My Art Show Postcard and Recap on Artwalk on Alberta

So last week on Wednesday Tiffany Ruth came by my place to drop off the printed Postcards for my Solo Show. Check it out:


....The date keeps getting closer and closer. So far i have 5 new smaller pieces done for the show. I have 3 more to go and then i will have everything ready. I should take some progress pictures soon to show all the painting i have been doing!

I think i am finally recovered from Last Thursday Art walk on Alberta St Aug 09. It was one intense day and night. I took off early from work, so danny and I made it to Alberta st around 2:30pm. My dearful friend Shauna Mama( who makes the most amazing organic herbal soap in the world!!) saved us an amazing spot in the main vein of the artwalk: 20th and Alberta on the grassy lot area where all the crazyness happends.

Here is a close up snap shot of my table display:

If you look closely at this photo you will see i had a box full of my Solo art show post cards free for the taking Also, see the little wicker basket full of free stickers that we printed at home. Its really great how people's faces light up over the idea of free stickers!

It was a hot sticky day so i tried my best to stay under the cover of our canopy to avoid a sunburn. During that time danny and i sat in our booth playing drums with others that drifted in an out. at one point in our booth i was drummin on our dejembe drum, another guy with a drum had wondered in and then there came a man with a flute and we made some beautiful melodies for awhile!
At one point, as i was strolling around looking for something to drink on the hot day i was hit with a pleasant realization- we were spack dab center in a little rainbow gathering packed into one block/lot with all the expected accurtraments: a tent/art booth city where people were giving away free tea, making organic pizza for the public, freeform roaming drum circles, swapping/barter circles, gypsy caravans full of musical mischief and love and much much more. it certainly may have been the highlight of summer thus far. i can only hope that my show comes anywhere close with such high positive energy.
here are a few shots of our booth during the night:

(photo courtesy Shauna Mama)




(photo courtesy of Shauna Mama)
As soon as the sun went down the art walk seemed to suddenly burst with energy and activity. We did better this day then any other fair yet! And by the end of the night im happy to say that all 150 of my art show postcard/flyers were gone! I met so many wonderfully interesting, amazing and supportive people during that night. This artwalk certainly may have been the highlight of summer thus far. i can only hope that my show comes anywhere close with such high positive energy.

.....cant wait for the next Last Thursday art walk on Alberta St!

DAM-FUNK x RED ::: I Should Tell Ya Momma On You

Check out this trippy DÂM FUNK remix of I Should Tell Ya Momma On You of RED, The Man Without The Machine or also known as the homeless G-funk beat-boxer/ MC recently 'discovered' by art collective/record label HVW8. LA fam, DÂM FUNK was visiting New York to play a couple of sold-out shows with Animal Collective at Prospect Park, BK (check my earlier interview with him for the download link to their collabo joint) and to do a live/DJ set at the TROPHY Bar in Williamsburg before he set out to play along side of De La Soul on their tour. I saw the video of RED that's been circulating for a couple of months, but this was the first time I heard Dâm's hypnotic remix on a real soundsystem...Check the video of him putting fire under the evocative vocals. This track is so dope, nothing really like anything I heard before...RED is using no vocoder, and though people call his style beatboxing, I believe that he is doing more than just that, using a vocal technique known as throatsinging! Actually, the reason why I posted my previous post on Tuvan throatsinging was to illustrate what I mean. --Big thanks to Dâm for the shoutout!

DAM-FUNK @ TROPHY Bar, Brooklyn, NY from Lichiban EV [Electric Vision] on Vimeo.

DAM-FUNK @ TROPHY Bar, Brooklyn, NY from Lichiban EV [Electric Vision] on Vimeo.Here is the Official Video for Red (the Man Without the Machine) - I Should Tell Ya Momma on You with remixes by Dam-Funk and CHOPS.


