VÉCU
independent artists
Spring Issue APR/MAY 2012 photographer VIVIENNE MOK
vecumagazine.com
elizabeth coletta elizabethcoletta.com
VÉCU PUBLISHER The Coleman Group
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Delina C. editor@vecumagazine.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Melissa Lee vecumagazine@gmail.com TRAVEL EDITOR Lorena F. www.traveldesignery.com FEATURES CONTRIBUTOR Murissa Shalapata www.canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com CONTRIBUTORS Vivienne Mok, Sandra Aberg, Liselotte Fleur, Giorgio Pesce, Meagan Cignoli, Bamee Tippmas, Koket
Silk Organza Dress: Vivienne Mok Flower Headband: Zara Tulle Bra: H&M
www.vecumagazine.com
Bershka
A sense of warmth is tapping at the door; Silk Organza Dress: Vivienne Mok Flower Headband: Zara Tulle Bra: H&M
la danseuse photography / styling / hair&make-up Vivienne Mok model Alexia Giordano
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Silk organza Dress: Vivienne Mok Tulle Bra: H&M
And hope, a feeling out from distant lore – Or so it seems – clears the deep refrain!
Dress: Laurence Dolige
Emerging youth: a dormant lea awakes. Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 9
Lace Bra: American Apparel Ruffle Shorts: Vivienne Mok
The raging colour, singing loud, partakes In annual birth – spring is born again!
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A zest anew for nascent life Begins in floral train:
Petticoat: Dance Direct
Carriage one: a snowdropp thrill; Carriage two: the crocus;
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Petticoat: Dance Direct
Number three, a daffodil – dancing, Drawing focus – as she would, Attention seeker!
Silk organza Dress: Vivienne Mok Tulle Bra: H&M Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 15
How I love our spring: The bold and sleeker feel I get,
Rose Bolero: Martine Sitbon
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Lingerie Set: H&M Hat: Urban Outfitters Flower Pin: H&M
An inner glow, a ring! I’ve paid the winter’s chilly debt, so Now upon the wing!
‘Spring’ by Mark R Slaughter
Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 19
ARTIST PROFILE
Illustrator
BAMEE TIPPMAS www.etsy.com/shop/HeartSerene
BANGKOK, Thailand
Tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Tippmas Srisilpanundana. A pretty difficult name, so I go by Bamee {it’s my nickname}. I am an illustrator and a graphic designer. I like to collect and read storybooks and I was born and raised in a small town near Bangkok, Thailand. I remember when my father bought me some colored pencils and drawing paper as a child and ever since then I loved to draw and paint. I am love to paint and make illustrations of family life, children and couples in love. It makes me feel really warm and happy. So, I think it’s very nice to have them as subjects in my illustrations. Every time I paint for a customer, the first thing that comes to mind is to make sure that what I create will make them smile and feel warm when they see my illustrations. In Thailand, my illustrations are commisioned and featured in many publications.
I did drawings by pencil and color pencil. The earliest drawings I had were on our house walls. LOL. I have no photos of them now. What things have you learned about your craft since then? I have improved and managed to satisfy my customers and do my best to bring happiness in people’s lives. What inspires you? Family, friends and warm feelings from the people around me. Before I begin any project I always go outside for a walk. I enjoy watching the interaction between people. How people are walking on the street, and how they are dressed. It is easier for me not to copy something from a magazine or a photo - I simply observe an item or a person and with my style, I illustrate what I truly see. This is how my brain works. Plans for the future? Open a business for wedding cards and wedding crafts :-) but continue to paint for clients and children’s books.
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ARTIST PROFILE
Draw The Line photography Liselotte Fleur illustrations Franzi Fiedler styling Giulia Meterangelis mua Elena Marchesi model Kristina Mai
Photographer
LISELOTTE FLEUR www.lisolettefleur.com
MILAN, Italy
Tell us about yourself? I’m Liselotte Fleur, 20 years old and I’m a photographer from Holland. Photography is my passion since I was 13, I made a lot of pictures and at the age of 16 I was admitted at the Art Academy in Rotterdam. In the beginning my passion for photography was focused on portraits and fashion. After the first year I realized that fashion with a conceptual influence is a great combination in a photo. I love to work with a team, behind and in front of the camera. That is the great thing of the fashion photography.
ist and make-up and hair artists. It was great, because we were just by ourselves and walked around and made pictures in between nice moments. I already realised that I didn’t like pictures that are standard and to posed. I like to shoot people/models with an interesting face and to make pictures in between moments. So they actually didn’t notice that I made a picture, most of the time, that is the best pose that works for me. It is a combination of natural, strange and dreamy. I learned that it is cool to share your concept with the team, and they all have another vision to it. So together you can make a pictures more interesting. During my exchange period in Milan, I learned that people (in my teams) from all over the world, have the same passion for their work and it was a amazing experience.
