CDubb Artists!
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The indelible grit and honesty in his work- a revelation of him as a soul simply wanting to be present- Dan Florez has found himself at the intersection of pure art and fine reality; an incredible balance between art imitating life and life simply being art. His eye brings a crisp look into everyday beauty: a journey into the simplistic, awe-inspiring views of our surroundings. Effortlessly, his lens captures what we might not see, bringing to the forefront the beauty that we should.
To view more of Dan Florez Photography, visit his website.
Dan reveals his approach to photography and art form:
My approach to photography is fairly simple. You just have to be there! I think as a photographer- as you develop your “style” and aesthetic- you begin to notice little things that I think people are aware of, but [may not be aware] that they’re aware of. The little things: two colors that compliment or compete with each other; how light wraps around things when the direct source is gone, etc. When it comes down to it, it’s just a matter of being there and having your eyes open. You can’t take a photo of the ocean unless you’re near an ocean, and you won’t see a bison until you see a bison. You just have to be there.
Sir Florez talks about when this style of photography became his passion:
I can’t really say that ‘this style of photography’ is a thing yet. I’m completely obsessive in multiple areas, and it’ll change depending on the month, week, day. I think it goes back to what I was saying above, about being there. If I can bring a camera into the water, then I’m in heaven. The ocean is the best, springs are the best, pools are the best. When it’s warm, that’s every bit of my obsession. However, if I’m fortunate enough to visit a mountain and just walk around in the big empty, that becomes the best and my obsession. [It's the] same thing if you can find a clear night sky. Sitting for hours looking at a full, empty night sky and attempting to photograph the stars or their movement, becomes my new ‘style’. I’m sure all aspects inform each other a bit; but overall, the differences in location, thinking [and] light elements- at the time- inform my style. That probably goes back to my previous comment about ‘being there.’
… I’d like to think in a small part, through photography, I can remind people that we live in a beautiful world – and it’s worth keeping it that way.
He speaks about his tools and techniques:
Oooh. Well, I used my mom [or] grandfather’s old Pentax k-1000 all through college, with a 50mm. It’s entirely manual, very simple camera. A battery isn’t necessary for it to work perfectly. The older 50mm lens is slightly limiting, but incredibly sharp without being clinical. Post college, despite my previous ‘film only for life!’ attitude, I worked for a company using an upper tier Nikon DSLR. It was a nice camera, but didn’t quite suit me. I’ve since returned to a Pentax digital SLR and that same 50mm from college. I’ve added a few lenses to that combination, all from the 70′s/80′s, but I still keep it as simple as I can. A camera, a prime lens, and just being there. For taking photos of people, I always say shoot closer, try to really see them. For landscapes, I think you have to look closer- but think wider- if that makes sense.
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The deeper you travel into Kelly M. Hogan‘s fine street art, the deeper you understand that she is far from being one with just an artistic talent and eye. With an activist’s soul and a heart of gold, her mission is to, “…. inspire collective mindfullness through art.” It isn’t just the power in her stroke that leaves you wanting to uncover and learn more: it is the clear message of hope; the defining message of inspiration. Revolutionizing the meaning of street art, Kelly finds it her true passion to bring light to an uplifting, universal message: taking the negative and making it a positive. Bravo, Kelly. Bravo.
To see more powerful pieces from Ms. Hogan, visit her website.
Mixed Media on raw canvas
“Power To The People” Mixed Media on raw canvas, 25 x 25″
Mixed Media on raw canvas
“Dark Knight, Bright Day” Mixed Media on raw canvas, 26 x 17″
Mixed Media on raw canvas
“Keys to the Kingdom” Mixed Media on raw canvas, 25 x 25″
Kelly talks about the very first time she recognized that this style of creative expression was and is her passion:
It was during my Junior year of high school that I knew I had to paint to live free. It was an escape for me, where I could disconnect from any ongoing racket around me- especially from the loudness inside of me. Through it, I gained a divine sense of peace and through that disconnect, I was able to reconnect.
