Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: Telefunk

by Lacee Blancher

Calling all music junkies…listen up! You are going to want to be the first to know about this up and coming band called Telefunk. Although the group is reasonably new to the music biz, they have already gained a substantial fan base in a small amount of time.  Telefunk is an American Alternative Hiphop/ House group formed in 2009 by two brothers, Producer, Rapper and Multi Instrumentalist Chukwuemeka “Ryan Francisca” Nwankwo and Singer/Songwriter Chinedu “Troy Francisca” Nwankwo in their apartment in Costa Mesa, CA. Despite the fact the band is fairly recent, both brothers had started making records back in 2003 when Ryan produced their mother ‘s first studio album titled Hello Africa. The album was marketed in South Africa, but never got any recognition. Their lyrics are 100% original from everyday experiences and musical sounds are produced from basically nothing but pure talent and skill by Ryan and his keyboard.


You may ask…how do I know so much info about this band? Google? Research? Rumors? Word on the street? ... No, in fact I have had a great opportunity to meet the band and despite their busy schedule, hold a meet and greet. So in fact, all these details are well-documented from the mouths of the band members themselves. Also, I was able be a fly on the wall behind the scenes at their latest video shoot for their new song "LA Anthem", and obtain an intimate, on camera interview exclusively for Project Ethos. Keep checking our blog because it will be released soon with private clips from the video shoot in downtown LA. To boot, the members of the band have a contradictory self-image. When talking with them of course they think their music is amazing, which clearly it is, but on the other hand, they have a humble attitude. For example they explained a story to me when they were walking at a shopping mall like any other day, when a fan recognized them and mentioned how their song touched his life, which was almost like an unreal situation. Also, to their surprise, the fan was an older aged man who was not their ultimate target market. This circumstance reveals the diversity Telefunk has to offer.

One characteristic the band possesses that sets themselves apart from other groups is the sense of closeness and family between everybody involved in their lives. Obviously, the brothers share a special bond, but that is beside the point. They use their own home for meetings, video/photo shoots, producing and writing their music, use the same cameraman, same sponsors, models, stylists, makeup artists, anybody who may be involved in any aspect. Furthermore, Troy Francisca is the main songwriter for the group. His view of music is also another attribute that sets them apart. In his view, of course fame and fortune is an ultimate goal, but certain songs he writes are personal, too confidential for public enjoyment.


Merely from spending a small number of days on set with the band members from Telefunk, in only a few moments they have already allowed me to recognize their passion for not only music overall, but the infatuation with the music they create. This is why Project Ethos is so amazing. We acknowledge up and coming musicians, artists, and designers who have enthusiasm, fire, and talent, and back them with the belief that they can make it big in the industry. These artists may be discovered with a bit of help from our team, because of course tremendous time and effort from our company goes into planning and executing the events, but good ole talent is what gets them recognized.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: Men's Summer Style

by Marra Camille Manansala

Even I have to admit that the Project Ethos blog isn’t showing enough love to our male readers. So here’s a few picks to add to your summer wardrobe, guys.
Just in case your outfit didn’t say it enough – (1TWO Clothing $24.99) 

You know, for the occasional L.A. heatwave. Plus you always need a tank to show off the guns – (Stussy $39)

Eat your veggies! And support L.A. hip hop while you’re at it: Twelve Bar x Peas and Carrots x Casey Veggies -- (Twelve Bar $30)


This one is definitely going to need some more explaining. Let me introduce to you, the 511 Skinny Commuter by Levi’s. This twist on the popular skinny jean was made for the cyclist in mind, with an impressive list of features.  Stretchy, antimicrobial, water-repellent fabric? Check.  High rise fit to cover the crack? Check! Special waistband loop for your U-Lock? Check. Reflective material on interior cuffs? Double check. Thanks Levi’s, we didn’t know how swagged out we could be while riding our bikes.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: Office Style

Check out Project Ethos girl Susi rocking an awesome summer chic look that’s all kinds of work appropriate with an edge.  She paired BCBG’s Casual Trouser with a simple black tank, strappy heels, vintage-inspired sunnies and a black watch to tie it all together.


