With 260 artists exhibiting ranging from ceramics to jewelry, photography to painting, as well as technology and new media, MOS supports artists visibility through cultural and educational programing.

Dig In Magazine had the special opportunity to stop by the Marin Fencing Academy during MOS to view the work of local artists. Greeted by curator Terrence Howell, we were fascinated by the range of work shown in the gallery and greatly inspired by the artwork on view. Participating artists included Terrence Howell, Mark Lifvendahl, Sarah Spector (website coming soon), Ashley Bell and Matt Rapalyea.

Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Mark Lifvendahl | Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Mark Lifvendahl | Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Sarah Spector | Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Terrence Howell | Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Ashley Bell | Marin Fencing Academy | Marin Open Studios 2012

Documentaries tend to include these important characteristics that an action movie or a romantic film tend to leave out. For the young film student attending a graduate school online to the average movie viewer, documentaries serve as a great teaching tool that takes an issue, analyzes it and portrays some hard truths that most were unaware of.

• “Super Size Me” – McDonalds reigns as the king of doling out huge portions of food to children and adults. While many individuals eat fast food on a weekly basis, most remain unaware of the dangerous consequences fast food can wreck on the human body. Morgan Spurlock aimed to uncover those issues.
  Spurlock doesn’t just uncover the issues; he decides to eat his way toward them. Spurlock goes on a one-month binge of McDonald’s fast food, eating fries, Big Macs, cheeseburgers and sundaes three times a day for 30 days. After 30 days and a few pounds later, Spurlock notices the negative effects fast food has had on his body and hopes to deter viewers from consuming as much fast food while holding the restaurants accountable for the unhealthy portions and ingredients found in their food.
  This movie will make any viewer think twice about fast food and become more aware of the meals they consume. Some may start to reduce the intake of greasy, high-saturated fat foods; others may just give up fast food altogether.
• “Bowling for Columbine” – On April 20, 1999, two high school seniors, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold marched into their high school in Columbine, Colorado, with loaded handguns, pipe bombs and automatic weapons, then killed 13 people. After the incident, news outlets blamed videos games, gunmakers and weak gun regulations for allowing the students to purchase so many weapons and bullets.
  A few years after the massacre, filmmaker Michael Moore analyzed how the two students were able to acquire and get away with killing 13 people and injuring another 21. The filmmaker reviewed the current gun laws and discussed similar issues where violence and weak laws allowed for dozens to become victims.
  He interviewed former students, gunmakers and gun distributors to get some answers. Anyone pursuing a political science major will enjoy the controversy surrounding the issue while viewers will ask questions to understand what can be done to stop this extreme violence from occurring again.

Documentaries aim to spark controversy. Some individuals watching the movies may agree with the viewpoints and conclusions of the filmmaker; other’s might just storm out of the room and shut off the television. Whether you watch these films in their entirety or storm off, each aims to change your mind on a controversial issue and become more self-aware of the issues that plague American society.

Sources

IMDb (2011)

Top Documentary Films (2008)

Herakut: Loving the Exiled at 941 Geary

941 Geary is pleased to present the new works of German artistic duo, Herakut, whose exhibition, Loving the Exiled, will open April 21, 2012 at 941 Geary. The opening will be free and open to the public, and the show will run until May 29, 2012.

Herakut’s earth tones are layered upon each other, creating images that blend in with the environment around them. Though it’s not just in palette through which the work presents an interest in nature. The people and animals that stand at the center of Herakut’s pieces are created as a commentary on human nature, on the ups and downs of all the small wars we fight within ourselves.

Loving the Exiled deals with figures/symbols that have been thrust away from society, charged with guilt in some way, and used as scapegoats in an effort to simplify complex problems. With faces partially turned to glance at the viewer, the figures look at the viewers as if we have stumbled upon their lives, uninvited but perhaps expected. They gaze out at us with eyes both sad and resigned, asking nothing of us but a basic empathy.

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Herakut: "Loving the Exiled" at 941 Geary

Visit Dig In Magazine for more on the art scene and your favorite artists! And be sure to follow Dig In Magazine on Facebook and Twitter! And for more photos from Dig In Magazine press events visit our Flickr page!

Dig In Magazine had the amazing opportunity to be a sponsor of Fountain Art Fair New York 2012 at the Armory.

