EDITOR'S NOTE(Dedicated to All the Kids Like Me)

`How's everyone doing? Welcome to the world that i'm ruling'

EXPM Season has returned! Thanks to everyone who made our first year awesome. We started out as an uber-small start-up online magazine and have grown in a short span of time. All made possible by you the people! This year we will focus each issue around the seasons, starting with this the Spring Issue. With that said, we're still here to highlight and promote the arts and the lifestyle that accompanies it. (In case you didn't know that already)

We project our own style and social awareness through various mediums such as art, music, sports and fashion. We provide a stepping stone for an array of young talented geniuses to share their work with the world. Everyone, including the staff, have the opportunity to shine. We hope that our efforts will introduce something new, providing an experience that inspires all. Its going to be a big year! You watch!

Thanks To The League of Creative MotherF***ing Geniuses: Christina, David Vice Royed, Jesi, Jonathan, Joyce, Simonette, Shavon, Stevie Gatez, Ten, & Toni.

Shout Outs To: The Kush Fam, Mo Jager, B-I-G Sean The Don, Leighluv, The Lil Homie David Sanchez, Kerry, Chris Colon, Shaleem, Chris J, Okeema Obama, Legendary Lovelle, Keems, Shanel of Vibe Vixen, Swancoat , Tripp, Popneoism ...The Guy who said I wasn't a Designer (Not a diss comment just a real comment) Tabs, and the good folks at NYIT.

Special Thanks to: Jesus Christ, Marc Ecko, Steve Jobs, Jimi Hendrix, Kanye West, and the ancient Pharoahs of Egypt.

Sincerely,Your Boy; Jason The Jedi

“I’m on my Lupita Nyong’o

Stuntin’ on stage, after 12 Years A

Slave”JAY Z

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DJ TEN

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CONT

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

JASON STONE

010 JESI SAYS

012 VITALITY IN IMAGERY: SHALEEM LOVE

022 THE MUSIC CORNER

024 TRIPPY MAGNETISM: KERRYNYC

036 STYLED BY STEVIE: LIFE'S A BEACH

042 TREND REPORT: JOYCE DAVIES

048 A MODERN DAY KING : CHRIS COLON

059 THE PUTIN PROJECT: STEVEN SWANCOAT

THE EXPERIENCE SPRING EDITION 2014

WELCOME TO OUR WORLDTheres No Competition, Just We; Experience Magazine

MotherF***er We're Hot On These Streets

EDITOR IN CHIEF

JASON STONEEXEC. EDITOR

SIMONETTE WHITEHead of Photography

JONATHAN ALONSO

Managing Editor CHRISTINA BADROEMUSIC and Marketing Director TENIOLA SODEINDE

FASHION EDITORS STEVIE GATEZ & JOYCE DAVIESASSISTANT GRAPHIC

DESIGNERSTONI BENJAMIN & DAVID VICE ROYED

ASSISTANT EDITOR YESENIA (JESI) ALONSO

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I WISHI wish I wasn't here, I wish I wasn't alive, and I wish I never

met you.

If I never met you I wouldn't be so blue writing this fucking `haiku'

Listen to my stupid rhyme about the girl that came at the drop of a dime.

She put up a strong face but didn't say a word like a mime.

She gave in and let you in then, you stuck a pin

That felt like a knife and took away her life.

It didn't matter to you, you weren't gonna wife.

But you did lie and because you were sly

She thought you were gonna make her fly.

Silly girl it's like a drive by ... he `hit' and ran.

JES

I SA

YS

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NO NAME

I have a frown and look down sorrow and grief have become my shadows.

Tears on my face, this sucks and so does life

Everybody I know got a wife while I,

I am left in the dark to hidden away.

I'm the wrong one the odd ball,

Everyone is all so fucking happy and sappy

The mirror is there but I'm not in front of it.

She is that strange girl I have never met beforeJE

SI S

AY

S

THE EXPERIENCE

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Vitality In ImageryPhotography by: Jason Stone & Shane Moore

Interview by: Simonette White

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Shaleem Love is a young entrepreneur who has set goals and conquered building his own photography company, Cash Live Photography, with the help of his co-photographer Shane Moore. With the business only being a little over a year old, Cash Live Photography has developed into a thorough package of talent. Creating lifelong memories that span from families and their newborns to models and their aspirations - giving way to the extra tenacity and impetus Love and Moore exude into their work. They pride themselves in delivering nothing but Quality, Optimism and Reassurance that their subjects will be excited and enamored by the end result. By way of Albany, NY, the desires of this 23 year old deem him prosperous and in control of his future leading to more lucrative goals to accomplish - not that having your own blossoming business in your early twenties isn't an accomplishment in itself - but his plateau has been set high and worldly ambitions precede him. The Experience Magazine introduces Shaleem Love of Cash Live Photography presenting his drive for success and explored talents in imagery.

THE EXPERIENCE

SW: When did you begin photography and realize this was the career path for you?SL: Photography made an appearance in my life in late 2012. I had an idea, and in early 2013 it became a reality.