For this editorial I wanted to add something more, and I thought it would be interesting to add some illustrations to the pictures, so the reality became a fantasy world. During this shoot I was in Milan, Italy for an exchange period of six months. What inspires you? I get inspired by people with inWhat are some of your early pho- teresting faces, by reading magatography memories? zines and story’s, watching other What things have you learned pictures, by feeling the ambiance about your craft since then? I like to have in a picture and a lot I started to make pictures of boys more. and girls, without a team of stylApr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 29
Formal training? I’m studying at the Art Academy called Willem de Kooning in Rotterdam, Holland. I’m now in my third year, and I just came back from Milan, where I studied for six months at the Art Academy in Brera, and I learned a lot from the teams and people I worked with. I’m happy that I can be busy with my hobby as a profession, during my study, because I think it is important to make a lot of pictures, and get feedback on your work all the time. Plans for the future? I have one more year to go at the Academy, and I hope I will have an interesting intership and meet a lot of important people in the fashion photography world. After graduating, I would love to work for different fashion magazines, and travel around the world to make those editorials with lovely teams. That sounds like a dream, isn’t it?!
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BON APPETIT
WANDERFULL TRAVELER
Anthony Bourdain Visits Vancouver by Murissa Shalapata, The Wanderfull Traveler canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would like to think that my palate has two sides; a benevolent side as represented by the simplistic David Rocco, and an adventurous side represented by the intrepid Anthony Bourdain. I was fortunate enough to see the latter speak at The Centre, in Vancouver. In case you don’t tune in to the Travel Channel as often as I do, you won’t be familiar with Bourdain’s food-based travel show, No Reservations. He has also written many books ranging from cookery, memoir to a fictional mystery novel, however, the book that launched him to the top and gave him my dream job was his first non-fiction book, Kitchen Confidential (2001). His book depicted the culinary roughhouse of the New York chef scene of which he belonged until he wrote an essay for The New Yorker called, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This”. Bourdain, described as the Kerouac of the kitchen and (I say) the television world, then reached stardom with his best-selling books and eventual television shows, No Reservations and his newest T.V. venture The Layover. His Vancouver appearance lived up to my expectations, he was both hilarious and offered thought provoking anecdotes along the way. It was a casual event with Bourdain talking about his travels illustrating his points with the occasional video clip, including new footage. For instance, the Travel Channel network will not allow drugs to be shown on their programs. Bourdain explained how he eludes the red tape. He cut to a Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 41
clip of the Jamaica episode with a local’s face shown from the nose up. A mysterious smoke surrounded the man’s head and was emerging from an unknown source at the bottom of the screen. His point: avoid showing the substance. However, I am interested to see the future No Reservations episode that is based in Amsterdam as most of the episode may be edited with faces only half shown and the occasional Dutch specialty being devoured in a fit of munchies. Bourdain also covered the more controversial aspects of travel and today there is no shortage of destinations with oppressive politics, especially when an American camera crew is trying to capture every moment. Egypt provided a breeding ground for controversy with government officials trying to control what the No Reservations crew filmed, including the average Egyptian diet, which consists mainly of watery lentils and bread. Not only was the government afraid of revealing their poor diet to the world, they were also fearful of the nation’s reaction as No Reservations is aired in Egypt. The previous Egyptian government, since Bourdain’s last visit, has been overthrown but he suspects their diet and lifestyle remains the same as their turbulence continues. Whether or not No Reservations informed a small part of the 2011 Egyptian riots, Bour dain could only shrug his shoulders and wonder.
