Cecilia Paz and Ernesto Leston

On Thursday, September 24, 09, Segafredo Brickell held a gathering for those who enjoy the trendy and glam, large-format glossy mag, Venue. It was a relaxed evening of food and fun as guests mingled in the intimate, yet casual restaurant complete with outdoor seating.

Joining long-time Miami noted business owners like Wedding dress designer, Gabriella Arango and Invitations by Leston owner, Ernesto Leston, was great fun as they have been staples in the Wedding Industry.  Italian-born Gabriella, has dressed Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Dayanara Torres and locals like WSVN 7′s, Belkys Nerey. She has also been in the bridal industry creating gowns for 20 years. Her store is on Miracle Mile in the heart of Coral Gables.

Ernesto Leston owns Invitations by Leston, which is a full-service, high-end invitations store with unique designs for the discerning bride-to-be. He is one of a few artists around who practice the art of Calligraphy and will hand-craft lettering for invitations. Leston attended FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology) and even had Donna Karan as a fellow classmate. Early in his career he worked as a Fashion Illustrator.

Ana Margarita Martinez,  from Work of Genius Fox Reality show about Fine Artists was also among the group of charming guests along with social butterfly, Ibis Noda.

For Gabriella Arango please visit: www.gabriellaarango.com and for Invitations and Calligraphy, please visit: www.invitationsbyleston.com.

Chuck Dolgos, Motorcycle, Laminated Wood, $12,000

On Friday, September 11, 2009, the Kendall faculty of Miami Dade College exhibited artworks at the Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC) in the Wynwood area of Downtown Miami. It was a collaborative exchange between the Bakehouse and Miami Dade’s Kendall campus gallery. The Bakehouse artists later showed their works at the Kendall campus titled, “Recently Acquired,” on Thursday, September 17, 2009.

 In getting ready for the show, everyone collaborated to hang the show, invite folks and provide food with refreshments. Both shows went on flawlessly and showed fresh, inventive and laborious works by both the faculty and Bakehouse resident artists.

Yomarie Silva

To contact any of the artists shown, please call the Miami Dade College Arts & Philosophy department at 305-237-2040 or visit http://www.mdc.edu/kendall/artandphilosophy/

 To visit studios and contact any of the Bakehouse artists, please go to http://www.bacfl.org/

Former posting:

As one of 50 guests at the enchanting Guardian Angels luncheon held at Saks Fifth Avenue on Thursday, Sept 10, 2009, benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital, I was mesmerized along with other attendees at the presence of Kilian Hennessy. A serious, yet powerfully articulate young man whose passion is The Art of Perfume. He is the grandson of the founder of Hennessy Cognac, an established luxury brand.

Kilian, although soft-spoken, was immersed in his artful explanation as to why he is so serious about his fragrances. The Frenchman synthesized his concepts of love and passion mixed with century-old ways of creating scents that are long-lasting and unisex. Quite sexy indeed is the packaging of the line. With eight tantalizing perfumes, the black glossy finish on the flasks and small barrels for refills offer an array of allure that will be hard to resist by anyone who recognizes quality and the name, Hennessy.

Kilian has worked for the most respected names in the perfume business like Alberto Morillas, Jacques Cavallier, Thierry Wasseur and Calice Becker. He has worked at such perfume houses as Dior, McQueen and Armani.

Further telling us about what truly inspires him, Kilian shared with us that going to the Baccarat Museum in Paris is a must-see for those that wish to partake in the same experience of the history for the glass which houses his fragrances. The museum has glass pieces designed by product and designer of interiors, Phillipe Starck entitled “Darkside”. Kilian added that the scents contain Vanilla, which is said to be an aphrodisiac.

While at the luncheon we tried from The Temptations Series-”Liasons Dangereuses (typical me),” which is light and airy and then the musky, “Straight to Heaven (white cristal),”  from The Artificial Paradises Series. I really love the first which is incredible! Only some stores will carry his line, so it is very exclusive. He will be creating his final two fragrances in the next two to three years. These have taken five years to create. This is true devotion to finesse!

