#also yes mountain one was inspired by a digital art

[adwendoodles]

The poll wips are coming along well. Super slow, but well

#need to repurple the tiger bg #it was too dark before but now the fish dont pop as much #im aiming for like #the time lapse star pica #wip #also yes mountain one was inspired by a digital art #im trhkng to make an orange waterfall tho #rapids more like #toad is toad #him happy #the toad is from that vid of the toad getting a shower #10/10 toad vid

[neoninky]

Everyone shut up and look at my new icon!

I am so happy with my new emblem!! Done by the wonderful artist @badmanberetta 🐇🖋️ Definitely check him out and follow him for amazing art if you’re not already! Thank you so much for my inky bunny mascot, friend!

And speaking of rabbits:

Lemme introduce y’all to my Inkysona…s yes plural lol.

First is female anthro bun Inky who is pretty much just my mascot as of now. I do plan on getting into digital art soon but for now, I’m still old skool 👍✨

She is a lil Lion Head-Lop chubby bunny who loves her headphones and her hoodies as much as she loves food 😂 Don’t let the grumpy face fool you, she’s very warm n cuddly 💜

And Inky is also the nickname of my TWST boisona (sticking with a male character cuz NRC is a boy school traditionally also cuz I wanna). His design is inspired by this picrew:

Meet Lawrence "Inky" Inkwell

Age: 18 Race: Rabbit Beastman (Mini Rex Rabbit breed) Grade/Class: Junior, 3-C No. 11 Birthdate: April 13th (Aries) Best Subject: Defense Magic Dominant Hand: Left Height: 172 cm (5'6 1/2-ish) Dorm: Ignihyde

His country accent and soft hair/fur can be quite disarming to the other students (especially his own dormmates that don't touch grass nearly enough) but overall, Inky is a pretty chill beastman...until he feels cornered and/or threatened. Anyone who thinks he's an easy target is in danger of getting sucker punched by his unique magic or getting ripped into by his sharp bite. Being sorted into Ignihyde seemed to be a mistake to everyone who heard about it, but Inky loves puzzles, videogames, and tinkering with technology. Club: Mountain Lover's Club - In spite of Jade Leech's peculiar and often feared nature, Inky enjoys this club because it gives him the rare opportunity to be in nature which his ironic dorm placement doesn't allow often. He enjoys the woods and helping Jade identify different plants. Jade in turn appreciates Inky's homegrown expertise and readily soaks up any information he can about plant care and use. Homeland: Burrowvelt; a small town in the Shaftlands that is very similar to its western neighbor, Harveston. It's on the other side of the mountains to the North East and hosts a more forested/valley terrain, but like Epel's hometown, Burrowvelt is known for its agriculture and rural atmosphere. Instead of apples, Burrowvelt is known for its prominent berry crops. The blueberries are Inky's favorite. Unique Magic: "Thunder Thump" - he can knock down an opponent or obstacle by sending a magical shockwave through the ground with a hard stomp. If he were to hit his target directly with his feet, the shockwave would send it/them flying. Likes: Burrowing for comfort (under blankets, in nooks, pillow forts, etc.), greens and fruit, videogames, music, and puzzles. Dislikes: Loud, excessive noise. Dogs. Large predator beastmen. Being interrupted during a project or a nap. Being cornered. Having his ears or tail touched without his permission. Nicknames: Inky (Most common), Sea Bunny (Floyd), Bunny Bumpkin (Earned as a freshman and he just rolled with it)

Relationships: Vil Schoenheit; Classmate, they don't really know each other well outside of class but they don't really bother each other either. Inky does like Vil's and Vil's father's films though. Epel Felmier; Looks up to Inky because he freely expresses himself and doesn't hide his roots like Epel has to. Rook Hunt; Inky does not enjoy being chased by him as it triggers his fight or flight instinct and usually tries to avoid him. Jade and Floyd Leech; Inky is one of the few students that isn't bothered or intimidated by Jade or Floyd, but he knows not to get on their bad side either. He enjoys going to the Mostro Lounge and his club activities. Floyd does like to play with his ears but he's learned to just roll with it. Plus it usually calms Floyd down which Azul will gladly reward Inky for. Idia and Ortho Shroud: Inky likes to play games with Ortho and the other members of their dorm. He'd like to play a game against Idia as well but Idia keeps to himself more often than not. Since he likes to go outside, Inky often goes with Ortho around campus to run errands for the dorm.

Tagging: @honey-milk-depresso @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel

@foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @aiimee9 @wysteriadelights @victoria1676

#neoninky #new emblem #new sonas #inkysona #introducing #twst sona #twst oc #ignihyde #twst oc: lawrence inkwell #beastman #rabbit beastman #inky binky bun bun #yes I love rabbits #meet inky #twisted wonderland #twst boi inky #“hey y'all”

[inner--islands]

Interview with Kenji Kihara (September 2018)

1. What are some recent inspirations?

The bugs’ voices are swapped, inspired by changes in the season.

2. How often do you make field recordings?

One or two times a week. The house is surrounded by mountains and the ocean, and I am recording there.

3. Have you always lived in Horiuchi? What role does that landscape play in your music?

I always live in “Hayama”. (Horiuchi is the name of a small parcel, “Hayama” is suitable) Hayama is a place where nature and the town coexist well. It brings harmony of the mind.

4. You post a lot of pictures online of the same places from day to day. Do you feel very connected to the subtle changes of your home as it moves through the seasons?

Yes. I think that it is also importantly related to change of mind.

5. Do you feel like your music dialogues with the work any other musicians in particular and their approach to sound?

Yes. I feel like a music dialogue. My music has no sound of my own. When working with other musicians, It will be completed in a form closely resembling the sounds of other musicians.

6. Do you feel like self-expression is a part of your art? Or is the art more about serving a particular purpose or functionality?

My music is not for self expression. I am making music that creates the atmosphere of the place and something that makes me feel something. For example, I make music like fragrance. To keep harmony with nature.

7. Why do you make music? What can music do for you that other art forms can not?

Since childhood I was a child interested in sound. The sound taught me every natural thing. The music I make is not to express myself, It is a thing to make the space there better, or just what is there just with nature. Occasionally, Wind Chime sounds in the wind, and the leaves of the trees rub against it, and it expresses such sounds with music. I express expressing the creation of space through music production.

8. Do you improvise much while recording? If so, how much is improvised and how much is composed before recording?

Yes. Basically I do improvisation when I record. Then rebuild what you recorded.

9. You also record music as Sphontik and with BGM LAB. How do you see the releases under your own name as different from these other projects? Do you feel like you can explore certain sounds under your own name That you can not with the other projects?

Yes. Kenji Kihara is mainly composed of electronic and ambient music, and sphontik mainly produces sampled music. Kenji Kihara makes more deep music. sphontik is music that contains dance elements. BGM LAB. Co-written with yuri miyauchi, it is separate from the production by Kenji Kihara.

10. Words of wisdom you like to recall in times of need?

“listen to the sound of the earth turning” A word that makes me reconfirm that I am part of nature.

Inner Islands recently released Kenji’s Scenes of Scapes album on cassette and digitally. The album is available from our Bandcamp page.

#dialogue

[aurora-daily]

AURORA’s Reddit Q&A (July 13th 2021)

Kmilalv: Hello aurora we love you, I'm @ aurora.s_love on instagram ✨✨🥰🥰🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️ Aurora: oh hellooo!!!! Exportmusic: Meep Aurora: meep < 3 Lisxnne: WELL HELLO AND THANKS FOR YOUR NEW SONG! 🙏🌟💕 Aurora: HELLO!! and thank you for being open to it 24681357900: Thank u for making music Aurora: thank you for inviting it into your heart Emergency-Club-7529: This is have some upper case , it's the real Aurora Aurora: yes!!! Helloooooo brunamombach: hello ✨🃏🧚🏻‍♂️🤘🍇🍄🧚🏻‍♀️ when are you coming do Brazil? so glad to see you here!!! Aurora: I think I will be coming to Brazil next year  I love being in Brazil because I feel like it awakens my heart and soul to be there !! Brunamombach: if you were going to an souless island, what book would you bring with you? 🧚🏻‍♂️🍇🍄🧚🏻‍♀️🤘🃏 kisses from Brazil Aurora: I would either take: "The name of the wind" and "a Wise mans fear" or the LOTR trilogy. Or the "Mistborn" trilogy. or "warbreaker" or "the good omens" or "the ocean at the end of the lane" or "Anne of Green gables" or "The alchemist" or just all the books in the world oh no I cant decide

all DanParis: Hey have some karma you cool bean 🤌🏼 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Aurora: thank you < 3 Ok-Estimate8468: Tell us something you can tell us about the second track on the Cure For Me vinyl, “Potion For Love”. I'm very curious...

Aurora: its the song I decided for the B-side of the vinyl, and I will probably release it digitally one day too. Its the sister song to "exist for love" but from the other perspective. where love does not fill you up, but love has left a big hole within you < / 3 Ok-Estimate8468: Did you get a lot of unfollows and hate from bad people due to Cure For Me? Aurora: I got a little hate from homophobes, and also abelist, and racist comments from people claiming there was nothing wrong with their mindset. BUT it does not bother me. and I will never stop speaking up about the things I find important. because.. what else would our meaning on this earth be? if that makes sense. Some people have attacked me personally, but sadly mostly its people defending their own hateful ways of being. I cant even imagine how it really is to be a victim of racism or violent homophobia, so I feel like the least I can do is to try the best I can to show support. and speak up. and be an ally.

So a bit more short - yes, and I really dont mind!!!! unfollow me if you find speaking about equality and the right to live, and love and be loved unsettling <3 thank you for this question! Ok-Estimate8468: How was the process of creating the studio version of Cure For Me? I heard your first acoustic performance and saw that it's much smoother than the studio, so I was curious to see how you managed to create another even more amazing version. Aurora: Me and Magnus just played around, and we really tried to go with our emotions, and to be playful and to not think too much about what was "AURORA" or what was even...pretty! we just laughed! and danced! and did what felt lovely to us.

I think this is why the making of this song is one of my favourite memories, and also I think that is why it sounds so playful! because it is!! it was like playing a game. and I did also play alot around with symbolics in both the lyrics and the way this song is produced. it all has a meaning you see... but of course I will let you figure that out yourself!!

