ISSUE XII 2018
stell
Alysha Anema • Jessica Garcia • Jessica Portillo • Lara Callahan • Lukas Cervenan • Ramon Arana Moncho Sabine Skiba • Sonia Kolner • Yerarl Solís Martinez
www.irvrsbl.com
STELL ISSUE XII
stell CONTENTS
12 20 8 stell features 8 Sonia Kolner
44 Ramon Arana Moncho 72 Alysha Anema
stell editorial
12 ANASTASIA Photographed by Lara Callahan 20 CAMPUS Photographed by Jessica Garcia
26 MIRROR Photographed by Yerarl Solís Martinez 34 SUMMER OF 92 Photographed by Lukas Cervenan 48 BY THE POOL Photographed by Sabine Skiba
60 EMERGENCE Photographed by Jessica Portillo 6 • STELL Magazine
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SONIA KOLNER ILLUSTRATOR CALIFORNIA, USA
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Born and raised in Singapore, spent most of her life in Switzerland and now residing and working on the West Coast of USA, SONIA KOLNER self describes her work as “organised chaos”. Raw, dark, yet wildly comforting. Being from mixed race, her art explores a mixture of both European and Asian ways of expression. We talk more to Sonia about her inspirations and passions. Hi Sonia! Please tell us a bit about yourself. I was born and raised in Singapore, but I also spent a lot of my life in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich will forever be a really magical place for me. I enjoyed it there so much and have many fond memories. I moved to the U.S. for college where I majored in Illustration. I have been interviewed and/or featured in “Things and Ink”, “Supersonic Art”, “The PhotoPhore”, and was “Artist of the Week” on “Design By Human”, where I sell my work on products. I also designed the packaging/graphic for “Rip Balm” skate wax, and that design was featured in “Low Card Magazine” I’ve also been published in two independent literary magazines and sold work at few fares.
engineer, a banker, etc. I am also the only left-handed person in the family. With that said, my grandfather loved photography and making videos in his spare time. He also was able to write Chinese characters and transform them into animals. I always thought that was wicked. I guess the best way I can answer this question is it was less of my surroundings that influenced me but things and experiences I went through. Those are private.
How do you think the environment you have been brought up in has influenced the way you have developed your work? I’m not too sure how to answer this one. I am definitely the black sheep of my family. Everyone else is an
What is your medium of choice? Traditional pen and ink. I love using crow quill nibs. This because of the organic quality of the line and not every mark looks the same. I also love using liquid ink from a bottle as it is pitch black.
Your art is quite eerie and wickedly wrong at the same time. What influences you? Reading the term “wickedly wrong” made me have a warm-hearted chuckle. Thank you for that, I appreciate it. I’m just trying to capture When did you first get into the essence of affliction in illustration? fragments, so perhaps that’s “I’m not much of a talker, I hardly ever drew besides little why my work looks eerie. It’s so my work acts as a vessel interesting to hear different doodles in High School, and my first year in college was spent as a reactions to my work. Some for me to release a lot of photo major. As much as I enjoy are nervous, yet others pent up emotions in a way people photography, I wanted to are comforted. Anything works that I can’t put into words.” for me as long as one feels explore another way of storytelling. Slowly but surely, something. I’m not much of I caught myself spending more a talker, so my work acts as a time illustrating than taking photos. Although I was vessel for me to release a lot of pent-up emotions in a terrible at drawing, I fell heavily in love it and practiced way that I can’t put into words. I am influenced by real constantly. I decided to take a leap and switched my life experiences, psychology, unique and real beings, and major. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. the people I consider close.