To find out more about Kilian, please visit: www.bykilian.com

Carlos Miele, the fashion designer with Ready-To-Wear fashion from Brazil had his models spiral and mingle throughout the onlookers. Simple and functional, the designs are basic and understated, yet eye-catching. The expansive showroom showcased artsy furniture that had a somewhat retro, Frank Lloyd Wright feel to it, while seemingly trying to be inventive and fit into 2009 fashion trends. Glitter, glam and sleek are all the rage right now in contrast to bold and edgy which are both back with a vengeance since the 80′s hit the glossy mags at the beginning of the summer.

I loved walking into every new, little environment and actually envisioning myself in that space at my own home. Their clever use of accessories and intimate spaces of interior without many physical walls, made me feel as if I was at home. Mesh textiles of woven chains acted as partitions to distinguish certain environments throughout the spaces of elevated hardwood floors. Some displays were further compartmentalized with the use of hair rugs which seemed to come from animals, like pony, although they may be faux in nature.  This is clever interior design. I definitely had a different experience, rather than the usual found in popular chain furniture stores. Among the Lychee-flavored Martinis, I could see and hear that people were really pleased with the designs and look of the furniture.

Por Fin Restaurant and Lounge was there providing the hors d’oeuvres which the guests were raving about complete with skewers stacked with Manchego cheese, guava and draped with a sliver of duck. Por Fin’s specialty is Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with hints of Italian and French influence. www.porfinrestaurant.com, See Elizabeth Martinez and be sure you let her know you linked through Miamiartblog.

Joey Mugica was also there wearing black, however, that did not prevent him from still being the Color Queen and posing his courtly subjects to partake in his photo stills.

Pamela Canellas organized the multi-sensory event complete with Brazilian lounge music and silver and purple masked female performers caressing the furniture and thrilling viewers. www.hotjament.com

Friend and respected photo-journalist, Roy Llera was there documenting the whole experience which was truly enjoyable and chic! Artefacto is found throughout Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean and will be expanding to Africa, Europe and the Middle East in the next couple of years as they establish their brand. www.artefacto.com

Joey Mugica and Cecilia Paz

On Thursday, August 27, 2009, Miss Elaine Lancaster a.k.a. James Davis, had her/his 36th birthday celebration at Score nightclub on Lincoln Road in the heart of Miami’s South Beach. By the time I saw her, Elaine wore skin tight black satin pants and long sleeve blouse coupled with her ivory and black Chanel cuffs and one of her gifts that evening, a $5,000 Ralph Lauren belt. Her over-the-knee boots made a “stop the traffic” statement as she pranced around in her pearls and silver jewelry. She was runway ready! Elaine, with her mile-high platinum blonde hair is definitely noticed at any party, but that night was her night.

Guests were treated to a mini Art show featuring artists like Aaron Powell, Joey Mugica, Samantha Perez, Haviart, Howard Austin Feld, Israel Da Costa and myself, Cecilia Paz. As the giant disco ball hung over the dance floor, the blonde bombshell spun tunes from her favorite records up from above on the second floor along with DJ Pride.  Score was transformed into a fushia pink draped wonderland as the facade led you into the very femme party. Joey Mugica, a.k.a. The Color Queen, photographed guests in front of Score as they would stand before a beautifully adorned flowered hollowed-out frame.. It was a loving tribute from Elaine’s acquaintances to her dear friends like Merle and Danny Weiss, James Cubby, Lesley Abravanel Andersonn, Adrienne Arsht, Nick D’Annunzio and Roy and Lea Black.

 Another new couple on the Miami scene was Fabian and Martina Basabe who own Da Vittorio Restaurant in Coral Gables.  Frank Navarro (promoter at Fashionably Wednesdays at the Gansevoort Hotel South) was there, as well as, Ricky Salazar and Body Paint artist, Grace Fuster.

Adora was there commanding major attention with her wildly orange hair and stunning lucite stilletos, as well as Sasha and other very eccentric personalities each with their personal stylistic wardrobes. This was definitely not a shy bunch!

Even I wore a dress with my face painted on it to get the word out that I am a portrait painter and I also paint on denim clothing. I was honored to collaborate with the experienced photographer, Howard Austin Feld by using his photo of Elaine to create a similar replica in Oil paint. It was one of my best paintings to date. The diva’s amazing ethereal eyes and pouty lips make her an icon of everything that is beautiful about being female. Elaine is an expert at being Elaine. She takes her role seriously which makes her fun-loving and entertaining for any event. She is a staple for many charity events hosting some of them herself and fashion shows as well with her friend, Richie Rich.