My foodie idol, Bourdain, has traveled everywhere and tried it all from delicious Foie Gras in France to Magic Mushroom pizza (aka “Happy Pizza” for the network) in Cambodia and even the more sinister Fetal Duck Egg in Vietnam. Bourdain is not one to shy away from tasting what ever is put in front of him. Food, in all parts of the globe, not only unites but also represents the culture, the history and politics of a community. Although it seems that the ideal job is to be a culinary adventurer, it also takes some intestinal strength to eat whatever is put before you and be respectful. To consume a cultural specialty is to accept and understand the generations it took to perfect the dish, the history behind it and the family that killed the dog or mystery bush meat in your honour. In these cases, Bourdain would advise to eat it and chase it down with whatever murky alcoholic beverage is served along side it. This is the case even for Vegetarians and, his most loathed ethical eaters, Vegans. If you ever find yourself in Bourdain’s shoes (that is hosting a television foodie show), I urge you to eat! These cultures are giving you their best and if you disrespect them...well, then you could be served their worst, which, in most situations may be more upsetting than spit in your food.
Bourdain ended the evening with a Q&A. Of all the questions asked that night, as a Canadian, one stood out in my mind; so, what is Canada’s culinary representation in the world besides maple syrup and bacon? Not surprisingly, Bourdain responded that Quebec inspired cuisine is the next trend permeating the New York food scene. Anthony Bourdain attributes this movement to Chef Martin Picard, among others, who owns the popular Au Pied De Cochon restaurant in Montreal, which offers rich foods such as duck, pig’s head for two and Foie Gras of all kinds including the curious creation of pig’s feet stuffed with Foie Gras. Picard’s restaurant has achieved a huge amount of fame which is represented in his new photography and recipe book, Sugar Shack Au Pied De Cochon, released March 2nd, 2012.
Emerging from the Bourdain lecture with a deeper understanding of the importance of food in a community, I now question how my local food scene is fairing when it comes to trends, ingenuity and creativity. I wonder how you, the readers, find your local foodie supply of unique dishes serves at restaurants? Is it lacking much like the Okanagan Valley where the only interesting dining experience can be found one or two locations, such as Mission Hill Winery (see July 2011 issue). Or are you surrounded by a plethora of forward thinking restaurants and proud chefs who are inventive and passionate?
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Dreaming Fairytale about my
photography Sandra Ă…berg sandraaberg.com headpieces Jannie Baltzer janniebaltzer.com model Amalie N@Unique Models Helene@Le Management assistant Helene Lissau Christensen styling Simone Drost makeup & hair Patricia Maja Andersen dresses Vintage Bride Copenhagen & Elefteria location Paradehuset Gisselfeld Castle Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg.49
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ARTIST PROFILE
KOKET
Love Happens www.bykoket.com
PORTUGAL
A celebration of artistry, originality, and the many exquisite and fascinating treasures of the world. The Koket line is manufactured in Portugal by master artisans and jewelers who leave no detail or element forgotten. Its principal designers are a group of exceptionally artistic and well rounded Portuguese product designers who are led by Janet’s creative eye. The KOKET brand is managed by an elite staff of highy skilled individuals who strive to create the ultimate consumer experience while seamlessly selling its products worldwide through a selective network of interior designers.
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Camilla
Gem
Devine
Enchanted
Lotus
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ARTIST PROFILE
www.giorgiopescephotography.com
Photographer
GIORGIO PESCE MILAN, Italy
Tell us a bit about yourself? I am a fashion photographer based in Milan Italy. Always intrested in Art since I was a teenager, I dedicated myself to take pictures with an original style inspired by XX century icons of cinema and fashion. I want my images to highlight how concepts, fashion and beauty can be an expression of art. What are some of your early photography memories? Haahha. When I took my first photo shoot with my schoolmates using my mother as a stylist! :) What things have you learned about your craft since then? Just to be patient, curious, and remain strong because I enjoy working hard! What inspires you? Old, classic cinema, my friends and family. My granmothers were very pretty women that dressed with style and ‘savoir faire’ Formal Training? I graduated in Treviso with a degree in Graphic Design and studied fashion photography in Milano. Future Plans? Go far away from Italy, it’s a too old country. It is challenging for young talented photographers to get work., only people with recommendations work, that’s not a good thing! Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 71
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL DESIGNERY