To recreate this look…

Pants: BCBG Causal Trouser $138
http://tiny.cc/ugnfz
Tank: Target’s Long & Lean Tank $8 http://tiny.cc/2j8a1
Shoes: Lovers + Friends Billy Strappy $53 (SALE!) Mid Heel http://tiny.cc/l6y43
Watch:  Marc By Marc Jacobs "Rivera" Black Watch $175 http://tiny.cc/8crmf

AdoreCarol

By Marra Manansala
For most of the designs in AdoreCarol’s line of charms and jewelry, little things do come in small packages. Sometimes I don’t know what’s cuter – the fact that Carol Margaret Reyes of AdoreCarol is probably the cutest nineteen-year-old I have ever met, or the charms themselves.

My personal favorites are the cupcakes. It’s an ultra girly addition that I can’t wait to attach to my cellphone. All of them have such exquisite details, from the bows to the ridges of the cupcake frosting. Even the color combinations are a sure standout.
In addition to the cute charms, AdoreCarol also offers cute earrings and necklaces that are also specially crafted and painted.

Check out this cute cellphone charm!

Admit it. You walk into a Forever 21, buy a pair of earrings, and think nothing more of the actual process of what goes into it. The charms, small enough to pass through a ring hole, are all specially crafted and painted by Carol in her own apartment. You can only imagine the time and patience that goes into it. AdoreCarol will be sold through Etsy.com very soon, so keep on the lookout.
In the meantime, for any of you who are interested in getting tips to create your own polymer clay pieces and seeing more art she has made, be sure to visit Carol’s : http://adorecarol.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/polymer-clay-tips-from-a-perfectionist/

Friday, July 15, 2011

San Francisco Model Casting 07.23.11

Meet Our Interns!

Get to know some of our amazing interns! Although only a handful of them, our LA interns dish about the work they've been doing, how they found out about the Project Ethos internship and more.  Enjoy!

(from left to right: Lacee, Thelma, Marra, Christi, Sarah, Madyson)


Lacee: My name is Lacee! But friends call me Barbie. I have an infatuation with rhinestones and bows. I have every color hair bow to match all my outfits’ everyday… no seriously though I wear one everyday. And I also rhinestone EVERYTHING. At first it was a hobby but I’m in love with sparkles. I rhinestone my clothes, shoes, bows, phones, etc., and now I even sell objects, most commonly car license plate frames. Ok I sound a little obsessive but if you saw an example, you would want me to make you something.

Maybe if I tell you a little more about myself it would explain my little obsession. I am a fashion merchandising major at Long Beach State, and I have always had a passion for fashion ever since I could remember. Most commonly when I tell people my field of study, they think I will be the individual creating the clothes, but that is not that case. Fashion MERCHANDISING is about everything except making clothes, which can consist of the visual, and business sides of fashion. In the future I have many dreams of careers and its so hard to choose just one so I want to do it all!!

This internship has been an amazing experience for me. And I am not just saying this because I want to make a good image for the company.  They have an outstanding reputation as it is, but I want people to know the perspective from an intern’s point of view. Before becoming an intern I had the opportunity to volunteer at the LA Fashion week event. It was an event of a lifetime! And now to be working behind the scenes, helping make the affair take place is even more unbelievable.

The people working here are inspiring. The individuals who work for Project Ethos make us feel so involved and as if we make a difference in the event. We are not ordinary interns who do paperwork or go fetch coffee, but we actually do research, create presentations, and find musicians, artists, and designers for the event. I feel like working here I have made a new handful of genuine friends and I know for a fact we will all keep in touch when the internship is over. Its not one of those get lunch on our breaks together bond, but rather go on a three day fashion camp together kind of friendship.

Thelma: Hello! My name is Thelma Annan and I am currently an intern at Project Ethos. I major in Media and Cultural Studies at UC Riverside. Being a true Los Angeles native, I am a hardcore Lakers fan, as my future children will be. I am a sucker for 80’s films and consider NYLON magazine my Bible. I absolutely adore Kelly Ripa and Louise Roe and aspire to have a successful career like theirs one day.

I am more than grateful to work at Project Ethos. This is a very hands on, rewarding experience that I would not change for the world. Working here has forced me to push my comfort zone without me having to sacrifice my opinions or personality. I feel like I am actually part of the team. I learn something new every time I step into the office, whether professionally or personally. Working here is something I will never forget. We have a lot of amazing events coming up, so check out our websites regularly and be on the lookout for them!

