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.

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.