ISSUE XIV 2018
stell
Camilla Vazzoler • Claudia Anzalone • Eloise Evangelista Fatima Guercio • Giulio Cafasso • Lucy Kinnen Monica Milla • Melina McGough • Olga Khlybova Steph Devino • Tristan Zhou
www.irvrsbl.com
STELL ISSUE XIV
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10 stell features 10 Steph Devino 50 Tristan Zhou
64 Melina McGough
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14 COAST | WIND | SEA Photographed by Claudia Anzalone 20 FALL IN LOVE Photographed by Eloise Evangelista 26 A WALK IN THE WOODS Photographed by Lucy Kinnen
36 THROUGH THE MIRROR Photographed by Camilla Vazzoler 44 THE BEAUTY IS BACK Photographed by Giulio Cafasso 6 • STELL Magazine
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58 SCHOOL RULES Photographed by Monica Milla
70 SILK Photographed by Olga Khlybova
76 RED TREACLE Photographed by Fatima Guercio STELL Magazine • 7
“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” - Henry David Thoreau
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.� - Louis Nizer
STEPH DEVINO PAINTER / PRINT & PATTERN ARTIST LOS ANGELES, USA Curiouser and curiouser. STEPH DEVINO is on another level of her own. Hi Steph! Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a fine artist and painter located in Los Angeles. I’m originally from southern New Hampshire, which has a great theater culture, but not much in the ways of fine art. I had a lot of actor friends as a child but I didn’t know a lot of other artists growing up, so I was mainly self-taught in drawing in painting and had to draw on my own inspiration through my surroundings and the things that interested me. I didn’t learn anything about real art until I went to art school at The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore Maryland. I love stories, which is why I chose to study Illustration in college, but it wasn’t until the past few years that I realized I wasn’t thinking like an Illustrator. I loved the story-telling aspect and the styles associated with Illustration, specifically those of the golden age illustrators such as Winsor McCay and Kay Nielsen. But I was far more interested in the abstract conceptualism and symbolism found in fine art and the story telling through that process. It was that moment that I realized I was a fine artist after all. What’s your first memory of art? My family as a whole were very artistic even if they were not drawers and painters. Both of my parents are very talented musicians and my grandfather was an amazing wood-worker, so my first 10 • STELL Magazine
memories of being exposed to art are my mother playing the piano and my grandfather building tiny rocking chairs for us kids. I’m very grateful that I was surrounded by those other artistic mediums from a young age, I think it helped provide me with a well-rounded view of what art is. How would you describe your signature style? I suppose I would call it feminist surrealism with a 19th/20th century European influence, but simple put I would describe it as feminine dreams in all their terror and beauty. Your paintings are hauntingly beautiful. What is it about the female subject that inspires you? I am a feminist and most of my paintings deal with feminist issues, and while a lot of the content within my work is abstract, it’s important for me that the female aspect is a clear one. Additionally, I pull a lot of symbolism from different sources in my work, and the woman I always choose to paint is actually my depiction of the maiden virgin, which is the symbol for Virgo. I like using this representation, not only because I myself am a Virgo, but because I like the drama that is created in the contrast between her seemingly innocent demeanor and whatever she is facing physically and mentally.
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Do you see a part of yourself in your paintings? Most of my paintings are diaristic, they are how I explore and process my emotions and interactions with those around me on a day-to-day basis. Just like a lot of other artists, there are certain concepts or issues that I repeatedly explore throughout my work and come back to over and over again. Over time I’ve created specific representations of these things with characters and creatures that embody them. For example, the skeleton is the most repeated character in my work. I use him the most because he represents depression, which is my largest day to day struggle. You can see throughout my work how him and the Virgo have a kind of love affair, it’s a very complex relationship. What inspires you? Mostly the people around me and the relationships I have with them are the biggest inspiration for my work. But I am also inspired by nature, textiles, story-telling and symbolism. This includes anything ranging from astrological signs, to tarot cards, to greek and roman mythology. Almost everything included in my paintings is a symbol that helps to tell the story within the piece. I will rarely include something that doesn’t have some significant meaning. I want viewers to be able to look quickly at one of my pieces and have an initial impression, but upon closer inspection can spend hours dissecting it. What’s a typical day or week like for you? Lately things have been somewhat unpredictable with lots of different projects coming up, but a typical day usually includes an unrequested wake up call from my cat, a cup of coffee followed by a run, then answering a lot of e-mails responding to clients and other things. After that I usually get right to work either on a freelance project if I currently have one or on my latest piece. I also try to spend a lot of time with friends, so I frequent the local bars and restaurants. What movies/TV/books are you obsessed with at the moment? Most recently I just finished that new show “Dark” on Netflix, it’s German. I was absolutely in love with it. The haunting music, the cinematography, the writing, it all really spoke to me.