With 60 different galleries exhibiting, artists from all over the world participated in this historic event. Fountain New York was a huge success as Artlog sponsored the opening reception with Fab 5 Freddy taking the stage finishing the day with art selling off the walls. From Johnny Leo’s mural covered van to the street art murals wrapped around the building inside and out, Fountain’s exhibits were nothing short of spectacular. Tinca Art curated an amazing exhibit with artists like Rachel Monosov and Carly Ivan Garcia to just name a few. Bay Area’s favorite neo-abstract artist, Carly Ivan Garcia, showed his new work that was politically charged and made a strong statement. Dig In Magazine has been following Tinca Art over the years and once again, Catinca Tabacaru did an outstanding job of curating at Fountain.

Tinca Art | Carly Ivan Garcia | Fountain Art Fair New York 2012

Garcia also painted a uniquely creative mural as part of the street art exhibit along with another Bay Area star, artist Ian Ross, who left an indelible mark on Fountain’s mural walls.

(Left) Carly Ivan Garcia & (Right) Ian Ross Street Art Mural Exhibit | Fountain Art Fair New York 2012

Lambert Fine Arts‘ goal to “demonstrate a contemporary sophistication in their use of new media, modern technology, and complex symbolic imagery to engage viewers in a progressive and compelling social critique” was highlighted by artist, Brandon Friend’s combination of “painting, print-making, collage, and image transfer.” And Kesting/Ray, an innovative gallery and creative catalyst in New York, unveiled a great collection of artwork by Brian Leo, Swoon and more.

Kesting/Ray | Brian Leo | Fountain Art Fair New York 2012

Kesting/Ray | Swoon | Fountain Art Fair New York 2012

Further, Evo Love’s (Stash Gallery) originality shined as she displayed her unique and eclectic pieces.

Evo Love | Fountain Art Fair New York 2012

With record sales and attendance, Fountain Art Fair was an art fair like no other!

Fountain is an exhibition of avant garde artwork in New York during Armory week, Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach and Los Angeles during Pacific Standard Time weekend.

[Special thanks to Dig In Magazine artist/correspondent, Carly Ivan Garcia and photographer/artist/fashion designer, Daniel Chimowitz.]

Visit Dig In Magazine for more on the art scene and your favorite artists! And be sure to follow Dig In Magazine on Facebook and Twitter! And for more photos from Dig In Magazine press events visit our Flickr page!

Dig In Magazine had the unique opportunity to see “The Lady,” directed by Luc Besson, last October 2011 at the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival. “The Lady” is a heart wrenching love story about the political turmoil in Burma. The story centers around female pro-democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, played by Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis who plays her husband. The film is moving beyond belief as we see the strength, hope and faith of a woman that is ready to fight for the rights of her people at all costs. Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese opposition politician and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma, was a former political prisoner and Nobel laureate put on house arrest in Burma before the national elections in 1990. Michelle Yeoh yeilds an amazing performance and this film is not to be missed. “The Lady” opens in the Bay Area on April 13th in San Francisco, CA at Landmark Theatres and Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley, CA.

Further, according to a recent New York Times article, the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (aka Burma) reports a landslide victory for the party of the nation’s democratic icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the subject of this film.

Photos of Michelle Yeoh at the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival

Actress MIchelle Yeoh | "The Lady" | 34th Mill Valley Film Festival

Actress Michelle Yeoh & Director Luc Besson | 34th Mill Valley Film Festival

Visit Dig In Magazine for more on film and interviews with your favorite actors and filmmakers! And be sure to follow Dig In Magazine on Facebook and Twitter! And for more photos from Dig In Magazine press events visit our Flickr page!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013

Fashion week at Lincoln center in NY, NY. Celebrites/world reknowned entertainers came from near and far to debut the collections with all the royalty/international socialites who are always dressed to the nines. It’s an expected given. Buyers of every big dept store and high end boutiques from all over the world.

The press from every prestigious publication made it to the tents. If you were one of the lucky attendees you would have seen the well known personal shoppers and stylists in the mix. The stylists to the stars were in the crowds of v.i.p.

The fashionistas that attended never blend nor want to; they stick out of a crowd always and intend to; they are a very stylish bunch. They were flown in by private helicopter and private jet, yacht and cruise liner. They invested in 2^nd and 3^rd homes in nyc just so they do not have to pack, why wrinkle any clothes, no reason to when you are able to afford it. That is the best way to travel, no luggage ever, skip all the lines and enjoy the trip. Plus the New Yorkers are always dressed for first impressions.