Pingouiin_: What's your favourite mountain around bergen ? Aurora: mine is Løvstakken!! and Magnus loves Ullrikken!! but important to NEVER stop a Norwegian person walking on the mountain. just say. a quick hello and wander off your own mind. become at one with nature Whoamiandallthat: Thank you for existing, I love your art and you inspire me so much 💙 You are one of my favorite artists 😊 And just the other day I found out that you are just two years older than me, and so successful... I'm wondering how it was for you to become so popular, did you feel like people thought you needed a cure? I'm also in the sphere of arts - filmmaking; but I feel like my films are not good enough... I have a YouTube channel with some videos - if you ever see this comment I would like for you to check it out 😊 Aurora: Ive felt through my life like something was a little off, ive never resonated that much with the people or the "system" around me! it didn't bother me so much even though I. was teased a lot for it ( so again I was very lucky) but I never felt like I understood the world and my place in it. or how I. could fit in, in this worlds society and with other people ! and becoming "famous" which I dont really feel that I am, but I guess that I am a little "known" (meep) was very strange, and very hard to handle at first. as impressions affect me a lot, and noises and people etc. but with time I got better at handling all these impressions, and avoid getting a.. sensory overload! and I am so happy now, that I can look directly at strangers and actually listen to them, and understand them, and even love them I guess what I am trying to say, that ive now understood that this is the very thing that connected me to all of you. and now I see my place here on this earth. and I see all of you, and you give my life so much meaning!! Lets_Fight_Dragons: Firstly I wanted to say I recently discovered your music and I love everything about it. I have two questions, I hope that’s ok 1. How do you start writing songs because I’m trying to get into songwriting and I’m not sure how you write such amazing songs 2. What’s your favourite song you’ve released? Aurora: 1. well I dont really know. ( I am sorry!!) but I feel like it started really natural for me.. I. kind of just sat down with my piano.. and then I started playing around with the Keyes, and I figured out I could make an endless amount of melodies by simply pressing the keys in a different order!! remember finding this extremely magical (I was around 6 years old then) and after a while I started adding lyrics, and I just spent time looking into myself, trying to figure out. - what do I want to say? what do. I need to hear in a song? what do the world need to hear in a song? and etc. I always think about songwriting as storytelling. and I always start out by figuring out what story I want to tell, what matter I want to dress, or what pleases me, or annoys me with the world, or what emotion I need help dealing with!! and then I write a song!!! and if you feel like its difficult to come up with melodies, I would recommend finding a song you like, and learn the chords of it (or find an instrumental version. online) and then you make your own melodies on top of that! many of the songs of the world share the same chords, and often the melodies on top is the thing separating them. music belongs to all of us, and its clear that every song in the world comes from the same magical source. 2. I think its the seed. or couples creatures!! or infections of a different kind!! tiffnoir: Our dear AURORA, your b-side A Potion For Love is helping me a lot (broken heart since a few days ago). I wanted to ask (if I can haha) if would it be included at the upcoming album, or maybe a relaxing, vintage video for it? Thanks for helping all of us with your music ^_^ Aurora: thank you som much for letting this song into your heart  after writing exist for love, I figured that I should also make a sister-song that could belong for the ones with a broken heart as well  it will not be on the album, but for you I will try to put it on the deluxe version FedahpWithThisWurld: Hello, Aurora! I'm a neurodivergent person and I have always felt a lot of shame over being the way I am, like I'm not good enough. Your music makes me feel better and it makes me feel that being me is okay. Thank you for that.  I want to know how you manage to be so confident? Do you ever get nervous before a show? Aurora: hello!!!! I have had a lot of similar experiences with myself in this world too.. so I am very sad to hear you've lived your life with this feeling I think after a while I understood what makes me different also makes me special. and special is good. and if you think about it, special isn't even that different, because in one way or another we are all... unique. but of course, some people have had to fight their. way through life more than others.. making it less easy to learn how to love yourself. and accept yourself. I guess, now I've surrounded myself with good people who understand my quirks and sensitivities, people who give me time. and space to be me. I have also been lucky, because I have a family that have always encouraged me to be myself. and to love myself. and I guess that is why I am trying to convey to all of you now, because now we are like al little family. where being who you are - is cool. and you're cool. and were all cool. and I get nervous all the time, of all sorts of things! but I just accept that feeling as a part of being human. its uncomfortable yes, but I know at least it won't kill me! 3charmplease: What was it like recording for Frozen? Aurora: it was magical  and also slightly scary. but it felt safe and good calling at the mountains. and I feel warm thinking about it. especially now. cause my father just walked over to me with five little strawberries in his hand. he gave them all to me. and they were so small, and sweet. im currently sitting in my childhood home, right next to the very piano where I wrote "runaway" and so many other songs. Tiny-Sink-2397: Boom shake shake shake the room Aurora: that was actually during the recording process of Cure For Me! Tiny-Sink-2397: I thought it was!! Seemed like an epic party Aurora: YES Joelynxyzs: what's your favorite movie ? Aurora: Practical magic BUT ALSO THESE: The LOTR triology ALL GHIBLI MOVIES avatar once upon a time in Hollywood Hannah the perfume fantastic MR. fox Star Wars: a new hope rouge one isle of dogs the hunchback of Notre dame! the arrival stypop: If you were to get the chance to work on a sequel to another Disney movie, which one would you want it to be? Aurora: since Disney owns Lucas films I would love to be a part of the Star Wars universe  or to play either a magical fairy, witch mermaid, forest nymph, or a scary beast!! WE WO brisot: The masks in CFM remind me of theater plays, do you ever watch any and how much of an influence for you is the art of acting? Aurora: this era of my life is very influenced by the ancient times where theatre was all they had. no CGI or special effects etc. and I really wanted all these videos to feel very authentic, and down to earth! The shell in "exist for love" was handmade by someone, and I painted all the masks in "cure for me" myself! so I like it when it feels... human Clear-Champion-1833: i love you Aurora:

<3

Jicuhrabbitkim: How do you like your fried eggs cook!! I like it when its very crispy!! Aurora: as long as its from a local farm that has free healthy chickens that walk about freely and eat good food I like my eggs crispy too. GhostReaper3: Hi I have a question as well: How do you keep positive? Many people including myself find this difficult sometimes so it would be good to hear your technique or way of keeping upbeat and positive! Also, thank you for sharing your music with us! Aurora: I know what you mean, i've struggled with it myself at times. but I guess I tried separating in my mind what I can do something about, and what I cant? if that makes sense?? we are all just here on this planet. and though we all seem to be going though the same things we still feel so alone, in our thoughts and in our minds. And I've been very aware that with music, and with this fandom we can all finally connect, and see each other, and know that we are not alone! and if there is one thing I love, it is to dance a little after I've cried. I think its important to. shake these emotions out of our body. like animals do! and then I made CURE FOR ME. because I thought about all the warriors out there feeling. a little crazy... after isolation! or after being depressed! and being l rocked in with their families that might not accept them for who they are.. and I thought I needed to make a song for us all, that felt a little uplifting. and uniting. just so we know where not alone, and just so we know that we are worthy.. of everything! and that we are worthy of celebrating ourselves!! ALWAYS! aniri003: Were the dancers freestyling in the last part of the video Aurora: YES! I told them to put their freak game on. And they were amazing. L_pls_use_revive: Hei Aurora! Apart from inspiring me with your music for emotional people, I also dicovered my love for Norway and the Norwegian language through you - now studying it in my second year at university. Tusen, tusen takk! I want to visit soon when traveling is safe - So which place should I not miss out on? Have a great life! Aurora: I think the whole of Norway is worth visiting! there are so many beautiful places. and beautiful people! I would ofc. recommend Bergen! (haha!) but also places like Tromsø, Trondheim, Stavanger, lofted and The Geirangerfjord and the Northwest!!! HAHA KakSetoKaiba: How's the progress of the album that you've been preparing which will be released after your death? Aurora: its going well, I take one song for every chapter and I put it on my death album instead of the album I'm making  its going well. and im excited about it! maria_fernandez_: This is not a question but I just wanted to tell you that discovering you and your music has been the best thing that ever happened to me. What your music makes me feel cannot be described in words. I love you so much. Greetings from Spain!! Aurora: thank you!!! applepieaurora: Whats your favorite pie? 🐉 Aurora: apple pie  and blueberry pie!! Ok-Potato7244: Thanks for sharing your time ... a warrior here to welcome you...Have some tea...And i don't need a cure for disliking keeping animals in cages...Especially birds...💚... Aurora: thank you pekaraseva: what do you feel when you perform Ioadk or Adkoh for people? Aurora: I feel so full of emotion and love and despair I could almost explode  and its wonderful. I also feel insanely connected to the audience when I sing these songs.. I. think. its because they are such important pieces of my soul targaryenblood02: omg what do you think cure for me would smell like? 🐛 Aurora: like something Brazilian! like Asai! or caipirinha! or Brigadeiro!

sproutingephemeral: Hello Aurora, Thanks for your new song, I've gotten quite addicted to it😊 I have a question that might be a bit difficult to answer. I am a Warrior from the U.S. currently without a clue of where I should be and what I should be doing. I'm done with school, and in the process of moving to a new town with my parents. I'm applying for jobs, but I feel like I can't find my reason for being in a smaller area with not many people my age. I feel like my parents are trying to mold me into a certain person, which doesn't feel authentic to me. I probably should be making more of my own decisions at my age, but I'm a bit scared and confused, if what I think is deemed too unrealistic or out of line with their expectations for me (like a childhood dream?). I tried talking to them about it, to little success. Is there something inherently wrong with me? Or am I just being spoiled or lazy? I read about how you were initially opposed to starting your career until your mother convinced you to change your mind. How do you know whether or not to trust in your parents' plans for you? On a lighter note, do you prefer cookies that are more soft (chewy) or hard (crumbly)? I don't need a cure for...my autism, and tendency to talk regularly to my deceased cat at his grave (??)😿👼 Looking forward to seeing you in New York! Take care❤❤ Aurora: you should ALWAYS. only do what feels right for you. this world is very absurd, and people tend to think they know what is meaningful and what is important. but we all know, money and success isn't important beyond what you need to simply survive. this one life is yours. and you should be just who you want. and do what feels right for you. because its yours. its only yours. drink tea. work hard. be lazy. dance. be shy. laugh, cry. drink wine and eat good bread. be good. fight for something you care about. and either live for your work, or work a little and then just... live. get a garden, grow tomatoes, get a cat. or a dog. or a parrot. life can be so random, and it can be both so little, and so large at the same time. some days were meant to TAKE chances, and live. and sometimes were just meant to exist. and do nothing. you should never feel guilty for not "being enough" because you are enough. just who you are. just how you are. is enough. good luck on your strange journey my warrior, maybe our paths crosses and maybe they dont. but know, when you walk out of your door, that anything can happen! and the whole world is yours. Hippolyte_gray: is the name of the next album hidden in your previous songs ? Aurora: mayyyyyybeeeeeeeee rashadalt: what do you think about your fans who are racist/homophobic etc.? Aurora: I feel sorry for them. because I know I cant be easy l living a life so full of hate. and even spending your precious. time on this world bringing other people down. and I know how easy it is for people to be driven by fear, and how difficult. it can be to have an original meaning and stand up for what you really mean. so I dont judge them, or hate them,

but I do feel sorry for them. and I am also very disappointed in them. because its such a. waste of human potential to live your life in the paths of hatred.

but as long as we face hate with love, we will eventually win. when we show them. we are not the enemy, just people trying to make a better world, I think, and I hope that eventually we can all agree that being able to live, and being able to love is a human right. Brivera726: I noticed you said you would bring LOTR trilogy with you to an island- I’m reading them for the fourth time right now  I feel like if Galadriel sing songs it would sound like you! Anyway I really like your art so yah just keep doing u- love from PFC Rivera, USMC Aurora: this is then est thing ive ever read thank you Aurora: I am. sorry people, but my time here (for tonight) is up </3 but I will probably be back looking at your questions and thoughts because I did really. enjoy this. and I. love you all so. much.