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How does it feel or what do you feel when you are illustrating? I don’t feel anything when I illustrate. That may sound bad but it really helps me. A lot of the time my mind is on overdrive as I’m an analyst and over-thinker. When I illustrate my mind goes quiet and I’m just focused in the present moment. That’s what I hope to accomplish in my day to day life even when I’m not illustrating. How much attention do you pay to the feedback of others on your work? It all depends from whom and what the feedback is. I’ll tune it out if it’s nonsense and the person just likes to hear themselves talk. However, if it is helpful and constructive, I’ll be sure to take notes. Is there something you ultimately want to communicate with your work? I want to communicate rawness and realness. That it is okay to bring the darkness to the surface in order to both understand and overcome it. My purpose of using surrealism is to show that the more painful emotions are rarely logical or make sense, but that is part and parcel of life. I hope that my work evokes a feeling, leaves one wondering, and gives a sense that vulnerability is a strength. Other than art, what else are you passionate about? Psychology. I try to mix it into my art a lot. I’m obsessed with the workings of the human mind. I can spend ages researching about the mind, how our experiences 10 • STELL Magazine
influence the way we integrate with others, the balance or imbalance of brain chemicals, where self-destructive behaviour stems from, and etc. Mental health is very important to me, as it is a huge influence on one’s life, relationships etc. In the future, I would definitely like to incorporate my work with some form of art therapy. I love listening to and helping others. I based my college thesis show on certain emotions and mental illnesses that are rarely spoken of because of their stigma. It was inspired by my childhood friend’s passing a few years ago. I showed the pieces in an open space, and left a guest book out in case people wanted to share their thoughts. Someone opened up to me anonymously about their mental illness and how they suffered. However, seeing my work made them feel at ease. I was so touched because that was my goal; creating a safe space, understanding, and that if we all tried we could slowly remove the stigma of mental illness. What style of music do you like to listen to when you are creating? I listen to all kinds of music in general, but while creating I have some staples. Such as Bon Iver, Daughter, The XX, and etc. Their music is soothing with a tinge of sadness, which I feel is what my work portrays. Do you have any superstitions or rules you live by? A very simple motto my grandmother ingrained in me. “Work hard, and always be independent”. www.soniakolnerillustration.com STELL Magazine • 11
ANASTASIA PHOTOGRAPHY: Lara Callahan MAKEUP: Aushra Lauren @ Morgan The Agency HAIR: Lisa Roe STYLING: Roxanne Parker MODEL: Anastasia K. @ Morgan The Agency 12 • STELL Magazine
Grey mohair frill sleeved jumper €125.00, Iris & Ink, theoutnet. com; black flaired pants €125.00, Iris & Ink; loafers €22.99, H&M
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Navy dress €1390.00, Tibi, Brown Thomas brownthomas.com; grey ankle tie shoes €65.00, River Island riverisland.com Opposite page: Salt & pepper “Overton” knitted military coat €490, Etoile by Isabel Marant, Brown Thomas; white over-sized tuxedo style shirt €69.95
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Silk khaki blouse €125.00, Iris & Ink, The Outnet theoutnet.com; satin khaki kilt €165.00, Iris & Ink, The Outnet; olive stretch ankle boots €39.99, H&M Opposite page: Check top €475.00, Tibi; matching check skirt €570.00, Tibi, Brown Thomas brownthomas.com; faux fur trimmed loafers €43.00, River Island riverisland.com
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Wine polo neck €75.00, River Island; faux sherling wine coat €113.00, River Island; wine wide legged pants €55.00, River Island; black leather ankle boots €159.99, H&M Opposite page: Grey knitted fisherman style jumper €595.00, Vince, Brown Thomas brownthomas.com; grey wool trousers €89.99, H&M; loafers €22.99, H&M
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CAMPUS PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Garcia MAKEUP: Eva Gajdosova STYLING: Arlia Sroyphet MODEL: Tiah Mayor @ Pride Models
TOP | Gabrielle Brown The Label JACKET | Jacinta James PANTS | Jacinta James
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DRESS | Keegan The Label TOP | Gabrielle Brown The Label EARRINGS | Keegan The Label