From Stonesthrow about the vinyl release:: "Limited Edition 7". Original Version b/w Dam-Funk Remix, released by Stones Throw and HVW8. The song “I Should Tell Ya Momma on You” was originally recorded behind the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery in December 2008. This raw video was posted on YouTube and became an instant online phenomenon. Equal parts G-funk, California Soul and Hobo Street, the song features full musical accompaniment created only by Red. The natural funk and flow struck a chord with an international audience representing a true Cali sound. In this era of T-Pain and excess studio production, the video showcased an almost forgotten musical form with no auto-tune or talk-box, only the beating of his chest and the hum of his throat as a bass kick and snare, and highlighted by signature vocals and original rhymes, this was Red - The Man Without The Machine. Stones Throw's resident funk maestro Dam-Funk remixed the track into a West Coast funk classic."
Get it in digital format on itunes or the Limited Edition 7" vinyl on stonesthrow.

i'm feeling...FLYING LOTUS :: Infinitum

this is a masterpiece
::: FLYING LOTUS :: Infinitum :::

FRIENDS WE LOVE presents: Rasu Jilani of CDTBK

My good friend, RASU JILANI, Owner & Creator of Coup D'Etat Brooklyn was recently featured on friendswelove.com. Rasu explains how to apply the idea of a coup d'etat to overthrow the negative aspects of not only the economy & business practices proven to be disfunctional but also of the self. Change comes from within, and to build a new system based on sharing, we do have to work on elevating our selves...this is the voice of the BROOKLYN Renaissance. Kudos to Rasu!

Rasu Jilani, Owner + Creator of Coup d'etat Brooklyn :: 120 Seconds from friendswelove.com on Vimeo.

i'm feeling DUB GABRIEL :: Battle of The Righteous Man feat. Dr. Israel & Maga Bo

:: from their new album Anarchy & Alchemy ::
check out more on the Dub Gabriel myspace and on destroyallconcepts.com

NEW WORK :: "BROOKLYN SUPERHEROES" go to B-GIRL BE :: A Celebration of Women in Hip-Hop :: MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OU

As part of the fourth installment of Intermedia Arts' hugely successful festival B-Girl Be: A Celebration of Women in Hip-Hop, this Friday the all-female art show "Mama Said Knock U Out" will open its doors in Prince's hometown, Minneapolis. Curated by Michele Spaise and Theresa Sweetland, "Mama Said Knock U Out" is an international visual art exhibition that will showcase 28 female artists from around the world who use their visual voice to empower, inform and organize. These women are employing hip-hop culture as a means of expression, connection, education and social and political activism globally. The show will feature a select group of very talented female artists who are influenced or work within the hip-hop community.
Representing the feminine wing of the Brooklyn creative force, I'll be showing two pieces entitled Brooklyn Superheroes 1-2, along with the works of my friends & fellow artistas, Abeni Garret, JenOne, Sarah White, Alice Mizrahi, Toofly, & Minneapolis-native C-Rocka.

Artists: Abeni Garrett, Alice Mizrachi, Amanda Lopez, B Fresh, Catiesha Pierson, Chanel Kennebrew, Corinne Santiago, C-Rocka, Desdamona, Erotica67, Faith 47 & Rowan Pybus, Janelle Olson, Jennifer Rasinski, Jessica Kitzman, Katrina Knutson, Keegan Xavi, LadyKFever, Lauri Lyons, LICHIBAN, Monica Kelly, Motel 7, Niz, Sarah White, Shannon Joyce, Steph 1, Tamiko Mitchel, Tiffany Smith, and Toofly.

EXHIBIT ON VIEW August 28 - October 23, 2009 /// Opening Night Reception—
Friday, August 28, 2009 // 6-9 p.m. at Intermedia Art // 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis //Free and open to the public

BROOKLYN SUPERHEROES 1-2 (16"x24" mixed media on wood)

LIFE AS A CAT :: the world is a mirror

Here are some new shots of my feline alterego Mercuria-the alchemist of the heart- by fellow artist, my beautiful friend ARIA ISADORA. Mercuria's mask's silver and turquoise colors are referencing mercury// Hermes Trismegistos and my sign Virgo ruled by the planet Mercury/Hermes.