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What’s your ideal Sunday? My ideal Sunday would include a quick run while the air is still cool, then a trip to the beach which would include a little meditation, then brunch probably, I’m a big fan of excuses to drink in the morning. After that is when I would get to work on my latest painting. I really enjoy getting into it on a lazy day like Sunday. I think I do my best work then. What is your artistic routine like? Do you need a special environment to feel in the mood to start painting/designing? First I do a lot of sketching and research. I’ll usually have an idea for a concept, and some lose imagery swimming around in my head, but to solidify it I usually try to draw some inspiration from things like old mythology, tarot cards or flower symbolism. Before I start executing, I make sure my desk is clear of clutter and any dust or eraser fibers that might be left over from the last session. I really have a hard time working in a messy space, it just boggles my mind. But most of the time my desk is all ready to go, so I can usually jump right into it, but I find that having my own space for creating is very important. It seems to take some time for me to break in a space. It’s like I have to teach my brain that this space is where creating happens and that’s what it can expect when we’re in there. Otherwise, I am fairly easily distracted. What are your plans for the year? Going forward, my plans are to start making larger pieces. I’ve been working pretty small up until now and I’d like to experiment with doing larger ones. Additionally, I’ve been selling prints of my work at a couple stores and I’d like to expand that. The project I’m most excited about though is illustrating a children’s book I wrote last year. It’s been a life-long dream of mine to do one and I feel like now is the time. It’s going to be a really strange book. I really can’t wait. www.stephdevino.com @stephdevino
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COAST
| WIND |
SEA
PHOTOGRAPHY: Claudia Anzalone STYLING: Chloe Taylor MAKEUP: Jo Leversuch HAIR: Joe Stoker MODELS: Tom Walker & Johanna Kalinke @ Savalas Models
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Fall in Love
PHOTOGRAPHY: Eloise Evangelista STYLING: Gioia Giustino | MAKEUP: Giulia Luciani HAIR: Lucia Cirino | MODEL: Irene @ Glamour Model Management
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DRESS: Chiara Luppi; EARRINGS: Riva Jewels; RINGS: Alice Sambenati Opposite page: DRESS: Chiara Luppi; EARRINGS: Riva Jewels
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DRESS: Chiara Luppi; EARRINGS: Riva Jewels; RINGS: Alice Sambenati
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EARRINGS: Alice Sambenati
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BLOUSE: Chiara Luppi; EARRINGS: Riva Jewels
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BLOUSE: Chiara Luppi; EARRINGS & BRACELET: Alice Sambenati
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a walk in the woods PHOTOGRAPHY: Lucy Kinnen STYLING: Czarina Argel HAIR & MAKEUP: Zoe Slatyer MODEL: Anna Clair @ Chadwick Models
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COAT: Zara CREWNECK KNIT: Forcast SKIRT: H&M EARRINGS: Lala Lynnie Boutique NECKLACE: H&M STELL Magazine • 27
SKIRT: H&M BELT: MaxMara RING & EARRINGS: Lala Lynnie Boutique LEATHER ARM: Laura Ashley FAUX FUR TRIM: Uniqlo 28 • STELL Magazine
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DRESS: Alice McCall EARRINGS: H&M
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BODYSUIT: Kookai SILVER BIB NECKLACE: We Too Are One SILVER CHOKER: H&M EARRINGS: Stylist’s own
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JUMPSUIT: Zara EARRINGS: Lovisa NECKLACE: Lala Lynnie Boutique
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Through the mirror
PHOTOGRAPHY: Camilla Vazzoler STYLING: Deborah La Guardia STYLING ASSISTANT: Lorenzo Garzelli MAKEUP: Martina Rosati HAIR: Isabella Avenali MODEL: Sofiia Berezhko @ Wonderwall Management 36 • STELL Magazine
COAT: Stylist’s own BRA: Intimissimi TROUSERS: ZARA JEWELLERY: Federica Leone STELL Magazine • 37
DRESS: Maison Luigi Borbone JEWELLERY: Federica Leone
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BODY: Intimissimi SKIRT: Maison Luigi Borbone EARRINGS: Federica Leone RING: Yves Saint Laurent
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TOTAL LOOK: Vintage collection by COUPE DE THÊÀTRE Opposite page: JACKET: Maison Luigi Borbone TROUSERS: Stylist’s own
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The Beauty is back PHOTOGRAPHY: Giulio Cafasso STYLING: Manolo Wood MAKEUP: Adelina Popa HAIR: Danilo Spacca MODEL: Beatrice Simion
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JACKET: Luisa Spagnoli TOP: Zara SKIRT: Luisa Spagnoli
