Showcasing up and coming talents, RAW Natural Born Artists is on a mission to keep your community connected to local, independent artists in all creative disciplines.  So what exactly is RAW Natural Born Artists? I’m glad you asked. It is a collective movement started by Southern California’s own Heidi Luerra. The RAW team assembles and promotes artists through their online community as well as through their monthly events.  Their site features artists’ profiles, making it easier for you to get to know them and what they do.  Hosting four cites which currently include Los Angeles, Fullerton, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, RAW is able to freely promote Southern Californian artists to a waiting audience.

As a platform for up and coming visual artists, fashion designers, musicians, comedians, filmmakers, etc. RAW’s event nights make discovering new art and fresh talent more accessible to the public. RAW recently hosted a showcase at the Cherch Lounge in Fullerton. A veritable smorgasbord of creativity, the event highlighted standup comedian/magician Justin Rivera, music by Octavius Womack, fashions by Metevo Clothing, hair by Melissa McFadden, makeup by Yvette Mendoza, and the musical styling’s of DJ Martin Vidal. A pop-up gallery was on display with art from Kaleeka Bond, Patricia Cory, Shannon LeClair, and Raymond DeLuna. A short film by Luke Randall was screened for the audience to kick off the night’s events.  The festive occasion was an exciting experience and a fun way to discover something a little out of the ordinary.

When attending their showcase nights, you are exposed to great performances and art while also getting a chance to mingle and network with fellow art connoisseurs. Helping link artists to the public and professionals, RAW ultimately supplies the foundation for future harmonious collaborations. The team’s positive vibe is key to their message of “connecting independent artists with the tools, resources, and exposure to inspire and incubate creativity, productivity, and success.” The tools that RAW provides to their group of artists are given through workshops that coach them on the business side of their given industry.

Not only does RAW work to broaden your cultural horizon, but they are also good for you. And when I say “good for you,” I mean that they help out that planet you live on called Earth. By being completely green, RAW goes as far as making donations to the Carbon Fund to cancel the emissions of the cars that travel to their events. They also do the majority of their promotion via the web and texting. Only when paper is an essential marketing tool do they use only 100% recycled paper.  RAW also facilitates artists with giving back to the community by connecting them with charitable organizations. These simple contributions make a world of difference in the long run and make it a win-win situation for all parties involved in their movement.

Now that you know about RAW Natural Born Artists be sure to check their site and make your way out to one their showcase nights. Artists can also submit applications to become a part of the RAW team. To learn more visit www.rawartists.org.  Eco-friendly sensibilities and accessible art are what sets this organization apart from the rest. Looks like it’s time for you to go RAW.

Photos taken by Hiro Landazuri

Fashion illustrator and graphic artist Aileen Holmes can be best described as a “Jill of all trades.” Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Holmes has a wide array of talents ranging from jewelry design to painting. Her whimsical illustrations are easily recognizable as her own. With her feminine aesthetic, Aileen tells us how fashion, vintage patterns, and living in Orange County have inspired her work.

Alisha Domoslai: When and how did you become interested in art and illustration?

Aileen Holmes: I’ve always been interested.  I’ve been artistically inclined from a young age; constantly drawing pictures of the perfect dress, the perfect birthday cake, the perfect house.  I was addicted to the library:  checking out books on how to make books, origami, and make all sorts of random things.  I sewed my own Barbie clothes and later on made my own ‘zine in high school called “Inanimate Object.”  Today I basically do the grown-up version of all the art projects of my youth, except now it pays the rent.

AD: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

AH: Old things fascinate me.  I love going to estate sales to investigate people’s antique treasures and imagine what their lives were like.  There’s always a story – vintage is very voyeuristic!   I’m especially fond of the fashion, ads and advice columns of teen mags from the ‘60s.  I also collect wrapping paper from the ‘60s and ‘70s and vintage fashion from all eras.  I’m especially in love with fashion—it’s a major subject of my art.

AD: I read on your blog that you were working for Mattel, every little girl’s dream, how was that experience?

AH: Yes!  I was lucky enough to work in the Barbie Consumer Products Division as a Senior Designer.  As I mentioned before, I made my own Barbie clothing as a kid to being immersed in Barbie’s rich history was very captivating.  My job was to work on the style guide for licensees and help design graphics, textile prints, product CADs (mostly accessories like jewelry, handbags, socks, shoes, etc), and I also worked on special projects like developing signature product for the Barbie Shanghai store.  I got to work with very passionate, talented people and that was the most fun part of the job.

AD: You dabble in a quite a few mediums (painting, graphic design, drawing, jewelry making, etc.) What is your favorite form of expression?

AH: Drawing is by far my most favorite form of expression—and I do often incorporate illustration into everything I do pretty much.  Actually, a goal of mine is to narrow my focus on more illustration and to broaden its delivery.  My plan is to try out editorial illustration, stationery, and illustrating for books.

