RISING POP-ART ARTIST:

GABRIEL GIMENEZ AKA GG

Photograph by Dwayne Tucker.

Talented, Dedicated, Successful and Humble are just a few of the many words that describe the Pop-Art artist Gabriel Gimenez aka GG. The Barquisimeto-born, Miami-based Artist is not your typical twenty-year-old Pop Art-oriented artist. At a very young age he has accomplished many things that some of us only dream of doing. From participating in Charity events, and having his work at various Galleries, Spas, and Hotels in Miami, to painting murals for Miami’s Art Basel and having his work in exhibitions at Museums in Europe. These are just "some" of the accomplishments that separate GG from the pack.

If you think that’s all, you’re wrong. There’s more.

GG and myself met at the Art Fusion Gallery (where I first met him) so I could ask him some questions and get to know him a little more:

Me: I know you’re originally from Venezuela, but how long have you lived in Miami?

GG: I’ve been here for 9 years. I haven’t been back yet, but one of my dreams is to have my work in a Gallery over there.  I just haven’t had the opportunity yet.

Me: I’m sure you will.

Me: Do you think you’ve always been an artist?

GG: I think I became an artist. I was always interested in somehow expressing myself either through theatre, music, or art. I would always draw sketches but I never took it as serious as now. It wasn’t until when I was in high school that I finally learned how to express everything I wanted to say through my pieces. 

Me: Can you name some of the artists you look up to?

GG: Wow, I look up to a lot of them. But right now my top one will be Takashi Murakami. I’m also looking at a lot of Japanese Art and exploring other “non-Pop Art” artists. I just feel that if I try to get inspired looking at another Pop-Art artist work is like I’m taking one step back. So I’m trying to come up with new ideas by looking up art that has nothing to do with the one I work with.



"Bust"

 Me: What motivates GG?

GG: My family is my number one motivation. They’ve always been there for me and always will so I mainly do it for them. We’ve been through rough times together and it definitely has made me appreciate them more. I also think that my art has brought us closer. They are very supportive of what I do and I love them for that.

Me: That’s admirable. It’s Good to hear that you appreciate and value your family and I’m sure they’re very proud of you.

GG: They are. Thank you so much.

Me: Do the colors that you use represent the way you’re feeling?

GG: The colors that I use represent my personality. I’m very easy to get along with and that makes me approachable, I think.

Me: It's true. You are very approachable.

GG: [Laughs] Thank you.  My intentions with the colors were really to make my paintings approachable like me. Because you can’t hardly tell if I’m expressing sadness or happiness in them but you are still attracted to the pieces because of the colors.




Me: One of my favorite series, if it’s not my top favorite, would be the “Super Heroes”

one. What was the message behind that?

"SuperFado" SUPERHEROES Series



 GG: The world is going through a period of time that it’s so crazy. We have wars going on and so many things bad are happening and I feel like we need that person. So I said, why don’t I bring back the heroes that inspired me when I was a kid? And that’s how the whole character series came to life. Some people look at it and they say, “Hey, Look at flash!” but the whole point behind it was to bring back that idea of that “Hero” that we need.  And hopefully we can all become our own heroes.

            

Me: Give me an example of another series that gives a strong message

                                                                                     

Deep Down Series

GG: There’s actually another series that I have that is straight up a critique to society and it’s called: Deep Down. I used underwater characters like, piranhas and little fishes I created to express and imitate the way that I see society now a days, and how its been run by a bunch of people that have this mentality of keeping it to themselves and working only for their money and benefit and not helping the community as a whole.





GG: It’s a very fun and colorful series, but to tell you the truth, it’s representing something strong, sad, and drastic. It doesn’t have anything to do with being happy. And I think that is a good thing because sometimes some artists create work that have all this strong feelings and they take it so far that it becomes a really sad piece and you don’t even want to look at it. So, with my work I’m creating something that you could appreciate visually and learn something just by looking at them.

Me: Name some places where you’re currently exhibiting your work

GG: I have paintings at the Hotel Urbano (Brickel,fl), NUE Studio (Midtown), QIU Salon & Spa (Doral,fl), BRENA Museum (Milan, Italy) and here at Art Fusion Galley (Design District). I also have a few pieces around the city in either apartments or Hotel Lobbies. But the main exhibition is here at Art Fusion. I’ve been with them for over a year now. They’re a great team, the method that they have of working has benefited my work and I’m extremely thankful for that.