[link]

#aurora #aurora aksnes #q&a #interviews #potion for love #cure for me #into the unknown #collaborations #recommendations #ioadk song #adkoh #new album #future album #magnus

[shikantazaart]

Shikantaza Creativity Interview III - SPARTALIEN

At Shikantaza we are not content to just create art. We want to understand art. We want to understand the people who make art. Into the act of creation. Who are the people behind the art work? What motivates them? Where do they find their inspiration?

No two people think and act alike, so it is even less likely to find two artists who think and act alike. Yet, there will be crossovers, shared thoughts and shared experiences. Where do we adjoin and where do we diverge?

Our series of interviews with artists and creators aims to answer these questions.

In interview number three we speak to multimedia experimenter SPARTALIEN. You can find his creations here https://spartalien.com/visual as well as a collection of his work in the Shikantaza gallery.

1 - Starting with the most important question - Who is Memoria?

Memoria is Latin and means, when translated, memory / remembrance.

I named the merchandise for the album "2358" Memoria instead of Memory, because the main track titles are also translated into Latin.

I see my merchandise as small memories/artefacts. Not only because they are very rare, but because I can never go back to that time.

“Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things” - Cicero

2 - You work across different mediums. Do you have any preference for a specific form? When did you first find the format that was “you”?

I became really infected with the digital virus around in the late 90s when I built my first computer. A year or two later I started taking photos and manipulating them digitally. I also had a few printed, which allowed me to bring the digital into the real world. Then I discovered IRC and started learning a little bit of TCL. Since I had fun coding, I decided to learn the basics of web development because I needed a website to show my pictures to other people. In general, I was fascinated by the flow of information on the Internet. That distance is no longer a real hurdle when it comes to data transmission.

I've always loved music as a listener and small collector. I was then and still am one of those people who never go out of the house for long periods of time without a Walkman. Music production came into play when a couple of friends set up a small studio where they produced Techno/Psy. When I was there for the first time, I knew immediately that I wanted to try it too. A few old tracks from back then are still available on my website.

From then on, many of my projects have developed in the direction of music.  The input for a program was often music metadata or it was a website that was about music in some way or another. But since I was still at the very beginning of my learning process, I kept discarding practically everything in order to improve it or to learn new things. Around 2001, I started a web radio with friends, which was online for several years. The music was mainly Downtempo, Trip-Hop, IDM and Ambient. Promos from unknown artists from around the world were also broadcasted.

The atmosphere, the feeling I got from this time - how the music finds me and not the other way around, how it can change people's thoughts - has never left me since then.

3 - Do you feel that each medium allows you to express yourself differently from the others? How do you choose which medium you work in any given moment?

Yes. But I think you can convey the same feelings with any medium. The question is how direct it is. For example, pain can be expressed with fire but also with a chair in an empty room. At the end of the day, in my opinion, it's not about the artist's intention but about the perception of the viewer and his or her subsequent thoughts and actions. For example, imagine you make a dark ambient track that you experience as sad and heavy, but someone else tells you that it helped to relax and develop thoughts.

In addition to all of this, each medium also has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to technical implementation. So, sometimes the choice can also purely depend on skill or resources.

We all have ideas and often out ambitions outweigh our resources. Sometimes we need more resources, but more often than not we need to chip away at our ideas until our ambitions and resources align.

4 - Do you seek different sources of inspiration for your music than you would for your visual creations?

It's everything in the world around me that inspires me. Everything I perceive and feel, so to speak. Most of the time I don't have a melody or a picture in my head. It is more of a feeling and then I look for the right tone or shape for it, so to speak.

5 - How closely are your creations connected to each other?

Very close one could say - through my thoughts that I have wrapped in it. I always had a bit of a problem putting my thoughts into words. I tend to stray through various topics when I talk about something. With music and visuals, it feels lighter and more natural to get to the point. The "message" doesn't always get through, but being able to do so is liberating and invaluable to me.

6 - If you were to direct people to a specific piece of work that you feel really nails what you are aiming for with your creations, which would it be?

This is a hard question. Maybe I would ask you to sit down and listen to the album "FLOATING HIGH" in one sitting. Since it felt like coming home to me while making it. The music is less intrusive and not as precise in its message as the previous releases. Like its cover art, where the clouds could be seen as opening or closing. I wanted to create tracks that leave more room for thought while still telling a story.

7 - You have “X minutes of peace” on your site. Why is this needed? Was this made for you or for others?

For others but also for myself. For me it is self-reflection that allows me to understand myself better. But since I have problems with "just switching off my head", the moments in which I just sit quietly and let the recording device do its work are very valuable. In moments like these I can really switch off and think about something very carefully. Asking questions even though I feel like I don't have an answer. Or simply enjoying the precious fresh air and sounds of nature.

Unfortunately, too many people don't have time for that kind of peace. Too much pressure is on them. They either get this or that, or they can't survive. It's so sad how the system works. I simply think that if everyone would have more inner-peace, the world would be a better place. But then again, what do I know living under a rock between mountains?

The videos should allow us to find peace for a few minutes, no matter where we are. So that new and hopefully useful thoughts can develop.

The series  Let It All Go is actually the same thing, just with music.

For the really dark hours there is BRAIN I/O. From time to time I prefer to embrace the pressure. Difficult to describe. The concept is basically: don't think, just feel and record it. It's about things that I personally want to leave behind or at least want to learn to accept (not necessarily being okay with) them if I can't change them.

Peace is an issue for me. When I briefly find it only points the way to the next act. This is fantastic but self defeating. Why can’t we just stay in peace?

8 - When inspiration has left the building where do you look to find it?

I'm not really actively looking for inspiration. Somehow it doesn't work that way for me. So variety is important to me. That is why I usually have several side projects going on in the areas that I do not much publicize. Much of it never leaves my hard drive and is mainly intended to free my mind and get on to new ideas in the process. Coding, graphics, drawing, etc. But the music production is and remains the main focus.

9 - These are the questions I am asking all the interviewees. Why do you create? What is it that pushes you to keep creating?

The inner child is just too strong. I've been living for a while and I know exactly nothing. It kind of feels like that. So many things that you can create with the computer alone. I'm stuck in that loop where you just love to create things and learn - and use the new knowledge to create new things. Things!

10 - What would most assist you to create more works? Is there an ultimate goal for your creations?

More time and resources for sure. but most important to me is the feeling that my loved ones are safe. When I have to worry about their future because the system is going the way it is, it feels like a pile of stones in my head.

The creative / social goal of my art is relatively simple and based on my own experience. Art has helped me tremendously when I felt lost - or when I was just "bored". Taking time to really listen to or look at something can be very liberating.

My short-term financial goal is to generate a more or less regular income through art. But since I never released anything commercially before 2016, this world is still new to me.

My dream goal is to hear my music in film and games and to generate an income that supports my family.

Nonetheless, I think goals are here to create an initial path, not necessarily motivation.

I do not know of a single soul who has not been lost. Some never find their way back. Some don’t need to find their way back, they are happier in the place they found.

11 - If you were to offer a creator any advice what would it be?

Based on my own experience in no particular order:

Stay curious and open minded for different viewpoints.

Tutorials can limit your creativity. Sure, learn the basics, but explore as much as you can on your own and never be afraid to fail. It's a process, not a game.

On projects that take longer than a day to complete, set yourself a deadline when you want to have it completed. Not important if it takes longer, but in general that helps to stay more focused.

Very few things are easy when you start.

Limitations are not necessarily bad.

Don't wait for motivation to create. It will kick in usually a few minutes after you've started. Therefore keep your tools ready and organized so you can start creating at any time.

You can always turn off the internet.

Be open for constructive criticism.

Especially for the digital crowd, backup your stuff!

(All images and works by SPARTALIEN)

#shikantaza #art #music #video #visual #creation #peace

[independentartistbuzz]

Good News, Good Music 1.0

Here we are at the end of 2020. We don’t need to tell you that this has been a very hard year. We are feeling beaten down by the bad news and music is the one thing that lifted our spirits again and again and saw us through. We have partnered with our friends at Cyber PR Music to bring you a series of GOOD News from artists who carried on making music in spite of all of the insanity that was happening and continues to grip us.  We have cried listening to some of the tracks, felt deeply inspired and yes we laughed as well.  What we have seen is the Cyber PR artist community is rich and varied - there are artists from all across the USA included as well as Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, France, Sweden, The UK,  Germany and Scotland.

So - we bring you part 1 of our 4 part series GOOD NEWS, GOOD MUSIC.

Please Follow the Spotify Playlist below to hear all of these amazing tracks.

Thanks to all of the artists who shared their music AND their good news.

JVMIE & Lionel Cohen | “We Will Rise Again”

Started A Collaboration From A Quarantine Hotel Room and Got Nominated For A Major Award

We had a crazy year but some great things came out of it! I was forced to leave LA and head back to Australia until things ‘calmed down’ but started a remote collaboration with LA based film composer Lionel Cohen - we received a grant from HOTA (Home Of The Arts Gold Coast) to create an album and we were just nominated for a HMMA Hollywood Music In Media Award :) The whole process of collaborating and talking every day was what helped me keep my sanity throughout this crazy year!

Perle Vybz | “Electric Dancefloor”

Almost Lost Her Partner To COVID And Took The Leap Of Faith To Release Music 

My debut single 'Electric Dancefloor' was released on Dec 8th, against the odds. A few months ago , my partner almost lost his life (to COVID). He was hooked up on a ventilator and had a really rough time. At the same time, I lost my main source of income and so, during the pandemic lockdown I had more time on my hands to focus on my music. So I'm glad that in spite of what was happening around me I was able to take that leap of faith and get my music out there.

Arielle Silver | “What Really Matters”

Became Music Connection's Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists in their year-end issue

As COVID shut everything down in April, I leaned into my commitment to authentic connection and inspiring creative expression with the creation of two weekly livestreams: Tomes & Tunes, a weekly show where I interview songwriters about books, and Arielle's Acoustic Happy Hour, both of which are going strong. In June, I released a new album, A THOUSAND TINY TORCHES, along with two official music videos (one shot entirely during quarantine), which have been featured in American Songwriter, Music Connection, and more.And in September, in the wake of closing studios, my sweetheart and I launched a new online yoga studio, Bhavana Flow Yoga, with online classes, workshops, and retail. 

Alongside my own sorrow at the pandemic, I have been living a year of creative expansion, and was recently featured in Music Connection's year-end issue on both their Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists.

Hannah Judson | “Deep Sea Diver”

Launched The Backwards Record Release Concept  And It Worked!