AD: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

AH: I’d say it’s very feminine with a bit of sassiness.  I tend to draw lots of flourishes with an organic but heavy line.  Definitely bold and colorful!  There’s a sexy confidence to all my female characters and, of course, fierce and quirky fashion.

AD: Tell us about your Etsy store: what kind of items you sell, etc.

AH: My Etsy store Tangyfruitgirl just launched in November.  It’s new!  So far, I am selling my cute and girly t-shirts, holiday greeting cards, and print reproductions of my colorful artwork.  I have plans to expand and diversify my product line.   To get the scoop on what’s coming up, folks c

an sign up for my newsletter.  Whoever signs up will be mailed a free 2010 Calendar Postcard!  (http://www.aileenholmes.com)

AD: If you could collaborate with any designer/artist on a project who would it be and why?

AH: I’d LOVE to collaborate with Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, or Mary Quant.  They share my feminine vintage love and are known for their boldness.  As far as more accessible fashion, Free People is my all-time favorite line.  Most of what’s in my closet is by Free People!  I’d love to incorporate my artwork into their apparel.  As far as other collaborations, I’d love to work with the stationery line Paperchase, work with Urban Outfitters on their home goods, and generally have my art on everyday goods for every day people to enjoy.

AD: What is the most important thing you have learned about promoting your work?

AH: I always try to be friendly and helpful to everyone I meet.  Your friends are your best advocates!  We share information and promote each other; promotion is very important – people won’t know you exist unless you put yourself out there!

AD: How has living in Orange County influenced your work?

AH: I was born and raised in the OC.  I’d say that the music scene influenced me greatly.  I was exposed to indie music via KUCI 88.9fm in high school and am eternally grateful for how it shaped my tastes.  Also, I’ve been frequenting the LAB in Costa Mesa from its inception and shows at The ARTery often.  OC is home to many creative and friendly people with entrepreneurial spirits.  From the apparel companies to video game companies, there are many creative companies out there doing great work!

AD: On your site you list your monthly goals, what do you hope to accomplish in the new year?

AH: I’ve been so prolific with the creative side of my business this past year that next year I will focus on the left-brain aspects of business.  I’ve always been interested in licensing so I will investigate that.  Also, as I mentioned before, I want to focus on illustration and diversify.  I’d love to do editorial illustrations for local mags like OC Weekly or go national with magazines like Seventeen, BUST, Venus or art mags like Beautiful/Decay.  Also, next year, I’d love to interact directly with my fans and consumers by participating in local craft shows like Patchwork or the Handmade Brigade of Orange County.  I have many more projects in the works—but they will be a surprise!

Even with a simple name, Regular is not your typical boutique. This hip spot sells everything from records to affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories. Oh, and did I mention the indoor skate ramp? Started by three friends with one dream, the Regular crew is on a mission to keep it real and keep you cool.

Alisha Domoslai: Give us a brief a brief history of Regular.

Dana Harvey: Regular was erected from the ashes of the Go Rilla! Gallery also located in Santa Ana about two blocks away from our current location. It was started by Dana (me), Brian, and Melissa were the trifurcate or the holy trinity of Regular each of us bringing our special powers to the business. We decided that the best opportunity two dropouts and a college freshman had at life (making money and having fun) is to open up a clothing store.

AD: How did the store’s concept come about?

DH: Brian and I were contemplating opening a clothing store that sold men’s basics in a hip way. We couldn’t come up with a name to save the life of us until I went to the restroom where I get most of my deep thinking done and I thought Regular, and it has all been down hill from there.

AD: What kind of merchandise do you sell?

DH: We sell a unique blend of vintage street wear pre ‘93 and rock’n’roll fashion. We keep the nineties in mind a lot with it’s throwback to the seventies, and we all loved the Beastie Boys and the iconic brand they created with Crown Royal. We sell less clothing than hand out culture.

AD: Is there a “Regular” philosophy on style?

DH: Be nice to everyone, affordability, beer, and fun. When we opened our doors, actually before we even opened our doors, we knew we didn’t want to be that lame store on Melrose that everyone wants to be with over priced clothes that are aimed at poor skaters and kids with some jerk behind the register or smoking outside not giving any help to those who aren’t hip enough. We are the anti-brand, and we play cooler music than most stores.

AD: On your site you talk about the recession. What are some ways people can stay “fly” during these tough times?

DH: I personally think that whole eighties excess comeback we saw in the early 2000’s was totally trite. Everything was about money and drugs and not giving a damn about anything. This crisis, and it is a crisis, is a good thing. It is a wake up call to Americans that we need to change our attitudes and fashion is terrible, ask Oscar Wilde, but clothing as art and punk as individualism is fly and money is not a factor in my opinion. We have a new outlook and a new era of style. I am not advocating socialist chic just thinking for yourself and less about an almighty “brand.” I mean that’s a joke.

