male and female vocals, Nightmare Air is loud for good reason. This group has the power to cover Los Angeles in an iridescent wave of sound sure to satisfy. Download: High in the Lasers (Album)nightmareairmusic.com

idEa THE aRTiST folk rock/indie folksan francisco, caIdea the Artist, brainchild of Bay Area native Inés Beltranena, puts forward a dreamy, strikingly springtime-esque brand of indie folk by combining acoustic rhythms, note-by-note accentuation on the electric guitar, the nostalgic cry of violin strings and the soft, almost nonexistent (yet all-important) beat of the drums. Topped off with Beltranena’s powerful yet controlled pre-1970s country-like vocals, Idea the Artist is a breath of fresh air in the urban maze of modern indie folk. Download: The Northern Lights Are On… (Album) ideatheartist.com

BUllETiNS indie Pop/dream Pop/shoegazesan diego, caSan Diego born-and-bred Bulletins is playful yet serious, innocent with a twinge of all-knowing allure. Their keen mix of bright synth, distorted bass, raw guitar and semi-complex beats create a sound that is incomparable to anything to date.Download: “Demos” (Single)bulletinsmusic.bandcamp.com

iN THE VallEy BElow indie Pop/alternativelos angeles, caLos Angeles-based duo In the Valley Below asks listeners in with a call-and-response quality reminiscent of English indie band The xx, and keeps us close with the constant building of drum machine, guitar and synth-oriented instrumentation. The pair evokes a sultry and bittersweet feeling last felt on an endless summer night spent with a great love or a good friend, a sentiment that stays with you, begging to be heard again. Download: In the Valley Below (EP)inthevalleybelow.com

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aliSoN May indie folk oakland, caWith honest lyrics and somber acoustic rhythms, Alison May’s debut album Earnest Keep (Jan. 22, 2013) is breathy and distant yet powerfully accessible. Like the demure energy that would be created by crossing Joni Mitchell with the softer side of Hey Rosetta!’s Tim Baker, May evokes feelings of folk from days gone by while managing to retain a current taste of cunning indie style. Download: Earnest Keep (Album) alisonmay.bandcamp.com

BRaNCHES folk rock/indie folk livermore, caCrossing at the intersection of Lucy Rose and Seattle-based the Head and the Heart, Branches sound as though they are traveling from the cold North, far from the moderate, seasonless California they call home. A certain mysticism that is bright albeit semi-melancholic can be heard with every strum of the guitar, pluck of the banjo and arch of the delicately-executed vocal harmonies. Download: Thou Art the Dream (Album)branchesmusic.com

laUREN o’CoNNEll indie folk/alternative country san francisco, caLauren O’Connell brings back a form of folk-like country that has been forgotten in recent years. With a slight hint of the Hank Williams era present in her otherwise layered and current indie sound, O’Connell tells her tales with an effortlessly melodic voice, creating unforgettable plot lines along landscapes in the listener’s mind. Download: Quitters (Album)laurenoconnell.com

oH Boy lES MECS indie Pop/experimentallos angeles, ca Thick with darkly sensual synth and evened out by Tracy Marcellino’s pleading vocals, Oh Boy Les Mecs places the listener into a seemingly infinite immersion, controlling every high and low with stunningly intuitive precision. Much like the union of the Knife and Phantogram, OBLM has the ability to lock anyone in for the ride.Download: “Helium” (Single) ohboylesmecs.com

tunagetrendstrends

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TEE mNKR $28LEGGINGs lEG CANdY $30 EARRINGs muKEE $26

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Graffiti Beach Magazine - Street Art Issue - Summer 2013 - Issue 004

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