Whitney| The Golden Voice

"Whitney | The Golden Voice"

9" x 12" 

Gouache on Paper

For the Love of Legends

I had an interesting conversation with my neighbors about the longevity of talents in the music business being something that they felt us "young folks" need to look out for. We discussed several artists in the music genre that I have yet to hear of-- most of them popular one or two generations back. I love so much of the legendary American musicians noted during our talk but I have always been fond of the mega solo female artists of the past in especially in regard to the 60s and 70s.

Often captivated by the impact of their time in the music business, I am so inspired by the stepping talents of powerhouse singers or "sangers" to complete entertainers. Listening to their music definitely takes me to a different place, often free of the worries of the present moment.

I decided to capture Chaka Khan and Diana Ross during Black History Month. I wanted to pay homage to them as icons in the music industry. My favorite Chaka tune? Ain't Nobody! It's harder for me to pick with Diana but I must say it would probrably be a Motown-Supreme era tune...

"Chaka" 

"Diana"

BUDWIESER MADE IN AMERICA | ART ON GUITARS

I may have shared with you some of the photos of me working on the NY Gutiar for Budwieser's Made In America Festival going on this weekend  in Philadelphia held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The festival curated by Jay-Z happens Aug 31-Sept 1st. and can be streamed live on youtube. 

The guitar that I hand painted will be featured at the Budweiser Beer Garden along with other 31 state guitars. According to this article written by Billboard. 

I was so honored to be the artist chosen to represent New York for this opportunity and I dedicated my approach to the piece by referencing it to the hustle and bustle experiences I have had and taking chances as a New Yorker. I state in the footage that I am inspired by the attitude to survive in New York. I hope it is appreciated by everyone who gets a chance to see it for themselves at the Made In America festival! 

I have to thank Frank from Big Shoulders Video for selecting me as the artist for this event. 

Before the event at the Roseland Ballroom

Guitar Canvas before the event

NY Guitar Front View

Displayed live in the Beer Garden at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Festival

Check out all of the guitar video time lapses on the Budweiser's Youtube Channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/budweiser/videos

Here's the link to my time lapse video + interview.

http://youtu.be/8t_Wc7EhREk

OLD GLAMOUR RUFFIAN TRIBUTE

Something so fresh and vintage about Ruffian's style and presentation on the runway at Fashion Week 2012. Fashion week is around the corner so I tried my hand at some looks from Ruffian's 2012 Runway looks at fashion week. 

So very cool.

A Day In Paradise

Last week, I was feeling really lost in time. With so much going on with me, getting prepared for my upcoming showcase and being reminded that I hadn't gone on any vacations-- I needed a break from reality!

I found myself stumbling upon the blog of Natalie Live, The Tiny Closet and I just was taken to another place. Page after page of inspiring fashion that she notes is often recycled from her tiny selection of clothes. I was happy I kept on browsing past posts because I ended up being inspired by this post!

She emulates fabulous style, confidence and took me to paradise-- if only for a moment.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION SHOW RAW BROOKLYN: EN MASSE

Hey guys,

I will be participating in a one night only showcase with Raw Artists Brooklyn: En Masse on August 21st, 2013. The show will feature several multimedia artists including a few other visual artists, makeup artists, designers, photographers and musicians.

For the night, I will be showcasing some works of my original painting collection, doing live portraits on site and selling some 8.5" x 11" prints! Everything is available to purchase! It will be at the amazing new Output nightclub in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Tickets are $15 ticket online via my Raw Artists Profile Page to RSVP. http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

Come out, support and enjoy what all of the artists have to offer! Hit me up for more details! I appreciate the support.

They gave me this cool template. (CHECK OUT MY CUSTOMIZED FLYER DESIGNED FOR MORE DETAILS).

BUY TICKET HERE: http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

 Check out the showcase Flyer | Page

http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

I'M OUT! (I'M HERE)

Whenever I do portraits of artists, I listen to their music for a while, and I learn so much more about them. My opinion changes about where they stand in my book as an artist and I appreciate their evolution once I get in touch with what the music is feeding me. What "I'm Out" said to me was "I'm Here". Ciara has arrived.

I found myself listening to "I'm Out" out of curiosity a few weeks back and then watching the collaborate performance on the BET awards, I knew this "move" was a win for Ciara.

 As the journey of traditionally painting Ciara in gouache and ink started, I was tempted to hit the "buy" button on my Google Play app, which would prompt me to buy her self titled album. I decided to withdraw... and take my chances at listening to her older records on youtube, while constantly replaying the single for the evolved sound. It reminded me of how long Ciara has been in the music industry, and the consistency of her sound. She has evolved, finally being heard again-- by the masses. Her promotion strategies have benefited her and so has being so transparent and accessible on Instagram. We see her more now, and I think we all are in love again!

I She has found her space in a time that is welcoming her with the feel of the 90s. It's working. Whatever is happening is working for Ciara and it's all about the confidence and growth brought to this album.

I finished Ciara, I had to complete the tribute as the record itself is what brought me to pay so much homage to the successful track. Nicki's presence complements the futuristic and commercial sound that Ciara has risen to, or at least the world has finally caught up with (her 2006 and beyond has been futuristic but it seems there wasn't much ear love for that sound). As I worked on Nicki's likeness, I felt it was complete. Together, this anthem says "I'm Out--- of the out crowd".

Bravo Ciara.

Best,

Sara Jean-Baptiste