AD: After browsing your blog, it looks as though the store also serves as a mini-skate    park and a great place to host parties. Do you hold events often?

DH: Every day is an event at Regular. We have the regulars and they come everyday and skate and party and wax philosophic. I swear to God our store looks like a Benetton ad at all times.

AD: What can shoppers expect when they come into the boutique?

DH: Sweet tunes, mellow vibes, rad clothing, nice people, skateboarding, maybe even new friends.

AD: How do you feel about the cultural renaissance that Downtown Santa Ana has been experiencing in recent years?

DH: It is rad. I mean Santa Ana is “the downtown of Orange County”, I have friends that live in picturesque Laguna and they drive out here because it is so much more culturally relevant. We love art. It flows through our blood with fashion, cinema, graphic design, etc. and that is what Santa Ana is. It is alive and flowing with art. I mean someone could make a coffee table book out of just quick snapshots taken throughout the place. Also big shout out to the Crosby they are doing it hard.

AD: You have some sweet graffiti art on your walls. Are artist collaborations important to the store?

DH: Actually that was the first time we have collaborated with an artist. The artist in question is a good friend, Bair of the Zulu Kings graffiti crew started by Afrika Bambatta. That is totally rad to me, and he killed it. I think just having artists around at all times and integrating the thoughts of people that use creativity almost everyday with our store is always making it a better and cooler environment. We look forward to doing a lot with artists. We eventually want to get our exterior wall turned into an open graffiti wall.

AD: What do you hope to see in Regular’s future?

DH: Something that is there for kids to skate and buy stuff for cheap. I mean its all about the kids. We are kids. We are 20, 19, and 18. We just all hope that we keep the force of it going along, and we want that sell out factor to never take a toll on our souls. Right now we are just making it and just making it is hard. I hope we can live off this little project in the future but never sell our souls to the corporate devil.

Regular 2202 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92706 ( 714)343-4189www.everydayregular.com

Photos courtesy of Regular

Eva DeVore wants to dress you. This local fashion designer earned the nickname “Spooky” years ago and is known for her inclination towards out of the ordinary style. With a desire to clothe independent, free-spirited people, DeVore tells us why designing is something she was born to do.

Alisha Domoslai: Tell us a little bit about your background? Where did you grow up/study?

Eva DeVore: I was born and raised in Southern California, and I suppose this place has made its impression on me. I have never really thought about that until now. As a child, the environment I grew up in resulted in me becoming very resourceful. I, in no way, had a typical upbringing. My parents were what you might have referred to as lower class, we spent most of my adolescent years bouncing around from place to place, and we had our share of hardships. However, by resourceful what I mean is I had to make do with what I did have. I think in many ways this transferred into my young adult life, and whether I was crafting space ships out of refrigerator boxes, making jewelry with scrap metals I found in the alleyways, or designing an entire collection with less money than a standard monthly car payment. I have always been creating or finding new ways to utilize whatever I discover.

In high school, I was immediately accepted into N.Y.U., U.C.L.A., U.S.C.,  and Berkeley, and as luck might have it, I decided to stay in Southern California and attended U.C.L.A. for several semesters. How I endured it as long as I did, I cannot say, but I knew the moment I started that I was entirely in the wrong place. I finally stopped kidding myself and everyone else and took a hiatus, which ultimately led to dropping out and me enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles.

AD: How has your environment affected your design process?

ED: Like I mentioned earlier, I have become quite exceptional at fabricating pieces with what would have been otherwise disregarded and thrown away. I know in many ways, this is the quintessential aspect of my designing. When you break everything I have done as a crafter down
thus far, it all somehow ties back into this truth and it will continue to do so as long as I am creating.

AD: What influenced you to become a designer?

ED: Life.

AD: Who do you design for? In other words, who is your target customer?

ED: Ideally and actually, I design for people who value the concept of being individual…sincerely and truly individual. This does not apply to those who form their lives around this notion, but rather to those who do it effortlessly and just want to look and feel good for themselves alone. I don’t really follow trends or forecasts, which many designers do and it is preached all throughout school. I absorb things I see and aspects that I am drawn to and make what I feel. It is just an extra perk when others like it as well.

P.S. I have never, nor do I intend to, mass produce my clothing.

AD: Who would be your dream client (past or present) to dress?

ED: The soul searching girl or boy wandering the streets of San Francisco or Lykke Li.

AD: Which designers do you admire and/or are you influenced by?

ED: Several of my favorite designers are independently based in San Francisco. House of Hengst is hands down my favorite, and when I head north I am going to find Susan Hengst and beg her for a job. Another is a personal close friend and former classmate at FIDM who is nothing short of amazing, Sir Adrian Manuel.

AD: Do you have any design philosophies or fashion rules that you live by?