Marra: Hey there! My name is Marra Camille Manansala. I’m about to finish up my last year at Cal State Fullerton as Communications/PR major. This is the third month as a Project Ethos intern, and I absolutely love it! For anyone who wants to get into the big, bad world of public relations – this is the perfect internship. I get to pitch to the media by e-mail and by phone, and even post on Project Ethos’ blog. It was a bit scary at first, but honestly, I’d rather get over my fears at an internship than my first day of my real job as a post-grad. I get to discover new music in and out of Los Angeles, get inspired to try out new fashion trends as I research emerging fashion lines, and sit in awe of the art that we come across.  Right now, my iTunes playlist consists of Pac Div, Jhene Aiko (both of which I have written about in previous posts), Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd.  Lastly, all of the other interns are really funny and easy to get along with…especially with the topic of food. 

Christi: My name is Christi Callahan and I am a senior at Cal State Fullerton majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in entertainment and tourism. As far as myself goes, I love shoes and I'm a huge foodie. I love trying new and exotic foods and pretty much anything from a food truck.

I learned about this internship through my major at school and immediately jumped on it. So far it has been so amazing. The people are so incredibly nice and they have allowed all of us interns to really get into the work. Lately, we've been doing a lot of research on cities for upcoming shows. We've been hunting down designers, artists, and musicians that we like. I think the best part is that I feel like our opinions actually matter and I really can't wait to see what else Project Ethos has in store for us

Sarah: I have an addiction to fashion blogs (particularly Oracle Fox, BLDG25, and SRC783), my favorite food is uncooked tortillas, look to the Olsen twins for fashion advice, enjoy singing loudly despite my horrible voice, and am happiest when I’m barefoot.  On the weekends you can find me in random vintage shops or hiking (yes, there are actually places to hike in LA).  I’m currently a fourth year at UCLA majoring in communication studies.  I’ll be graduating in December and will be moving up to SF as soon as I’m done.

I’ve been as intern at Project Ethos since April, and it was pure luck that I found out about an opening.  I had just finished up an internship with the Fox News Channel and was looking for something that would provide some creative opportunities and poof, UCLA emailed me about an internship with Project Ethos.  Fashion, music and art?  Hello perfection.

Madyson: Coming into my sophomore year at USC, I began the Project Ethos internship in April of my freshman year. Since then I have worked to enhance several participant databases, researching and contacting upcoming fashion designers, curators, and musicians. I have always held a great passion for music and art, as I have been dancing since the age of five. Throughout the past few years, I have travelled extensively and discovered new cultures with which I have fallen in love! I have become a huge electronic music fan after attending Oxegen Music Festival in Punchestown, Ireland with my older sister, Jessica. I hope to study abroad in Europe next summer and further expand my love for European cultures!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Cinema at the Cemetery

by Thelma Annan


The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is famously known for what else, its resting place of the glamorous Hollywood elite. But this cemetery does more than offer its respects to these legendary figures. The cemetery presents Cinespia film screenings, perfect for the nontraditional date night with your love bug or a friend’s night out. 

Beginning on May 19th until the end of summer, this landmark becomes an unlikely host to hundreds of moviegoers, screenings films every weekend night.


Past films include: Goodfellas, Heathers, and Saturday Night Fever. But most creatively was the recent screening of Ghostbusters. What better place to show a film about ghosts than within actual cemetery grounds!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: The White Noise is Loud!

by Janea Moreto

Wearing white pants has always been a stigma for women, but designers such as Bottega Veneta, Alexander Wang, Christian Siriano, and Thakoon are challenging women to push the boundaries this summer and go all out in white. And I'm talking pure white. Whether it be the little white dress or the attention-demanding white suit, the crisp color makes your summer tan look extra yummy.
                                                              

If you're worried about your white getting dirty, just be sure to wear it to the right occasion. An all-white outfit is probably not the best choice when running around town doing errands or such. Stay clear of dirty seats, and make sure the food goes into your mouth, not your lap (you'll be surprised how often that happens). It doesn't hurt to carry around a Tide-to-go, either! I know it sounds scary, but it is definitely do-able, so come closer to the white!

Most of the runways trending the white-out are seen as minimal-chic looks, no fussy accessories, makeup or hair. So it being summer, white is probably one of the easiest "throw-it-on" trends--think simplicity. Let the white speak for itself.

 

San Francisco 08.11.11 @ supper club



Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Bold and the Beautiful

By Thelma Annan

‘Tis the season to be colorful! Bold and bright colors are definitely in this summer. Introduced in early spring, the trend of color blocking, bright lips and eyes does not seem to be dwindling down anytime soon. So go beyond your comfort zones of blacks, whites and greys and embrace the colorful change.