One of the most refreshing things about Elaine is her sense of being grounded and genuine. Even if you have just met her, she has a very “real” quality about her which makes her instantly lovable.

Cake by Ana Paz Cakes, 305-471-5850

My mother, famed Miami cake designer to the stars and I designed her cake, “Hotel Lancaster”, complete with lights and little Elaine to greet her guests as they took in the facade of the building. There were even little fireworks as background. We were thrilled to be part of an event where we were able to come together in love and to celebrate life and art. I hope events like these keep coming.

To watch The Miami Herald’s Video about the colorful bash click here:http://www.miamiherald.com/video/index.html?media_id=5987390

Elaine, we love you!!!

Cecilia Paz, Rafi (Creator of Bullets4Peace), and Gloria Ruiz

We were all in for an artistic treat as Rafi, creator of Bullets 4 Peace showed his “body paint and skin only” fashion show featuring his renown bullets on the pool catwalk on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Eden Roc Hotel. The bullets are made from casings on behalf of fallen soldiers and are a commemoration to them and the ultimate sacrifice they made with their lives.

Their families receive some proceeds from the sale of the bullets and has made so much stir among celebrities that Eva Longoria wears one. The Donald has also appeared at his events along with Jamie Foxx and Marla Maples. The list is a long one of people who really do care about the war and the thousands of soldiers who have perished in the name of freedom, peace, love and hope for humanity.

There is an online store on their website and ways for charitable organizations to get involved in the cause.

The incredible looking svelte and muscular models, both male and female sported the bullets wearing nothing, but body paint for the women complete with tiny g-strings and the men who wore shorts and camouflage paint on their faces while using rifles as accessories.

The Bullets 4 Peace vision:

Miraj and Cecilia

My partner in crime, friend Gloria was there completely mesmerized by the two complimentary bullets we received complete with tiny glow sticks that show through. We were in heaven having a great time.

Rafi was greeted with a birthday cake at the end of his fashion show, yet he wanted to thank so many people that he put those burning candle aside and humbly paid homage to those which helped him in putting together such a wonderful event.

The following evening beside the pool at the east end of the hotel property, Rafi compiled a tribute video incorporating footage from a video by Michael Jackson with the Bullets 4 Peace fashion show, or rather body show, to pay tribute to the fallen King of Pop.

To read more, visit: www.bullets4peace.com

Elaine Lancaster

Former Posting:

It was a night to celebrate Fashion and Art from local artists who chose an alternative way to showcase their Art. Frank Navarro (brother of artist, Carlos Navarro) and Martin Solorzano promote this wonderful event open to all visual artists and so I would definitely Add them as Friends on Facebook to get in touch with them, if you are interested in showcasing your work. It is held every other Wednesday.

The Color Queen a.k.a. Joey Mugica was there in his little “magic” make-shift studio photographing his next subjects, including me. Joey’s shtick, or short performance, is he gives you a scenario to imagine with a few short phrases like, “Imagine me naked,” and he captures your reaction, literally. It’s hard not to laugh when Joey follows up with, “And then, act like you were disappointed!” So, in short, the artist captures facial expressions and turns non-suspecting participants into would-be actors. It is absolutely so much fun to partake in the performance part of Joey’s art, however, the wonderful surprise at the end is that he will provide the “actors” with a printed version of the shoot.

Mugica, “Color Queens” his photographs and the end-result are beautiful, vibrant Pop Art images that leaves you with a sense of nostalgia as you do remember the experience. His work is much more than a simple photo:  It is a fun journey from casually socializing with people, as Joey does so well with his mild manner, and arriving at their temporary alter-ego snippets.

My buddy Gloria was there as well as she loves Fashion and Art, as well, so she enjoyed posing against the incredible Fiberglass Installation made by Aaron Powell. Aaron has been airbrushing since the 80′s and the work on display was comprised from several components to produce his “wall” of color. He had his self-portrait that reminds me of Speed Racer days when the animated cartoon depicted just that:  Speed. It’s an edgy throwback to the 80′s with a modern-day twist showing slabs of color chips alongside his portrait, below his portrait and finishing it off with a beautiful, horizontal abstract sunset from Mikonos complete with etched, diagonal lines. Powell, matched his outfit to match his artwork which consisted of the complementary colors Purple and Yellow. He couldn’t go wrong. The outfit was a work of art on its own complete with rhinestones and glitter on his painted pants.