ED: Hmm….don’t follow them.

AD: Where can your clothing line be found?

ED: As of right now, people can email me on my website, myspace.com/spookyforeva, and make requests, some I can do, some I cannot. I am moving up north at the end of the year, so I will be
going door to door finding boutiques that will carry my line. I will keep that updated on my website as time passes.

AD: What are some of the challenges you face as an up and coming designer?

ED: Everything up until this point has been a challenge. Literally every aspect of “spooky” I have been personally responsible for or directly involved with. I have conceived every idea, sketched every thought, draped every pattern, sourced every fabric, sewn every garment, styled every shoot, emailed every blog, harassed for every press piece…the list goes on. But I am hoping that I run into Phoebe Philo and she adores me and decides to take me under her wing and introduce me to all the right people.

AD: What are your goals for your future in fashion?

ED: To walk down the street somewhere and see some boy or girl in anything
spooky.

The do-it-yourself spirit was in the air at Patchwork in Downtown Santa Ana this past Sunday. Started by two crafty innovators, the indie arts and crafts festival enjoyed its largest attendance since its incarnation two years ago. Showcasing handmade goods and local artists, the festival is the brainchild of Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson. Both are small business owners with Snell’s eco-friendly boutique and Stevenson’s own clothing line, Random Nicole, having a flair for noncomformist attitudes. Located behind Snell’s boutique, The Road Less Travelled, and Stevenson’s side project, The Craft Kitchen, the event housed vendors with a passion for all things craft in two separate lots. With over 60 vendors in attendance this year, there was definitely a ton of crafty eye candy to behold.

Handmade goods, delicious food, and great music…what more could one ask for? It was a sunny day and perfect for puruesing the vendors’ unique clothing, accessories, homewares, and art pieces. With a friendly neighborhood atmosphere and good food, Patchwork is dedicated to supporting small business owners. Some of the bigger local names at the event were Harveys Seatbelt Bags, The Crosby, Gypsy Den, and Mother’s Market. Emerging from Santa Ana’s burgeoning culture and arts scene, The Crosby and The Gypsy Den provided some excellent treats while Harveys printed a special edition reusable bag exclusively for the event. Walking through the booths, it was amazing to see the vendor’s innovative concepts and kitschy-cool products displayed as if it were an outdoor gallery. From screenprinted tees to bacon-charm earrings, there is something for everyone at Patchwork. The assembled vendors showcased an array of goods that would make any Michael’s fan shake with delight.

Costa Mesa’s own Evocal provided some great bands for our listening pleasure. Set up right in front of Harvey’s main headquarters, watching the performers added to the cheerful vibe of the event. Browsing the booths, I also discovered some new local lines, such as Amanda K. Lockrow Jewelry. Using an eclectic array of materials, her jewelry conveys her skillful metalsmith craft. Inspired by natural elements, her pieces definitely garner the term “wearble art.” At the Kokoleo booth, I had a nostalgic flashback when I saw a pillow made from the Raggedy Andy sheets I had when I was a child.

If you have never heard of Patchwork or visited the festival before, it is a must see. Held twice a year (spring and fall), this event is a great venue for those who pave their own artistic path through the avenue of handmade goods. Proving that with some hard work and creativity, all involved in the event inspire you to get up and be active in your community. With a little arts and crafts, you can truly make tomorrow a brighter day!

For more info visit www.patchworkshow.com.

This is Evan Vincent and Lamia Larkin’s first hand account into the first few days of the Newport Beach Film Festival.  We will be posting a second part to cover the remaining days and a closing article on the final movie of the festival.  Enjoy…

Friday

2:00 The 27 Club

EV: I showed up on Friday to the Island Edwards theater waiting for my first movie to start.  It was going to be the 27 Club directed and written by Erica Dunton.  I was excited for my first movie, but also dissapointed that Erica Dunton’s flight from New York was delayed and she could not make the Q&A.  As far as the movie goes the cinematography was well done and Joe Anderson’s acting was a pretty convincing.  I think that our screening actually had some sound issues, because for a movie about music, our screening had no soundtrack.  Either it was an odd choice stylistically or something was clearly wrong with the film. Either way, I was very excited to see my first movie of the day and now that It was over, I was gearing up to meet Lamia for some short films.

4:30 Expect the Unexpected

LL: This variety of short films was I think a great way to start off the festival! It was a combination of both American and International films, and both had their own distinct differences. The American films were mainly comedies while the European films were much more serious and dramatic. Both styles proved to work out quite well together, and I think they created the perfect balance. Hooking Up was especially enjoyable; the story of two old people trying to get to a specific destination, has a rather funny surprised twist at the end. This movie is definitely the charmer of the bunch. For the European films; its hard to pick just one. France, Germany, and Italy all managed to create and show really deep and meaningful movies that were executed beautifully.