Me: I heard a rumor that you’ll be working on a mural in the Design District for Art Basel week. Is this true?

Location of Mural
Photograph by Goggle Maps.

GG: Yes, it will be on NW Miami ave and NE 40^th st. I will be working on it from 11am to 6pm everyday starting Nov 27^th ending Dec 3^rd. There will be people filming and photographing the process and bloggers like you also.

Me: That’s Great. I’ll make sure to stop by one day. How were you approached with this idea?

GG: It all started when I worked on a mural inside the “Art Fusion Gallery” After I was done with it, I asked them if I could work on one outside of the gallery. They thought it was a great idea and gave me the space. One of my goals is to work on many murals and this is my first “outdoor” and biggest one so far. I’m really excited.

 Me: Where are you with your Art right now?

GG: I’m still very young but right now I feel I’m where I want to be when it comes to my Art and personal life. It feels good doing what I love and I think that’s how it’s always been. If it feels right then I stick with it. I feel very accomplished even though I know I still have a lot more to learn.

Me: What’s next for GG?

GG: I’m working on some sculptures and on building a new website to express my artwork through T-shirts. Not everybody can afford 1000-dollar pieces so I want to make it affordable to people by putting my work on T-Shirts.

Also, one of the things that I want to accomplish in the future is being able to put my characters in animation. That’s something I look forward to in the future. I’m also currently going to school to become a Graphic Designer at MIU and the whole point in studying that is to have that knowledge on being able to combine the graphics with the visuals. 

Me: What advice would you give other young Artists like yourself that are trying to make it in the Art World?

Photograph by Dwayne Tucker

GG:  It takes a lot of commitment and hard work. There are no breaks and you truly need to have it in you if you really want to accomplish something. This goes Not only to artists but to everyone that’s trying to make it in different fields, it takes a lot of time and dedication to accomplish your goals.

                                                                 

Behind-the-scene-highlight-of-the-interview: A married couple that was approximately in there 50’s, walked into the gallery that afternoon. We were about to leave but stayed an extra 10 minutes (because I wanted to see their reaction on GG’s artwork) Since, we’re used to only having people our age liking that kind of art I was curious to see if they would stop and look at his pieces. And guess what happened? They did. We approached them and I asked them what their thoughts on the painting were and the lady said: “They’re very approachable. I love the colors. Just by looking at them, it makes me smile.” I immediately felt like if I accomplished something, even though, I’m not even the artist.

"Solving Method"

GG is not only showing the world all of his talents by demonstrating what he is capable of doing, but most importantly he’s setting an example. At the end of the day the Race, Age, Social status, Political preference, or Nationality don't really matter.We are all fighting for something whether it is a personal or global problem. He's definitely an inspiration to many people that still need that push and motivation to move forward with their work.

I’m proud to say [in a non-pretentious way] that Gabriel Gimenez is not only representing the Arts as a whole but he also represents Miami, Latin America and Venezuela. [Insert applause sound here]

For more Info about GG's Artwork visit his website/blog: http://www.ggartwrok.com/

Follow him on Twitter: @GGArtwork

All photography by: Dwayne Tucker.

STAR SLINGER: BEAT MASTER

Other than amazing beats and good vibes, his style is a combination of "hyper soul sampling of Kanye West or Dipset producers Heatmakerz with a bubbling psychedelia reminiscent of J Dilla's spacier moments" like Ryan Dombal said.

Manchester native Darren Williams, best known as " Electronic/Instrumental hip-hop beat master" Aka Star Slinger, started with this project in April this year. As a talented Musician/Producer it didn't take him very long to finish it. Shortly by June, he had his first LP "Volume I" and currently working on his second record called: "Volume 2."

In a very short period of time, Star Slinger has become one of the favorite musicians for thousands of people, including myself. Can't wait to see what's next, although it's obvious he'll keep impressing his fans.

For those of you who haven't heard any of his music or want to read more about his bio, go to his site where you'll be able to download his music for free. And to listen to more of his tracks go to his  Soundcloud page.

My Personal Favorites:

Star Slinger:"Mornin"

Star Slinger:"Minted"

Deerhunter: "Helicopter (Star Slinger Remix)"

Star Slinger: "Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins Rework"

Star Slinger: "May I Walk With You?"

