I created a design for the Sony ATV authorized lyrics inspired products line. I am not sure if I will do anymore as Sony ATV now owns my design. I thought it was worth it though, to be able to legally use Beatles lyrics on a design. That was the fun part! This artwork is a colorful modern take on the Lennon/McCartney lyrics of "Come Together" that simply say world peace to me. This design just came together for come together. That is God in the details to be sure!
The products with my new lyric design can be found for sale in Shermanator Gear. There are posters, various mugs, and apparel available. All designed by the 'never gets any sleep' 'all nighter' 'I must be crazy' person, aka The Painting Queen of Crystal Visions Art.
The design can be put on a large assortment of men's, women's, children's and infant clothing, and in many colors too. Since I am only allowed to make 10% of each sale, this artwork was done just for the joy of doing a legal Beatle design. I guess I will just have to buy some of my own stuff! UPDATE: Some fabulous person with cool taste bought 15 of my Black "Come Together" Tote Bags! Awesome!
We were captured by the spiritual tone and tribal rhythms of the Baltimore band known as 'Telesma' last fall as they performed at Faerie Con. I have not heard a band that moves the people like this for quite some time. So exciting and so unexpected! I had a blast taking these photos of the band. And even more fun playing with these images in Photoshop to capture the feel of their energy! The visual presence of the band certainly grabs your attention.
There is so much love and connection to something greater in the air, when Telesma creates their music. You can feel the vibrations building from a very primal place. The rhythms, vibrations, and waves expand to become part of your body and spirit. The audience starts moving, radiating and pulsing the vibe back toward the band. And so it grows....
The band is known as psychedelic, tribal, spiritual, and plays festivals across the country including Faerieworlds and Karmafest. An amazing connection they have is with Alex Grey one of the most incredible visionary artists on this planet...or any other...ha! I have wanted to take an art class with Alex Grey at Omega for years. Together they have done combined events of art and music.
Telesma is beyond words and description because there are so many influences at hand from their musical and vocal talent. A command of unique ancient and new world instruments, along with channeling a Spiritual essence connects all the people in their space. It's real...we lived it!
You feel part of the whole, as the audience and the band merge into musical rhythms. That's a very cool thing.
You can't miss Ian Hesford on stage. He is the man in tribal paint performing on the most unusual of instruments. It is evident Ian loses himself into the moment and the music of the band. I was not able from my position on the side of the stage to get shots of everyone up close. Maybe another time I will be able to photograph them again, as I hope to attend other Telesma gatherings in the future. Telesma is:
Ian Hesford (didgeridoo, kubing, dumbek, djun-djun, throat singing)
Jason Sage (keyboards, percussion, programmer, lyrics)
Joanne Juskus (vocals, percussion, karatalas)
Chris Mandra (guitar, analog guitar synth, his unique manDrum, and vocals)
Rob Houck (drum kit, percussion, electronic drums)
I just loved the intense commitment all the members of this band have to their musical creations! Together they create a dreamscape of unity. I thank them for sharing their gifts!
If you ever get a chance to be in spirit with Telesma just go and have this experience! You will love yourself for it and every one else! I feel their mission to be lifting the Spirit with music and art. They succeed!
While we enjoyed being in close proximity to Telesma's performance my husband Ben Sherman, who is an amazing guitarist himself, was so impressed with Chris Mandra's guitar skill and Telesma's passion for playing that Ben wrote his own blog post. I really think Ben writes much better than I do anyway! So you can view more of my photos and a Telesma video at Ben's Guitar Wisdom.
We talked with a few members of the band briefly the next day and found them to be nice and quite humble. I told them I hoped they got to play Faerieworlds after their moving performance. Looks like they did! Congratulations on the gig! You are a perfect fit! Keep sending out the love!
Linda Ravenscroft is one of the premiere Fantasy Faerie painters in the entire realm. Her figure and line work is impeccable and very reminiscent of my favorite artist Alphonse Mucha in all its lyrical beauty.The colors and hues in her artwork are rich, and they contain the magic of her chosen medium which is watercolor. There is a world of thought and inspiration in each and every image she creates.