EV: Just as the title stated I had no idea what to expect in this next session.  It was an amalgamation of some American short films and some European short films.  They were all running various times and lengths with different subject matter.  Some of the shorts were funny and whimsicle and some tackled a variety of issues dealing with disturbing neighbors, confessing sins and death by orange juice.  All of the films that were shown were very good and the crowed really enjoyed all of them. Judging by the loud ovation in between each short the Expect the Unexpected screening went over well.

6:45 Dinner at Red Robin

EV: As much as I love watching movies, I now had a chance to do my second favorite thing.  Eat.  We didn’t have much time in between and we were a tad worried that our next movie might be extremely crowded so we quickly grabbed a bite next to the theater at Red Robin.  We had just enough time to chat about what we had just watched, quickly jot down some notes and swallow our food.  Then we were off to our next screening, which I must admit, it was one of the movies I was most looking forward to.

LL: After seeing so many films (even though they were mainly shorts) it was nice to take a break to go over and collect our notes. Also, taking break to eat was welcomed as well. Got to refuel sometime.

7:30 waiting in line for Surveillance

LL: So everyone working at the festival has told us something different when it comes to waiting in line for the movies. And since this movie was done by David Lynch’s daughter and we weren’t sure as to how many people were going to show up. We decided to wait in line with everyone else….only to get to the entrance and be told we never have to wait in line. Oh well, live and learn. Waiting in line did allow for some fun conversations with everyone else in line.

EV: So we were standing outside, watching the line grow and get longer.  As the line continued to grow my nerves started to gather as I figured I wouldn’t be able to make it in to the screening.  My thoughts were swirling around about back up movies, but I knew I really wanted to catch this flick.  Then just as quickly as the line formed, it begain to dissapear as I noticed they started to let everyone pile into the theater.

8:00 Surveillance

LL: Jennifer Lynch has proven that she is not her father, which was a welcoming surprise. I’ll be honest; I saw this movie because of who she was. I knew very little about the movie itself, but seeing it and hearing her speak afterward made me respect her as a filmmaker so much more. The movie (called Surveillance) was very well done, though very disturbing and quite graphic, it was amazing nevertheless.

EV: Befuddled and slightly amazed that I actually made it in, I quickly grabbed a seat towards the front.  The anticipation started to grow as the lights went down and the crowd began to cheer when the name Jennifer Lynch ran across the screen.  I knew I was in for something special as the movie opened to a brutal killing which then begins to unfold into a mystery between three different stories all twisted together in hopes that the truth might be discovered.  This movie is about as dark and twisted as it can get for someone with the last name of Lynch.  Most people might write this movie off because they think that Jennifer might have big shoes to fill and that she might just be living in her fathers shadow, but I felt like this movie completely stood on its own merits and was as good as any movie that I had seen in recent memory. I really enjoyed this movie and I cannot wait to see it again when it comes out for limited release this summer.

10:30/11

LL: At this point I think we both (at least I know I was) are exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go home and get some sleep. The day was a complete success!

Saturday

11:00 Saddleback Shorts

LL: These were the first student films we saw, and for the most part they were pretty impressive. All of the films had very creative scripts that managed to get their points across very effectively. Two films in particular stood out the most; such as Complex: John. Which was about a man named John and his Ego and ID, and how they are fighting over whether or not John should commit suicide. Its a clever story that turned out to be very amusing. The second film was the movie Chalk. Which was about a little boy who discovers some cursed chalk and by drawing with it is able to cause harm on others. Creepy and creative; this short made me feel like I was 12 years old and watching Are You Afraid of the Dark.

EV: Back in the saddle for the saddleback shorts I met Lamia early and Got ready for day two.  We were both pretty tired and running on lack of sleep so we got some coffee in the morning. After that we we’re off to cover more short films, but this time it by local student film makers from Saddleback College.  First off, I would like to congratulate all the films that screened because they were all very good.  But two in particular that I want to mention are Chalk and Complex: John, both of which I felt were very creative and really well done.  I enjoyed myself very much and all the film makers should be proud.  After a quick Q&A, we quickly jumped over to the wonderful Orange County Museum of Art, where we would spend the next few hours checking out more local film making talent.

1:00 USC Shorts

LL: These were the first films we saw at the Orange County Museum of Art and to be honest I don’t have nothing negative to say about them. They were without a doubt AMAZING! Seriously, all of you students at USC who were chosen to show your films absolutely deserved it. I enjoyed every minuet of these short films and can (and would love) see these being made in to feature length films. As cliché as it may sounds, congratulations on your amazing talent.