The Bold – Color Blocking

Afraid to take the entire color plunge? Start off small if need be by balancing out your brights with neutrals. Start with one color block piece, such as a pair of colorful shorts, or pants and add a neutral one. You can also try matching up your color block piece with a sullen patterned piece.



Try a head-to-toe color ensemble for a more dramatic look. You can take the safe, yet equally fashionable road with a color block jumpsuit or dress. Or you could also put separate pieces together. A nice pair of pants, paired with an equally colorful blazer, or any other kind of outerwear will do the trick. To ensure success, try sticking with the adjacent hues on the color wheel, but don’t be afraid to experiment!



Color blocking can apply to shoes as well. Footwear possesses underestimated potential. The right shoes can tie an entire outfit together. Slip on a pair of these shoes to add to your colorful ensemble, or simply to add an unexpected pop of color to your outfit. Whether one bold color or multi, shoes can make just the right fashion statement.


The Beautiful – Beauty Essentials

Pucker Up: A lipstick shade gaining a lot of attention this season is coral. Coral is a color that is appealing on every skin tone, offering just the right amount of style and individuality. So don’t be afraid to take this color for a spin!


Eye catching: Colorful eyes are an essential this summer season. Add a pop of color to your eye shadow and eyeliner routine. Try focusing on colors such as golds, greens, purples and yes, even blues. Dusted across your entire lid, or simply swept along your bottom lash line, these colors are sure to allure.


Friday, July 8, 2011

Good Eats: Manchego

by Sarah Clifford


A few weeks ago, I ventured out with my fellow for date night and we were in the mood for something new.  After a quick Yelp search, Manchego was our destination for the night. 

When the restaurant is named after traditional Spanish cheese, you know you’re in for a great meal.

Located on Main Street in Santa Monica, this small, tapas-style restaurant has an intimate feel with dim lighting, amazing service, and even better food.

We were the only ones in the restaurant and with the help of our waitress, selected the roasted red pepper and feta spicy dip, shrimp wrapped with prosciutto, the two cheese plate with manchego and iberico (served with bread and the house tomato sauce), and were given a ton of complementary humus.

As we finished off our meal with a shared slice of cheesecake, we noticed the restaurant was completely packed.  If you come an hour or so after they open, expect a decent wait.


We both were a little nervous waiting for the check because we didn’t even look at prices as we ordered away, but to our surprise, it was under $40. This was thanks in large part to Manchego’s (brace yourself) BYOB policy and NO CORK FEE!  I had smuggled some $10 bottle of zin we had sitting at home in my purse and timidly pulled it out when the waitress smiled and asked, “Would you like me to open that for you?” Um, yes please.


Manchego does not disappoint.  If you’re in need of some tapas and romance for a reasonable price, definitely check it out.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: 90s Flashback

by Sarah Clifford

Welcome back 1990s, we missed you.

Leather, plaid, boots, baggy jeans and messy hair – the 90s were grunge-tastic.  For all the girls out there who like to be fashionable without all the fuss, this trend is definitely for you.

90s-inspired fashion has been popping up all over the place; like the new Velveteen Docs by Dr. Martens (found at Free People) or high-waisted jeans that can be spotted on every 20-something with a sense of style.

Even brightly colored hair has made a comeback.  Back in 1998, Gwen Stefani rocked a blue do at the MTV Music Video Awards.  Fast forward to 2011: blue hair is totally IN. 

It’s been rocked by bridesmaids and flower girls, Katy Perry at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards (although hers was a wig), and Kat Von D earlier this year.  Even a girl in my econ class has blue hair.

And I don’t think I even need to mention the Hammer pants, currently referred to as Harem pants.

To get some carefree, grunge fashion tips, look no further than the Olsen twins.  Their constant pairing of baggy plaids, messy hair and ripped denim meshes perfectly with this trend.

Smells like teen spirit…

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Project Ethos SF 08.11.11

Save the date!  We are coming back to San Francisco in August!  More details to come in the following weeks so stay tuned.......



Project Ethos Fashion: Turband Trend

by Sarah Clifford

I’m one of those people who really can’t pull off a full on turban, so the turband is the perfect alternative.  The turband is the love child of the headband and the turban…or just basically an elastic headband with a slipknot in the front.


