Pics from the FAB Fashion Show on April 17, 2010

Designers:
* Black Cat Threads
* Puppy Bird
* Ecoskin Collections
* Alexandra von Bromssen
* Miss Velvet Cream

Hair & Makeup by VIP-CAT Makeup Academy

FAB Shows is a result of founder Jessica Stout's passion for animal rescue and advocacy, and her love of all things fashion. A self-proclaimed clothing hoarder that is on the verge of being an animal hoarder (we kid), Jessica decided to bring her two loves together to see what would come of it.

What came was something awesome that caught-on like wildfire. After the success of her first show, Pits and Fash, the "FAB Show" name was created and the rest will go down in history.

Proceeds Raised From this Event Were Donated to the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary to help build Bigger and Better Exhibits for the Animals they house.

The Sacramento Examiner covered this wonderful event in am article and slide show!:

http://www.examiner.com/x-28237-Sacramento-Events-Examiner~y2010m4d22-Folsom-Zoo-gets-a-FAB-event

Featured Artist: Canaan Becker

From an Interview with Local Artist, Canaan Becker:

Canaan Becker: "I have been working with digital image editing and photo manipulations for over ten years now. I'm inspired by fantasy, dreams and the human imagination. What I strive to relate in my art is the feelings and emotions that I have in my dreams.

In the picture 'Midnight' I was trying to capture the feelings late at night just before I drift into sleep. To me this picture captures, in an image, the way the darkness of night makes me feel.

In my piece 'Brumlugu', I was creating a dream-like state of a cult scene representing the weakness of the human mind to bow before a man-made god.

'The Head' is my interpretation of music taking over your mind, body and soul, completely taking over until it physically becomes a part of you, thus connecting the headphones by wires physically into the human skull.

I wanted to create a visual of the the way you feel wearing headphones, listening to your favorite musical piece and the moment when it becomes such a part of you that it almost feels like the headphones have become infused to your head.

In creating one of my most recent pieces 'The Experiment', I was trying to convey the frustrating feeling I currently am so engulfed by and not knowing how to overcome the fear of how vulnerable and frail sharing my soul and my art makes me. In this piece, the planet represents my art and the feminine beauty my frailty and the dark, shadowy creature around the corner is my fear.

In one of my favorite creations,'Human Machine', it is my interpretation of humans being so dependent upon machines that they actually start to become one. I wanted to make an image that showed the beauty, yet cold, loss of soul.

'Imprisoned Heart ' represents a broken, beaten, yet still beautiful, heart. What the heart is beaten down by is personal, but is still in this image. What I can tell you, is that every piece in this image is symbolic. The beautiful, frail nude woman represents my own heart, tattooed and bare. The red and blood-spattered walls, my blood, my life force all locked away in a prison cell, afraid to turn around and face the world."

All the pieces featured are on display at Image Provocateur, 232 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678.

To contact Canaan Becker:

Ph (916) 910-3384.
Email: lifepain@hotmail.com

Art

Art
by
Arrvada

Art should be the expression of the human soul, like poetry brought to life. Art should be the reflection of an artists soul. It should evoke emotion, something you can feel low down in your gut. It should sneak up, gentle and poignant, or explode inside of you, passionate and vibrant. It should be bright with joy or dark and vicious, violent and raw.

One local artist comes to mind when I think of art and want to feel. I have the privileged to be surround by his creations and each day I am struck again by their power. Image Provocateur is home to the art work of Canaan Becker, an exclusive gallery to his imagination.

Canaan Becker is a local artist whose medium of choice is photo manipulation. Through the use of Photoshop, stock photos and a clear vision of his own emotions, Canaan creates unique and one of a kind Digital Art.

Each piece is like a dream, startling and filled with dark, deep colors. Each one filled with emotions, raw and visceral, brought to life. Sometimes sad and dark, brutal and vibrant, deep yearnings, longings. His pieces are often crushing with despair, dark with mystery and with secret glimmers of magic. In each one, even in the most personal and painful, there is a golden thread of triumph. The triumph of a soul finding release.

Each piece is a mirror into his soul, a flash of his dreams and emotions and each piece he is offering to share with you.

Quick & Dirty Fun Facts About.....Raquel

1. To me Thai food is to 2010 what Chinese food was to 1985.

2. I microwave my ice cream before I eat it,

3. I eat strawberry popcicles in the shower.

4. I don't like sugar sodas or sugar gum because they make my teeth feel like they are wearing sweaters.

5. I love a guy in uniform; if that uniform is old blue jeans and a white t-shirt.

6. I eat Mexican food about 4 times a week.

7. The two things I would take to a deserted island are a Kid Rock CD and a tube of mascara.

8. I can buy clothes in the children's section and shoes in the men's section.

9. My drink of choice is a McDonald's small coffee with 6 creams.

10. My healthy food of choice is pork & beans with cottage cheese.

2Chic Events & Design

Wedding planner, Coach, Counselor, Guide and Friend.