SW: How did you come about with Cash Live Photography?SL: Photography was foreign, never crossed my mind. Then, my co-photographer, Shane Moore and I were introduced by a mutual friend. He had a DSLR Cannon camera and I had the business mind, we put the two to-gether and formed Cash Live Photography. Now we have upgraded equipment, a loca-tion and steady clientele.

SW: Now that you have built a portfolio of capturing different occasions and life changing events, which would you say brings you the most excitement?SL: There’s no one better then the next. Each type of photography brings a level of excitement . I feel great to present a mom with lasting memories of her newborn and I feel great for someone to admire the quality of work from an event. It all feels great.

SW: What does Photography mean to you?SL: Photography brings a sense of purpose. It gives my life meaning. A hundred years from now I want to be able to live through my photos.

SW: What in your daily life makes you want to snap a photo?SL: Just waking up makes me want to snap a photo. I love the quality of work we do here at Cash Live Photography. To see that quality in every photo makes me want to snap and snap and snap.

SW: What or Who are your favorite subjects to capture?SL: To capture a natural unposed smile is priceless. A baby’s smile can warm a parent’s heart, a model’s smile can show personality, and smiles in a family portrait will display the love. A smile says so much without saying anything.

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SW: How do you define and make someone’s personality shine through a photo?SL: Conversation before taking pictures goes a long way. People relax and and photos come out a million times better. Someone says they like Beyonce, I say show me Beyonce; laughs are shared and I capture them in the moment. Priceless.

SW: How would you describe your work?SL: Quality, the transition from not knowing anything about photography to giving high-quality clear images makes me proud. To know when you leave Cash Live Photography you’re leaving with the best quality available makes me hold my head high.

SW: As a photographer, what are some of the techniques you use to tell a story through a photo?SL: I capture photos even when someone isn’t ready. Now I have photos leading up to the perfect photo and after. Moms love the faces of children off guard and that can turnout to be the perfect moment.

SW: Cash Live Photography is blowing up before your eyes, what is the ulti-mate goal for the company?SL: The ultimate goal is for the world to know Cash Live Photography. To build a photography studio from the ground up offering quality images at an affordable price for everyone.

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Support these young men in their talents and success story!

Cash Live Photography doesn’t only book in Albany, NY. They are expanding and worth the follow, give it a shot and

follow them on: Instagram - @cashlivephotography @shaleemlove

Twitter - @shaleem_loveFacebook/LinkedIn - Shaleem Love

Inquiries & More Info- cashlivephotography@gmail.comCheck out their portfolio - www.cashlivephotography.com

Interview

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“Conversation before taking pictures goes a long way. People relax and and photos come out a million times better. Someone says they like Beyonce, I say show me Beyonce; laughs are shared and I capture them in the moment. Priceless.”

Shaleem love

CaSh lIve PhoToGRaPhY

“Love of Beauty is Taste.”

“Love of Beauty is Taste.”

Freelance makeup artist in Upstate NY. For business inquiries, pricing and bookings contact me at Makeupbylizd@yahoo.com.

Instagram: @LizDuclosMakeup_

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THEMUSICCORNERBY DJ TEN

Once in a blue moon there comes a time when we stumble across something that greatly influences the way we think and even the way we look at our lives. This something fuels us, gives us hope, energy, vision, even a feeling of bliss.

What am I referring to; well? INSPIRATION.

It can come at any time and hit you like a lightning bolt, straight in the chest, chang-ing everything henceforth. I recently expe-rienced this feeling . It came to me from the most unexpected and covert source. An in-dependent visual artist named `VASH', who is well known for his `XXYYXX ; About You' video, posted a status referring to someone I had never heard before. But his vision was clear and direct.

`still have the biggest eye on @hernameisbanks these days'

Needless to say, upon seeing this status I thought VASH was openly sharing his thirst for some random chick! However, I was proven wrong by a quick Google search. @hernameisbanks was another musical force waiting for me to discover. I then became quite curious ... who or what is BANKS? Clicking on the BANKS Soundcloud began my obsession.

The L.A. Valley native Jillian Banks, also known as BANKS, has been described as the female equivalent to The Weekend, which to me is not even close. She did however open tours for The Weeknd sev-eral times which might explain where the comparison came about. However in truth, BANKS is a true originator of what we today call honest love music. She embodies so many emotions in her music, it's staggering. Solely focusing on relationships and how dark passion can alter our perception of love, BANKS promises to be a real contend-er amongst many of today's artists. I decided to review BANKS's most recent single entitled `Brain.'

THE EXPERIENCE

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Firstly, Brain is an extremely dark and am-bitious record that sheds light on how re-lationships affect the brain. Mentally we overthink and say things we don't mean or say things to try to outsmart our partners during conflict. It's a simple notion or mind games, but BANKS's vision and craft makes this topic shine on this record.

Secondly, the production on this track in bananas. Dark synths layered with intricate percussion and solid drum patches wins hands down here. Shlohmo produced a gem and completely matched the topic of the song to the more cerebral side of production.