They’re easy to find pretty much anywhere that sells hair accessories (try Nasty Gal or Gold Saturn), but they’re even easier to make.  All you need is a scarf or long piece of fabric.

The ‘How To Tie A Turband 3 Ways’ video gives a step-by-step guide for tying 1) The I Love Lucy, 2) The Hermes Way, and 3) The Moroccan Princess (my personal favorite).


The turband has been seen on everyone from boho queen Ashley Olsen to countless fashion bloggers.  The hassle-free headband is ultra-chic and added bonus: it can stylishly hide a bad hair day.

Now just pair with some cat eye sunnies and you’re set.



Friday, July 1, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: DIY Time

by Sarah Clifford

With July 4th quickly approaching, I couldn’t help but feeling patriotic.  I needed some new American swag for the holiday.  I turned my sights to some American flag shorts, but seeing as how the ones I wanted from Topshop were around $70, I improvised.

I took a quick trip to Goodwill and after hardly any digging, found a killer pair of mom jeans that fit like a glove: $3.  When I got home, I cut them into shorts.  Then tried them on and re-cut them again and again until they were just the right length.

I had some fabric paint from a previous project, but WalMart has some for super cheap that you can pick up.

After the shorts are cut, paint the right front side solid blue and the left front side solid red.  I think it looks cool to only paint to the side seam and avoid the pockets, but to each his own!

After the paint is completely dry, you can either draw stars on the blue side or use a stencil.  Fill them in with the white fabric paint.

Then on to the last step, the stripes.  I just used a ruler to space them out then filled alternating ones with the white fabric paint.

After your shorts are totally dry, the last step is just to wash and dry them so they fray a little.  And tada, you’re ready for some 4th of July action.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: Jhene Aiko

by Marra Camille Manansala
Los Angeles has been blessed with a lot of great musical talent lately, and the city has another up-and-coming talent by the name of Jhene Aiko. You might recognize the airy and angelic voice from the chorus of “July,” a song that was released last summer on Drake’s Thank Me Later, which has found its home on Jhene’s mixtape, Sailing Soul(s).
This mixtape was released back in March, but it’s definitely something that will be in rotation for all seasons. As corny as this sounds, we all know that girls have a go-to song for all highs and lows of a relationship.  Just in time for your summer fling, the songs on Sailing Soul(s) is a fine addition to your summer playlist.
Sailing Soul(s) is the process of frustration, heartbreak, and the art of getting over all wrapped into one. For any girl who doesn’t quite have the ability to get her feelings down in words, no need to worry. The songs are all too relatable, and quite frankly, there’s a lyric perfect for any situation you might be in. So to all boyfriends in the dog house, ex-boyfriends, and failed flings, I’ll just warn you now: Any Jhene Aiko lyric as a Facebook or Twitter post by your girl is a subliminal message directed at you.
Do Better Blues, featuring L.A. rap artist H.O.P.E, takes us on the all too familiar situation of a couple at its breaking point. Through back-to-back verses from a male’s and woman’s point of view, lyrics remind us of the truth of the situation. Most, at least.
If I could do better
Then you can do better too
But I don't want better
‘Cause I'm only better with you
If you could do better
Then I can do better too
But I don't need better
It only gets better with you
You v. Them sings of a love that can’t happen. Jhene’s soft voice is hypnotizing in this song, but don’t discredit the lyrical value of her verses.
It's the wanting you, never getting you
Keeps me wanting you, missing you
Just to picture you is what gets me through
Fit for you, I was meant for you
What I was sent to do, meant to do
Wasn't meant for you
Sailing Soul(s) features rising talent out of Los Angeles, Kendrick Lamar, H.O.P.E, and Lite. Miguel, a performer at last year’s Project Ethos show in Los Angeles, also makes a guest appearance alongside major hip-hop artists Gucci Mane and Kanye West.
Download Jhene Aiko’s Sailing Soul(s) now! http://jheneaiko.com/
"Sailing not Selling" feat. Kanye West

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: Say Hello to Crochet

by Sarah Clifford

Summer’s finally here and we are all looking for ways to stay cool while looking cool.  Well all the fashionistas out there are in luck because this season crochet is making a come back.  And all I can say is: I’m in love.

Crochet can be seen in everything from dresses to swimwear and is easy to work into any outfit.  Clearly, you’re going to need to put something under it for the most part, so bodycon dresses and skin-tight rompers (found at places like Free People and American Apparel) work great under crochet dresses and skirts.

