Why Art Simplicated?

I've been asked several times the origins of “Art Simplicated”, and how I came to decide on that name to define my business. The story behind how the name came to represent me and my business is a little well...simplicated.

It was in 2009 when the epiphany hit me but it feels as though it should have been one of those things I used to describe who I was growing up. A friend and I were having a conversation discussing my personality and how simple yet complicated I am. I am simple when it comes to material possessions and practicality yet to him I was completely complicated and difficult to understand on a mental and emotional level. I wrote a poem entitled "Simplicated" after this conversation due to the realization for me that I was truly simplicated; much like art.

Art is very simple for me to create because it comes from within. My spirit, passions, thoughts, desires, and heart are all a part of my creative process which comes very natural for me. However, one’s perception of any of my creations may be that it was a complicated process to create. The artist zone is limitless because logic doesn’t have to apply; this is one of the reasons why my business is so personal to me. I know it is said “one shouldn’t make business personal”, but it is impossible for me to do that. Art is very personal because of where the creative power comes from. Every time I create something to put into the world (universe); it’s like standing in a giant crowd of people where I am the only one naked and not nervous. In my creative process I am free from all logic and fear, which is why this is the simple part of art.  That may be why Body Painting is such a passion of mine. It's creation while connecting to the human compass. No discussion is required though it happens often. Energies are exchanged with or without verbal communication.

On its other side, the creation of art also leaves me in a vulnerable state; this is one of the highest places of strength one can be in…but it's also the more complicated side. Erykah Badu said it best when she said: “Keep in mind I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my Sh&*!” I’m a very authentic person and very unapologetic about the art that flows through me. I have a built in defense that keeps me from most forms of negativity and helps me to maintain a steady flow of positive energy with the mindset to move forward. This happens to be the complicated side of things (in a way) because I don’t allow myself time for BS. As an artist I understand that the things I create are interpreted differently by each and every person that encounters them so I want to make sure that whatever is being created through me is exactly what it is meant to be.

So this is how the name “Art Simplicated” came to be the name that describes my business but also describes my personality. I create art, all kinds of art and refuse to box myself into any one category. I am Art, art is me...simply simplicated.

Geez that was a lot to say, hopefully it will make sense to someone other than me.

Awesome Sauce

I painted the map first since I knew it wouldn't take as long as Bob Marley. I painted a bright blue tropical water background on the entire wall. I found an image with the most popular parishes of the Island and sketched it onto the wall with pencil then painted the colors in. I decided to work with a color palette that might be used for a heat mapping image with a beige base to represent the land. I spent a total of about 4 hours on the map wall adding the names of each parish along with the country's bird and flower.

When I was approached in October about dressing up some walls with custom, painted murals for a new restaurant opening in Bridgeport I was excited! The restaurant specialized in Jamaican Caribbean Cuisine which happens to be a favorite of mine. I knew the owner personally and was more than happy to be a part of the renovation and beautification team.

Her vision was simple; A large mural of Bob Marley on one wall and a large map of Jamaica on the other. I definitely had my work cut out because I had to work around the crew that was coming in to break down the old and build the new. I had approximately three weeks or so to get the job done before the planned opening of December 1st. Each wall was about  4.5 feet high and 6 to 7 feet wide...So I started to devise my master plan. Not really a master plan because my brain just doesn't work that way. My thoughts are usually all over the place; the only time they're not is when I'm creating.

Bob Marley happens to be one of my favorite artists for many reasons. His music has always inspired me to do more. In my opinion, he was a prophet and a legend in his own right. He spoke his mind and didn't falter from anything he believed to be true. Marley was wise beyond his years and his presence was such a gift to the world. Now with that been said, imagine the responsibility of painting a mural honoring the likeness of this late, great legend. I didn't over think it too much (because I tend to do that) I just started to look for photographs of Marley online that were different than the ones that I always see. There were so many pictures that I should have been overwhelmed but I wasn't. As soon as I saw the image I knew it was the one.

It was a black & white photo of Marley performing in a Rolling Stone Magazine Coverwall  entitled "The Life and Times of Bob Marley". I loved the passion on his face as he performed and felt that it would be a great depiction of his likeness for the wall. Of course I had to change some things to make it my own including painting it in color. I decided on the Rastafarian flag colors for the background, sketched the image of Marley and got to work right away on painting him. In total I spent about eight to twelve hours painting the Marley wall because I couldn't walk away until it felt right. I listened to his music the entire time I worked on the project and was very happy with the final results.

Awesome Sauce Caribbean Flavors opened their doors on December 19, 2015 at 840 State Street in Bridgeport, CT. I was there face painting anyone who came to celebrate with us. Both murals were a huge hit and I am told that people have been  taking pictures and selfies in front of the murals regularly.

What's A Little Competition

Since 2008 Living Art America has been hosting art shows where the canvas on display is alive...literally! Body art is historical in its own right, Living Art America and The Chelko Foundation decided to team up and make it an art form that everyone is welcome to participate in. Now known as the North American Body Art Competition, Artists from all over the globe come to compete against one another in what is currently the only competition in the U.S. that is sanctioned by the World Body Painting Association.

When I learned about the event in late 2014, I really wanted to go for the experience but I wasn't able to get the time off of work and I honestly couldn't afford it. I had new and old painty friends who were going to compete, assist, watch and get involved in whatever way they could. I made the decision that I would be there in 2015 no matter what.

On our first night we went to the "Human Zoo" at a local club where all of the models were painted in jungle themed body paint. We had the opportunity to travel backstage to see the process where everyone was being painted under black light. What an amazing experience to see so many human bodies glowing like the moonlit sky. I even got a little paint action when the guy in front saw my very unique hair cut and decided to accentuate it with black light paint as well. Rio from season two of Skin Wars was hosting and overall the entire night was a blast.