I first met Linda at 'The Spoutwood Farm Fairy Festival' in 2007. I was looking over the items at the new Faerie Magazine booth. As I admired a piece of art I thought I might purchase, a very nice lady who I thought was a volunteer working in the booth began speaking with me. I was surprised to find she was the artist of the piece! That woman was Linda Ravenscroft. She then told me of the story behind the artwork called "The Marked One."
I found that I was in tune with the artwork, because it represented having the courage to be yourself and pursue your creative side no matter what others may think, because you have been marked by Spirit to be an artist. The Fairy in the print has a tattoo just like Linda so this Fairy represents Linda's journey to believe in herself as a working fantasy artist.
Linda worked for years in an office job. I can relate because in my many art career incarnations, during some difficult economic times, I worked various office jobs in a temp agency. Then again I had to figure out a way to get back to full time creating and I renewed my mural and faux finishing business in the Baltimore Washington area for 12 more years. When I met Linda I had just retired from this very physically demanding artwork and was ready to change artistic direction. In a way Linda is my "Marked One" reminding me that good things come from following your passion. So I too am following a new path and seeing where creation will lead me. The "Marked One" print is now hanging in our studio.
Linda Ravenscroft is an extremely prolific artist and if you are not familiar with her work yet, you will be amazed at her catalog of art. Linda herself is a generous Spirit who gladly encourages all artists and shares her knowledge willingly. She has written a couple of books "How to Draw and Paint Fairies", "How to Draw and Paint Fairyland" and "Enchanted: The Faerie and Fantasy Art Of Linda Ravenscroft" It is filled with beautiful full color plates of her very detailed Fae paintings. Each is accompanied by an explanation, inspiration, or poetry for each piece. A recent book that she published is called "The Fairy Artist Figure Drawing Bible." Linda has also created the artwork for a Faerie tarot deck, which is a huge undertaking for any artist.
Every time I meet up with Linda at a Fairy event she is kind, gracious and filled with good cheer. Linda and John always take the time to speak with Ben and myself and catch up on the latest project. If you have a chance to meet Linda at a festival do not be shy. Linda Ravenscroft is a very friendly faerie! She will sign your prints and books, and share with you the twinkle in her eyes and a very infectious smile. And who can resist her endearing English accent?
At the first 'Faerie Con' (2007) in Philly, Linda was showcased by Llewellynthe publisher of her 'Mystic Faerie Tarot' written by Barbara Moore. The booth was created by showcasing large blowups of Linda's artwork. Certainly this was proof that her art looks fantastic at any size and stands the test of massive enlargement. This booth covered with her art was the most beautiful booth I have ever seen fabricated.
Linda says her inspiration comes from many sources. "I rely mostly on my dreams and inner feelings as I have done since I was a child, along with my love of nature, instilled within me from an early age by my parents, and their wonderful tales of myths and legends which they would share with me at bedtime."
Linda attends many Faerie Festivals and gatherings in the UK, Europe and may sometimes be found at the 'Spoutwood Farm May Day Faerie Festival' and 'Faerie Con' events in the USA. I am fortunate to live close enough to travel to both these Faerie Festivals. We have been going to Sproutwood for about 10 out of it's 18 years of existence as well as all 3 Faerie Con Gatherings.Now the faeries will welcome our dear Aowyn to the Magical May Day celebration were she can test out her new wings with all the beautiful fae.
You can meet many of your favorite fantasy artists, listen to wonderful music, eat yummy food, enjoy the great outdoor faerie realm, and get sparkling enchanted fairy supplies from the many vendors. In this photo from Spoutwood Farm in Glen Rock Pennsylvania, you can even see master artist Charles Vess in the background as well as Linda, Ben and me.
Here our little Fairy Binx is enjoying looking at one of Linda's colorful paintings called "Phoenix Rising," at Faerie Con 09. You can attend lectures from the top people in the fantasy art, movie, publishing and music field as well as purchase costume supplies and artwork at Faerie Con. To be held in Hunt Valley Maryland again November 12 -14, 2010. This is a joyful place to express your magical self! You can certainly tell from this photo of us at the Faerie Magazine booth chatting, that Linda Ravenscroft is quite the adorable Imp.