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JUMPSUIT | Gabrielle Brown The Label SHOES | Tony Bianco EARRINGS | Kinki Gerlinki
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TOP & DRESS | Gabrielle Brown The Label BODYSUIT | Gabrielle Brown The Label EARRINGS | Keegan the Label
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TOP | Gabrielle Brown The Label JUMPSUIT | Luna And Storm SHOES | Tony Bianco BELT | OTC Vintage
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TOP | Gabrielle Brown The Label PANTS | Luna And Storm NECK TIE | Keegan The Label
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COAT| beatle / midorindumentaria
MIRROR
PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING: Yerarl Solíz Martinez MAKEUP: Daniela Dominique ASSISTANT: Camila Polanco MODEL: Cecilia @ We Love Models Chile
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DRESS | Eduardo Dsgn
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COAT | midorindumentaria DRESS | Grandon dsgn
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DRESS | Eduardo Dsgn SHOES | Obra de mano
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SUMMER OF 92 CREATIVE AGENCY: Virtue Creative Studio PHOTOGRAPHY: Lukas Cervenan HAIR & MAKEUP: Cherry Cheung STYLING: Eleni Moutevelis MODEL: TJ Richards
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GUESS Bodysuit $59.95, GUESS supplied by Tailor Maid PR; Sporty Spice Shorts $49.95 Beyond Her, Glue Store, supplied by Tailor Maid PR; Vipa Ivory with Smoke lens $50.00, ROC Eyewear supplied by Sweaty Betty; The Night Earrings $149.00, Susan Driver supplied by OMG5 PR
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GUESS Bodysuit $59.95, GUESS supplied by Tailor Maid PR; Sporty Spice Shorts $49.95 Beyond Her, Glue Store, supplied by Tailor Maid PR; Vipa Ivory with Smoke lens $50.00, ROC Eyewear supplied by Sweaty Betty; The Night Earrings $149.00, Susan Driver supplied by OMG5 PR
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Solta one piece military $64.95, White Fox Boutique supplied by Sweaty Betty; Lovisa Anklet set $17.99 OPPOSITE: Stassy cropped sweater Red $59.95, White Fox Boutique supplied by Sweaty Betty; Vida Bikini bottom white $59.95 Seapia Swimwear supplied by EGPR; Oakley Visor, Oakley supplied by Tailor Maid PR; Rose graphic crew socks $2.90 Forever 21; Puma fur slides $120.00
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Topshop multi stripe rib jumpsuit $54.95; ROC Eyewear No filter clear glasses SOLD OUT supplied by Sweaty Betty; The Holding Ring $129.00; Equinox Stack Set $158.00 Toni May supplied by Portobello PR; Campaign Green canvas Cap $159.95 Fallen Broke Street supplied by EGPR; Reebok C85 Sneakers $130.00 Glue Store supplied by Tailor Maid PR
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Topshop multi stripe rib jumpsuit $54.95; Topshop Bomber jacket $69.95; ROC Eyewear No filter clear glasses SOLD OUT supplied by Sweaty Betty; The Holding Ring $129.00; Equinox Stack Set $158.00 Toni May supplied by Portobello PR; Campaign Green canvas Cap $159.95 Fallen Broke Street supplied by EGPR; Reebok C85 Sneakers $130.00 Glue Store supplied by Tailor Maid PR
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RAMON ARANA MONCHO PHOTOGRAPHER MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Residing in Mexico City with his parents, sister and two nephews, RAMON ARANA went to university to study Industrial Engineer and began a career in the field for some years. It wasn’t until his first nephew was born that he was inspired to buy a camera and capture the tender fleeting moments of childhood. Now with a growing portfolio of high fashion and beauty photographs, Ramon is one to watch. What does photography mean to you? The seek to capture a moment that combines colour, forms and emotions. What (or who) was it that inspired you to start taking photographs? Actually I started when my first nephew born. I realized that I didn’t have many pictures of my childhood so I decided to buy a camera and capture that special moment for him. How would you describe your style? I like to get a balance of color and forms.
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How do you get yourself inspired for a photo shoot? I watch movies, magazines and love to buy photography books. After all of this I make a moodboard whether it be digital or with tear sheets. I believe that even a test shoot needs to be inspired by something and be prepared so you have a clear idea of what you are looking for when you’re shooting.