She explains her techniques and unique approach to letting the power of the piece speak for itself:
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If it’s a vibrancy in color- an alarming clarity in light and landscape- that you want, then photography from Justin Andrade will no less disappoint; only making you search for, look for- long for- more. He does what most painters only hope to achieve with their paintbrush: perfectly playing and dancing with color; capturing beautifully saturated hues that keep your eyes bouncing from one angle to the next, fully drinking in the glory of the shot; the fullness of what he just saw. And what is it that he sees, enabling his oceanic photography to shock your system with excitement and awe? We’re not exactly sure. But whatever glory Justin sees through his lens, we can only hope and pray it keeps on comin’.
Wanting to view more of Justin’s work? Contact him here: justinandrade2@hotmail.com
Justin explains the moment he fell in love with photography, and why this particular form speaks to him so deeply:
I stumbled upon this kind of photography, actually, during a class I took on photography. I had to do a report on Clark Little, who is a famous water photographer around the world. After doing this report on him, I became more and more into it, and started doing it myself- I fell in love with it right away.
The first time I felt connected to this particular form of photography was when I took my GoPro to Baldwin Beach in Maui. Just for fun, I wanted to see if I could do what Clark Little does. Later that day- after scratching all the sand out of my ears- I looked at the photos I took, and was very surprised to see that I took very good photos. From that day, I knew I wanted to become more passionate about this- and that’s where it has brought me today.
A glimpse of his tools and techniques for capturing:
The gear I use is GoPro Hero 3+. For all of my editing, I use PhotoShop and the the light room for the rest of it. Just use your imagination to see how you want the colors to look.
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You think you’ve seen it all, and then, there was Sir Jonas Claesson. With his effortless take on illustrative genius, you wonder if there’s some hidden catch to how vibrant the color, how witty the image and spin on reality. No, there’s actually not. He really is that unmistakeably talented; that remarkably brilliant. Jonas refuses to take himself too seriously, and with it, a breath and body of work that doesn’t, as well. It is an elaborate and deliberate parade of constant fun: incredibly playful and wonderfully smart. Instinctively, Jonas delivers a deliciously fresh take on the realm of surf and action sports, leaving you to wonder only one thing: Can I have as much fun as a grizzly bear on a lone, surf expedition? In the world of Jonas Claesson, the answer is why the heck not.
Stoked to dive a little deeper into the mind of Claesson, visit more of his work here http://www.jonasclaesson.com
To give Jonas a shout or curious how he got so cool, shoot him a holler at hello@jonasclaesson.com
“Arc Effect Vessel”
“Set of Three”
“Wolf Trip”
“Surf Peace Symbol”
“Buffalo Mobile Snow”
“Ocean Voyager”
“Surfing Siren”
“P-Penguin”
“Whaleshark”
“Pineapple, So Hot Right Now”
“Purple Slide”
“Loose Moose”
“Starlight”
“Voyage”
“Surf Partner”
“Solo Mission”
“Pickle Express”
“Weird Beard”
“Bottom Turn”
“Siesta”
“Surfari”
Jonas fills us in on his artistic approach and how he stumbled upon this fresh form of creative expression:
Not sure really. I think it comes naturally, but I have always liked to draw. They are illustrations inspired by nature, and I think the style of drawing I am doing now comes from working closely with my friends at the Swedish brand, Nordsurf http://nordsurf.com/. I’ve done a lot of work with them over the last couple of years.
The Jonas approach, tools and techniques:
I usually see something in everyday life; a photo of someone or something that looks cool, and if the idea sticks in my mind for a couple of days, I usually scribble it down. Then, I use fine line markers, a scanner and bring it into Photoshop and Illustrator for some tweaking, and maybe add some color.