Lastly, the actual vocals themselves are probably her best (since her past work). The key thing here is the use of harmonies and constant inflections between soft breathy vocals to escalated harsh/ almost distorted vocals. This just adds to the whole complete feel of this piece and takes your mind into BANKS's vision.

Overall I give this record as a whole 4.6/5

Let it be known. BANKS is here and is set to change this thing we call music.

Connect with banks here - http://www.face-book.com/hernameisbankshttp://twitter.com/hernameisbankshttp://soundcloud.com/banksbanksbankshttp://www.hernameisbanks.com

All Images Via BANKS Facebook

ON DECK

`The Smoove Boyz' are a Hip-Hop duo from Bronx who are ready to infect the world with their raw edge and lyrical prowess. Consist-ing of Smoove Boy Vick and Smoove Boy Jay (J.Smoove), The Smoove Boyz are the quintes-sential smooth guys who promise to keep your ears in constant blithe and your mind in a state of thought.

What stands out about these guys is their knack for picking out eloquent beats that will showcase their talents. Whether the beat is smoother than butter, or harsher and more aggressive than DMX's on a steroid cocktail, these guys stay ahead and do their thing on all platforms. Entertaining content and intricate flows are the key edge to `The Smoove Boyz' musicality that allows the listener to keep each track playing. The stories may be the same as many other rappers, but their packaged delivery is not.

With a new mixtape in the works for 2014, ™The Smoove Boyz' are surely an act to look out for.Tracks to check out on their sound cloudSmooveBoy Jay - King Midas (Forbidden Fruit)Smoove Boy Vick - Heaven Or Hell (Freestyle)

Stay up to date with `The Smoove Boyz'https://soundcloud.com/smoove-boy-brothashttps://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialS-mooveBoyzhttps://www.facebook.com/SmooveBoyz

INTERVIEW BY: SIMONETTE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JASON STONE

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INTERVIEW BY: SIMONETTE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JASON STONE

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Who has ever pictured Goofy with bottles of whiskey getting lit up? Or everyone’s beloved Mickey Mouse looking strangely, but exquisitely, high off life? Ever seen Disney characters look so alive, or so adult for that matter? Well, this artist with innate capabilities of color coordinating and dope thinking, KERRYNYC has. She is an optimal street artist that has pursued her dreams with Art since she was a child. Her talent has escalated to bodies of work that not only are pleasing and worth a second look, but purposeful and fulfilling in thought. Her confidence is exuberant and her artwork illuminates. Her artistic vision will have anyone seeing vivid components you would have never fathomed visible or possible in her subjects. Her Vision of Beauty is magnified in her amazing series “Artwork Adorned” detailing models with her own ideals of beauty, further transforming them into vibrant vessels of color. A woman so driven and relentless with her ambition has thrown all her missiles to the one dartboard targeting her art.

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THE EXPERIENCE

SW: What influenced you to pursue the life of an artist?K: I’ve always felt that art is something that I have been intrinsically drawn to my entire life. I remember growing up as a kid I was always doodling, always drawing, always with some kind of marker or pencil or pen in hand. In elementary school, in our yearbooks underneath our photograph it asked what you planned on being as an adult and I put “artist.” I just knew that I loved to draw, it was always that one thing that made me happy. I never envisioned myself as a doctor, lawyer, banker or anything like that - I just thought to myself “I could never sit behind a desk all day and look at numbers or perform surgery, or work on corporate mergers.” Some peo-ple know when they are a kid “I want to be X-Y-Z” and for me, it was always art.

SW: You’re such a vibrant artist with great color distinction, how significant is the coloring process for you when painting or creating a piece of art?K: Thank you! Color is so significant to me, it’s what makes a piece pop. When I walk through the City, Brooklyn, Queens - wher-ever, the first thing I notice regarding street art, is color. To me, it’s an essential part of the process. I think people are drawn to color naturally, and in a city full of grey and silver buildings, seeing a big piece of vibrant art-work will make you stop and look. I choose vibrant pinks, blues, purples and greens and give my work almost, sort of, a psychedelic feel. I would like to think that it draws people in.

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SW: Do you perceive life as colorful and vivid as your artwork?K: I kind of was going through a rough time last year. I saw a lot of darkness, I lost a loved one, in a lot of ways I lost myself. I was in a “funk” of sorts and art played a huge part in getting out of that darkness. Sometimes as humans, we lose sight of the important things and get wrapped up in bulIshit...for a while I let my bullshit take ownership of me, and I was able to wake up from that and get back on the grind. I own my shit, it no longer en-compasses me. In my mind - I think the world could always use more color, and so far 2014 (though it’s still early on) has me seeing life in a new light. I’m seeing A LOT of brightness in my life these days, so yeah I would definitely

say that I see life as colorful and vivid as my artwork at this point.