The 2020 lockdown was an exploration of new ways of doing and connecting. Everything became an experiment as new processes were developed to replace the no longer actionable old ones. I launched the Backwards Record Release for "Stingray," a rock/folk collection of songs. The 8 week campaign started with a socially distanced concert in a chateau courtyard, was fueled by my new podcast the Hannah Judson Beat, conversations with women in music, and concluded with a capstone edition of MUSEfest Online, a music festival I normally produce in major cities that promotes women in music, film, art and culture. I stayed connected with colleagues and fans, envisioned future projects, and maintained momentum and enthusiasm for creative projects, present and future. 

Evan Mazunik | “Comfort and Joy”

Funded, Recorded & Released A New Holiday Album

I’m grateful that I was able to successfully fund, record, release, and sell my new holiday album this year.

Eli Lev | “Anywhere We Can Go”

Released A Touching Global Fan Driven Music Video 

I had a powerful experience this year when my music community from all across the world helped me create the music video for 'Anywhere We Can Go.' I was in happy tears editing it and seeing all these wonderful faces come together and make something truly special. Here it is and I hope it brings some joy to folks.

Jeff Oster | “Five Great Mountains”

Found Solace (And Music) In Mother Nature

I was lucky to spend three months in the fall of 2020 up in Vermont. In the midst of all of the turmoil, Mother Nature just kept on shining. I was able to create this video on my iPhone, in an attempt to capture her beauty.

Beca Dreams | “Calm Before the Storm”

Had A Creative Burst That Resulted In Ad Campaigns & New Singles

It’s been a very challenging year, and yet I’ve somehow managed to have some awesome wins I am super grateful for. 

Partnered with Bounty to write/perform Quicker Picker Upper, currently streaming on all major platforms and has gotten over 7M views on Tik Tok and 150K streams on Spotify so far. Composed/performed song for an ad campaign for fashion designer Asher Levine on launching his new groundbreaking LED outerwear line (who’s recently worked with Doja Cat, Lil Nas, Lady Gaga). I also released 2 singles “Calm Before The Storm” and “Taking Time For Myself” and  most recently was featured on “Dance Party In The Living Room” by UK producer Fritz von Runte, about making the most of the quarantine.

I feel so lucky to be making music and doing what I love, which has been a huge silver lining during these dark times.

AfriCali | “The Struggle”

Turned An Eviction Into A Special Retreat & Healing Place 

Our landlord lost her pilates practice and couldn’t afford her Oakland home so

Our family of four with a baby due any month now had to figure it out and find the humanity in moving out before the lease was up. In the magic of mother earth and without knowing we were blessed with a beautiful place to be away and seven thousand feet above the mountains where we could have this beautiful bundle of joy. Which would turn into a special retreat healing place after our departure this past October.

Akira AK | “Pearl”

Completed His New Release Remotely Over Zoom

My "good news, good music" story is simply how I was able to release 2 major projects this year despite everything that is going on: putting out my second EP and my first music video.  The EP in particular had been in the works for 3 years and was SO CLOSE to being done when everything started to shut down, so with the work of my engineer, we set up remote sessions via zoom that helped put the last song over the line and get the release out there! From there I was able to promote it with it's adjacent merch.

As far as my first music video is concerned; I was able to safely show up in person in NYC and film it with the help of a great videographer. The conceptualizing of the video is very special and I think speaks to the experiences some of us have had about going to that special place inside your head where you feel most powerful/comfortable/fierce to deal with whatever is going on externally. The promo for the video was also a success in terms of being able to schedule it on time and put it out there to hype the video itself. And once it was out it was really (unexpectedly) well received!

Those are just my personal success stories and I'm excited to see others' as well!

Monsterboy | “Ain’t Worth the Dime”

Played 60 Livestreams That Reached 7,000 Households

When my husband and I found ourselves without gigs and our small business closed, we decided to go live with our music and stay in touch with our fans. We cobbled together equipment from our home studio and gigging rig, going live in that first week. We really didn't know what to expect. The messages we got from people were so heartwarming, we built a little community for them night after night, reconnecting with existing fans and finding new.  In total, we did over 60 live streams during the shutdown and reached over 7k households on some streams. Entertaining and interacting with people was our way to do our part for our community. A podcast found us via the streams and started hiring us to produce music for their shows from it.

Artist: Crotona P., Producer: Pablo Brownbeats | “Silk”

Forged An International Collaboration South Africa and the USA via A Chance Facebook Meeting

I'm Pablo Brownbeats, a producer  who has been producing  since my youth and creating music for the last 12 years. I just released my new Ep with Crotona P from Rochester New York featuring Street Da Villain, Dj Shawn Touch, KING Flamez all from Rochester New York and SOLO MAJITA from Free State South Africa. The African Ep is available on digital stores and Bandcamp.  I enjoyed making this project and it will be an honor to share the leading single Titled Silk.

This project was recorded during the  early days of Covid19. Me and Crotona met over Facebook and exchanged some few words and he agreed to do the single (silk) then African EP was born.

Scott Whitfield | “A Bi-Coastal Christmas, Vol. 1, by Scott Whitfield & Friends”

Released A Christmas Album That Features Artists Who Have Passed That Started Recording in 2004.

Despite the challenges, I was able to release a Christmas album on Bandcamp!  It's available as a digital download OR a physical CD.  This is the culmination of MANY years of work (some tracks date back to 2004, and, sadly, a few of the artists who played on them are no longer with us).

John Maksym | “Drinkin’ & Thinkin’”

Worked With 22 Collaborators Spanning 7 Countries and 16 Cities

I kicked off this year as a solo recording artist for the first time in my life and had an ambitious goal of releasing music every 5 weeks. When the pandemic struck, I had just started recording my 4th single in the studio and everything got shut down. Within a couple of weeks I was able to pivot and invest money into building my own little home studio, to continue to create. With every musician in the world stuck at home, I was able to connect with a dream team of collaborators who helped me finish the song that I had started and go on to record 8 more songs through remote session recording from their own home studios. All in all I worked with 22 collaborators, spanning 7 countries and 16 cities, which I would never have thought of doing had the world not been in lockdown. It also allowed me time to revise my original release plan and build a more robust plan to release a number of singles and eventually an album throughout 2021.

Stay tuned ...There’s more Good News Coming!

#2020 #2021 #independent artist buzz #indie music #music blog #spotify #spotify playlist #positive vibes #good vibes #cyberpr #cyberprmusic

[shakenbakebdm-blog]

Me Help Make A VR Experience

Hello, I am Bryce-D Marsh, I’m a Game Dev student at SAE Quantm and I am in my 4th trimester. This trimester we were challenged to make a VR experience for a client in which I handled a lot of the design and building of the environment. I am going to take you through what I have done this trimester.

Restrictions

We were given a free choice as to what the idea could be about as long as the VR experience gave the user the feeling of Awe. But for this project we had to use Unity as it was a requirement from the client. We were free to use any assets as long as they were appropriate for a commercial product. The other constraint was time, as we could not make an experience that exceeded 10 minutes and was a minimum length of at least 1 minute. Now the last restriction was that the VR experience was for a portable VR system, that being the Oculus Quest & Go. Meaning we have to be more cautious about optimisation for the experience. 

The Idea

For me the idea for the experience came from thinking about nature and things that create Awe within it. My mind went to natural phenomena such as storms and tornadoes. I ended up coming up with an idea that the user would be engulfed by a supernatural glowing tornado and transported to a magical version of the same environment. Yes after hearing some feedback it is quite reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and I realise that now, but I still really like the idea. 

So once the idea was settled I began to make an art bible with key images that convey the idea. Ones that could also be used to help inspire and build the environment. I also needed to put some more thought into what the magical version of the scene would look like as that was going to be the second point the user experiences Awe.

Grey Box

Now since I had key reference images I was able to picture what the environment would look like so I began to make it. For this I was going to use Unity's terrain tool. As I want tall mountains around the user that encapsulates them on a lake in the centre of it. I was also planning to put a tall mountain in the centre of the lake so that the tornado could come out from behind it. But first I had to learn how to use the terrain tool as I had never used it within Unity. I ended up using this video to help me learn the common functionalities of it, whilst it also provided some handy references to free assets that would help start making the terrain I envisioned Brackeys. (2019, June 24). How to make Terrain in Unity!. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/MWQv2Bagwgk. With this video I was able to make the terrain that was desired for the experience. Having tall mountains fully surround and enclose the user.

Texturing & Colouring

The next section was to texture the terrain and lucky me as that same video mentioned before also covered texturing your terrain. Providing once again a reference to very handy assets that you can use to texture your terrain. Once I had textured the terrain I saw that I was not completely happy with the results. As the textures did not exactly fit what I had envisioned. So to fix that I simply took them into Photoshop where I edited them to fit what I wanted planned in my art bible and mind. Firstly I wanted to fix the moss/grass texture as it had too many rocks and sticks in it. So to cover them up I used the stamp tool and layered over the grassy/mossy parts. Until a majority of the texture was covered in grass. One thing to consider when I was completing this was I still needed this texture to be tile-able. So on the edges of the texture I also tried to keep them the same tone as when there is a big patch of a different colour or something very noticeable at the edge such as a rock or branch it becomes very apparent that the texture is the same all over. Plus it does not look nice. The other texture I fixed up was the rock texture as the colour I was going more so forwas grey rocks. While the texture provided was a mixture of brown grey and black. This was really simple to fix as all that needed to be done was adjusting the colours of the texture.

Later on in the creation of this project I also needed to create a different colour scheme for the Awe scene that the user gets transported to. This was achieved just by a simple colour change to the original texture. Changing the grass to a purple colour, and tinting some dark orange into the rock texture. During this period of time my group also had to do this to the models that we got from our animators. For example we had two variants of trees. We already had the normal green leaves, so for the Awe scene we made one of the trees have pink leaves and the other blue. We also had other assets at this point such as rocks and mushrooms. All of which had variants for either scene. The mushrooms were emissive and huge in the Awe scene, and the rocks had emissive pulsing cracks in them. This was all key in trying to make the Awe scene more vibrant and colourful compared to the tornado scene. 

Modelling

Even though we did have animators on our team who predominantly did our modelling. There was a point in this project where I had to step in and fix the tree models provided by one of our animators. The models were not importing into the terrains tree painter properly and overall was buggy with its textures as half the leaves on the model were missing when I applied its textures. The issue was apparent once I took it into Maya. Half of the tree’s leaves UV's were gone. So based on the assets our animator provided I made new tree models. I took the leaf planes they had and surrounded the tree of the trunk, I then also adjusted the size of the trees and reset its pivot point. Which was essential as otherwise the model of the tree would be placed wherever the pivot was. Lastly it is always important to delete the history of the model as it takes that into the engine and causes issues. So although I did very little actual modelling, I was there to provide assistance for when things went awry. 