Small Black: "Photojournalist(Star Slinger Remix)"

Team vs. Star Slinger: "Close to me"

Star Slinger: "Gimme"

Star Slinger: "Seeing Suge "Breaking" 7"

Rollerskaters: "Sleep tight (Star Slinger Remix)"

P.S. Download the Sept 2010 "Dazed & Confused Mix" for 48 minutes of Bliss.

Luckily, He'll be touring the US along with BATHS and BRAIDS next year. Sadly, he won't be coming to South Florida. I still hope they add more dates to their tour, if not, I'll be flying to either Chicago or New York to attend to one of the concerts. Yes, It's THAT worth it.

T O U R    D A T E S

UK / EU 

27th NOVEMBER 2010 - THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER w/ RATATAT -Buy Tickets

3rd DECEMBER 2010 - ISLINGTON MILL, SALFORD w/ TANLINES - Buy Tickets

10th DECEMBER 2010 - RAW TEMPEL, BERLIN  - RSVP

29th DECEMBER 2010 - KLUB K4, LJUBLJANA   

US / CANADA

4th FEB 2011 - THE NIGHTMARE, DALLAS TX w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

5th FEB 2011 - THE MOHAWK, AUSTIN TX w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

7th FEB 2011 - THE MASQUERADE, ATLANTA GA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

8th FEB 2011 - CLUB DOWUNDER, TALLAHASSEE FL w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

9th FEB 2011 -  NEW BROOKLAND TAVERN - COLUMBIA SC w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

10th FEB 2011 - DUKE UNIVERSITY, DURHAM NC w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

11th FEB 2011 - ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL, WASHINGTON DC w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

12th FEB 2011 - KNITTING FACTORY, BROOKLYN NY w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

13th FEB 2011 - KUNG FU NECKTIE, PHILADELPHIA PA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

16th FEB 2011 - MERCURY LOUNGE, NEW YORK NY w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

17th FEB 2011 - BRIGHTON MUSIC HALL, ALLSTON MA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

18th FEB 2011 - IL MOTORE, MONTREAL QC w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

19th FEB 2011 - EL MOCAMBO, TORONTO ON w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

21st FEB 2011 - SKULLY’S MUSIC DINER, COLUMBUS OH w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

22nd FEB 2011 - THE CANOPY, URBANA IL w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

23rd FEB 2011 - GABE’S, IOWA CITY IA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

24th FEB 2011 - 7TH STREET ENTRY, MINNEAPOLIS MN w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

25th FEB 2011 - WISCONSIN UNION, MADISON WI w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

26th FEB 2011- SUBTERRANEAN, CHICAGO IL w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

1st MAR 2011 - CHOP SUEY, SEATTLE WA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

2nd MAR 2011 - HOLOCENE, PORTLAND OR w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

4th MAR 2011 - RICKSHAW STOP, SAN FRANCISCO CA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

5th MAR 2011 - TROUBADOR, LOS ANGELES CA w/ BATHS, BRAIDS

Paloma Teppa: A Talent, an Inspiration and 

a Role Model.

Photograph by Cesar Barroso.

She’s the mastermind behind the unique creation of “Plant the Future” Not your typical floral arrangement shop but on the contrary a very unique one. Located on the heart of Wynwood’s Art District, surrounded by all the different Galleries, it will definitely catch your eye as you walk on 2nd avenue or even if your having lunch at Joey’s.

Paloma focuses on Indoor Gardening and uses Orchids, Bromeliads, Cacti, Bonsai and other plants to create each unique piece. She recently started selling her own “Plant” necklaces (Which I love) and is currently working with a fashion designer to create a clothing line that also includes plants. Oh, and she is also working on a project for Miami’s Art Basel, so don’t forget to look for her.

So, we have an Artist, Business Woman, Entrepreneur, Industrial Designer, Fashion Designer, Stylist, Florist, and I can keep going. But enough with all the talents we can easily see without having to talk to her and let’s get to know Paloma Teppa a little more.

 I sat with her for a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon to have lunch and went over a couple of questions I was curious about:



Me: I know you’re from Argentina, How long have you been living in Miami?

Paloma: I moved here 10 years ago. Before that, I lived in Torino, Italy for 4 years and that’s where I went to school for Fine Arts.

Me: But you’re also an Industrial Designer, right?

