LOCAL MAGAZINE
NEW ENGLAND ART
Below we've described why we believe these artists deserve the title of Locals of the Year for 2013!
Musician - Mike DeCosta
Mike doesn't promote his own music. Sydonia Axis assists Mike and his music from Tapestries as the manager.
"Too many musicians in this city use their music to further their social standings; they see their creative output as an occupation. To Mike, his music is his life. It is a part of him. It is honest and heavy and at times, sorrowful. but that's what makes it so powerful. Mike plays from his soul. He doesn't care if he plays to the same 5 townies every month at the News Cafe in Pawtucket. He's just trying to make as many people as possible feel good from his music."
Mike is always touring with his bands yet always comes back to his home town in Rhode Island to play another show for just his family and friends at a local bar/venue. His dedication to the locals back at home is what makes him our pick for Local Musician of the year.
Designer - Alina Lal
"We don't make clothes, we create style"
Your own style, by creating clothes of a different designs, shapes, using good quality fabrics adding accessories and giving a story behind each garment and collections.
So forth there were created 9 small collections that represented it's own theme.
"I personally as a head designer get inspired by anything i see in this world that brings beauty, makes woman stay elegant and confident."
LAL couture works with different local artists such as fashion photographers
(NYC: Iryna Gorb, Jose Juarez, Chris Bailey, Revital Simmons, Boston: Liam Carleton, Nic Chow etc.)
We work with local makeup artists, hair stylists - help each other to built up our portfolios, grow our potential and explore world of fashion
We work with event producers, amazing local models of different nationalities and backgrounds. Customers from all over the world can purchase our designs via Etsy. We did couple fashion shoots in Ukraine as well, and planing to bring some NYC fashion more there by doing fashion shows and open up a boutique
Photographer - Jacob Benjamin Taylor
Photography for me is a way of expression. I do not really consider it my job, it just happens to be my job. I kind of stumbled into photography 5 or 6 years ago when I was in high school and never really took it seriously until I had the opportunity to attend school. Now it has kind of blended its' way into my life and the way I live.
When I approach a shoot I typically focus heavily on the lighting/atmosphere I am trying to create. My favorite thing to do is mix a secondary light source with sunlight. In my opinion it creates some of the most beautiful photographs. I prefer shooting on location for that very reason. It is what made me really fall in love with photography.
Boston and New England make for a dream photo playground. I love wandering through Boston location scouting for making something gorgeous!
Crafter - Alyssa Davis
Alyssa Davis began designing jewelry two years ago for Skiler Love.
“When there are upcoming photo shoots, you can find me confirming models, photographers, and studio locations, creating mood boards and sending out and picking up samples. For upcoming tradeshows and events I’m usually in studio recreating pieces to have in stock, ordering marketing materials, and building displays -I’m very DIY in everything I do! But I love it.”
Some of Skiler Love’s other collaborations include, designing a custom chain body suit for photographer, Matt Shields, which was later featured in Boston’s, YNE Magazine.
Skiler Love has also worked with Models Against Bullying. “I was asked to come on board in early January 2013 to design custom pieces for a cause that donates money to the Girls and Boys Club to prevent bullying in the Boston community. Models will sport necklaces and bracelets featuring encouraging phrases, like ‘Fall 7 times, Stand up 8’ and ‘Find beauty within the flaws.’
Model - Katherine Beltran
I started modeling by chance. I was accompanying my sister to an audition for a Pureology fashion show. I was just siting there next to her, and I was asked to stay with the group of selected models. It was my first fashion show, and I absolutely loved it. Still I made myself a promise, of being very realistic and true to myself if modeling took off. I believe the biggest problem in the modeling industry is loosing oneself in the mirage of fame and beauty. I hope I don't sound lame, or as an underachiever, but rather realistic. Most of my modeling career took off after I became a mother of two little girls, hence the subject on the issue of healthy beauty vs lethal beauty is particularly important.My dream before, during, and after modeling has always been photography. I always admired National Geographic photographers for their audacity and passion. Since the closest I can come to that with modeling at the moment is location, I always emphasize to the photographer that I work with, that I would climb to the top of a mountain in -0 degree weather, with a gown and heels, just for a good shot. I love pictures that portray passion, dedication, expression, and beauty.
Writer - Greg McCarriston
Having studied literature and creative writing in school and working as a marketing copywriter, I’ve been around writing in some form or another for years. I am passionate about words; they connect people to ideas, and people to people. I’ve been truly grateful for the opportunity in the past year to bridge the gap between my love of music and my interest in writing about compelling characters.
In August, we launched Sonic Agenda, a Boston based music blog. Since that time, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a number of artists whose music moves me and reporting on the worldwide growth of electronic music from behind the scenes. I look forward to continuing my work with Sonic Agenda as well outside of the site, profiling trends that shape and inspire our generation’s mark on the world.
Band - Osaka Street Cutter
All our artists of the year have proved in their own ways that creativity knows no bounds, and this band is no exception. Osaka Street Cutter continues to create music that gets your head bobbing, hands clapping, and toes tapping- all while presenting a uniquely defiant sound so big you’ll be wondering how there are only five musicians on stage.
The guys have built a solid network of great local musicians performing shows all over the Boston area at venues like the Great Scott, TT the Bears, and the Davis Square Theater. It’s all about spreading the music, as Osaka makes clear by offering free downloads of their EP “Consensual Reality,” as well as their singles “Eisenhower” and “Noisy Stabber,” and even handing out free Noisy Stabber CDs at a recent show at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston. Collaborating in shows with flavorful bands like Pulitzer Prize Fighter, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltson, an Osaka Street Cutter concert is always an experience worth sharing.
Article by Kevin O'Brien
Custom Work - Steven Tyler
I don't see myself as a trend setter by any means. I believe in being happy with what you do, and others will find happiness in you. I try not to see everything I do as work, but more so, a learning process. Between the hobbies I have and school, if I saw everything I have on my plate as work, I'd wear myself down. I see it as furthering my knowledge to better myself and those around me. With that in mind, I continue to expand myself, and continue to push, which attributes to expanding the creative landscape of New England, as I am in New England and creating.
My friends will always be my friends, and their support means everything to me. I have began collaborating with either magazines or other artists in continuing my art. My art has been able to reach people on a national level, and hopefully globally, at some point.
Vintage - Mayra Gonzalez
I work non-stop, seven full days a week, growing the business and constantly trying to recruit artists who share my vision for collaboration on interesting, visual projects. I've pushed The House of Findings brand from a small website to a multi-venue pop-up operation throughout New England and online. My concept is to educate the customer on how to wear vintage, where their purchase comes from, and the story behind each piece. We just wrapped our first fashion show last week at the Liberty Hotel, which was a great opportunity to showcase The House of Findings products and vision. It was very well received and is the first of many more to come. I believe that vintage is the new luxury and that it takes just one standout piece to transform a wardrobe. I love what I do and I give it my all.