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TOP: ASOS PANTS: H&M Opposite page: JACKET: Vintage Versace TOP: Zara PANTS: H&M Stylist’s own shoes
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JACKET: Topshop TOP: Asos SHOES: Zara Stylist’s own pants 48 • STELL Magazine
JACKET: Luisa Spagnoli TOP: Asos Stylist’s own pants STELL Magazine • 49
T RISTAN ZHOU PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Born in Japan, raised in China and now based in the USA, photographer, videographer and cat lover, TRISTAN ZHOU sure knows a thing or two about capturing urban and natural life in all its essence. From going to Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts for his photography to going to San Francisco Art Institute for filmmaking, it is no denial that his work is unapologetic in the use of symmetry, lighting and perspective.
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To begin with, tell us a bit about your cat! My cat is a male British Shorthair, and his name is Doubledouble. Yes, the same name as the famous In-N-Out burger! I love that burger so much and I’ve always been a cat lover, so I named him Doubledouble, lol. He is 2 years and 7 months old now. Which came first for you: photography or videography? It was actually videography. I was very good at playing World of Warcraft (a MMORPG) back in middle school, so I started recording my plays and making videos of them. The videos went pretty good so I kept making it until I stopped playing WoW. My mom was a big fan of films so I grew up watching many different films than other kids of my age, which somehow helped me making better videos. I was a very good editor and storyteller compare to other players who also made WoW videos at that time. I found my passion. So I’ve decided to be a filmmaker and wanted to go to a film school. But the college I went to did not have a film major and the closest major was photography so that’s how I got into photography. When was the first time you picked up a camera? Do you remember the first photo you ever took? I think when I was 5 years old. I took a photo of a sakura tree and my mom loved it very much. She even printed it. What are some typical preparations that need to be made before a shoot / photo-walk? I need to research the location so I will know when I can shoot. If it’s outdoor, I’ll probably only shoot during the golden hour or at night, and if it’s indoor the lighting doesn’t really matter that much so I can shoot whenever I want. I will also need to prepare different lenses, lights and props for different locations and subjects. What’s been your favourite place to shoot so far and why? I love shooting urban stuffs, but my personal favorite is probably all those temples in Asia, especially Japan and China. Temples are very photogenic. The history, the texture, the symmetry, the architecture and the monks in those traditional robes; they are just perfect. 52 • STELL Magazine
What do you normally look for in terms of composition? Symmetry. I’m a super OCD person and I’ll do anything in my power to shoot the image symmetrical if it’s possible. When you’re out shooting, how much of it is instinctual versus planned? 70% instinctual and 30% planned. I always get more inspired when I’m shooting than planning. Some of my favorite shots are not planned at all. Do you have any “time off ” from photography? How do you unwind? I’m always learning and improving my photography so there’s no real “time off ”. I love watching films and finding some restaurants for delicious food. I’m very foodie. Do you have anything exciting on the horizon that you can share with us? I do! I will be working as an assistant director for a feature length documentary film. My dream is to be a film director so I’m very excited about it. What are your 3 top tips for anyone wanting to start out with photographing urban/ nature landscapes? 1. Go outside and start shooting. Done is better than perfect, so just keep taking pictures. Gear and location matters but if you are just starting out, just grab whatever you have and go wherever you can go and start shooting. 2. Learn from other creatives. It’s very important to have some like minded people around you, so you guys can shoot together and learn from each other. 3. Start editing your pictures. Raw pictures are already great sometimes but if you really wanna have your own style, you will need to take some time and start editing your pictures seriously. Instagram and VSCO filters are a good way to start, but I will always recommend using Adobe Lightroom. It’s very popular and powerful. www.tristanzhou.com @trystane
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“Go outside and start shooting. Done is better than perfect...”