If you’re working with a crochet top, keep the undershirt tight and simple, with cutoff jeans shorts.

Pulling from 1960s fashion, crochet is very popular and becoming increasingly easier to find.  Vintage shops and consignment is still the best way to go when you’re crochet hunting, but if you want something that’s a little less labor-intensive, mainstream stores like Forever21 have some great options.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion: DIY Time

By Sarah Clifford

Every now and again, I have this urge to create, whether it’s art, a piece of clothing, or an accessory. This past weekend I was out shopping and realized that friendship bracelets were everywhere. Free People was selling them for $18 a pop and just before I added one to my shopping bag, I realized, “Hey, I can make this myself!”
So after a quick trip to a local crafts store, I headed home to create a friendship bracelet of my own. I had a vague memory of making this when I was a kid, so I figured it’d come back to me. Not so much.


A little internet browsing and I was back in the game. Honestly…WTF: http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet has an awesome tutorial that I highly recommend. All you need is embroidery thread, tape and some scissors (and then a little patience).

They’re a little addicting, so be prepared to have a lot of thread on hand for all the color combos you come up with. After you have a few, you can mix up patterns, add rhinestone embellishments, and change colors.
Pile them on to add some flair to any outfit, be it your work attire or your get up for hitting the beach. Happy DIY-ing!


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Project Ethos Fashion LA: Sample Sales

By Sarah Clifford


If you’re in Los Angeles this weekend and are looking for some sweet deals on designer duds, well you’re in luck. This weekend is jam packed with sample sales from asymmetrical dresses to leather handbags. Here’s a list of a few to check out:


LA Eyeworks: Have you recently fallen prey to the hipster movement, wearing thick-rimmed glasses and thrift store clothing? Or maybe you just need some new shazy frames. You’re in luck – LA Eyeworks has retro frames for 30-70% off and 20% off prescription lenses. They’ll be at 7407 Melrose Ave., at N. Martel Ave. in West Hollywood Thursday thru Saturday, (June 23 – 25) from 12:30-4:30p.
Rebecca Minkoff: Prepare to get stoked. Rebecca Minkoff’s handbags (seen on celebrities from Vanessa Hudgens to Lindsay Lohan) will be marked down on Friday and Saturday (June 24 & 25) from 11a-5p at Confederacy, 4661 Hollywood Blvd., b/t Vermont & Hillhurst Aves., Los Feliz. Riller & Fount: simple, comfortable styles with an asymmetrical edge – and you can get them for up to 80% off. If you’re down for some summer dresses that will keep you cool and comfortable, head down to the Emil Brown Building, 308 E. Ninth St., at Santee St., Suite 407 (Downtown) from 10a-3p, Saturday, June 25.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Project Ethos Artist Spotlight: Chelsea Brown

by Sarah Clifford

San Francisco artist Chelsea Brown transports people into a supernatural world, filled with powerful women and references to the almighty power of Mother Nature. She is well versed in Native American tradition and fills her art with meaningful symbolism. The up and coming artist is beginning to gain a strong following (including myself) and has been showing her work at local galleries.

Feathers are in almost all of Brown’s pieces because they embody a link to the spiritual world, referencing a bird with the ability to fly to heaven. The abundant supernatural symbols harmonize with the women in the art.
Women dominate Brown’s pieces, painting them in their natural, nude state. This is meant to empower women, suggesting innate strength when women are organic. Also, the lines between man and animal are often blurred as Brown blends the two together seamlessly. This is because in Native American culture, humans, animals and nature cannot be separated. Brown even explains, “In some Native Amer­i­can lan­guages, there is no word to dif­fer­en­ti­ate ‘humans’ and ‘ani­mals’ because they are in essence the very same thing.”

If you’re in the SF area and feel a need to connect with Mother Nature, Native American culture or just be inspired, Chelsea Brown’s artwork was displayed at Project One Gallery earlier this June, but for right now, only original pieces are available for purchase.  I’m dying for the day she’ll start making prints for her poor, college-student fans like myself.

Not only would her art look amazing hanging on a wall, it would also make for a lust-worthy tattoo. Her artwork is on display at Soul Patch Tattoo on Haight Street.

To see more of Chelsea Brown’s work, check out her website: http://www.chelseadraws.com/