Scene Dressing

A huge part of my job for this was set dressing the scenes. I was mainly in charge of the tornado scene where I would place models and try and fill the environment. This took many iterations and weeks as our work pipeline had incoming new assets just about each week from the animator. Once the models got to us one of my other group members would usually set them up in a separate scene to see if there were any issues with the model. Then once they were ready I would go about and integrate them into the tornado scene, and sometimes into the Awe scene. The biggest struggle with this section was trying not to add too many models into the scene that it would hinder the performance of the experience. 

Testing

Now with performance issues a huge part about fixing this was testing. Unfortunately for my team half way through this trimester our Uni was closed due to isolation for COVID-19. We had to switch to only online where we had to still finish the experience but without VR hardware ourselve. Luckily one of our group members was able to test the VR side of things, but it was a headset hooked up to his PC so it did not help with testing [performance. Only how it looked. So the only way to test performance was to send APK’s to our client who would give us very helpful feedback on things wrong with the experience. One recurring issue we had was that the experienced frame rate was too low. To combat this I was always trying to reduce models in scene, take models back into Maya and cut out tris and lower texture resolutions. I think this helped a little bit in raising the frames. But it did not ultimately fix the issue. Testing is a super important process to find bugs and issues with a game. As a group we did our best to better the experience, but without the hardware ourselves it made it a lot harder to fix these optimization issues we were having. As we could not directly test what was causing the issue. We could only just make cut backs to help try and improve performance.

Music & Audio

Half of this experience was the music and sounds. As for VR the user is only able to see, listen and interact with the digital space. So for my experience the music and sounds were super important. It was important to get someone on board the project that understood the music we were going for. Now I wanted to try something a little different for the music and went with a more EDm track. Taking inspiration from a couple of tracks from the artist Flume. In which I used to head our audio person in the right direction. I wanted to go with this type of music as I feel it will give the experience a new flavour and can inspire Awe quite well. I also wanted to divert expectations with the natural setting of the experience but have electronic based music. Creating a unique feeling for the user.

Submission

With the trimester coming towards the end the team was mainly focusing on optimisation and adding any last touches. Just to try and make the experience as close to a finished product as we could. This was my first time making a VR experience and it was a blast. It did not all go to plan mainly due to things out of my control but I was proud of it!

#gamedev #student #vr

[callumhumphreys]

INTERVIEW: DAN WOOD

Callum Humphreys: Hi Dan, firstly, thanks for taking the time to speak to me. Can you give everyone reading a little background on yourself and the work you make?

Dan Wood: I’m a self-taught photographer from Bridgend in South Wales. I’ve been shooting seriously for 25 years and came to photography via the skateboarding culture, which I was very much a part of here in South Wales for many years.

CH: In an age where sharing work and ideas is instantaneous, what roll do you think the traditional photobook plays in modern photography?

DW: It’s extremely important and has became an art form in itself. In the age of digital everything it’s vital that books exist; something tangible that can be held and looked at away from the phone/computer screen. Another important aspect is that people should continue to support books and buy whenever possible as they are not only an incredible source of inspiration but also keep the industry cogs turning, so books will continue to be made and the small profits can help the photographer to continue making work.

CH: From following your social media accounts, I would imagine you own a small library of photobooks by now haha! I know personally I have found some great recommendations from your posts on Instagram tagged #photobookjousting. What is it about the photobook that interests you so much?

DW: I’m quite materialistic and always enjoy being surrounded by items I like, but apart from that, and as mentioned above, I find photobooks a great source of inspiration - they keep the fire burning in my belly! It often surprises me that quite a lot of photographers don’t realise the power of photobooks and are constantly buying new cameras or lenses to try and get through their creative block. These types need educating on the importance of photobooks; hence the hashtag #buybooksnotgear !

CH: Do you think narratives or ideas can be shared in the same way on social media as they can in a book?

DW: To a certain extent, yes, but there really is nothing like sitting down with an actual physical photobook and watching  the story unfold through every page turn. Photobooks are usually of excellent quality these days and a lot of expense goes into making them and that’s why they are usually about £30 or £40. The profits are minimal but to put something so special and of such quality out into the world is very rewarding.

CH: Do you think the resurgence in the popularity of film, and its tactile nature, has played a role in keeping physical prints and books alive?

DW: Definitely! I’ve been a film shooter for 25 years and there was a time when I was starting to get very worried about how much longer film would be around for, so it’s a huge relief. The only downside is that film has doubled in price over the last 10 years, but i’m prepared to take that on the chin. Prints, exhibitions and books are all thriving at this moment in time and it’s how photography should be - there’s a real buzz in the photo-world and I’m enjoying it immensely.

CH: In terms of your own work, I know you have already made a number of books. Do you know when starting a project that the final outcome will eventually be presented as a physical book?

DW: I fell into the book game by accident and I used to make work with the end result focused on exhibitions as as opposed to books - being published or self-publishing didn’t even cross my mind in the early days. It was an email, completely out of the blue, from Iain Sarjeant (Another Place press) where it all began - he was about to start a small any publishing company and wanted to publish Suicide Machine as their second release. These days I do have books in mind when shooting work, particularly long term projects as I like to draw a line under them when they are finished and, I feel, a book does just that.

CH: Can you remember the one photobook early on which made you realise that you wanted to share your work or ideas in a similar way?

DW: I can’t think of a definitive book that made me want to make books but I do know the book which pretty much changed everything and put me on the documentary photography path: Exiles by Josef Koudelka. I took it out of the University library (circa 1997) and It was that moment that I decided that they were the type of pictures I wanted to make - I was blown away.

CH: I understand you are working on a new body of work. Are you aiming to publish this like your past works and, can you share any details on the concept?

DW: The new work, which is about my local river and links the 2 former projects, Suicide Machine and Gap in the Hedge, will be Published by Another Place Press in late 2020. The project pays tribute to the Ogmore River, an unremarkable river that once ran black with coal dust. The series will touch on Wales’ industrial past as well as modern day environmental issues but also include personal memories of my childhood growing up with the river. I’m 1 year into making the project and aim for another year before completion - the work has been kept fairly secretive thus far and progress is only available to view on my website using a password.

CH: You have been working with ‘Another Place Press’ for some time now and have released a number of books with them. What is it like working with APP, is it a collaborative effort?

DW: I’ve been very fortunate to cross paths with Iain (Sarjeant) and have built up a strong, real life, friendship over the years - even though were are around 700 miles apart! We make an effort to get together once or twice a year, purely for social reasons, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of book production, yes, it absolutely is a collaborative effort. When publishing a book, 2 people are definitely better than one and Iain really knows his stuff, he is a graphic designer by trade and that helps enormously with the actual book design etc. So when working with a publisher be prepared to make compromises as the publisher will spot things that you may think was a good idea, but in his/her eyes its a bad one - and its usually the publisher that knows best!

CH: Lastly, let’s say you are tired of the modern word (and hearing about Brexit!) and decide to move to a desert island. You have enough space to pack 3 photobooks… what are they?

DW: Ooh, this is a tough one *goes of to look at bookshelf* Gregory Haplern - ZZYZX; Bryan Schutmaat - Grays the Mountain Sends; Karolina Paatos - American Cowboy (I’m a huge fan of Americana)

You can see more of Dan Woods work on his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danwoodphoto

#Photography #documentary #documentaryphotography #dan wood #interview #photobook #Wales #film phogoraphy

[doomedandstoned]

Meet Corey G. Lewis, The Dude Who’s Bringing Grunge Back

~By Jamie LaRose~

Art by Ben House

With the new album sinking into our consciousness, 'Deathspiration' (2018) by The Misery Men invokes the necessity to dig a bit deeper into the creative processes behind its craft. I had the chance to follow-up with Corey G. Lewis, mastermind of the music, and take a glimpse at the band's evolution as portrayed by sound. Deathspiration was recorded and mixed by Steve Jones of Ancient Warlocks at Big Sound Productions in Seattle, and features Jones as drummer.

Deathspiration by The Misery Men

Deathspiration by The Misery Men

The intro track is reminiscent of reflections, leading into a blasting presence of a second track. This album seems to tell a diverse story, can you explain some of the inspiration behind Deathspiration?

Well the intro track is sort of an homage to Neil Young’s Dead Man soundtrack. I’m also really into Dylan Carlson and EARTH. Before I discovered Earth, I’d always described The Misery Men as, Western Doom Noir. That’s evolved into me describing it as Stone Drone. Nevertheless it’s reminiscent of the space between the notes, and the chaos that occurs. The song Sughrue is about C.W. Sughrue, a character from the book Last Good Kiss by the late great James Crumley, also an old friend. Sughrue is a Private Dick that goes off looking for missing woman. “Like a train” barreling down the highway, from Montana to Mexico.

Oh, most importantly, the inspiration behind Deathspiration is the evolution of me as a human. The cathartic shedding of skin. "Harnessing the Darkness" and riding the waves. Sometimes I feel we might be desperate to reach death, to know the truths, while we attempt to be inspired to live life, as we pass through all the adversity, and perspiring blood, sweat, and tears in these moments of our existence.

Deathspiration by The Misery Men

Do you have any secrets of sound to share? What types of techniques present The Misery Men persona?

My secret sound really is simplicity, and the ghost of Leo Fender haunting my amp. I run a 70’s Music Man 112 RP 65-watt amp with an EV bass speaker, through a 2x12 THD Cab, with a phaser pedal, and a Little Big Muff. A wall of fuzz, that is grizzly, meaty, and punchy. I don’t really try to be the tone guy, but I get more compliments about my tone than anything else.

Deathspiration by The Misery Men

"Night Creeps In" presents itself to me as the vertex of the Deathspiration story, it feels ritualistic and defining. Are there any rituals you perform while in the writing process?

This song in particular was written after a girl I was dating for only a week, told me she was going to kill herself. It was pretty heavy, and at the time she texted me, I was walking past Lone Fir Cemetery and wrote her, “sometimes the night creeps in, looking wretched weak and thin. Smiling with its meathook grin.” It was a very heavy experience. When I wrote this song about seven years ago, I was just really getting deep into Dax Riggs of Acid Bath. He’s definitely had a big impact on my music writing since moving to Portland.

Deathspiration by The Misery Men

Aside from the release of Deathspiration, are there any other exciting current happenings with The Misery Men?

We played at Dante’s not long ago with Chris Newman Deluxe Combo. Chris is quintessential to the Portland rock scene and to the whole Pacific Northwest in general. He is famous for his band Napalm Beach, who released their first album in 1981. Without Napalm Beach, The Wipers, and Dead Moon, well Seattle “Grunge” just wouldn’t sound the same. We might all still be playing Hair Metal!

Officially, Deathspiration has been out since last December, but this week it will launch on all digital platforms worldwide. This fall around September or October, expect a new two-part album to drop digitally, recorded by Witch Mountain and The Skull’s own Rob Wrong! It’ll feature 3-4 different local bass players and a couple local drummers, all guitars and vocals have been recorded, and bass/drums will be done by July/August. So far, we've got interest from bass players Billy Anderson (yes, the famous Sleep producer), Matt Howl (Mammoth Salmon), Wayne Boucher (Troll), and Jaden Mcginiss (Legendary Peavy owner, Doorman, Boudicca). All of this will be recorded in Rob’s basement, the same basement Elliott Smith practiced in.