“It’s not a technical class, it’s all about creativity and pushing yourself to do things different, to think different.”
What’s in your camera bag? Nikon D800 & D700, normally I use my 80mm, 50mm, 24-70mm and 105mm macro for beauty shots. Do you think gear matters when trying to make that great picture? I used to think that when I started. I mean gear does helps and I know everybody says this, but the most important thing is your eyes and creativity. Don’t be afraid of shadows and blurs. You’re also a Mastered Photography alumni. What was that experience like? Great experience! I became aware of many things that I was doing wrong or not in the right direction to build my career. It’s not a technical class, it’s all about creativity and pushing yourself to do things different, to think different. The mentors and experts are people with years of experience in the industry that I really admire and they are so open to share their experience and give their critic about your work but looking to make you a better story teller.
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Is there anybody that you would love to photograph? As a fashion photographer that’s a tough question because there are a lot of great models out there, but some of my favourite people are Tilda Swinton, Amber Valletta, Heather Kemesky, Daria Werbowy, Adwoa and Hanne Gaby Odiele just to mention a few. Other than photography, what else are you passionate about? I’m a DJ so I love music! What advice do you have for photography enthusiasts looking to go professional? Practice, practice, practice and practice. Study and watch how natural light works. Go outside and watch the light of the sun, the shadows. If you like fashion photography, look at magazines, photography books, study the model’s poses, the crops, the composition. You don’t have to be a fashionista but it helps to know about fashion, trends, colors etc. My point is, choose some magazines you would like to work for and take your photography on that direction, work on your aesthetic, prepare your shootings, make moodboards etc. There are some people that are born creative and some of us work to develop our creativity but the key is work hard. www.ramonarana.com STELL Magazine • 47
BY THE
PHOTOGRAPHY: Sabine Skiba HAIR & MAKEUP: Corinna Puttlitz STYLING: Ines Baric MODEL: Ariel van Heerden @ Ide Model Management & Kristina Guenther @ Core Managment 48 • STELL Magazine
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BIKINI | Princess Tam Tam SWIMSUIT | Princess Tam Tam TURBAN | H&M BATHING CAP | Fashy
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BIKINI | H&M RAIN JACKET | Vintage PUMPS | Kavier Gauche / Zara SWIMSUIT | Weekday LEATHER JACKET | Maje SUNGLASSES | Ray Ban Opposite page: BIKINI | Princess Tam Tam
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BLACK SWIMSUIT | Princess Tam Tam BLACK BATHING CAP | Fashy WHITE SWIMSUIT | Vintage SHOES | Buffalo
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SWIMSUIT | Vintage JACKET | Calvin Klein TURBAN | H&M
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BIKINI | Princess Tam Tam SKIRT | Kenzo HIGH HEELS | Zara Opposite page: SWIMSUIT | Top Shop JACKET | Prada SUNGLASSES | Prada SHOES | Guess
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SWIMSUIT | Weekday BIKINI | H&M SUNGLASSES | Ray Ban
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COAT | Top Shop TOP | Forever 21 SKIRT | Zara BAG | Dior
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Emergence PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Portillo MAKEUP: Norah Salazar STYLING: Eunice Vielmas MODEL: Makeena Rivers
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CLUTCH | Prada Opposite page: TOP | Zara PANTS | H&M JACKET | Top Shop
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DRESS | Top Shop JACKET | Zara SOCKS | Forever 21 SHOES | Top Shop
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TOP | Forever 21 BOTTOMS | Zara STOCKINGS | Forever 21 SHOES | Sergio Rossi
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DRESS | Krystol Marie Designs TOP | Zara STOCKINGS | HUE SHOES | Miu Miu SCARF | Dior HEADBAND | Miu Miu
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ALYSHA ANEMA ILLUSTRATOR PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
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er surname Anema is Frisian and means “little soul” in Italian, but there’s nothing small in this big hair, bubbly gal. South African born but raised in Australia by two quirky parents - one Afrikaans and the other Dutch descent, Alysha Anema completed a degree in Business majoring in Marketing and Accounting and just recently finished her final year in Advance Diploma in Graphic Design at North Metropoliatan TAFE. Her graduation show was topped off with the Illustration Award judged by renowned illustrator Toby Wilkinson, from The Western Australian newspapers. Did you always wanted to work as a graphic designer/ illustrator? I actually didn’t think about going into the design arena. I actually wanted to be a special report journalist that travelled the world. I always dabbled in art