Aaron also had projections of Digitally Airbrushed work he has done in the recent months over the main entrance of Plunge on the rooftop of the Gansevoort and on the monitors behind the bar and lastly, in the elevators. It was well-executed and professional.

Newcomer, Suzana De Paola, was also showcasing her work in abstracted black and white compositions depicting the human form. Her eye-catching piece was a red and orange Batik also made up of shapes resembling a figure. That was my favorite piece!

 

Elaine Lancaster by Howard Austin Feld

Photo of Howard by Christine Alfaro Photography

For over 30 years, Howard Austin Feld has produced photographs from the demure to the erotic. His work has been featured in numerous national and international magazines, TV shows and has clients from around the world.

At first you might notice only skin, but there are many layers to the beauty of his work. Having studied and taught Figure Drawing (drawing from nude male and female models) for the past twenty years, I can tell you he is capturing form and content. His nudes are not “naked.” They are in fact forms placed in compositions that are complex, vibrant and juxtaposed with surprise elements. Where there are voids, there is an abstract composition, as well. When describing composition, the not-so-obvious has to be identified and that would be the relationship with positive and negative space (the main subject and the rest of the space). More elements to consider are the relationships between Foreground, Middleground, and Background and the parallel planes they are all on (I will end the Art jargon right here, except to relay that he knows what he is doing folks). I tell all of my students that a work of Art is successful if it commands your attention, isn’t that the reason why we buy Art in the first place?

Mr. Feld has certainly accomplished the artform of memorable retention of an image. Howard has photographed numerous subjects from people to places and things. Photos of Nature and Cityscapes are also part of his stellar and vast portfolio. He is undoubtedly a master at Photography and can therefore, play with it! He is gracious as he is talented, the photographer offers workshops to teach novices and professionals alike. I can relate to Howard, although we have yet to meet, as he is in essence a teacher. Even on his Facebook photos, he has tips on how to take photographs when rolling over his images with a computer mouse. I consider him to be a dedicated person who is secure enough with his incredible knowledge of an artform that he is willing to teach his tips and tricks to those who might otherwise, need years to learn the ropes.  For those interested in taking classes with Howard Austin Feld you will truly gain new insight into the world of Photography.

The Howard Austin Feld signature gallery is located in the heart of Miami’s South Beach at 663 Lincoln Road. Gallery hours are noon to 11pm on Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. To contact Howard Austin Feld, please call 305-888-9999 or 305-632-4638.

 

For workshop information follow this link and you can see what Mr. Feld offered in the past and when his next workshop will take place. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Howard-Austin-Feld/79035208777?ref=mf#/event.php?eid=112848329882

To reach the Howard Austin Feld commercial studio, please call 1.305.888.9999 between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday. You can also email your inquiry to images@hafdigital.com.

Romero Britto and Cecilia Paz

The 80′s were in full force on Aug 7, as Madonna look-a-like’s and new waver’s were walking about and strutting their costumed and “real-time” outfits. Nick D’Annunzio and friend, Brian Antoni celebrated a fun-filled, nostalgic, yet modern throwback to the time when some of us (myself included) adored bands like New Order, Devo and Depeche Mode. Leave it to Tara Solomon, Nick’s fiancee to tie it all in with her embellished, stylish outfit complete with fuschia-colored hose and heels. Glitter, glam, and a lot of hairspray dominated the scene as two DJs spun tunes from Michael Jackson, The Vapors and The Go-Go’s.

My lovely friend, Gloria wore some jeans I designed with her portrait on them looking stylish as always and I decided to match my outfit to my hair, face and make-up. It was quite fun, even though we arrived fashionably late. I missed the birthday boy that evening, yet his signature photo was printed on fans to keep us cool that evening, so we felt he was still around. It was a great idea as it was a HOT Miami night.

Brian Antoni, famed writer of “South Beach, The Novel” was also celebrating his 40th birthday among a very colorful bunch. His sister, is the world-renown conceptual artist, Janine Antoni, whom I teach my students about as she is published in books for her controversial performance art.

Lastly, we danced with a few new found friends and saw the well-known Brazilian and beloved Miami artist, Romero Britto, as well. The 80′s are back by popular demand. Just check out any current magazine and studded leather jackets, baggy jersey dresses, palazzo pants, booties and zippered shoes are back and now classified as: Edgy.