SW: How would you describe your art-work? K: I would describe my artwork as an expres-sion or perhaps an interpretation of how I see things. It’s a labor intensive process that takes hours at a time and a lot of thought. I combine digital and traditional art techniques to create my pieces. I use ink pens as well as the computer to create my work. I’m working on a series of “tripped out” Disney characters right now. This series is essentially me put-ting a weird, trippy, and colorful spin on these characters that are perceived as being so innocent and child friendly. I have Goofy with

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The experience

a bottle of whiskey, Mickey looking like he’s tripping balls on acid. It sounds strange, but I like to distort things, change things, make people see things in a different way. I’m going to draw Alice from Alice in Wonderland next... that will be fun because that movie itself is so trippy when you really watch it.

SW: What inspired the “Creating Your Own Beauty” movement?K: The inspiration for the “Creating Your Own Beauty” or “Artwork Adorned” as I also title it, came from me flipping through fashion mag-azines one afternoon and seeing all of these models branded as beautiful. Of course, they were all beautiful in that super-model way; tall, thin...covered in makeup etc. But I want-ed to change that. So I found an image of this conventionally beautiful girl and I started put-ting my spin on it. I started defacing her, and

I turned it into something of my own vision of beauty.

“beauty cannot be defined by what you see on subway ads, magazines, or on TV. Beauty is what you make it. I want to change the perception of beauty even if it’s in my own small way.”

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INTERVIEW

SW: How did you come about with your signature characters?K: I was out tagging one night with my friend who is another street artist and has her own brand, called Brooklyn Boys Club (BROOK-LYNBOYSCLUB on instagram). I started creating these little winged creatures and fell in love with them. I started giving them differ-ent expressions and soon after that I started to add and incorporate them more and more into my artwork series on paper. I think of my characters as happy, silly creatures. I want people to smile when they see them.

SW: You mentioned on your site being a part of a subculture mostly dominated by men, just as in most fields of work, can be quite difficult. I would’ve never thought in something so universal as creativity and art, there would still be the issue of women conquering that glass ceiling. How do you overcome such a hurdle?K: I think that with art in general there is a great influx of amazing women who do their thing and are famous and widely known. I refer more specifically to the subculture of street art and graffiti art as more of a male dominated genre. Most of the street artists, taggers, and graff artists I know are dudes and they are super popular and very talented, and are also people that I respect, but I know of only one other big female street artist, ELLE DEADSEX. I think her work is incredi-ble. She has a lot of respect in the street art and graffiti community and gets up like cra-zy. I look up to her in many ways. One other female street artist who I have an undying appreciation for, goes by the name of Swoon who recently did a huge piece downtown on the Houston and Bowery Wall which is a super iconic location for artists to showcase their work. I think that looking at it from a close minded perspective, most people look down on street art or graffiti and associate it with bad things. I disagree. I think it’s free-dom of expression and in a shit ton of ways it makes the city look beautiful and more inter-esting. My way of keeping my name out there and staying relevant among a sea of men and breaking through that glass barrier is for me to stay true to what I do, to keep creating, to

true to what I do, to keep creating, to never stop, to keep pasting up posters, slapping up stickers and getting up myself. I want to stay relevant. Relevance is KEY.

SW: Does it feel any different for you to create a Black and Gray Series, which can be digested as more emotionally drawn as opposed to the Trippy Disney Characters with all the colors?K: I think the black and grey pieces I have created have more of a somber undertone. The two I have up on my website now I creat-ed during a dark period. I was going through some personal shit and felt less colorful so to speak. My mood often dictates the work that I create but that’s not to say that I only create black and grey work when I am sad, because I do a lot of black and grey pencil sketch-ing when I am perfectly content. It does feel different though; it’s more laid back. When I work with black and grey I notice that I don’t often listen to music - when I create bright colorful vibrant pieces I’m usually blasting it.

SW: What goals are you trying to hit for the near future?K: I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I would love to have my work up on that Bowery wall... that’s a VERY far off vision right now... but hey a girl can dream. It takes years of hard work and creating art to earn respect and have people seek you out. In the near future my goals are making more posters, keep getting my name up and my artwork out there for people to see. On a bigger scale, I’d love to have a solo art show at a cool street art friendly gallery somewhere in Manhattan or Brooklyn. I would love to travel and get my work up overseas as well. I just want to keep working hard and let nothing get in my way. It’s all about the relevance factor. When people keep seeing your work, in a way it becomes more important. I notice that with other street artists I know. I look out for their work and a lot of times I stumble upon it because they literally get up everywhere. You have to keep getting up or else you will fade off. I don’t want to fade away.

SW: Has this been the life you envisioned from the moment you began drawing?K: I always envisioned a life filled with artwork. I remember graduating from FIT and thinking “I will be DAMNED if I have these two degrees and wind up behind a desk doing secretarial work somewhere.” I refused to settle and I am glad that I didn’t settle because my day job is fantastic and artistic. I’m an apparel graphic designer for stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever21, so during the day I’m drawing and creating and getting my designs out in that way, but when I get home that’s when my personal artistic visions start sprouting. I didn’t know or envision specifically that I would get into street art as my platform for spreading my work around, but I love doing it. Street art is a great way to get out there.