EV: This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but, I have never been to the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA).  So I had Lamia show me around and I met some of the folks who work there.  After the quick tour I was escorted into the screening room for the USC grad student shorts. All of the films that were shown were completely amazing.  In all honesty, I had no idea what I was going to see.  It’s actually quite difficult to pick just a few films to talk about because they were all so good.  One major difference that I noticed was that these short films were so multitextural and so well written that any of them could have been adapted into a full length feature, which is slightly different than anything I had seen yet.  Most of the other shorts I had seen up to this point were all very well executed, but didn’t have the legs to stand as a full length feature.  These all had depth, not only in the execution and in the writing, but the concepts just felt a lot more fleshed out and the worlds in which the characters existed seemed a lot more plausible. During the Q&A  I learned that two of the girls Christina Won and Amber Beard wrote their screenplays along with directing them, which is no easy task.  Congratulations to all of you, it is well deserved.

3:30 Chatting with everyone at OCMA

LL: I come to this museum all the time so it was nice to be able to see and chat with people that I knew. Seriously if you have some free time you should check out the Orange County Museum of Art, its really great.

4:00 Chapman University Shorts

LL: So good films must have been in the air that day because again the student shorts were wonderful! Chapman delivered just like USC. And I’m not just saying that because I graduated from there, they really were great films. I especially liked The Last Page. Its a quirky comedy about a writer trying to figure out the perfect words to end his story. Its full of random events (that looked like they took place in Orange) and even had some recognizable actors in it.

EV: After the USC students had finished we quickly ran outside for some fresh air as we awaited the next set of shorts from Chapman.  I was excited to see what Chapman was going to show and they certainly did not dissapoint at all.  Each one of their shorts also had the same quality as the films USC had just shown a few hours earlier.  All the worlds were well realized and layered.  All the productions were of the highest quality and just like the USC shorts, they could be adapted into full features, even though they totally stand on their own as short films.  It took me by suprise how much each director could accomplish with such a small budget.  I just really want to mention  that anyone of these directors could be the future of Hollywood and its very exciting to see this level of quality coming out of our local colleges. Congratulations to Chapman for such a good screening.

5:15 Quick run to Taco Bell and Photos

LL: So I don’t really eat fast food partly cause it just never looks the way they portray it on the commercials or in the photos. And this attempt was no different, seriously its a taco. But regardless of the food options I was able to get something in my system before the big feature film of the night Spooner. Which we were able to get some photos of the director and lead actor. As well as chat with a few of the people waiting in line for the movie that was going to be showing afterwards; Street Dreams, which was about skateboarding. It was definitely drawing a big crowd fast.

EV: We quickly rushed from the Chapman shorts to the Southern California premier of Spooner Directed by Drake Doremus and staring Matthew Lillard. As we arrived at the red carpet in downtown Newport the theater was already packed.People were crawling everywhere, photo flashes were going off right and left and the line was begining to lengthen down the block. As we were standing on the red carpet, we grabbed a few pictures of the cast and crew while they were being hunted down by different camera crews all trying to cover the opening.  As the time got closer to the screening it became even more hectic and so we decided to go grab our seats.

6:00 Spooner

LL: I had heard about this movie thanks to Evan’s interview with the director and was really looking forward to seeing it. Happily the movie was just and cute as I hoped it would be. It was a romantic comedy without being overly romantic; quirky I guess is a better way to describe it. Regardless of the title It was a hit that fact is certain. The actors were great, the script was great, the cinematography, music, it all worked very nicely together. And the Q &A afterwards went really well also. Most of the crew seemed to be there, which was nice to see. You could tell just by looking at them that they were all very proud of this film, and rightfully so.

EV: As the theater jammed together like sardines we squished our way into the last row just in time before the movie was introduced and the lights went down.  It was a great evening to see such a great movie and the crowed really got into it. It was also nice to see a local film maker, Drake Doremus, and a local actor, Matthew Lillard create such a charming movie with a really likable main character.  It was one of those movies that really just brings you back to that first time you had a crush on someone.  It was a really magical night and I was glad to be apart of it.  After that I was so tired I went home to pass out.

8:15 Time to Go Home

LL: So after the movie the Lido Theater in downtown Newport was packed, literally packed with tons of eager tweens waiting for Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler to arrive. So after a few chats and some photos Evan and I took off to go over our notes and call it a night.

Sunday

11:00-3:00 CSUF & CSULB

LL: So the next day was started again at OCMA with some more short films from Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach, and both schools managed to deliver a wide variety of film genres. It was the documentaries that proved to be the most interesting of the bunch; with Fullerton’s documentary short on a grandfathers rocking chair and Long Beach’s documentary of the Los Angeles River. Both documentaries were executed in an informative and touching way that really connected with the audience.

EV: On sunday we had some more local film makers and short films to check out.  I could not make it to Cal State Fullerton, but I did make it to Cal State Long Beach’s shorts.  I thought they had done a pretty good job and I thought it was strange that I had been to so many films in the past few days and I had yet to see a documentary.  But the first film that was screened at the Long Beach shorts was a very interesting documentary called The Journey of the Cola Kayak, which was about the exploration of the Los Angeles river on a kayak made of recycled materials.  I thought it was very provocative and well done.  Congratulations to all those who screen their films.  We didn’t have much time in between so we quickly rushed over to our next screening which was of the Youth Films that was sponsored by Volcom.