N A D R O PETRA,J
by Lorena F., Travel Editor www.traveldesignery.com
If there is any ONE place that I recommend you must travel to in your lifetime, it is Petra. A while back I saw a picture of The Siq in Petra, Jordan opening into this ancient carved cliff side known as The Treasury and a year later I was staring up at a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. To get to The Treasury, you must first pass the Siq, an event in itself and one that I recommend walking on foot. The Siq, a dim and narrow gorge (approx. 600 ft high and only 10 ft wide at some points) winds its way through a mile of carved niches and ruins left by the Nabateans. This was the grand entrance to the old city of Petra and even today, horse chariots whiz by over the same cobblestone streets that are believed to have been in use over 2500 years ago.. Amazing! Then all of a sudden, there’s a crack in the gorge that reveals a sliver of the Treasury. The feeling you get once finally there is beyond description but I will compare it to being a lot like the very dramatic music used for the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack. No one knows for sure what the Treasury was ever used for – a tomb? a palace? a temple? The mystery remains as do the bullet holes as proof that throughout history it was thought to house real treasure though none was ever found. I still find it astonishing how entire buildings were carved so ornately BY HAND, into mountain sides. It’s just unreal, you must see it for yourselves. Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 81
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PETRA
by Travel Designery
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PETRA
by Travel Designery
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COLOR CORRECT
photography Meagan Cignoli stylist Erin O Keefe supermodels Loan Chabanol + Catherine Torres(Elite) Tania Balash(IMG) Meaghan Waller(Canadas Next Top Model winner)(DNA) hair Andrea E Wilson makeup Gregg Hubbard casting Meagan Cignoli and Chelsea Robin stylists assistants Lauren Ashley Ford and Emma Joy hair stylist assistant B Niles makeup assistant Kim Harrison production Bklynhaus
Loan wears an Erin Fetherston top, Timo Weiland jumper, socks, Sam Edelman shoes. Tania wears a 3.1 Phillip Lim top, Fendi skirt, Eleven Objects collar, Â PLV shoes. Catherine wears a Christian Cota dress, Eleven Objects collar, Gio Diev shoes. Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 93
Tania wears a top, Jen Kao skirt, Fenton Fallon ring, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Catherine wears a Jen Kao top, Margaritasaplala shorts, Gio Diev shoes.
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Tania wears a Daryl K jumpsuit, Guiseppe Zannoti shoesl Meaghan wears a Daryl K dress, Louis Vuitton wedges.
Meaghan wears a Cynthia Rowley dress, RJ Graziano bangles, Alexander Wang shoes.
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Catherine wears an Ashish top, Louis Vuitton pants, K20 ring, Guiseppe Zannoti shoes. Loan wears an Ashish top, Salvatore Ferragamo pants, K20 ring, Louis Vuitton shoes.
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Catherine wears dolce and gabbana dress., Kelsi dagger shoes. Loan wears a J. Crew top, shirts and wedges, Hue socks. Tania wears a Creatures of the Wind shirt, Alice and Olivia pants, Wendy Mink necklace, Kelsi Dagger wedges.
Dress Erin Fetherston shoes Salvatore Ferragamo Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 101
Tania wears a Sonia Reikyl dress, Ben Amun bangles, Christian Louboutin shoes. Loan wears a Nicole Miller dress, Swatch watch, Linea Pelle watch , Louis Vuitton shoes. Meahgan wears a Cynthia Steffe dress, RJ Graziano bangle, Adidas watch, Louis Vuitton wedges
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Angelique photography/ styling / hair&make-up Vivienne Mok model Angelique Hivert @Metropolitan
Tulle Dress: Vivienne Mok Petticoat: American Apparel Tutu: Vivienne Mok Pleated Collar Top: Marjan Pejoski for La Redoute Vintage Collar: Stylist’s own Socks: Stylist’s own Shoes: Anne Valerie Hash Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 105
Shirt: Anne Valerie Hash Mini-overall shorts: Anne Valerie Hash Top: Asos Stockings: H&M
Tulle Dress: Vivienne Mok Petticoat: American Apparel Tutu: Vivienne Mok Pleated Collar Top: Marjan Pejoski for La Redoute Vintage Collar: Stylist’s own Socks: Stylist’s own Shoes: Anne Valerie Hash
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Bolero: Isabel Marant Vintage Bra: Stylist’s own Ruffle shorts: Vivienne Mok Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Flower Hairpins: Karuna Balloo, H&M, Vintage
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Body with fringes: Asos Boudoir Tutu: Vivienne Mok Lace stockings: Primark Shoes: Anne Valerie Hash
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Body: Pins&Needles Vintage Socks: Stylist’s own Shoes: Andre
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Vintage tulle dress, belt & collar: Stylist’s own Trompe l’oeil Stockings: House of Holland Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
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OtheliaGrace otheliagrace.com