In New York time is money and no one can waste any time. First impressions are everything regardless if you are a philanthropist/ceo/ex super model/political figure/restauranteur/real estate guro or art dealer. It is important to be dressed for any occasion and every possible occasion depending on the different circles and cliques one could be involved in. One should never limit oneself. If you do not have the wardrobe to compete, then time to shop. That is why you must have a huge wardrobe to network with all.

Blazers/ fitted tailored jackets are a must no matter the price. You at least need one for that business meeting/networking event/dinner party/meeting your finance’s parents or even a 1^st date to a art reception. You must look intelligent and beautiful. It is a recession, you can not just be gorgeous, you have to have a career /profession as a woman. No more slacks or jeans, that is not the look, more dressy cocktail dress or skirt at least shorts will never go out. Ladies make sure you are exercising enough to show off those stems.

Designer list Emilio cavallini/reem Acra/Nautica/Costello taglipietra/helen yarmuk furs/ la perla most luxurious undergarments.

Empire hotel in nyc offered compilmentary sketches by talented artists. Fashion show by walter/Natica fashion collection for men

Off site F.A.B philanthropic fashion week party held at the flat iron hotel in nyc.

Hair styles: curly banna curls, flowing romantic locks, bangs short or long, they change your look without having to diet or cut hair drastically to create an impact. No plastic surgery needed

Hair accessories: rhinestone/colored crystals clips and barrettes for hair/ faux flower clips

Nails: short colorful sparkling /rhinestone dazzeling fingertips with plaid and polka dots and crackle a new look for all. Colors blue, purple, pink, green, yellow, red, white, sliver and gold the more glitter the better

Makeup: pink, red and purple lips and long lashes are a must other then that very natural look.

Accessories: bulky belts/chunky clutch bags colorful and fun the louder the better.

Shoes/ flat boots are a must have they are the new little black dress. Flat thigh high or to the knee they are the hot item in every ladies closet. Heels are not a must have anymore feminine yes but not worth being crippled for permanently.

Jewelry fashion jewelry /bulky genuine is what is what every woman needs in her jewelry box.

Kara Ross is a designer that you should know and at least have one piece you cant go wrong.

Couture fashion week New York at the waldorf=Astoria, grand ballroom New York city.

Art/opera live performance dancers and so much luxury in one collection Andres out does himself each season. The Nash sisters knew Andres way before Couture fashion week and are glad to be sitting front row viewing the best international designers debuting in nyc currently. So many nba football wives and rap star wives it was an all star show. I modeled in Andre Aquino’s Sunday brunches in the beginning stages of his huge dreams and now they are a reality. Miss teen New York was spotted.

The shows jet art designs by princess tarinan von anhalt(usa)

Andres Aquino( usa)

Performers by cristina fontanelli, veronica lovan,tylermerell and carole bufford.

Designer Alicat avril Lemieux (usa)

Edwing D’Angelo (usa)

Designer Sandra Baquero (usa/Columbia

Performers by singer cynthia basinet

Simon Spurr featured his well fitted mens wear at the Milk Studios. Standing ovation!

Fashion week and couture fashion week has come to an end, the 2 weeks of excitement have come to a end. Remember to dress with color and flair always. Stay tuned in for the best designers on the look out. If you need a personal shopper/fashion advice from a expert or want to dress like a celebrity pop star please contact me esther nash to the rescue. www.esthernash.com enashdesigner@gmail.com

Thank you

• Mix-Up Your Medium – One of the most effective ways to expand your artistic reach is to switch mediums every once in a while – especially if you specialize in one artistic discipline. Start by taking one of your own works of art and trying to replicate the emotion and symbolism that went into creating it with another medium. For example: If you’re a painter, try to reinterpret a particular painting you’ve already created as a “series” – such as a sculpture, black and white drawing or song all based on the same painting.
• Collaborate with Other Artists – For professional artists in particular, creativity can be a very solitary act that often takes place alone in a home studio. To break through your comfort zone, reach out to another artist of a different discipline and collaborate on a project. For example, if you’re a musician, get in touch with a dancer or graphic designer to see if you can work on a multidisciplinary project. In addition to expanding your own creativity, this sort of collaborative effort can also open doors to new professional opportunities and a way of connecting with potential clients in your art community.
• Take a Workshop – No matter what stage you’re at in your development as an artist, every artist can benefit from a workshop or class – particularly one in a difference discipline. Get in touch with local art colleges or check online to see what’s available. If you can’t afford a workshop, organize an artists’ circle with a group of artists in your community to discuss inspiration and swap tips for avoiding artistic stagnation.
• Invest in New Tools – Sometimes a new purchase, however small, can improve one’s outlook on the day, and artists are no exception. If you’re stuck in an artistic rut, invest in new tools to give you an edge, whether they include a new set of paintbrushes, new piece of recording equipment or new dance clothes.