4:15 Pinkberry

LL: I hadn’t eaten so I needed to recharge myself before the Youth Films. So I deiced to be trendy and snag some frozen yogurt. Original tart flavor yogurt with strawberries, blackberries, and sliced almonds….so good.

5:00 Youth Film

LL: This without a doubt was the best surprise. These kids are defiantly the future of filmmaking, the stories these kids came up with were so creative. It was just absolutely amazing. There were about 12 films and every genre was covered; horror, stop motion, comedy, musical, drama, animation, documentaries. These kids did it all! There were a few shorts that stood out, such as Superkitten And The Power Pets. This short was done in claymation and told the story of these pets who ate this food that gave them super powers. Its sounds ridiculous, but the execution was wonderful. I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time. The film was done by Peter Gundling and I really wish he had been at the Q &A afterwards because seriously this film was by far one of the best films I have seen at this festival. In fact, The Youth Films in general as a whole, were some of the best films shown at the Newport Beach Film Festival so far, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. This year The Youth films were sponsored by Volcom, and when the CEO of Volcom was handing out the awards at the end of the film you could tell he was greatly impressed by all of the kids. As was everyone else there.

EV: So we head over and get ready to step inside the theater.  The Youth Film showcase is extremelly unique because all the films that will be showing are by film makers who are eighteen years of age or younger.  So these really are the film makers of the future.  I was extremely excited to see what a fresh perspective could bring to the world of short film.  This was also the first film screening I had been in where every seat was taken and people were even standing in the back just to check these out.  To each directors credit, these were some mighty fine films.  I want to mention a few of my favorites who I felt really spoke to me.  First off, SuperKitten and the Power Pets was probably the funniest movie I have seen in years.  I’m not even joking, I don’t remember the last time I had laughed so hard that my eyes were watering and my stomach was in knots.  A few of my other favorites were Half Alive: The Zombie Musical, Wednesday and Johnny Goner.  I really had a great time watching these and it blew me away how much talent these kids had.  Congratulations to all of you!

7:15 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead

LL: So after the Youth Films Jenn met up with us and took went with Evan to see the Next film Rosencrantz and Guldenstern. Which I heard was like a combination of Monty Python and Interview With The Vampire. I on the other hand went home and organized my new collection of business cards I’ve been receiving throughout this festival.

EV: After such a long day I was down to the final movie before going home, but It was one I was really looking forward to.  I had a chance to see the West Coast Premier of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are undead.  I had a great time watching this movie and the crowed exploded into laughter because of how crazy this movie was.  It was like watching Always Sunny In Philadelphia meets Vampires.  Without a doubt, this movie is going to be a cult classic.  It has so many funny scenes, so many great quotable moments and such an interesting premise that I highly recommend it to everyone who likes dark comedies.  It was a wonderful movie with a great Q&A afterward with a few of the cast, the director and the producer, who I met before the screening.  All in all, it was a great film and I can’t wait for it to go to theatrical release so I can chat about it with more people.  It was awesome.

Monday

LL: Our first day off, and we spent it going over our notes and planning out our next set of films.

We will be posting a seperate article for the rest of the week and the closing moving as we continue to cover the rest of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

I have a secret to tell you! We all know that times are tough, and cutting back on unnecessary expenses has become a major priority for most of us. However, with spring in bloom and temperatures slowly warming up, we OC natives can’t forget to spruce up our wardrobe with at least a few new and fresh items this season. Luckily, I know just where to spot some great finds! Orange County is home to some major shopping meccas, but what I’m interested in are the places where only those “in the know” shop at. It’s true, OC’s best kept shopping secrets are actually somewhat hidden.

The first stop on my hidden boutique tour is Coy. An ultra-hip and unique little shop, Coy is located right next door to Pascal’s on Bristol. Unless you are looking for the boutique, it’s easy to drive right past it and not even realize it. Still, once inside you will be happy that you stopped. From the modern decor and Audrey Hepburn photos on the wall to the sleek black chandelier and matching wallpaper, this place just oozes laid-back cool. The selection of breezy blouses, flirty dresses and unique accessories are eclectic and make one feel utterly stylish. Bethany, who manages the boutique, suggests, “Since it’s no longer practical to create an entire new wardrobe based on the season, smart shoppers are re-creating their wardrobes by pairing a few spring essentials with classic items already in their wardrobe. An easy, yet affordable way to update your look is to invest in big bold statement earrings, a fun cardigan, the latest in denim, or even a single pair of the hottest style platform gladiator.” If you are searching for a place that combines both effortless style with luxurious items, Coy is definitely the spot for you.