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BRALETTE: Calvin Klein TROUSERS: Nike Stylist’s own mesh top
SCHOOL RULES PHOTOGRAPHY: Monica Milla STYLING: Monique Longo & Monica Milla HAIR & MAKEUP: Kat Bardsley MODEL: Meika Woolard @ IMG Models / Giant Management ASSISTANT: Stephen Charteris
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LEATHER JACKET: Neuw SHIRT: Daisy TARTAN SKIRT: Asos CROSS CHOKER: Asos Stylist’s own cross bracelet STELL Magazine • 59
SWEATER DRESS: Zara FISHNET STOCKINGS: La Perla NECKLACE: Zoe Chicco Stylist’s own cross bracelet
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SHIRT DRESS: Theory Clean SLIP DRESS: Fleur Du Mal SANDALS: Stuart Weitzman STELL Magazine • 61
SHIRT DRESS: Theory Clean BELT: Ralph Lauren EARRINGS: Asos
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TOP: Daisy MINI SKIRT: Topshop SOCKS: Asos BAG: Louis Vuitton Stylist’s own bracelet
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MELINA MCGOUGH VISUAL ARTIST MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
A little bit saint, a little bit sinner. MELINA MCGOUGH’s calculated eccentricity and aggressively chill vision has no match. Shockingly bold yet tame with minimalistic black and whites, her artwork marries contemporary quirkiness with timeless designs. With an ever growing fan base, this young lady is one to watch.
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We heard you just recently resigned from your corporate job to devote yourself fully to your art. Congratulations! It must have been super daunting making that decision. How do you feel now? I feel like the shackles are off and now I’m free. It’s empowering being your own boss, making all the decisions and knowing you can choose your own jobs. But in saying that, it’s a bit daunting as you never know how people will respond to your artwork and if it will be a long lasting, sustainable business. What was the first thing you did when you knew you weren’t going to go back to that 9-6 job anymore? I actually did nothing at all for a few days and caught up on a lot of sleep! *laughs*. My mind was buzzing with things I wanted to do, but I needed to take time out to recentre myself. After that I de-cluttered my home, created a to-do list and made space for a studio and office. It’s a huge shift mentally and physically getting out 66 • STELL Magazine
of any rigid routine, doing the same thing day in day out for someone else was exhausting and stifling. But in saying that, working as graphic designer in the beauty and fashion industries, you learn to produce work fast, adapt to briefs, to people, manage your time, be inventive, and I enjoyed that. My illustration style was welcomed and I was fortunate enough to do custom artwork on bags and other marketing material. Art is my true passion and I felt like it was the right time for me to move on. For years when I’d get home from work, I’d be creating artwork for clients and work on own projects late at night. There was never a good work/life balance. Living away from family, overseas and working interstate I had to support myself financially. I had become a ‘workaholic’ but when I did my own artwork it was my release from the real world. So I figured, if this is what makes me truly happy, and people are requesting their own pieces, why not JUST do that? When the time came to resign I made sure I had enough money saved up just in case it didn‘t work out.