throughout high school and during my University studies. I think it was a progression and finding out about myself, adding Marketing to my Accounting studies at University and then working full time that made me explore. I always seemed to do something creative, so I did more regular art classes that pushed me to go into graphic design and illustration. Funnily after doing a Strengths Finders tests, I found that Communication was one of my top five strengths and no matter what I do I can see how this strength is used. What part of the creation process is the most fun and hardest part? The best part of the design is the conceptualization part, before any design or art is created; it first exists in the mind of the creator. The imagination and creativity at this stage allows you to visualize it, before anything
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tangible has been made. I think that’s why each person is unique when they create something. I always think of the story of Michaelangelo in the 1500’s who was just 25 years old labouring over a hammer and chisel of a colossal piece of marble. Other artists rejected the stone because it had defects, so it sat untouched for many decades before he saw something beautiful in this marble. He worked day and night and someone asked him why are you working this hard? “Because there is an angel in that rock that wants to come out.” After three years, he unveiled the 5.2 meter tall sculpture, known as the statue of David. The hardest part of creation is to fit to the brief of what is required or trying to visualize what they are seeing in their own mind. Whereas, once you have explored and then got something that people want to see, the execution of what medium to use or printing options, whether it’s digital or not, is easy because the main hard work has been done.
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“The best part of the design is the conceptualization part, before any design or art is created; it first exists in the mind of the creator. The imagination and creativity at this stage allows you to visualize it, before anything tangible has been made. I think that’s why each person is unique when they create something.”
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What’s the design community in Perth like? The design community is good, there are a lot of events, associations and groups that operate or function in Western Australia. Examples are, the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), The Design Kids, and various art galleries, such as PICA, Fremantle Arts and other events throughout the year. North Metropolitan TAFE is really good because while you study they help facilitate you to connect and network with designers, studios, artists, events and do live briefs with clients.
gram), that a 15 year old would have loved, “Society told me to fit a mould, but I’m claustrophobic.”
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? I look at my Instagram (guilty, I am a total addict!). I just love it because it opens the world to view what other people see and are doing creatively, not just in Australia. Just recently I found and chatted with a artist in Texas who does abstract art on world globes. It lets you connect, express and gain inspiration. Usually after looking at my Instagram, I then go for a walk along the beach as I live a stone’s throw away from it and it’s amazing how nature can clear your mind and inspire you.
What are you working on at the moment? My mind is constantly thinking and I’m always a busy bee. I’m currently working on various illustration pieces to add to my portfolio. I am really into the pastel medium at the moment and exploring mixed mediums. I am working on a portrait with pastel gold colour tone, inspired by some Spanish artists that I follow.
If you could give advice to your 15 year old self, what would it be? Embrace the big hair! Be yourself, stop apologizing all the time, and don’t conform to other people or particular expectations. Just be the first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. I recently saw a quote by Bridgit Devoue (again on Insta76 • STELL Magazine
Other than art, what else are you passionate about? I am a massive foodie, I am always trying new places. I am recently really into gelato, because I was working on a gelato project, consumed sooo much. With all that eating, I am also passionate about exercising. At the moment, I love lagree fitness (combination of pilates, strength and cardio training).
Having just completed your graphics design course, what’s next for you? I am itching to go on a holiday to Europe next year, so that’s on the list. But, I am in the process of finding a permanent design job to learn more in and gain experience in the design environment and get guidance within that industry. I think no one stops learning. I am continuing to pursue illustration as well as I love it and I would love to be working full time as an illustrator. @anemadesigns
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www.gabrielle-brown.com
“Art, freedom, and creativity will change society faster than politics.� - Victor Pinchuk