I decided that my second album needed to be done sooner than later, after the 1st was seven years in the making. Deathspiration was recorded in Seattle with Ancient Warlocks drummer Steve Jones, I’m very happy with the way it turned out, it was analog with no filters, no frills, just my raw intensity. The second though I feel needs to be done here in Portland, it is after all according to Greg Sage, DoomTown. Unlike the first one, it’ll be all digital, but still raw and real, capturing my live performance sound. I’m also likely going to have a variety of drummers on the album playing different songs, perhaps even some legendary Portland drummers!

This week I begin practicing with a new drummer for two upcoming gigs. On Saturday, July 6th, we'll be playing with Chronoclops and Stereo Creeps from Seattle at Misdemeanor Meadows in Portland. It's a free show. Then on Friday, July 26th, The Misery Men will be rocking Gil's Speakeasy for a $5 show that includes The Sleer and Breath. I'm Working on gigs for August on through the Fall.

Do you have any memories of childhood that are notably similar to your current state of mind? What type of things about your childhood self were spot-on about who you become? What was your favorite toy?

I knew I’d always wanted to be a Rock n’ Roller or an actor in films. Like pretty much as long as I could remember. I dressed up almost every Halloween as a Punk Rocker in the '80s. My first concert of grand scale was Poison and Warrant 1989, in Bozeman, Montana -- I was in 5th grade. That show changed my life. I also dug rocks in my grandparent’s backyard, but not for pleasure -- my grandfather took advantage of child labor! I’m a rocker through and through. I think I’ve followed my dreams pretty spot on.

Favorite toys were probably GI Joe’s, Star Wars, or my SEGA Genesis. I also built wood swords from fence posts and painted them with finger nail polish as a kid. Think I may have accidentally got high!

What was the moment when you could feel music has become a part of your life? How has writing music helped you, and those around you?

Well, ever since I could remember music was a part of my life. Listening to my mom’s old tapes and records as a kid really impacted me. I was always surrounded by music, my grandparents owned a Rock n’ Roll bar I’m the ‘60s, '70s, and '80s, called The Wrangler Bar in Livingston, MT. It’s featured in the film Rancho Deluxe about some wild young cattle rustlers, starring Jeff Bridges, and Sam Waterson. There’s a scene with Jimmy Buffett playing "Livingston Saturday Night" while Jeff and Sam play Pong. I’ve played that same machine as a kid! There was always a jukebox, I loved playing Jefferson Starship's "We Built This City," Joan Jett's "I Love Rock n’ Roll," Ozzy's "Bark at the Moon," Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Hell Is For Children," and Billy Squire's "The Stroke"!

In 7th and 8th grades, I really was into The Doors, The Beatles, Hendrix, and I was in a English class for kids who couldn’t really focus on reading Lord Of The Rings. In this class our teacher would have us listen to our favorite music at home, then with the feelings we got, write our own poetry. I often listened to Hendrix, especially Axis: Bold As Love and Electric LadyLand, so there were plenty of references to fantasy in my early lyrics. This really helped me learn to become a lyricist, and take an interest in poetry. Most importantly, it gave me an outlet. Around the same time, I got heavy into Henry Rollins. When I saw the video for "Liar" with Hank all painted red, I thought, “I wanna be that guy!” I bought Get in The Van and it became my Bible. All the while I was into Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Soundgarden.

Is there a way to describe when you feel most productive or most relaxed? How is your state of mind best explained while writing music?

I’m most productive when I feel inspired. Or when the Sun is out and I’m well rested. I like the Sun, except in extreme heat, then I wanna murder the Sun. I was born at night, so I’m a Moon child. I definitely get more inspired and productive writing at night. A few years ago when I was reworking an old song that turned out to be Harness The Darkness, I took a wee bit of LSD or mushrooms -- I’m more of a microdose kind of guy -- found myself going down some deep wormholes to connect a lot of dots that would go on to make up the six verses of the song, that I eventually dropped into four, because it was the most exhausting song to play! I’m a Beatnik kid. I got into the Beat style of writing early on. So, letting the stream of consciousness come flowing out seems to work well for me. I can keep a pretty decent rhyme or off rhyme too.

What is the most peculiar thing that anyone has ever said to you?

Hmmmm. Can you keep a secret? From experience, always tell them no, because sometimes people will lay some heavy shit on you, and maybe you didn’t want to be that person to carry their burden. I’m not a Priest, or a therapist, sometimes it’s fine to listen to friends, but there’s some things you can’t unhear or unsee!

Do you have a message for the universe?

I call it the "Megaverse," as coined by quantum physicist Leonard Susskind -- but my message is to be real, be compassionate, be loving, be forgiving, be understanding, be courageous, be ever evolving, and in the words of E.T.: “Beeeeee Gooooooddd.”

The Great Misery Men Giveaway!

Don't miss your chance to add the gritty album Deathspiration to your library! Grab one of the Bandcamp codes below (first come, first served) and redeem it right here.

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#D&S Interviews #The Misery Men #Corey G. Lewis #Portland #Oregon #Doom #Grunge #Metal #Jamie LaRose #Stoner Art #Ben House #Week of Wonders #Doomed & Stoned

[umassdillustrationclub]

Illustration Article 09: Album Art (Roger Dean)

Album art can feature any style or media, as long as it is printed within a square format. This can include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, collage, digital effects, or any combination. They can relate closely to the album title or to a specific song, or can have completely separate imagery; most of the time, we subconsciously connect cover art to the album tracks, even if they don’t logically fit. A lot of albums simply use photographs of the singer/band; this may seem simplistic or boring, but a lot of covers place the photograph within a specific composition—using collage elements, color and lighting effects, typography effects, and so forth. But I’m going to focus on illustrated album art that not only stands out as an album, but as a standalone work of art as well.

Roger Dean (b. 1944) went to college for industrial design, developing strong drawing skills in draftsmanship for objects and environments. Some of these studies included an exploration of imaginary constructions, creating building foundations and furniture designs using unconventional shapes and colors. After making interior designs for a jazz club in 1968, the owner asked him to use a portfolio piece for the band Gun’s album Race with the Devil. After this, Dean produced album cover art for several bands, including Asia, Yes, Budgie, and Uriah Heep. Cover art for Yes’ and Asia’s commercially-successful albums have become iconic; his realism-inspired fantasy environments are still marveled at for their clarity, detail, and organic ornamentation. Dean also made video game art during the 80s, and in recent years has contributed designs for futuristic architecture.

This first example is an album cover Dean designed for Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (yes, that is the name of the band). This band’s four members were all previous members of Yes. Their one eponymous studio album in 1989 was illustrated by Dean. There is an interesting combination of vertical and horizontal forms; the tall rocky formations and bizarre architecture intersect with the tree branches and clouds. Despite the overlapping shadows, textures, and details of the environment, the image is not overwhelming. The near-empty sky provides breathing space, allowing the foreground to shine. As you travel farther, the rocks become less saturated, and the shadows become purple. This allow the orange colors of the center-right formation to really pop.

This second example is one of Dean’s most popular album art commissions—that of Yes’ 1974 album, Relayer. I read that the background was painted with watercolor, while the foreground was painted with ink. This sharply divides the foreground and background, prioritizing different elements. The foreground’s rocks and snakes have heavy textures and patterns, emphasizing their hard surface; the background has soft, graceful lines and values, becoming very pale at the furthest point. We assume that the cave/tunnel supports were naturally formed, but the geometric segmentations and indentations suggest something carved or built; the smooth, vertical shapes bring to mind the structure of bark-less trees or fungi.

This third example is from Yes’ 1980 album, Drama. This stood out to me because of the color scheme—black, gray, blue and white make me think of ice crystals. The lined landscape in the foreground is barren, save for the white and black silhouettes of birds and animals. The lighting seems otherworldly—the bottom half of the painting has primarily darker values, but the background mountain has a punch of white and light-yellow hues.

This last example is from Asia’s 1983 album, Alpha. This was an album cover that I recognized before researching Dean. I think people may be drawn to it because of the bizarre juxtaposition in the environment. It’s obviously futuristic from the architecture in the background, but elements of nature are still thriving in the foreground. Plus the pyramid, a symbol of antiquity, is given a sheen and sharply-smooth appearance. The color scheme is primarily cool (greens and blues), but certain details of orange, red, and purple make the elements appear more colorful.

#roger dean #Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe #yes #asia #album art #1980's album #alpha #drama #relayer #painting #fantasy illustration #fantasy landscape #umassdillustrationclub #illustration #illustrator

[astdesu-blog]

Because I am evil, all of the cute asks for Cute Ast.

SO EVIL. But here you go. ♡

♡ cute asks ♡

angel; do you have a nickname?

Mmm, I don’t. My name already is a nickname!

awe; how old are you?

22 years old… ;;

baby; favorite color?

I can’t choose between black and purple!

bloop; spirit animal?

According to a test, it’s a sheep…!

blossom; favorite book/movie/song?

My fave song is NEO SCREAM from BORN

blush; what was your stuffed animal as a child?

Winnie the Pooh. And still are, too…

breeze; most precious childhood memory?

Precious memory… Don’t have the most precious, but I really liked the time we was allowed to have a cat at the orphanage. He was really cute.

bright; mermaids or fairies?

Fairies, I think!

bubbles; do you have a best friend?

I do! Best friend and also my co-worker!

buttercup; showers or baths?

Baths, with bath bombs!

butterfly; dream destination?

Any place that has beautiful old architectures! Like… Gothic architecture!

buttons; are you religious or spiritual?

Spiritual, so to say.

calm; favorite scent?

All the sweets scents!

candlelight; what did you dream about last night?

I don’t remember what I dreamed… The last one I remember is a few days already.

charming; have you ever been in love?

Yes, I have.

cozy; eye/hair color?

Eye are dark brown, my hair is dark brown too but with blonde strands.

cuddly; what’s your favorite time period?

Mmm… Up my 18, I think.

cupcake; favorite flower/plant?

I’ll say that it is a cactus because I have one and its already so cute!

cute; what did you get on your last birthday?

Nothing like parties, but cute messages and also a super special present. ♡

cutie pie; most precious item you own?

My guitars! Literally, the most precious ones.

cutsie; what makes you happy?

Sweets, discovered recently that hugs and kisses too.

daisies; describe a moment when you felt free.

The day I really felt free was when I realized that I was setting up my own place, with the few things I could buy. Living by myself was like a dream and when I could finally do it, it was the greatest sensation of freedom I had on my chest, for days. Refreshing.

daydream; how do you want to be remembered?

Oh, mhmm… The boy who was a passionate guitarist with so much dreams that (luckily in the future) he can achieve!

daylight; favorite album of all time?

BLACK THEORY MANIA from BORN!

dear; zodiac sign?

Gemini!

delightful; concerts or museums?