I received a call the following morning asking if I would still be interested in being an assistant in the competition....ummmm yeah! The day of the competition I rode in with my roommate, Ren who I would ironically be competing against in a sense because I was assisting someone else in the emerging category. The day started quickly and we had approximately 6.5 hours to cover each of our models with a complete design. I would be lying if I said that this was a great experience. It was fast and competitive and grueling. I was not getting along well with the painter I was paired up with and our model was not feeling well at all. In my position as an assistant I understood that this was all a possibility but I signed up anyway for the experience. By the end of our time together we were exhausted and agitated but we had painted a beautiful piece. While our piece did not place, we did get a lot of good feedback. The sheer fact that I was able to assist in the competition was enough for me. Overall I am so glad to have had the opportunity to participate and learn.

When I boarded my flight in the beginning of October, 2015 I had no idea what was in store. I had arranged to stay at an airbnb with another painter Ren and her husband Keith who I'd met the year before at New York Body Painting Day. I wasn't a part of the competition and really was just going to network and see what the competition experience was like behind the scenes if I should be so lucky. A good friend put me in contact with the woman in charge of the competition just so I could let her know that I was available to assist if needed.

During our second night we attended The Body Art Cabaret which was presented by Enrapturing Entertainment. This happens to be the same organization that presented The Flesh Art Show in New Orleans earlier in the year. Naturally I applied to be a painter in the show but was declined because she didn't want to highlight the same artists in the same year. The show was nothing short of entertaining with performances by hula hoopers, acrobats, drag queens and even the live body paint wedding of Angela Rene Roberts and Cully Furmin who are both very well known in the body paint community.

I am still contemplating whether or not I will apply to compete this year in Atlanta. In the meantime I will continue to paint bodies, faces and whatever my lil' ol' heart desires. This journey is all about living with purpose on purpose. Maybe competition will wiggle it's way in to my repertoire. The sky is the limit...no it's not! The limits are whatever you believe them to be.

Barbados

From the moment I touched down in this beautiful place I knew it would be my Island home. Not only was the air warm and inviting, the people were too! I was told to come to Barbados by my good friend Kiesha who is native to the island. The year had been a beautifully busy one and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate.

This trip was a mix of both business and pleasure. I went to experience the culture of the island and learn more about the art and celebration that resonate there. I also wanted to take some time to lay on a beach in the hot Bajan sun and catch some rays. More than anything I really wanted to catch up with my good friend and get some much needed rest and relaxation.

My friend runs a tour company on the Island called Baywater Tours so she is connected to all of the best tours on the Island. In my eight days I'm certain I was able to experience more than most  during a first visit to the island. During my second day on the island I decided to go it alone in town. I wasn't really familiar with anything to be honest but my friend Kiesha gave me enough information to know where I was and what limits to stay in. I spent some time in the duty free shops on Broad Street and even ventured into the area of Swan Street where the locals shopped. I spent some time in Independence Square and under the Independence Arch admiring art on the streets along with fresh produce, arts and crafts. The Waterfront Cafe housed beautiful artwork by several local artists that was up for sale to anyone interested in purchasing. The art was full of color and held beautiful renditions of the Bajan people and different parts of the island and culture. From my Catamaran on "El Tigre" swimming with the turtles, time in Bridgetown to my amazing Island tour with "Rooster" and fun in the sun at the "Boathouse" I felt so comfortable in my new self proclaimed island home of Barbados.

I can't go without talking about the food. Some of the food and drink the island is best known for are; cou cou, macaroni pie, jam puffs, fresh coconut water, Flying fish, rice and peas, salt bread, sweet bread, fish cakes, pudding & souse, conkies, bread fruit, cassava pone, Mauby and of course rum punch! I tried all of these and more. There were literally fresh mangoes and avocados hanging from the trees. Driving down a highway meant being able to pull over and get fresh young coconut water from local coconut men. I'm certain I gained five pounds or more on the island but it was worth it!

What an amazing opportunity to spend time on this paradise island where I hope to buy a vacation home in a few years. Thank you Barbados for making my time with you so wonderful.

I took the opportunity to teach a little about body art to some of the local children while there and I was even highlighted on "Good Morning Barbados" which is the local morning news show that talks about current events and trends in Barbados and abroad. My live interview lasted about 15 minutes with a couple of commercial breaks in between. We talked about the trend of body art, Skin Wars, anti bullying movements and some of the other work I had done in the last five years or so.  I plan to visit again in 2016 for the "crop over" festival toward the end of the summer where I plan to body paint to my heart's content.

It's My Artiversary!

Today is a special day because exactly one year ago today I jumped off of a proverbial cliff and didn't look back. January 10, 2015 was the first day of the rest of my life. I didn't get married, I didn't have a baby or start a new job. In fact I left my job and a steady paycheck to pursue a career in art full time.

A lot of people might say it was a crazy move or they might give me the whole "Starving Artist" speech. The truth is, jumping is scary when you don't actually know what's going to happen. You could hit rock bottom, fall flat on your face and sustain some pretty serious injuries, you could perish; or you could develop your wings on your way down.

I walk in faith, bathe in it, wear it on my skin, feet, hands, crown. I eat, drink & sleep faith. It is my favorite brand of everything! I don't know where my jump will take me or how big my wings will grow I just know that it will be something special, it already has been. I say all of this to say, Happy artiversary to me, to us!

To any person who has supported my leap and is watching me develop my wings, from my whole heart & soul I thank you because it isn't a painless process. I realize that everyone has a different journey, I am only speaking of my own. But I encourage you to challenge yourself to do everything your heart desires because you have the opportunity to do it now, you just have to actually believe that you can.  

Love & Light,

Alicia