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Song bird Sara Dee makes a melody that is beautifully all her own. Her fiery pipes are methodically smoothed with a molasses like touch in her tone. In the rich way she delivers each lyric- each line in her deliciously smooth songs- the listener is left hopeful and a little more at ease. Ms. Dee is an easy listen and one whom you’d imagine your eardrums are referencing vocalists of old… like Billie Holiday and Patsy Cline. She sends you in a sweet trance with her love and light-bringing lyrics: a sound that the music business is in desperate need of. Sara Dee, you are our CDubb Movement Song Bird for sure.
Listen and love more of Sara’s tunes by visiting her website, http://www.singsarasing.com.
To contact Ms. Dee for booking and just a simple shout out, visit the above link and let the music follow.
“Redefined”, from the album, In Joy, 2011
“Home to You”, from the album, In Joy, 2011
“We Can Be Love”, from the album, In Joy, 2011
“You Again”, from the album, In Joy, 2011
Sara Dee describes tries to recall the very moment she fell for the joy of singing, and explains why that love keeps her coming back for more:
I’m not sure about the very first time. Wish I could! But I’m guessing it was a very unassuming moment, where singing happened to realign the cells in my body and make time stop- so I kept chasing that high.
Ms. Dee breaks down her tool bag of singing tricks and kicks:
I like to leave town and go somewhere I’ve never been. I keep listening to great music- music that makes me dance, music that makes time stop, music that really makes me feel the rush of being alive. And, I surround myself with people who are insanely talented. They inspire me to keep getting better at my craft, and to never get stagnant.
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One look at Grayson Hild‘s work, and you immediately recognize how special his eye- how unnervingly simple his approach- really is. There’s an effervescent ease about what he captures: his beauty of candid imagery parades, ever-so-slightly, in your mind; and yet, humbly, it is simply real life staring right back at you. There is a beauty in his photography; an idyllic take on his surroundings… In a few word’s, Hild’s work reminds us of the enchanting quality that encamps all around us; even in there subtleties, they are very real; very present.
View more of Grayson Hild’s simplistic beauty by visiting his website, http://www.graysonhild.com/ .
To contact Grayson for more of his beautiful shots captured in time, email him directly at info@graysonhild.com.
In his own words, Grayson spells-out why photography– and the beauty in capturing– has him hooked, and why he’s only just begun:
When I was in 10th grade, I took a black and white film photography class. Our first assignment was to use a pinhole camera to take a picture; the, make a print in the darkroom. I cam to find out that a pinhole camera is a wooden box with a tiny hole in it. I put a piece of light sensitive paper in the box, put the box on a tripod and uncovered the hole for a couple of minutes. Then, I put the paper in a tray of developing chemicals, and suddenly, an image appeared. I really admired the simplicity of this form of photography. Since then, I have always had a passion for photography, especially darkroom photography.
Grayon’s tools:
When I shoot pictures, I like to find relationships- whether it be an obvious, literal relationship or a metaphorical, underlying one. A photograph relies on what you put in the frame; so instead of framing a lone subject, I try to frame a subject and its relationship with another person, object or setting. In the moment I prepare to take a picture, I can see everything around me in every direction. I have the choice to frame anything and freeze that moment in time forever; which is really a crazy power to have.
My Canon DSLR is my go-to camera, mostly because it’s the most convenient and versatile. I also have a small collection of 35mm and 12omm film cameras, which I creak out whenever I have some extra cash for film.
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Mike Pagan‘s eye for cinematography defies what most consider amazing; what most consider awe-inspiring. His ability to tell a story with a collection of imagery is truly a gift rarely seen and hardly matched. With every produced film, Mike evokes an incredible sense of beauty and dream-like reality. Refreshing and crisp, his pieces transport you to a time and place seen only through his talented eye.
To contact Mike for his cinematic genius, email him directly at mikepagan123@gmail.com.
The Golden City from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
A road trip with Matt Pagan and Dayton Silva on a search for waves in “the Golden City”. Though we just missed the big swell that hit San Francisco, we definitely tried to make the best of it. Like cliché tourists, we visited the Golden Gate Bridge, stayed at the first Motel ever built in San Francisco and spent most of our time enjoying the breathtaking views the city has to offer. Even though we didn’t score many waves, it ended up being an awesome road trip with the boys.
