When Art meets Hustle….

In a world where people should be able to express themselves freely, there seemed to be a void that our local community was missing. People from different walks of life, art backgrounds and cultures needed a platform “dedicated to artist in all forms of Art and the Hustle required to exhibit creativity.”

Founders
Co-Founders Linda C. & D. Harper

In 2017, Co-founders D. Harper, (MindField Productions) and Linda L. Cheung (Mixed Media Fine Artist) saw a need for change in the art world, thus creatingART and HUSTLE C.U.L.T.U.R.E’ to help push & develop new tale. 

When asked, What is Art & Hustle and what called them to this development? they responded:

“Art & Hustle is a collaborative effort between  my partner Linda Cheung and I. She is a multimedia artists and I am a videographer and music producer. We both have a passion to support and encourage people to trust their dopeness and not only go into their creative zone, but create and show it to the world. So we want to give those artists a platform to show their creativity and network.  It takes a lot of courage and hustle to show anyone let alone a room full of strangers something you created.”

On March 9th, 2018, I had the pleasure of partaking in one of their themed open mic events which paid homage to the Notorious BIG.

Held at one of Bushwick, Brooklyn’s exclusive, IMAGE Gallery, an emerging modern contemporary art spaces, owners invited artists from all around NYC to come a pay tribute to one of Brooklyn’s GREATEST, B.I.G, and it was a packed out event!

Multiple vendors, visual artists  from diverse backgrounds and young music acts all under one roof for a life changing exhibition;  to honor one of our city’s own. With both live musical and visual art, participants were able to get a “full experience”. With vibrant pieces from contemporary artist like Francois Emera and graphic designer Ladie Ovila to live tattooing by Stretch Royal3 and live mural artists such as, Riiisa Boogie, Jordan Jones, and Donna Mikkelsen, there was literally something for EVERYONE!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So Whats Next?!? “Art & Hustle will continue to support the culture and artists with unique type of events, along with other event concepts that blend all forms of art together and push creativity. We’re currently looking to develop a website and YouTube page to show the videos from all our events.” Where can people find you? “Our instagram/FB pages are best way to reach out to us along with email which is posted on the page also… Stay tuned”

With its unique marketing strategy and support local artist, ART and HUSTLE  continues to successfully support those who choose to chase their dreams in their own creative fields. Despite age, gender, or race, ART & HUSTLE ’s goal is to have “Creative Unity Learning To Unite Races Everywhere”, a message that so many have forgotten. Look out for their May 11th, 2018 in conjunction with IMAGE Gallery, “Power of  Pussy P.O.P” event, which helps promote women empowerment… I’ll def be there!!!!

IMG_20180316_111554_963_1521213422791

Va•ga•bond of Brooklyn

When going through life’s course you may come across hundreds, even thousands of people; all from different walks of life and faiths. Despite these encounters, from time to time you meet individuals that leave an impression. This week’s featured guest can be described as a stylish, humble, hardworking, outstanding individual. Please help me celebrate Brooklyn’s  HOTTEST up and coming visual artist, the Prim Proper himself, my friend…. Pierre Jean Baptiste!

Photo by: @imrich_too
Photo by: @im_richtoo

Meet the local 28-year-old Haitian-American artist, Pierre Jean Baptiste. Born and raised in the exhilarating ‘Big Apple’, he is the definition of what it means to redefine yourself!  Although originally attending school for criminal justice life’s unexpected curve-balls led him down an alternate path where he seems to have found his true passion; artistry.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Rooted in his faith, principals and culture Pierre’s art pieces each tell a story of their own. With inspirations from artist such as Basquiat, George Condo, and other visual geniuses, Pierre does not limit himself to just visual art. When asked he states, “Art was always within me, I started taking painting more serious in 2015 when my mother passed. It was a great way to deal with the pain of losing my mother.” Is your mom your true inspiration? “Yeah she does inspire me but not only.. she inspires me so that I can make her proud, But the world truly inspires me… Music, Politics, love, etc…” 