Linda gave a talk at Faerie Con 09 explaining her artwork that was both enchanting and moving. It was an honor to be in the room with such a empathic spirit. All good things to her and her family! Thank you for the inspiration! I highly recommend you go to Linda Ravenscroft's web site where you can purchase prints, originals, jewelry, figurines, tapestries and other gifts adorned with her fantasy artwork. I have a nice collection that is steadily growing. My daughter purchased a locket for me to celebrate Mother's Day with the 'Tears Of Luna' artwork you see below. It is a lovely piece that gets compliments every time I wear it. You know, 'Shine Brightly' is Linda's message to us, but I feel she is shining pretty brightly herself!
I will end with this blog post with a quote from Linda herself: "I find it easier to translate some of my feelings into my work, ironically, the sort of feelings that make you feel powerless to do anything about can be turned into the most enchanting images. These are usually some of my larger more complicated paintings, each one containing my messages of hope, perhaps a gentle reminder to take care of the world and each other."
Linda Ravenscroft lives in Cheshire England with her husband John, and her daughter Vivien who is the muse for many of Linda's drawings and paintings.
Compare and contrast these two new HR video uploads of the Genesis cover "Turn It On Again." The same song is performed by Hectic Red.... with 20 years between videos! Amazing! One of the long time HR fans comments on You Tube that 'Hectic Red' is like fine wine that grows better with age! So true! Drink up the goodness!
HECTIC RED Band is - Danny Grim on vocals, bass guitar and Moog bass pedals - John Suchy on vocals, keyboards and guitar - Rich Filbert on vocals and drums - Ben Sherman on vocals and lead guitar. At 'Hectic Red' events you will always find musicians from other bands in the audience. On 'their night off' it's 'Hectic Red' they come to see! The Hectic Red guys really appreciate the closeness of the community of musicians in Baltimore, and are very grateful for their continuing support of Hectic Reds' commitment to excellence in musicianship. After 22 years they still enjoy playing!
Music is the great communicator and it is an honor to share that resonance with everyone ...now ...LET"S ROCK!
Interesting Note: It was The Painting Queen that shot the video twenty years ago of Hectic Red! This was her only time videotaping a band. Remember how the clunky old video equipment back then was strapped to you while you held the large camera. All in all...Not too shabby. Someone get this Queen an awesome new digital video camera! haha! The Recher Theater performance was videotaped by Paradigm North Studios.
The new Hectic Red web site designed by Crystal Visions Art is up and running! Now fans and newbie's can enter the Hectic Red Universe and understand why The Big Red Machine still keeps rocking after 23 years! They're the best Classic Rock Band in the Mid-Atlantic area! Never been to a HR Concert? You need to experienced Hectic Red Live! Get the schedule info on the new HR web site!
Hectic Red has always been grateful for the longevity of the band and their fan base! This website project was a labor of love for them! Every page is a handcrafted piece of art that represents the fun atmosphere of the band and the coolness of their music. Representing the 60's.70's n' 80's, the look of the artwork is funky retro fun. Plus you can follow the famous Hectic Red High Tops as they travel across the web site. There is a special page for the long time fans, and a retro page filled with photos of the band in the eighties for the true believers! Plus sound clips, live video and photos.
Ben and I are a team with a mission to do things to the best of our current abilities. So we are very excited to share our completed creation and get some feedback. Thankfully Ben is the wizard of code figuring out how to get the web site working in all browsers. Internet Explorer is the one that wreaked the most havoc on Ben as we uploaded each new page. I recommend people use Mozilla Foxfire which is a browser who is compliant with code. Yuk to IE for causing so much trouble with the easiest of tasks. All nasty little glitches were caught and conquered!
I was in Photoshop glory making the images for the web pages and the "Hectic Red Lounge" Audio Visual Theater Room. Every new thing I learn explodes with valuable knowledge for the next project. Yea Deke! Since I am the band photographer I have a ton of photos to play with in Photoshop and try out the new techniques. Learning new stuff is awesome! I hope everyone enjoys their trip into the Hectic Red Universe! Enjoy The Big Red Machine Live!