You can follow Kerry on Instagram @KERRYNYC, on Twitter @ARTBYKER-RYNYC, and Facebook stalk her at FACEBOOK.COM/KERRYNYC Definitely visit her site KERRYNYC.COM and witness a great street artist in the making.

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STYLED BY STEVIE

Photography by: Kadeem Lewis RileyStylist: Stevie Gatez

MODEL: kayte

STYLED BY STEVIE

Life’s a

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BEACHPhotography by: Kadeem Lewis Riley

Stylist: Stevie Gatez

MODEL: kayte

Shirt by Club MonacoBelt by H&MShorts by Club MonacoNecklace Stylists ownShoes by Ralph Lauren

THE EXPERIENCE

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Top by BLYNK by Dominique Sade, Skirt by Delias, Necklace Stylists own,Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, Shoes by Gucci

Shirt by Free PeopleSwimsuit by BKYNK by Dominique SadeHat by American Apparel Shoes by Ralph Lauren

STYLED BY STEVIE

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Top by H&M, Shorts by H&M, Hat Stylists own, Shoes by Ralph Lauren

T R E N D

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What's SPRINGINGin SPRING?

By: Joyce Davies

Photo CreditsPhoto 1: Karmaloop.com Photo 2: www.style.com

Photo 3: www.fashionpassion.com Photo 4: www.style.com

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What's SPRINGING

SPRING?

By: Joyce Davies

Photo CreditsPhoto 1: Karmaloop.com Photo 2: www.style.com

Photo 3: www.fashionpassion.com Photo 4: www.style.com

1. Sporty Chic is in; joggers are the new “It” pants are paving the way for this trendy yet chic style. They resemble sweatpants how-ever, the detailing is what gives it its slight difference, hence the name change. We’ve seen celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Cia-ra, Kelly Rowland, Kanye, even Rick Ross is sporting these bad boys. So, invest guys and gals, because it doesn’t look like this trend will be fading away any time soon.

2. Pastel is in, from H&M to Banana Repub-lic, everyone is showing love for these soft yet sutle colors. Pastels are a favorite in the spring time, from precious pinks, to soft lilacs. This color trend is sure to come around in ever season.

3. Metallic in the spring, no way, um yes way. We see early runway looks sporting the glitz and glam in light weight jackets, short skirts, body loving dresses and of course shoes. What shines brighter in the sun anyways, right? Why not metallic? Spring is the time of the year when the parties start to happen and the mingling begins. Don’t you want to stand out from the crowd? Rock metallic this spring and you’ll be sure to do that.

Trend Report:Something for

the Guys

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Men’s fashion has always been basic pants, jeans, blazer, jacket. Men have your average of six categories, the tailored men, the trend chaser, the outdoors man, casual man, gym man, and young teen. These men have specific tailored lives, goals, aspirations and dreams. It’s no wonder why it takes a decade for men to add certain colors and looks in their style. Men’s fashion is more of a tailored agenda. Men are basic, they buy what they need on average, and buy what’s already in their wardrobe. When they find the right fit, they grab it in every color and in multiples. Men fashion has just now started breaking the mold. Introducing bold colors like pink and soft colors like lilac. It seems that the men species in fashion is taking a chance.

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THE EXPERIENCE

Although, it’s hard to see a man in a skirt or long tunic shirt, it’s often seen in this century. The bridge between men and fashion is opening and risks are being taken. However, not all men will take to this change, yet another reason why it takes a decade for men fashion to change. Men again are basic creatures, they like what they like and don’t see reasoning to change it. Whether he is an outdoor man, a tailored man, or young pubescent, they have their own style and they rock it with confidence

Photo credit: www.runwaytostyle.blogspot.comRight now, men are sporting joggers, blazers, graphic pants, matching sweat suits, tailored stripped & plaid blazers, t- shirts and pullover sweaters with hints of leather on them, etc. This spring it’s about ease and comfort. Trendy yet movable, be that man, one of six!

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Photo Credit: www.wmagazine.com

Fall 2014 Fashion shows were nothing morning than short of spectacular. But Moschino takes the cake or should I say burger. Moschino by Jeremy Scott poked fashion fun collaborating with the all too famous restaurant chain, McDonalds. Jeremy Scott is nothing short of spectacular. Moschino is known to be worn by many younger celebrities like dressing women like Rihanna, Rita Ortiz and Nicki Minja, and they are going hard for Moschino.

Now, we all had to ask what in the world. What made Jeremey use McDonalds? Can he do that? Isn’t it messing with the brand? Here’s the thing, in the past Mcdonalds has gone through battle with another brand trying to use his arch, knowing this I doubt Jeremy wanted to go through the pleasure of asking, just to get a no.

Moschino X McDonalds

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TREND REPORTNotable it reminds us of McDonalds, however the heart shape the M for Moschino shape changes the perspective of the act. Many felt that the line was in retro spec picking at the fact that fashion is now moving so fast. One day you’re in, next day you’re out, hence the name of the line; Fast Fashion. Legal matter or not Jeremy Scott had a message and he “sewed” it to us.