Filmed and edited by Mike Pagan
Featuring surfers Matt Pagan and Dayton Silva
Music by José Gonzáles – Crosses
Loose in Los Angeles from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
“Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.” -Frank Lloyd Wright
With all the “loose ends” that have landed in this city, such as artists, musicians, athletes, and more, they have proven the freedom that this place provides with their ability to let loose and express themselves far beyond what is ordinary. This is what makes L.A. so unique and different from anywhere else in the world. With many skaters and surfers that dominate the scene, in this short film, they show how they let loose in this city of the angels.
Surfers: Matt Pagan, Dayton Silva, and Matt Mohagen.
Skaters: Steven Swanson, Haden McKenna, and Jared Cleland.
Filmed and edited by Mike Pagan.
Voice overs by, the legend, Vin Scully and the BBC Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles 1972 documentary.
Music by Freakish Atlantic – intro (and a head in the freakish atlantic).
one4la.com
Smoke and Diamonds from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
Summer in Los Angeles.
Surfer: Matt Pagan
Filmed and edited by Mike Pagan
Music by Portugal. The Man – Holy Roller
Presented by ONE 4 LA
As Thick as Thieves from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
The perfect mold of skating on a clear and sunny day in the city of Los Angeles. Together, they are as thick as thieves.
A Mike Pagan film
Skater – Steven Swanson
Produced by Visual Oddity
Presented by ONE 4 LA
Music by Lana Del Rey – Ride
Scattered Portraits from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
Presented by Civic Couch
A Visual Oddity film
Filmed & Edited by Mike Pagan
Civic Couch’s Brad Jacobson brings on surfers
Matt Pagan
Jalian Johnston
Connor Beatty
Angelo Luhrsen
Noah Collins
Justin Genest
Chris Wells
and filmer Mike Pagan for a day up to Morro Bay.
ONE 4 LA from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
One4LA depicts a perspective on surfing and the Los Angeles/South Bay surf culture through the eyes of two brothers, Matt Pagan and Mike Pagan. Not only will Matt and Mike showcase their perception on their hometown of the South Bay, but One4LA will cover travels abroad through film (webisodes), photos and stories. One4LA is dedicated to giving back to its roots and people in need. Donations and different ways of giving back will be a constant ideal throughout this site.
Filmed and edited by Mike Pagan.
Starring Matt Pagan, Matt Mohagen, and Cheyne Magnusson
Music by Purity Ring – Fineshrine
Presented by Visual Oddity
Barren Trails from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
A one week venture from El Salvador to Nicaragua exploring the sunlit coast and the barren, mosquito infested, trails searching for ideal waves.
A Mike Pagan film
Starring:
Matt Pagan
Derrick Disney
JD Lewis
Hunter Lysaught
Music by Portugal. the Man – Mornings
Presented by Visual Oddity
threaded city from Mike Pagan on Vimeo.
From streets to freeways, buildings to homes, wealthy to poor, nature to industry, and friends to family, this city is all threaded together. Where totally different people, places, and cultures all blend within each other. A true aberration, Los Angeles is an extremely unique place filled with so much diversity.
Filmed and edited by Mike Pagan
Surfers: Matt Pagan, Matt Mohagen, and Dayton Silva.
Music: Montana by Youth Lagoon
Presented by ONE 4 LA
Produced by Visual Oddity
In his own words, Mike revisits the very moment the allure of cinematography captured his heart and why he’s just getting started:
“I remember my older brother and pro surfer, Matt Pagan, had asked me to go film him surfing one day because my dad wasn’t able to. After standing on the beach for hours filming him, the feeling of capturing the wave he was riding was really exciting. I really couldn’t wait until he paddled back out and caught another one. After a couple days of going back to the beach and filming him, I decided that maybe I could edit something together on iMovie. My brother loved the finished product, which made me really passionate about keeping it going.”