Paloma: Yes, I graduated as an Industrial Designer in Cordoba, Argentina, which was where I was born and raised.


Me: Why Plants?

Paloma: Being connected to Nature is essential for me. It gives me an amazing peaceful feeling I can’t explain. And my name is Paloma so I’m also an animal (We both laugh) And I love that I can share this with people through my plants. I just think that the more connected we are to nature, the better we are emotionally and spiritually. That’s why you see Olguis, during Art walk all of the people that come to “Plant the Future” and don’t leave.

Me: Yes, I can barely get a chance to say Hi, it’s always crowded.

Paloma: Haha, Yes. And I don’t think its something that I do. Just simply being connected with nature is something we all need but don’t realize we do. So, just by being in a place that’s filled with that it will unconsciously make you stay.


Me: Has it change your life somehow?

Paloma: It definitely has.We’ve all suffered in different ways and I feel like plants have cured me without even noticing it. They don’t talk, bark or tell you what they need. They’re silent but have so many marvelous things to give. The more I work with plants, the more I enjoy silence and the better I can communicate with people.

Me: I read that “Plant the Future” partnered up with “Trees for the Future” (Which is an organization that helps plant trees in areas affected by natural disasters, and other related causes)

Paloma: Yes, we donate a percentage of our sales, it’s not huge but every little counts. It’s a very serious organization. You can actually choose a place anywhere in the world where you want to plant the tree, my husband and I always choose the one that needs it the most. You can check their website, if you're interested in helping too: http://www.treesftf.org/

Me: Tell me, what message does “Plant the Future” want to give to people?

Paloma: My message to people is “Live the present and every moment passionately.” I always give my clients, friends and anyone that approaches me the best that I have. And hopefully him or her does the same thing with everyone else. I feel like we live in a very superficial world where we’re worried too much about our looks that we forget about our very own essence. I believe we’re all beautiful and perfect in our own way; we’re so lucky to be alive and have an opportunity every day to live life and appreciate every moment. At least that’s what makes me happy.

Me: Great message. It's very true. Thank you so much for sharing.


If you’re still asking yourself why I wanted to have Paloma Teppa as my first interview, then let me refresh your memory: She’s not only a smart and talented person, but also an amazing woman. She’s definitely the kind of older sister, best friend or mother anyone would want to have. The passion, drive and love that she has for what she does really inspires you a lot. Those of you that know her personally, know exactly what I'm talking about and for those that don't, well, I really hope I made my point clear.

You should stop by “Plant the Future” this Saturday during Art Walk and/or sometime in the future because: You can see how great her work is, introduce yourself, and tell her you read this and wanted to meet her personally.

You should shop there because: Prices are affordable; they start at $25. You can buy your mom, boss, sister, friend, boyfriend, neighbor something different and unique.

Photograph by Olga Briceno.



Store Hours:
Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
Delivery available 7 days a week.

(305) 571.7177

2511 NW 2nd Ave. Miami, Fl 33127 (In front of Joey's Restaurant)

paloma@plantthefuture.com

                          

For more pictures visit: http://www.plantthefuture.com/

10 Reasons why your Starbucks "Barista" hates you.

1. When you ask us to put sugar in your coffee (That's why there's a condiment bar in the lobby.)

2. When you're on your phone while trying to order (It's just rude.)

3. When you don't say "Thank you" after you get your drink (We know we get paid to make your drink, but we appreciate a "Thank you" once in a while.)

4. When you order something other than coffee (You do know this is a coffee shop, right?)

5. When you change your mind after we have your drink ready for you

6. When you grab a drink that's not yours

7. When you leave a mess on the tables (We're not your personal maids. We're only here to make your drink, not to teach you how to be clean.)

8. When you bitch about having your drink with "Non-fat" milk but you want EXTRA whip cream on it (Which has more calories than whole milk.)


9. When you come in "Assuming" we know what you want (Just because you come in all the time  doesn't mean we remember.)

10.  When we greet you saying: "Hi, How are you?" and you answer: "Tall Vanilla Latte" (We know you want your coffee, but at least be polite. It won't make us go any faster.)




It's not that Baristas don't love what they do. It's just that they appreciate when you're polite, respectful AND clean. Please, pass the message around and if you're a Barista reading this post, you are more than welcomed to add more things to the list on the comment box :)

P.S. Thank you to all my lovely Baristas. Enjoy <3