This collaboration is not only fun, but its quit fashion. With his chunky sweaters and french fries cellphone case, Jeremy Scott is sure to turn fashion into a free for all art form. Exploring the elements of style and daring to be different he breathes life into young designer. With this collection he tells fashion designers all over, take a chance, and don’t be so serious.

CHRIS

COLON

CHRISCOLON

A MODERN DAY KING

INTERVIEW BY: SIMONETTE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JONATHAN ALONSO

“Dreams are a beautiful thing. They keep you young and hungry. My art revolves around the thought of something greater being out there, not only for me, but you as well.”

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CHRIS

COLONINTERVIEW BY: SIMONETTE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JONATHAN ALONSO

INTERVIEW

Conceptual, Unique, and original are only a few words that describe Chris Colon and his massive artistic appeal. as a fellow RaW 2014 artist, along with The experience’s very own Chief editor Jason Stone, I witnessed the admiration and appreciation people have for his work. When one inspires creativity and has people flocking to his tangible visions, you know there is something especially genuine in the artist. Chris Colon, a modern Day King with an exceptional passion for art exquisitely delivered through artwork, accessories, and t-shirts, explains his introduction into the art world, how dreams can be just as motivational as the wakeful world, and the significance of being a product of the 21st century. Chris Colon understands the importance of living up to influential greatness and becoming nothing less than dominant beings of our own future. his artwork can speak for itself and will clasp you as they all vie for attention; but it will leave you with one provoking question...how can I become King?

SW: When did you realize art was your passion?CC: I realized art was my passion when I started my first company bS Shirts. I created this company while studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology with another art stu-dent. After seeing what I could do and the people who I could inspire with my art and entrepreneurial spirit I was hooked and knew that something greater was out there for me.

SW: How did you break out into the world of art?CC: I broke into the art world during my high school years when I studied Fine Arts and Illustration at the High School of Art & Design and participated in a group show. Having people look and critique my work at that age was huge for for me and the beginning of my journey.

SW: You have a few pieces that revolve around the concept of dreaming. What is it about dreams that inspire you? CC: Dreams are a beautiful thing. They keep you young and hungry. My art revolves around the thought of something greater be-ing out there, not only for me, but you as well. The title of my collection is called the “Throne of Dreams”. These pieces take you on a jour-ney from the beginning of the dream, which is the day dream, all the way until you’ve actually made the choice to stay in the dream

world and make it your own. These choices and blueprint structures of how people create something from nothing is very real and prev-alent in today’s society. It’s a shame that we are taught to believe that somethings are too impossible to even imagine. Imagine what the world could be if we all dared to imagine.

SW: How do you keep the childlike intrigue in your work as you get older?CC: The Dream never dies. It only gets stron-ger and will continue to intrigue you, seduce you, and eventually torment you until you are totally immersed within this world that you thought never existed. All the while it’s the world you created and told everyone.

SW: Who is the audience you want to reach with your artwork and what is the message you want them to grasp?CC: My audience is anyone who likes art-work and wants to be different. This is why I do what I do. I want to make sure that every-one understands that what they are looking at is not just a t-shirt and not just a hat or a bag, it’s a piece of wearable artwork. The same respect you would give a framed piece at a gallery or museum, is the same respect that my hats and t-shirts deserve.

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SW: You have some real quality work. What are your thoughts as you begin to create a piece?CC: Thank you! I appreciate the love. I have a few techniques, but for the most part I have to feel it, let it burn a hole in my head until it’s time for me to release my art onto the world. There is always a future plan for my pieces I create. If I don’t have one I won’t even waste your time.

SW: With technology upgrading so often, how important is it for you to remain in touch with the traditionalist ways of creat-ing art? CC: As a student of the 21st century with its rapid growth of technology, I have to keep up the hand skills. That’s where it begins. The computer is only a way to tighten up what the hands and eyes can’t.

SW: What would you say is your best piece of work to date? And why?CC: My best piece of work to date would have to be my self portrait “Monster”. The responses to it were great and a lot of people were inspired by it. This was able to touch people emotionally which I didn’t think it was going to be able to do.

SW: “Beautiful Struggle” was absolutely fascinating to me, down to the title! What is the story behind this piece?CC: Thank you again. I like this piece as well. “Beautiful Struggle”, to me anyway, is the journey one has to take to get to where you want to be in life whether its good or bad. It’s beautiful to me how one can suffer loss and heartache only to rise above all of the nega-tivity of their struggle.

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SW: I am such a fan of your hats, they’re so original (I need to get a couple of my own lol) What made you transition your creativity to apparel and accessories? Any other fashionable items you’re working on?CC: Absolutely! I would love for you collect some one of a kind Chris Colon Originals. This is an excellent question by the way. I almost never get asked this. I started off hand silkscreening t-shirts, but then after the spark of the t-shirt had been lost I steadily transitioned into painting on the snapbacks. The fans were calling for it for a long time as

well so I figured It would be best to give them what they asked for and much more.