Sources

“How to Grow as an Artist” (2002)

EmptyEasel.com (2010)

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF | The Cast

Sex, humor, love, the so-called “modern couple” and the choice of non-monogamy is what comes to mind after watching director Richard Wong’s world premiere of the film “Yes, We’re Open,” the Centerpiece Film at the 30th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. Starring Lynn Chen, Parry Shen, Sheetal Sheth, Kerry McCrohan, Theresa Navarro, Tasi Alabastro, Dave Boyle and H.P. Mendoza, “Yes, We’re Open” takes place in the trendy world of San Francisco Bay Area restaurants, local bookstores and open-air farmer’s markets. Sylvia, played by actress Lynn Chen, is in a monogamous relationship of over 3 years with her boyfriend, Luke, played by Parry Shen. While they are attracted to one another both intellectually and physically, their sex lives have grown stagnant. In the midst of their sexual disconnection, they meet another “modern” couple, Elena and Ronald, played by Sheetal Sheth and Kerry McCrohan, who are in a non-monogamous, open relationship. Sylvia and Luke are tempted to get involved with this beautiful couple as they contemplate entering into an open relationship. As they both become victims of natural, human sexual attraction, they are each seduced by Ronald and Elena. Sylvia and Luke are then left with feelings of guilt and regret in the aftermath of cheating on one another. Once coming to terms with the fact that neither of them want to engage in an open relationship over monogamy, their relationship is revitalized as they realize their love for one another and desire to be wholly committed to each other.

This film, which possesses a serious theme of a couple debating entering into an open, non-monogamous relationship, is charming, witty and very funny. One could not help but to identify with the indecisiveness regarding the decision to give into physical attraction versus the ideal of commitment and monogamy that the movie’s main characters are faced with. Director Richard Wong’s and writer H.P. Mendoza’s ability to combine such a great deal of humor with this more serious and controversial topic is highly intelligent and creative. During the Q&A following the film screening, writer H.P. Mendoza explains that the tension and disagreements between the two couples during a dinner party are simply a microcosm of the larger fight between them regarding which is the more modern and forward thinking couple, each wanting to out do the other. The chemistry between Lynn Chen and Parry Shen is unmistakable as they naturally play off of one another’s characters. Movie watchers were enamored by their relationship. Further, Scott, played by Tasi Alabastro and Cassy, played by Theresa Navarro, who also produced the film, were humorous, charming and believable as the conservative married couple who were best friends with Sylvia and Luke. One could not be anything but entertained and captivated by this film, its characters and the varying points of view and dialogue between all three couples that make up “Yes, We’re Open.”

Stay tuned for exclusive Dig In Magazine interviews from “Yes, We’re Open!”

And check out Dig In Magazine’s photo coverage from the World Premiere of “Yes, We’re Open” at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre:

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF at the Castro Theatre

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF | Tasi Alabastro ("Scott)"

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF
Producer and Actress Theresa Navarro ("Cassy") and Actress Nishea Andolong (Younger Woman)

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF | Director Richard Wong with SFIAAFF Director Christine Kwon

World Premiere "Yes, We're Open" | 30SFIAAFF | The Cast with Dave Boyle on the Mic

Visit Dig In Magazine for more on film and interviews with your favorite actors and filmmakers! And be sure to follow Dig In Magazine on Facebook and Twitter! And for more photos from Dig In Magazine press events visit our Flickr page!