Concerts, but… Museums too. Both are cool!

dimples; have you ever written a letter?

I can’t remember if I did it. Probably not.

dobby; dream job?

As a guitarist. Again, and again!

doll; how do you like to dress?

Comfy clothes but that also feels and looks… nice. Well, in the summer only t-shirts, there is no way we look very nice in the summer. w

dovey; any paranormal/magical experiences?

Sadly, none of them. I am really up for it, but… ;;

dreams; do you want or have any tattoos?

I do have! And wanna do more as well! Already got 5!

drizzle; do you believe in aliens?

Of course. The universe is so big, can’t believe that exist only humans around.

euphoric; talk about someone you love.

Mmmmm… This person has a big heart. A big heart that I want to be in, actually. A unique person, so talented and beautiful, a real inspiration for me and so many others. Always has good advice and is also so lively and refreshing to be around, it’s like… It’s like a compilation of childish souls, this is really so good to be around and feel it. A person who, with patience and subtlety, won my heart with every word they said, every gesture they made, every cute anon ask who sent me and I keep it deary inside my heart. The title of the question is a bit embarrassing, but I think it already applies.

fairy; do you have a pet?

I don’t, but when I’ll get a chance I really want a kitty.

fluffy; ocean or mountain?

Mmm, ocean!

forever; where do you feel time stop?

At their side. A truly new experience.

froglet; are you a good plant owner?

I’m being a good owner! It’s been months since I’ve had them and they’re still alive and healthy.

garden; how many languages do you know?

My native one and a little of English. Really only a little.

gem; who are your favorite tumblrs?

Those with monochrome themes with beautiful images!

giggles; what is your aesthetic of choice?

Can I say tattoos because of myself…? w

glittery; do you like anons? why/why not?

I do like them, sometimes they are a bit… strange, but ne.

glow; list the top 5 things you like about yourself

Oh. Mmm.

• Tattoos• My ability to play guitar• My music taste• My hair• … mm, my eyes, maybe…

heart; silk or lace?

Silk, I think…?

honey; coffee or tea? how do you take it?

Both of them! Also, both really sweet, coffee not too hot as well as tea, but ice tea too.

hugsy; do you enjoy people watching or bird watching more? why?

Eh… I enjoy not being watched. w

hunnybunch; what sounds help you sleep?

Any music on my earphones! I can sleep with music but not with noises.

jewel; what’s your favorite kind of weather?

Not too hot, not too cold. 

jiggly; what do you usually like to do on weekends?

Now, I work on weekends, so I like to sleep when I am home.

joy; do you laugh loudly or giggle more?

Giggle more.

kinky; do you blush easily?

So, so, sooo much easily. I hate it…

kisses; what romantic cliché do you wish for most?

Mmm… I think it is holding hands.

kitty; what’s your favorite time of the day?

Night!

ladybug; what’s your favorite artist to listen to when you’re sad?

When I am sad… Maybe D'espairsRay.

love; what is your favorite season and why?

Fall, it is magical and so, so comfy. Not too hot neither too cold. The perfect balance.

lovey; what is your favorite flavor of macaron and ice cream?

All flavors! All sweet forms!

magic; what are five flaws you have?

• Being stuck in the past;• But also be pulled constantly into the future;• Feel too much;• Don’t notice many things from other people for being afraid to look around;• Not having more tattoos. w

moonlight; do you prefer soft pastels, warm neutrals, or cool darks?

Cool darks!

munchkin; what do you look for in your significant other?

Mmm….. All that they already have….

paddywack; how would you describe a perfect date?

Anywhere, with anything, but with the right people.

pebbles; how do you spend free time by yourself?

Games, games. Sweets, games, sweets. Games!

precious; what is something valuable that you learned in your life?

Despite all the bad things that have happened and are likely to happen, you will never  be alone, someone will be there to help you and show you new paths, new visions. They can stay or not, but then you’ll find someone again.

pretty; do you like to cook or bake more?

I do like both!

prince; how would you describe your handwriting?

Strange. A bit out of form…

princess; do you play any instruments? if not, are there any you wish you could play?

I do, my precious and lovable guitar!

prinky; how do you relieve stress?

First, crying. It’s a little automatic. If I get a big wave of stress I will cry. And of course, sweets to help!

pumpkin; what is your favourite kind of fruit/vegetable?

Mmm, apple, strawberry, broccoli…

rainbow; what was the last line of the last book you read?

Eh… I can’t remember it, the last one…!

roses; what is the most significant event in your life so far?

My independance!

smile; what is one thing that has greatly affected you?

In a good way, I think it was Axkey. I learned a lot by being a bandman.

shine; art or music?

Both, it is… complementary!

shimmer; do animals tend to like you?

Neighborhood kittens seem to like me, so, yes!

smitten; do you collect anything?

Winnie the Pooh plushies… Not so adult, but…!

smoochies; how many pillows do you sleep with?

A single pillow if the plushies don’t count.

snuggle; what is your favourite candy?

Can’t choose it. Never! All candies.

snuggly; do you have a camera? if so, what kind?

I don’t have one.

sparkle; do you wear jewelry?

I do! Most necklace.

spooky; sunrise or sunset?

Sunset.

sprinkles; do you like to listen to music with headphones or no headphones?

When I am home I listen to without headphones.

starlight; what was your favourite show as a child?

Can’t rembember a specific one. We’ll weren’t allowed to watch much TV.

soft; describe your favourite spot in your house.

My bedroom/living room. A bookshelf full of games, manga and CD’s, my little space for makeup and all those things, my bed with my plushies. A comfortable rug, not a big sofa, but a  big TV and also a PC!

soothe; digital or vinyl?

Digital.

squeezed; who do you miss right now?

The special ones…!

sugary; what traits do you value most in friends?

Mhm, I think the main thing would be to be honest and have compassion.

sunshine; do you prefer for things to be practical or aesthetically pleasing?

A bit of the two…!

sweet; do you find it easy to open up?

Definitely not.

sweetie; do you like kids? if so, do you ever want to have any?

A little, so to say. When I was in the orphanage I had a tendency to protect the younger children, but after I lost contact with this reality, I don’t know how I feel about it anymore. Probably don’t want to.

thimble; is there somebody you look up to? who are they?

There are people, yes, but don’t want to tell who~

toot; what is something you find unique about yourself?

About my personality I don’t know what to say, but about my body: my tattoos!

tootsie; what kind of friend are you?

The shy one who always has to be pushed into things, as he never goes by himself…

treasure; what was something that made you smile today?

Messages.

velvet; are you an early bird or a night owl?

Night owl!

whiffle; if you could have a magical power, what would it be?

I would like if I could be invisible!

whimsical; do you prefer doing stuff at home or going out?

Stuff at home. Comfy clothes and the bed always near me…!

whiskers; do you usually wear makeup?

I do! Not so frequently like when I was on a band, but still do it.

wiggly; are you a messy or tidy person?

Tidy, I like the things on its place.

wispy; do you like the place where you grew up? do you think you will live there when you get older?

Talking about a city, yes. I grew up in Tokyo and I still live here. But talking about a place, definitely not.

wobbly; have you ever wished upon a star?

Yes and the most cool thing is that… happened!

#angelprince-takamiy #thank you!!!

[perfectirishgifts]

Home For The Holidays In Stylish Pajamas And Lounge Wear

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/home-for-the-holidays-in-stylish-pajamas-and-lounge-wear-2/

Home For The Holidays In Stylish Pajamas And Lounge Wear

Sleeper’s Iconic Party Pajama set with detachable ostrich feathers.

Holiday season usually requires a full wardrobe for countless celebrations, get-togethers and even pre party preparations. There’s the annual girls’ night out, which has become the one night each year we go full on with sparkle and paint the town red. Hosting at home has become the highlight of my holiday season in the past years. Its on nights like these when those closest and dearest gather around a lovingly prepared spread to look back on the year that was. Last year, colleagues and I did a pajama themed dinner for six. It was a fitting dress code for one memorable evening that went on till the wee hours of the morning.

A year ago, nobody sitting on that Christmas table had a clue that holidays in 2020 will most likely be spent in pajamas—again. This year has unceremoniously cancelled all plans, major celebrations, included. This is not to say that Christmas will be any less special compared to past years. There are online cocktails with close friends marked in red now on the agenda. An intimate afternoon with members of the immediate family (following guidelines for social distancing and limited number of guests, of course) are currently being finalized for Christmas day up in the mountains. Plans for Christmas Eve and New Year, which are usually large and grand, are admittedly still up in the air. It will most likely be just as low-key and pared-down as all other occasions from the last 300 days. But one thing holds true. It will remain meaningful and elegant in its simplicity.

As you prepare for your most memorable holiday at home, start with this tried-and-tested edit of chic and comfy pajamas.

Papinelle and Karen Walker’s Limited Edition Love Letter Collection

Papinelle X Karen Walker Love Letter Nightie

PAPINELLE is a sustainable sleepwear brand from Australia that creates garments you wish you never had to get out of. The brand uses natural fabrics, including washable silks, that “enhance your down time and bring a little luxury to the bedroom.” Prints from the label transport one to dreamy landscapes and horizons. PAPINELLE’s latest collaboration with designer Karen Walker features iconic botanical prints done on natural washable silk. Called the Love Letter, these prints are set against a soothing palette of pinks and blues. Apart from classic pajamas, these stunning fabrics are also done on strappy nighties, boxers and robes. PAPINELLE sleepwear is made such that you’ll want to wear them for extended periods of time. Christmas mornings that last all day are likely to be extra cozy in pair from the brand’s latest collection.

Party Pajama Holiday Collection from SLEEPER

Shearling Lulu Ballet Slippers from SLEEPER

There are several SLEEPER pajamas in the wardrobe. They are classified as garments I love to bring out on special occasions that call for sleepwear that makes a statement. My feathered black and white PJs are all-time favorites that traveling roomies and pajama dance party mates never fail to compliment. This year, the “world’s first walking sleepwear” re-launched its signature dance party pajamas to feature detachable ostrich feather trimmings, for easier care and wear. There are new colors for these PJs including: beige, red and pink gingham. SLEEPER has also just recently introduced its shearling LULU Ballet Flats for added flair as you hop on to your next holiday pajama party online.  

Odyssey Pyjamas from PHRIYA

Odyssey Pyjamas from PHRIYA

PHRIYA is a sustainable luxury sleepwear brand that “celebrates the full time dreamers.” Its founders Hans and Patricia are themselves dreamers who explain that, “we combine passion, imagination, art, creativity, innovation and social responsibility to push the boundaries of what dreams can be.” The label works with natural materials such as cotton and linen to reimagine the traditional “pyjama.” Hand-painted prints by artist Anna Glover make each set in special and truly unique. Everything from the brand is done in small batches and with close attention to detail. The Odyssey pyjama, for instance, features rounded collar lapels, lots of room for movement as well as cuffs and deep pockets with piping. There have been some days throughout this quarantine year when my Odyssey long pyjama set kept me company from sun up to a several Zoom meetings at midday and kitchen raids at midnight.