SW: In your opinion, how does one become a “Modern Day King”?CC: Another amazing question. “Modern Day King” status can be achieved by believing in oneself and going after their dreams. When you make the conscious decision to create a world that others don’t believe exist, where anything is possible, where you are king or queen, this is when MDK status occurs. FYI, it’s the 21st century and women can be “Modern Day Kings” as well.

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SW: You’re big on originality and unique-ness, what sets you apart from other artists?CC: I’ve been told that my stories and mini descriptions that follow my work are my signature, it can be traced to the reason why my artwork stands alone most of the time. I’m not afraid to be myself and express myself to others. What you see is what you get.

SW: What is the next step in Chris Colon’s creative journey?CC: I’m looking forward to collaborating with other visual artists. I am also looking forward to getting some product placement in some of your favorite NYC boutiques.

SW: Where can people find you and your work? Any art galleries or events in the near future?CC: Right now people can find my artwork at http://chriscolonoriginals.com and when it gets warmer they can find me on Broadway and Houston in Soho selling these one of a kind pieces of wearable artwork.

“Let The Climb To Our Throne Of Dreams Begin.” - Chris Colon

Check out all his original work and cop some exclusive pieces of genuine art!

Website - chriscolonoriginals.comInstagram@chrisoriginals

Facebook - chriscolonoriginalsTwitter @chrisoriginals

WHERE

WHEREFREEDOMFREEDOM

LAYSIN THE

CUT

THE EXPERIENCE

BLACKIS STILL

THE NEW

BLACK

AN EXPERIENCE MAG ORIGINAL

FROM JASON STONE THE CREATOR OF THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE MAY 2015

Steven Swancoat in The Making of the

Vladimir Putin ProjectPhotography by Jonathan Alonso

Interview by Yesenia Alonso

In our last meeting with artist Steven Swancoat, we discov-ered a new style of art inventively called PopNeoism; a play on abstract expressionism and pop art. PopNeoism is gradually gaining popularity in the world, where “normal” is ostracized and uniqueness triumphs. For this issue Swancoat returns with a masterpiece in the making...a portrait for Russian President, Vladmir Putin.

the entire aspect of the painting before touching the canvas or are you comfort-able with starting right then and there? SS: So let me start with how I was intro-duced with this…I had literally just met Dr. Petrikovsky, he had been with the OB/GYN department at our hospital for about six months but he’d only come once a week. Other than saying hello I had never real-ly interacted with him before finally sitting down with him and actually talking about art. When I finally sat down with doctor Boris Petrikovsky he told me a story about how he had worked with the Sochi (Russian) Olym-pics. The Russian government and president were so pleased with his work that they gave him an honorary medal. So in return he decided that he wanted to make a comedic collage that would go directly to President Putin, which he would personally deliver himself. So the original idea for the project

was to have two paintings one with President Putin on the American flag and one with Dr. Petrikovsky on the Russian flag. He and I had gone back and forth on this idea for a while; he then said he wanted to incorporate a pregnant Minnie Mouse in the paintings. I thought why in the world would I do a preg-nant Minnie Mouse, as Dr. Petrikovsky ex-plained Russia is at a low birth rate so the government is giving an incentive to women to have more children. At the end we finally decided that we’d only have President Putin on the background of an American flag and a Russian flag. Also a pregnant Minnie Mouse and doctor Mickey Mouse that would repre-sent Petrikovsky.

YA: Just to clarify for the readers who is it exactly who is commissioning you to do these paintings?SS: Dr. Petrikovsky is the one commissioning me to do these paintings.

Swancoat measuring the canvas before he adds on the paint.

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YA: What is your method? Are you like Henri Matisse who does a blue print of

Swancoat beginning stages on the Putin portrait.

YA: Why a series of three paintings?SS: Originally it was supposed to be one painting divided into two President Putin on the American flag and Dr. Petrikovsky on the Russian flag but then I decided well why not do two paintings instead of just the one. He also really wanted to incorporate the preg-nant Minnie Mouse; I found out from a friend that Minnie Mouse is very big in Russia. Then he was more into making sure we had the Minnie Mouse but I still really wanted to add him the paintings so that’s when we decided he would be Mickey Mouse. So that is how we ended up with three paintings. But also it will have a symmetry to it with three, in essence the series is going to be artistically thought out both mechanically from the sten-cil cutting and controversial with the flags. Also powerful with the iconicity of President Putin but yet still very playful and funny with

the pregnant Minnie and doctor Mickey Mouse.

YA: What is your style of art?SS: A mix of pop art with abstract expres-sionism, I am huge fan of American art from abstract expressionist like Mark Rot-hko, Jackson Pollock to the pop art like Andy Warhol. So what I like to do is a mix of abstract like Pollock and Rothko with the broad-brush strokes and throwing paint; and getting very emotional but then combining pop art with street art by adding the stencils on canvas. So I guess you could say my style ranges in where I could go all the way left to just abstract. Twiggy is actually my muse.