What’s your earliest memory of drawing? I grew up with very little technology, I always remember having pens in my hand and making some kind of a mess. The one memory that stuck with me was when I was 5, I stood in front of our family home with a white board and sketched the whole house and garden within a few minutes. My dad always reminds me of that moment. Your creations are bold, and curiously beautiful. What is it about creating in black and white that intrigues you? For me, black and white artwork is timeless and powerful. Colour is a distraction. Art in black is raw in its most basic form. I’m intrigued by the contrast of both, and how one can dominate the other. It’s my Yin to my Yang. When I work in black, I’m able to be open and expressive and really explore composition through lines and tone. I’ve always been drawn to the slight morbid ideology, mystery and sophistication of black.
“For me, black and white artwork is timeless and powerful. Colour is a distraction. Art in black is raw in its most basic form.”
What materials do you enjoy working with? I like working with mixed media, markers, pens, pencils and paint. Where do you draw your inspiration from? When it comes to portraits, I’m just as inspired by a personality as I am with someone’s physical features. My work is a bit more commercial now; at the moment I’ve been doing a lot of custom pieces for brands and individuals. It’s a collaborative process where I adapt to the needs of each client and create authentic work. It’s really about connecting with people on a deeper level and telling their story. My personal work is emotive and mostly influenced by my mood and thoughts. People still think you need to go somewhere or look up to someone to get ‘inspired’. If I’m feeling calm and I’ve gone for a walk I’ll draw nature inspired images, plants or dogs. If I’m feeling sassy I’ll whip up a quirky portrait of a celeb like Rihanna. In the past when I was in a negative head space my work was a little creepy and dark, but my life and mentality have evolved since then. My latest series ‘The Night Sky’ was inspired by a tribute film I watched based on the life and theories of Steven Hawkings. I became obsessed with the universe, I created a painting with over 1,500 stars followed by a large moon eclipse and 12 individual zodiac constellations. STELL Magazine • 67
What do you love most about what you do? I love being able to express myself through art and connecting with people. I like seeing the reaction people get when I hand deliver a piece. Seeing the positive impact my art has is so rewarding. I‘ve been hired to do live fashion illustration shows at Crown, Westfield and other corporate events and functions, the interaction is fun and atmosphere is buzzing. Creativity has no boundaries and I’m a non conformist, I don’t like being labelled or put in a box. What was is like to have the honour speaking on a panel alongside other inspiring, creative females at the International Women’s Day event in Melbourne CBD? It was an incredible event. It was humbling to have been invited to share my experiences, challenges and triumphs with so many people. What type of music do you listen to when you’re illustrating? I like listening to mellow beats, old RnB and smooth soul. I like Alicia Keys and Elle Eyre. 68 • STELL Magazine
Besides art, what else are you passionate about? I’m passionate about sustainable living, upcycling and having a minimalistic/ healthy lifestyle. I like sewing, I’m into bespoke fashion and I’ve worked in a high end bridal store for 8 years. What is the most important lesson in life that you have learnt so far? Be thankful for the hard times, for they have made you. What’s next for you? There is a lot I want to do, but the next step is to see my work in local stores. I’m also going to start working on a larger scale - make mural artwork on walls. I’ll start creating videos, showing my process and set up a Youtube channel. In the future I’d like to upcycle unwanted objects and have a wearable art collection with eco-friendly fabrics, dyes and paint. www.melinamcgough.art @melinamcgough.art
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SILK PHOTOGRAPHY: Olga Khlybova FASHION DESIGNER: Viktoriya Pluzhnik MAKEUP: Olga Glebova MODEL: Marta Krylova @ Avant Models ACCESSORIES: Saharok STUDIO: The Bridge Studio
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RED TREACLE PHOTOGRAPHY: Fátima Güercio STYLING: Nelly Carrasco Escobar MAKEUP & HAIR: Nelly Carrasco Escobar MODEL: Gabrieli Heidemann @ Mayger Models
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www.gabrielle-brown.com