I don't think Aimee Wendell would describe herself exactly that way. However after talking to her and to many of her brides I couldn't help but see her that way. Aimee loves what she does, she loves the organizing and planning, the creating and sculpting of each event she does. But what she loves more is that she gets to meet and be there for each new bride. She gets to share in a special moment in their lives and create a life long relationship.

She truly cares about each bride she is able to guide down the aisle. With Aimee her brides always come first, no matter what. Each vendor she suggests to them, she has chosen to meet each of her bride's particular needs, personality and budget.

Aimee strongly believes that each bride can benefit from these three points: Guidance, Education and Caring. And she is sure to provide each of her brides with just that.
In her effort to always bring more to her clients, Aimee has started an educational blog that continually educates and encourages her brides as they move toward their big day. She is also launching a Work Shop geared toward brides who are planning their event on their own.

Isn't it time you had some one in your corner who was there just for you? Someone who could guide you through all the dangers of wedding planning?

We all need a guide, someone who knows the ins and outs of planning, who will argue with vendors to get you exactly what you need and want. Someone who will handle all the details, so you don't have to. You have enough to worry about, let her make sure the DJ plays the right songs at the right time. She will handle all the small things, all the big things, so all you need to worry about is saying 'I do'.

For more information on Aimee Wendell's Upcoming Bridal Bliss Work Shop check out her blog at: www.sacramentoweddingplanning.com/bridal_bliss

Aimee Wendell, CWP
Featured Planner; Platinum Weddings, Season 5
2Chic Events & Design
Ph (916) 390-7586
www.sacramentoweddingplanning.com

Dana Schleth: Photographer, Artist

by Arrvada

"I've always been addicted to fact. In college, I thought this addiction would lead me to a career in Business finance or economics. Well, three associate degrees and an internship proved otherwise; I loathed the confines of a desk, a computer, and paper walls. So, less than a year from graduation I decided to take a well-deserved soul-searching road trip from LA to Florida.

"I started off driving 85 mph but a speeding ticket forced me to slow down and look, not just to look, but to really see. I realized there was an entire world around me. A world I had never seen, I was so small and it had so much to teach me. Fortunately, I packed the old canon camera my grandmother had given me and three lenses that I had hardly used before. I was a little less than half way when I realized I had become fused, with the old camera from my sock drawer. "

Within three months of returning from Florida, Dana was attending Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. She found her dream, her passion in a lens. She graduated with honors from Brooks in Southern California with a B.A. in Digital Imaging.

Last year Dana was recognized by the International Society of Photographers for some of her work. The image honored is now featured in an anthology titled Endless Journeys.

Dana is a truly talented artist, bringing her keen eye and love of beauty into any realm. From commerical to bridal from boudoir to high fashion she can capture the beauty life through the eye of her lens.

Image Provocateur is now Dana's home.

Photos Provided by Dana Photography

Your Wedding Photos:
Memories you'll carry forever

Interview by Arrvada

I sat down with Dana Schleth of Dana Photography recently and asked her what she would tell all those brides out there when they are searching for the photographer that is just right for their wedding.

Arrvada: So, you've been doing a lot weddings this year. What advice would you give to all those bride's planning their weddings?

Dana: When you are looking for a photographer, look at the whole portfolio. When you are choosing one, they need to have a style that matches you. It's not just the price, or if they are available that you need to be aware of. It's if they are going to see you and your wedding the way you want it seen.

Arrvada: Explain that a little more, if someone specializes in weddings, shouldn't that be enough?

Dana: You'd think. What I mean by making sure they match your style is if you are a romantic, you're going to want to avoid a photographer that has a Fashion/Bridal look. You need to find one that matches you. That is very important.

Arrvada: So, what would you say your style is?

Dana: Well, I try to fit my bride's needs, but I would say my style can be very fresh, fun, sweetly intimate or raw. I find it really comes from watching the bride and groom interact with their loved ones.

Arrvada: Do you meet with your couple before the big event to get to know them so you will know how to shoot their wedding?

Dana: Definitely. I would really encourage all couples to meet with their photographer before hand, even before the engagement photos so that both sides can get to know each other.

Arrvada: So any tips for the bride on that big day? Before the camera starts clicking?

Dana: Yeah, keep hydrated so you aren't puffy or red on the day of. Also, don't drink red wine before the photos, I've found that this will stain your teeth and does not look good in photos. Also, inform family of friends when the group picture time is and make sure they know to be there or that if they are to stay away. It might be good for the bride to assign someone to be in charge of herding people. Also, try to do the group pics before the ceremony, it's much harder when everyone is trying to rush off to the reception.

Arrvada: Sounds like a good plan. Takes the stress off the bride.

Dana: Exactly.

Arrvada: So, any other words of advice for all those bride's out there?

Dana: Yeah, have your makeup done by a pro. Someone who really understands the heaviness necessary in a good picture. Family and friends might mean well or be good with hair and makeup, but this is not the day to take a chance with your looks. The camera sees everything!