Mike’s tools:
“When filming, as you might see in a lot of my work, I absolutely love capturing the scenery that takes place around the main subject(s) in my films. My tools are my camera, lenses, tripod, Final Cut Pro, lots of hard drives, and my computer.”
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Emmie Brown does what not very many- if any- can do with the pages of a magazine. Her pieces are a beautiful collage of both fantasy and reality, melding the two facets unlike many in her field of fine arts. Her style is unique, refreshing and a perfectly splendid take on the ordinary, making each piece extraordinary.
To take a look at Emmie’s incredible pieces, visit her website www.pet-pieces.com . Keep it locked here, as well, as we continue to share the Emmie B. love!
For more information on owning a Emmie B. original, email her directly at emmiebrown11@gmail.com
“Millie” collage on canvas
“Emmie” aka “Snuggle Bunnie” collage on canvas
“Astrid” collage on canvas
“Cooper and Tallulah” collage on canvas
“Cooper” collage on canvas
“Rudy” collage on canvas
“Miles” collage on canvas
“Sammy F” collage on canvas
“Gwen” collage on canvas
“Moose” collage on canvas
“Gracie C” collage on canvas
“Taz” collage on canvas
“Sasha” collage on canvas
“Puck” collage on canvas
“Lois” collage on canvas
“Lilly” collage on canvas
“Levi” collage on canvas
“Bentley” collage on canvas
“Maggie” collage on matte board
“Vito” collage on matte board
“Sully” collage on canvas
“Morrie Dean” collage on matte board
In her own words, Emmie shares the first moment she fell hard for collaging and fine art, and why she still can’t get enough:
“For as long as I can remember, I have loved making art, particularly portraits. I am not sure what spurred the ten-year-old me to create a portrait of Santa Claus from magazine clippings, but it has been my mother’s most prized possession ever since! I went on to do more and more “collage” portraits, including one of my first dog, Pepper. Since then, it has been a joy for me to create portraits of other people’s dogs, and to see the joy that my portraits bring to their owners.”
Emmie’s tools:
“Each portrait begins with a stack of magazines and a photo of my “subject. After the tedious process of clipping, I arrange and glue the pieces down until I am satisfied that I have captured the subject’s likeness and personality.”
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Kelly Crawford explores the world of rich traditional film and digital, with a unique eye of both whimsy and class. In every shot, she delivers the life and character of each subject- animate or inanimate- with an unbeatable touch of dreamlike romance. For nearly a decade, Kelly has sharpened her craft to a talent uniquely her own.
Take a peek into her world of culinary creations, every day documentation and photographic fun, on her blog.
For more information on owning a K. Crawford original, email her directly at kellyecrawford@gmail.com
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Bronica on kodak portra 120 film
Polaroid/Image transfers onto reclaimed window with paint and thread embellishment
Polaroid/Image transfers onto reclaimed window with paint and thread embellishment
To view more of Kelly’s reclaimed window creations, email her directly: kellyecrawford@gmail.com
In her own words, Kelly shares the first moment she fell in love photography, and why she’s still hooked:
“I started practicing photography during my junior year of high school. The moment I saw my own image appear in the developing tray in the darkroom, I was hooked. My photo teacher was really great and suggested I further my studies at Daytona State college. Having no real plans and not having the option financially to go to school out of state like I desperately wanted, I decided to give Daytona’s photography program a shot. I’m so glad I did. I received such a wealth of knowledge, especially a solid foundation of traditional photographic technique, that so many schools have omitted from their solely digital curriculums. So now, almost 10 years later, I’m still hooked.”
Kelly’s tools:
“I mostly shoot film with old cameras. I have my dad’s 35mm from the 70′s that I always shoot with. I bought my medium format Bronica off of eBay and love shooting still lifes and portraits with it. There’s just something really romantic about them; they have a unique quality and life to them. I’m also really interested in alternative photographic process; dealing with Polaroid/instant films and transferring or lifting the emulsion onto different surfaces.”