Solo Art Exhibition

IMG_2915

On November 24th, 2017, Pierre unveiled his pieces to the world. Not only did I have the privilege of  attending his very first art exhibition, The Va•ga•bondbut I also had the opportunity to do an exclusive interview with the man behind the art, as he described his experiences and motivation behind his works.  When asked about the color schemes and techniques used within his pieces, Pierre says he does it simply to uplift the culture! In a world where blacks and minorities are seen as dark and hideous, Mr. Baptiste is redefining what it means! Check out clips from his interview below… 

Through his pieces Mr. Baptiste is able to captivate his audiences attention with vibrant colors and bold words “Fear” “Heavy Lies The Crown” “Royalty” “King” “Faith Without Work is Dead”, “Create Like a God, Command Like A King”, “Black Excellence” and “DNA= Royalty”, its no wonder why his art continues to inspire those far and near.

There is no doubt in my mind that Pierre’s pieces of expression and meaning will continue to take this world by STORM. Pierre started off his new year with one of his art pieces, being gifted to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs himself! #TalkAboutProgress 

Help me salute this great young King as he continues to take transform the world with his Art! #YouGoBlackMan

 

 

Meet TiTi…

Say hello to Jane of All Trades, Ms. Evbu Egharevba, aka TiTi! #BlackGirlMagic They often say in college is where you meet people that would impact you for a lifetime. Well this young lady, although younger, has been an inspiration from the first day I worked with her at Old Westbury’s Hair show. Talk about TALENTED! From fashion, hair, cosmetics, public speaking, this young woman has it all! 

image8
Evbu Titilayo Egharevba Owner of The Vintagelipgloss Brand

Public Relations/Artist Development Media&Artistry

After graduating college and facing different hardships, Ms. Evbu decided to turn her passions into a lifestyle, thus creating “The Vintagelipgloss Brand”.

What is The Vintagelipgloss Brand? “The Vintagelipgloss Brand is a multifaceted company that offers Event Curating&Public Relations Services. Established in October 2014, the business has developed into a multi-functioning service that started with the owner’s vision to create a platform for herself during a very trying post college graduate career defining time.”

What is your inspiration? “Struggle is something that often defines an individual’s capability to exceed. Struggle in my case became the fighting force of everything that I do. I know what it feels like to be homeless, I know what it feels like to not know if you can afford to eat, I know what it feels like to live in poverty. Knowing those different life circumstances made me realize what I didn’t want to be anymore and that is the feeling of being without. For those reasons my struggle is what inspired me.”

Born and raised in the toughest neighborhoods of Brooklyn,NY, Evbu is no stranger to facing hardship. Living in a community that encouraged her to make it past the struggle, it is no coincidence that determination remained in her destiny.

What impact has your culture played on you? “As a Nigerian-American, morals and values played a major role in discipline. Life took a toll on me in September 2010 after the loss of my mother. At that moment I realized that not only that life was too short but I vowed to continuously cherish every moment and make it a lifestyle to create and conquer all goals.”

Reflecting back on the journey and seeing her growth Evbu proudly informs all those who inquire that starting her own business is one of her most greatest accomplishments thus far.“Many people see the finished product but fail to realize the restless days and nights, lack of rest, disappointments along the way and sacrifices that are made to simply achieve all goals.”

What is next for you and Vintagelipgloss? Life has a funny way of throwing you the un-expected. We can plan today and end up in a completely different circumstance. My future goals include me having my own store front, being a successful entrepreneur all while being able to be a mother and wife some day. I don’t set limitations for myself so wherever God is taking me I am ready to face the great journey with my best foot forward. I am in high hopes of using my story to help others and encourage them in ways that I may have lacked encouragement while seeking it.”

With growing clientele and revenue at the age of now 26, Evbu recognizes that this is just the beginning. She proudly stands by her brand and has a simple prayer that God continues to use her in the most powerful way to touch the world with her talents.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Help me celebrate this Beauty as she continues to soar through life!!! #YouGoGirl