"White Frog" (2012) | Quentin Lee | World Premiere at SFIAAF

“White Frog,” the opening night film at the 30th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival on March 8th, directed by Quentin Lee and written by Ellie Wen and Fabienne Wen, is filled with themes of deep love between family members, close friends, love for the community and humanity. The oldest son, Chaz played by Harry Shum Jr., is a handsome, fun-loving, likable guy who is very fond of his younger brother, Nick, a high school freshman, played by Booboo Stewart from “The Twilight Saga.” Nick is a social misfit who has aspergers syndrome and is fearful of social situations. The viewer truly grows to understand the deep bond between these two brothers who come from a seemingly perfect life of affluence and cheer. Nick is book smart and is persuaded to do his older brother’s homework for him as Chaz would rather socialize with his buddies. Under this facade of perfection, tumultuous emotions are stirred up when tragedy strikes. From that point on, the truth is slowly revealed about the negativity of the main characters’ family life, homophobia on the part of the parents played by actors Joan Chen and BD Wong, a family hiding behind a mask of conservatism and perfection, as well as Nick breaking out of his shell of fear and anger, which we see is revealed at the end of the film.  We also see a family coming to terms with a son’s hidden homosexuality which is condemned in their family and is perceived as an embarrassment. There are hints of good humor in the midst of the serious themes as the family lawyer, May, played by Kelly Hu, who is supposed to be there to help at will is clocking time spent by the hour as she is consulting her distraught relatives. In the end, we go away from the movie with a sense of closure and contentment as everything is out in the open, fear and embarrassment have dissipated, and love and acceptance are at the forefront. “White Frog” is emotionally moving and beautifully written and directed.

Watch the trailer:

The Center for Asian American Media presents this year’s 30th annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAFF) with 102 films and videos in 47 programs. SFIAAFF offers the best in Asian American and Asian cinema and is the largest of its kind in North America. SFIAFF runs from March 8-18, 2012 in Bay Area Theatres.

The festival begins at 7pm on March 8th, Opening Night, with the world premiere of “White Frog” (2011), which is directed by Quentin Lee, written by Ellie Wen and Fabienne Wen. The film is filled with themes of deep love between family members, close friends, love for the community and humanity. Following the film will be a gala at 9:30pm at the Asian Art Museum.

Take a look at “White Frog”:

Another festival world premiere is “Yes, We’re Open” (2011), directed by Richard Wong, written by H.P. Mendoza, produced by Theresa Navarro, cinematography by Seng Chen, and starring Lynn Chen, Parry Shen, Tasi Alabastro, Dave Boyle and Sheetal Sheth. The film will be screened on March 11 at 6:30pm and March 18 at 12:30pm.

“Yes, We’re Open” is about a young, open-minded San Francisco couple whose relationship begins to stagnate. The film explores sexual mores, sexual jealousy, and sexual politics.

Catch a glimpse of “Yes, We’re Open”:

And don’t miss the San Francisco premiere of “Surrogate Valentine 2: Daylight Savings” (2012) directed by Dave Boyle and starring Lynn Chen, Goh Nakamura, Joel Clark, Michael Aki, Yea-Ming Chen, and Ayako Fujitani. SV2 is the sequel to last year’s closing night hit Surrogate Valentine and is about floundering indie rocker “Goh” who is ready to embark on the “biggest tour of his life” encountering girlfriend breakups and adventures along the way. The film screens on March 11 at 9:30pm and March 17 at 5pm.

Watch the trailer for last year’s closing night film, “Surrogate Valentine” (2011):

Another world premiere at SFIAAFF on March 10 at 6:30pm and March 17 at 8pm, is “Nice Girls Crew” (2012), which is a raunchy “Bridesmaids-meets-Arrested Development, no-holds-barred comedy series” starring Sheetal Sheth, Michelle Krusiec and Lynn Chen.

And the San Francisco premiere of “Salad Days” (2011) directed by Jeff Mizushima, will be screened on March 11 at 5pm and March 12 at 8:45pm. “Salad Days,” which stars Yoshida, Dave Horwitz and Kuan, is about the advent of social media, youth and the internet. The film is a quirky narrative focusing on the struggles of three twenty-somethings living in the Bay Area. This film addresses the gap between our “personal lives and Facebook’d, YouTube’d identities.” — Joseph Albert

Watch the “Salad Days” (2011) trailer:

Be sure to catch these films and other highlights at the 30th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival!

Visit Dig In Magazine for more on film and interviews with your favorite actors and filmmakers! And be sure to follow Dig In Magazine on Facebook and Twitter! And for more photos from Dig In Magazine press events visit our Flickr page!