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YA: So would you look at your artwork and yourself as an artist and consider that you might be the start of a movement?SS: As a third year medical student I had nev-er taken a single art class but when I got into the art scene I made a point of befriending a lot of artists. I then would read as much as I

could for example Vincent Van Gogh and how he was part of the French impressionist, and then I would read up on French impression-ism and so on. I think what I noticed was ev-ery so often there were major movements and except for Pablo Picasso most major move-ments consisted of a small group of artists doing similar things. So that’s why I made a point to befriend other artists, even though atthe time most didn’t want to have anything to do with me. They thought I was just a medical

Swancoat introducing to us the next part of the three part project for Putin.

Putin Project

student what would I know. About a year ago I met my neighbor who is now a very close friend and we did our first collaboration, which really got the ball rolling. Then we were

trying to find a name for our style in which we coined the phrase “pop-neoism”. The pop for pop art and the neoism was for the abstract neoism. We then started forming this group of like-minded people.

The stars for the United States flag.

Scanning the latest stars on his machine he named

YA: How did you get involved with art?SS: I had an exhibit that was also a fundrais-er for ovarian cancer sold a good handful of my paintings, which really got the ball rolling and ever since then I just haven’t stopped.

YA: Considering that you had no idea who President Putin was when you were given the project do you feel you were given a just amount of time to complete it?SS: I’d like to say not having any prior knowl-edge actually benefitted the work, in the sense that I was coming into it with a free unbiased mind.

YA: Would you ever quit your day job?SS: No, never I absolutely love being a prac-ticing OB/GYN resident, plus I also feel as though not having to live just off commission allows me to have an unbiased opinion.

YA: Once the ideas were put on the drawing board did Dr. Pertikovsky give any advice as how the emotions of the paintings should be?SS: He actually gave me a lot of artistic freedom when it came to that part. I asked him if there were any details that he wanted to discuss. He told me “you know you’re the artist, go with.”

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Swancoat begins his stencil cut of Putin.

Swancoat posing as he displays his finished Vladimir Putin portraiture.

YA: How has your field of work as an obstetrician influenced your work?SS: Well in my earlier I made a bunch of paintings that would poke fun at the health care system.

As an exclusive extra we were able to get a short interview with the man who found artist Steven Swan-coat and will be personally deliver-ing these three paintings to Pres-ident Vladimir Putin Doctor Boris Petrikovsky.

YA: How did you come about finding Steven Swancoat?BP: I first met Steven when I joined the OB/GYN department at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center as a director of High Risk Pregnancy unit.

YA: What issues did you have when it came to having the portrait done of a man whose country is currently dealing with its own crisis?

INTERVIEW

BP: You are asking me a whole bunch of questions regarding the work of Steven com-missioned for President Putin. As you know, the world situation now is pretty dangerous, cold war is returning, and President Putin is very busy. I am not sure he would be able to give his full attention to the paintings now, but I am planning to present them to him, hoping he would like them. One of the Putin’s projects is maternity care in Russia. The birth rate in the developed countries is decreasing, which affects Russia a lot. Current govern-ment under Putin is trying to put financial incentives to increase the birth rate. Recently, Putin attended an international high-risk pregnancy meeting held in Moscow.

I was the member of the organizing commit-tee. Russian President stressed the impor-tance of improving maternity care and make childbirth as safe as possible. Therefore, in spite of disagreeing between our govern-ments over the fate of Ukraine, we as phy-sicians and artists should work together to make the world a better place.

YA: I also understand you were involved with the Russian Olympics please elabo-rate on this. BP: Russian government paid special at-tention to Sochi Olympics. A large group of people, who made the game a success, received various awards and honors. I was

I was one of them. I am working with young women, high caliber athletes for many years. My job before the competition is to ensure their best gynecological shape, namely, not in the stage of menstrual period. Usually, the stress of coming competition induces uterine bleed-ing, which in turn, affects their performance negatively.

YA: Please talk about your favorite artwork, what about it caught your interest and how has your career as an obstetrician influ-enced your like of said artwork? BP: Difficult questions to answer. I do have many favorites artists. A lot of it depends upon

my mood at the time. For years, I admired classic art exclusively and was very skep-tical about modern art. I still think that some modern artists do not know how to draw. However, lately, I started enjoying the work of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Somehow, Steven’s work resembles Andy Warhol, but has a special flavor. That is why I like it.

YA: How do you feel about this new kind of style that you and Steven Swancoat are trying to instill in the art world?BP: Before I met Steven, I saw his paintings in the resident room, and liked them very much. He is a rare type of a combination of physician and artist. Usually, those two are attributes make a person both a better phy-sician, and a better artist. When one sees people in pain, they develop more com-passion and the desire to help. In my native Russia, two of the best writers, Michael Bulgakov and Anton Chekov, were both physicians.

Remember to check out Steven’s work and the other brilliant artists

of Popneoism atPopneoism.com and

SwancoatArt.com

Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram as well @SwancoatArt

Petrikovsky and Swancoat first knowldgeon the Putin commission

Swancoat

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JESSICA-LYNN

JESSICA-LYNNM

AKE-UP ARTIST

SUMMER 2014FEATURED ARTIST

JESSICA-LYNN