Cropped sweater and runner shorts in shade Stone from PATTON STUDIO

A classic white cropped sweater and joggers in a shade of pine from PATTON STUDIO

PATTON STUDIO is a new retail concept from the Philippines that encourages the stylish set to buy less with better design and quality. The ready-to-wear label is anchored on the idea that timeless, simple and versatile pieces are foundations of a clever wardrobe edit. Designs at PATTON STUDIO are decidedly straightforward allowing one to build from existing garments already in the closet. Pieces are also created so “you can approach your day with ease and comfort…letting you make the most out of your day, everyday.” Sets like PATTON STUDIO’s Cropped Sweaters and Runner Shorts or joggers go beyond conventional lounge wear, extending its function to cover light workouts, afternoon naps and yes, intimate holiday celebrations at home. I love how you can pair your shorts with cotton bralettes for quick yoga flow then mix it up with a cropped tee or sweater later in the day.  

Pictou Skirt made using VIRAL OFF antimicrobial copper fabric from YOYA

YOYA’s Dover Shrug is made using VIRAL OFF treated antibacterial copper infused pleated cotton.

YOYA is intellectual in its approach to fashion design. Pieces are conceived with contrasts and juxtaposition as its take off point. The brand positions itself as “a challenger of conventional notions and norms…both familiar and startling at the same time.” Its creations are classified as “uniform for the thinking woman.” This year, YOYA partnered with Polygiene Technology company, VIRAL OFF, in the creation of its Armoured Awakening collection. Garments made using VIRAL OFF’s copper infused cottons are translated into easy, versatile pieces to suit style in our times. Most designs from the collection also offer a variety of styling options so that they can transition from lounging to stepping out for errands and even a digital Christmas fete. The Dover Shrug with its micro pleating details, gathered neckline and draw cord details, can be worn in countless ways depending on occasion and mood. I love to wear this over workout gear, allowing me to transition from mat to Zoom meetings. The Pictou skirt, similarly, is a beautiful style staple this season that brings decadence and off-duty ease to your holiday at home fashion repertoire. Light pleated fabrics gathered asymmetric detail make it a piece you can actually look and feel good in.

Bagheera Long Pajama Set from PRINTFRESH

Bagheera Shorts in Forest by PRINTFRESH

PRINTFRESH was founded by textile designer and entrepreneur Amy Voloshin to reflect a love for décor, plants, pets, 70s hippie and surf culture. Its Philadelphia- based atelier works closely with socially and environmentally conscious suppliers in India. Garments from PrintFresh are made using 100% cotton poplin as canvas for whimsical prints and bold colors that “step up the WFH and lounge uniform.” Lively prints on pajama sets, robes and separates also make for beautiful statement pieces for a holiday at home ensemble. The Bagheera set, for instance, is a striking piece to wear for opening gifts and a warm cup of chocolate on Christmas morning. You may also want to wear them throughout most of the day, which isn’t such a bad idea.

Silk reversible Muse robe with artwork by Alina Zamanova from LESSLESS

Peignoir style silk robe with print from LESSLESS

LESSLESS pays homage to the art of wearing dressing gowns and 90s minimalism. As a child of the 90s, I’ve always enjoyed putting on a dressing gown—either as a style statement or for days when the only plan is relax and to stay in. Robes from this emerging brand work for both men and women. They are designed to complement an understated style sensibility punctuated with artful prints by notable female painters like Alina Zamanova. Since its launch in 2019, the well dressed set has picked up on impeccably crafted and exquisite designs from LESSLESS. Its founders, Alya and Tim Gonta write: “The dressing gown essence of the collection are silk wrap-dresses and robes a-la peignoir which freely float around the body. Their creation was driven by the Hollywood inspiration—and that is the feeling LESSLESS strives to create with their clothes.” Their reversible silk robes are style investments that make dressing up, even for small holiday celebrations at home, feel like the special occasions that truly are. Take your queue from style icon, Maye Musk who’s been spotted in LESSLESS’s linen robes.

The Kendal Pant and Athena Sweater from LEZE THE LABLE

LEZE THE LABEL is a lifestyle brand that aims to empower women through garments that help them move through days with ease. Women behind the team share that “through the comfort and styling ease of each garment, we seek to inspire women of all professions to navigate career paths freely.” Beyond the confines of a WFH set up, pieces from the brand are also great style choices for cozy Christmas mornings with family and loved ones. The Kendall Pant and Athena Sweater, for instance, is a season-less staple that feels like butter on skin. Made using recycled fishing nets, garments also feature sweat-wicking and anti-wrinkle technology. With color options in bone, black and gray, these loungewear finds are keepers for individuals with preference for a clean, contemporary and streamlined holiday look.

The Essential Belted Dress from LONDRE is made using soft, breathable and sustainably sourced … [] fabric.

The Essential Pant and Cropped Sweater are key pieces from LONDRE’s Loungewear Line.

LONDRE is an inspired ethical swimwear brand that makes women feel good. Through pieces that flatter the female form while the lowest possible impact, the company is able to connect through sincere, powerful messaging. They also resonate with women through designs that celebrate body positivity and self love. Pieces arrive to their new owners with lovingly written notes cards and tags empower through words like: “Remember that you are beautiful” and “Body Type: “So ******* Beautiful.” Its latest collection of loungewear is yet another nod to women uplifting other women. Made using sustainably harvested wood pulp and organic cotton, pieces from the range are made with comfort, movement and confidence as the main goal. In a season and year when many us find ourselves reassessing that things that truly matter, investing in essential pieces that convey hope, kindness, acceptance and positivity could just as well be the best gift you can give yourself.

More from Style & Beauty in Perfectirishgifts

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Contextual Studies: Designing the Anthropocene

Instead of our regular lecturer, we had Fred Hubble, a graphic designer who’s practice’s work on the theme of nature, actually came in to talk about the Anthropocene and how it was designed. 

This is about how we are living in our current climate and what effects do we have as humans on the planet.

Currently we are specified to be living in what’s called “the Holocene” and it’s the time after the ice age and it’s been going on for 11,500 years. However, a lot of people think we are entering a new epoch.

We are calling it the “Anthropocene” which was coined in the 1980s, meaning that humans are affecting the earth manually at a drastic rate.

People are suggesting it’s been because of the atomic bomb, industries and environmental destruction. Regardless, we are entering the age of the human.

Biologist EO Wilson suggests we’re living in the age of the ‘Eromacene’ because it’s the age of loneliness. This is supported by Covid 19 as it’s difficult to spend time and meet one another, even with video calls.

There’s also the suggestion of the Cthulucene, where it’s all about our relationship with animals and how we all mix.

There’s also this talk of Gaia, which how it’s been mutated by Gaia and how humans have mutated it over the years.

There was a painting made called ‘Hunters in the snow’ and it was made in 1565, depicting political issues. In this painting, humans are coming back with a fox on their back and the all the snow and mountains that don’t actually exist in the Netherlands. represents the fact it’s all about human and nature interactions. But it also represents a change in our climates and dealing with them.

They even parodied this piece to represent to represent how Trump is one of the hunters.

Blue Planet 2 also represents how we are slowly seeping into the Anthropocene.

One of the most depressing images to represent climate change and plastic in the ocean, was a seahorse holding onto a cotton swab.

There are fashion industries that are attempting to create clothing using bionic yarn, which is made from recycled plastic. Adidas is attempting new shoes in this style as well. The Mavericks create bags that are recycled materials but are stronger.

There’s worn wear to fix their clothes and go over there to fix them, to imply that you shouldn’t waste clothes but instead fix them and stop wasting materials.

Fiona Benner and Green Piece made granite stone full stops, to stop fishers and crawlers from killing off and damaging marine life.

In the Syrian civil war, there have been refugees; they created shelters from plastic that can be moved and are insulated for those who need temporary refuge.

In another country, there had been structures made from not only wood but recyclable plastics, reducing the usage of more materials, reusing older stuff and recycling anything else again. But not just for practical use but also art.

There’s the concept of tending to a plant, where you’re interacting and looking after something from nature and not focusing on our screens.

Humans are very sociable animals. We need to create interactions and spend time with one another for out own mental health and being with someone helps that.

There are other ways people becomes interactive with nature or being sociable digitally, that being either with Pokemon go to be outside and catch mons, Tamagotchi where you’d look after your own pets or learning to manage a farm via Farmville.

Design

When we were asked about “would you work for sustainable clients only?”, this was a very mixed answered question

Some people said “yes” some said “I don’t think I could” (within the context of I won’t work for damaging clients but I need some sort of work to live) and others expressed they will consider how sustainable they are, but they need to eat and live, plus the industry’s hard to get into, so they need to get into as much as they can to survive, so they’ll keep morals and not work for horrible industries that are destructive but you need something.

As to what kind of approach one can take, there’s recycling materials, marketing campaigns, animations and posters.

Virginie Kypriotis creates a music video called “Like Lightning” where climate change is obvious and real, but it’s being ignored or only slightly acknowledged. Until one bigfoot monster comes out of his cage to replicate a scene from Forest Gump, running along for the same of it, wearing a hat about making the environment better and people who get hit by lightning join him, representing how he’s changing the world and how you need a better leader; people start getting inspired and help the environment. 

What Virginie said about this whole situation was ‘What makes us angry is that now more than ever believing in climate change defines people’s political identity, rather than something you just should just know and believe. This stupidness in the world was the main inspiration for the project. So rather than a message that is 100% sad we wanted it to be like a funny mirror on the world as we see it.’

It’s said that designers can influence minds and change them.

There’s symbols such as ‘Extinction’ which is used against climate change, for graphics pieces.

You have Ryan McGill who created many different recycling symbols.

‘It’s Freezing in LA’ is a quote said by Donald Trump, that was used as a brand name and weaponised to fight climate change.

Moby Digg made the US flag but it was slightly melting throughout the years, as an example of climate change (also it resembled a graph). But this style has been done for many other flags too.

WWF just* & Leo Burnett Agency created cool packaging where it uses the empty space filled by oranges, lemons or spices, to fill the shape of sprays, washing powder or bleach, instead of having those actual products; you have a more sustainable instead of wasteful or harmful solution.

Brands that don’t do this well are Coco cola, because they made labels made from recycled plastic (supposedly), but they’re biggest waster of plastic; the packaging looks too good and refined, instead of having that sort of roughness to it’s look and feel.

Some companies are blamed to fall under “greenwashing” where it appears that companies only use sustainability as a form of branding to get more people to go to them. It’s also considered wrong because they’re not legitimately caring and they may just do it for a little while then dump it later.

However, back on to good forms of sustainability, there were bars of soap made called “soap bottle” and instead of buying plastic soap bottles to wash yourself, just use a bar. However it is a soap bottle and dispenses soap, but it can be used for both the body and hair.

Conclusion?

What I learned from this, was that we are altering the way our lives are. We have made too many changes and adjustments to start “reverting back” but instead we can learn to adapt and evolve with what we have.