For my next secret destination I headed off to the OC’s very own “mini-Melrose” a.k.a. 17th Street in Costa Mesa. Just off the beaten path from the main street traffic, Tres Chic Boutique is a fabulous contemporary women’s boutique located just behind Yum Yum Donuts. A surprising discovery, this boutique is perfect for women of all ages. Owner Jacqueline Thomas stresses that “at Tres Chic it’s not about the brand or the price, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in everything you walk out with. We specialize in chic but practical clothing for women that love to work and play!” This philosophy is made manifest with the great selection of merchandise found throughout the store. Upon entering this glamorous gem of a boutique, one can’t help but to immediately gravitate toward all of the goodies on display. Some of my favorite things in the store are the uber-cool liquid metal jewelry line and the new line of long, printed jersey dresses in bold colors. With a wide variety of affordable necklaces and handbags to the colorful springtime array of separates, it is absolutely impossible to leave the store empty-handed.

Now that I have revealed my two great secrets, be sure to stop by these discreet destinations. I must say that what I love most about these hidden spots are their non-intimidating atmospheres as well as their amazing prices for quality items. This definitely makes for a worthwhile and hassle-free shopping experience. The fact that these locations are not clearly showcased also makes the thrill of the hunt fun for any fashionista! Who doesn’t need a little mystery in their life nowadays?

Coy Boutique 1000 Bristol St. North, Suite 12 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.200.7329
Tres Chic 253-C East 17th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.642.4696

As a proud native of Orange County for nearly 23 years (i.e. my whole life), I’ve grown to love and appreciate all of the aspects of life behind the “Orange Curtain.” Not only do we have a spectacular coastline, but also Orange County is home to one of my all-time favorite places on this planet. Yes, you guessed it, it’s Disneyland. Growing up in the shadows of the “happiest place on earth” has undoubtedly influenced my creative interests. However, as my childhood years flew by, I soon realized that there was more to this place I call home than shirtless mice and color-coordinated tourists.

Being the youngest of three girls, I grew up surrounded by all things feminine. Piles of clothes, make-up, and the occasional Tiger Beat magazine featuring dreamy Leonardo DiCaprio were not a rare sight in our household. In this female environment, I feel it was only natural for me to become a complete fashion fiend. I grew up idolizing Gwen Stefani and even found myself copying her style right down to the little jeweled bindis. Style and the arts have always been a passion of mine.

I graduated from Chapman University in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Art. I currently reside in Irvine, and help run a contemporary women’s boutique. Having had a design internship with St. John Knits as well as the chance to design my own line of purses, I hope to further my career within the world of fashion. As for now, I enjoy Mediterranean food, drawing, gentle breezes, and watching Oprah.

“Fashion is a seductive powerhouse in contemporary culture.”- Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA)

“Openings have a great importance in the energy of the art world itself.” – Claudia Grau, Exhibit Juror

When: March 6 – April 18; Reception March 7th, 6 -10 pm
Where: Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 North Sycamore, Santa Ana (in the Santa Ana Artists Village)
Telephone: 714.667.1517
Email: Info.occca@gmail.com
Website: http://occca.org/index.html

Art and culture are always more than you think.  Sometimes — as in the case of the upcoming exhibit Fashionista! at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art –  you  discover that the cutting edge is on the tailor’s table, adorning the mannequin, or hanging in your closet.

“Creative expression takes many forms, as demonstrated by all the varied interpretations in the Fashionista show.  Art, wearable art, fashion: the lines are blurry parts of self expression. Art-by-association, collecting, and adorning are all things that mark the Art tribesman/woman.” Claudia Grau, the exhibit’s juror, explains.

Claudia Grau opened her first boutique on Melrose Avenue in 1979, with one of a kind clothes that regularly drew celebrities like Cher, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton.  She later designed a signature collection of antique Japanese kimonos constructed into  patchwork fabrics and remade into tailored jackets.   In designer Randolph Duke’s seminal book “The Look: Dressing from the Inside Out”,  she is noted as one of the top women of personal style  with  an eye for the unusual and a flair for crossing the lines between Art and Fashion.

Drawing from an extensive list of local fashionista artists, the exhibit, Grau says, “has many different perspectives that were picked to give a bounty of takes on many points of view, whether it be  craft, technique, kitsch ,thought, or emerging expression…fashionista is a movement of expression housed by all these perspectives.”

“I hope when people  view the exhibition they  see  all the different perspectives of what fashion/fashionista means to the artists…the value of both the master crafts people as well as the emerging artists in having a conversation about fashion/fashionista., and to see the points where time/culture, freedom/oppression, and thinking/emotion influence our dress, our adornments, and the artists’ personal self-expression.”

Mark your calendar for March 7 to meet the artists at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, in the Santa Ana Artists Village.