VISIONS OF A NEW WORLD :: Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes

::: new world calling :::
::: love vibration :::

i'm feeling...CHESCA :: You Like It Raw & Twilight Fades

You Like It Raw by chesca
Twighlight Fades by chesca
Just got these sexy new futuristic boogie tracks from my girl, CHESCA a few days ago. Recorded at her home studio with EBOW on JUNO 60 and MATRIX 06-will surely excite all the analog purist out there....much like our mutual friend, DAM-FUNK who is repping the galactic funk //boogie-funk vibrations on the West coast, Chesca is holding it down in Londontown...check out her free mix CHESCA's System with some of the hottest boogie joints on her soundcloud page.

iheartbeats:: VOODOO SOUND refix

Fresh from the source, this dope remix by top UK producer Sasquatch of Crunc Tesla's original VOODOO SOUND from his 2008 release What's Really Rad?" on Tigerbeat6/ Ekleroshock/ Luv Technologies has been on heavy rotation...intented for lucid dreaming stimulating flying experience to terrestial and outofspace jungles. Thanks for my fellow intergalactic bhakti Aeon for putting me on this!

What's Really Rad? "is a 23-minute kinetic energy burst along the lines of Outkast, The Pharcyde, Squarepusher, and even Harry Bellafonte. Acid basslines, gypsy organs and tweaked synths melt into grimy beats while creamy, rapid-fire lyrics flicker from dark to brilliant. The bipolar fusion of tones melds Middle Eastern melodies with dirty south drum kits, dancehall riddims and broke-beat glitchology." The vocalists bombard from all angles, with MCs hailing from Jamaica, Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta and New York." You can take a listen and download the album on amazon.

Solo Gallery show UPDATE and new Watercolor paintings

I'm super excited to officially announce:



If you are in the area( Portland Oregon) come visit me on September 18th at T.Ruth Artspace and take part in my opening art gallery reception: there will be plenty of trippy psychedelic paintings to behold as you sip wine and enjoy these last moments of blissful summer. This will be my first solo gallery show ever....so support will be ever so much appreciated.

Danny designed this little flyer for my upcoming show using my painting "The Faery Guide". However the design was rejected by the local publications for the naked faerie breast. I guess In Portland naked bike rides are OK, but not naked faerie paintings. We are still going to print this flyer at home and do the some xeroxing and Guerrilla distribution. As for the official postcard flyer, we redesigned everything to a classic invitation layout and went with my "River Spirit" painting(3 eyed fish) for the image. From what i understand we should have the official postcard flyers all finished and printed this week, so i will scan the finished product and "show and tell" when all is ready!

...im still working like mad to produce a few more smaller pieces for the show. At the moment i will have about 9 of my larger pieces showing and about 6+ smaller pieces in between. The gallery is a bit snug, but super charming- so i think i have plenty of material to pack the joint. cant wait to see how it all turns out! And for those of you who can not make it, no worries- i will take some photos ; )

In other news, I finally bought some more water color paper so i was inspired to brake out the paints! Its been a very long time since i have dabbled with water color- i almost forgot how much fun this medium is. Its been a wonderful thing, being able to play with WC after working with acrylic for so long- a much needed change.

Here are some of my WC experiments:

In Full Bloom
9"x12" Original watercolor painting
by Chelsea Rose


Evening Gown
9"x12" original watercolor painting
by Chelsea Rose

- Both of these were done on the same day. On a recent Saturday morning i was woken up at 6:20 sharp by my faithful-super obnoxious and fuzzy alarm - my cat, Sushi. I went into the living room, put on a movie and was getting ready to doze back asleep curled up on the couch when i remembered something exciting. A few days ago I had purchased some watercolor paper and have been forced to ignore it because of all the other projects i have to get done. I was certainly swept up in a good bit of reverie as i hurriedly hunted for my watercolor paint storage box. It took some digging to find it, and then i spent the rest of the morning in complete meditation: myself and my watercolor.

The next day i painted this one:


Sweet Water Gem
9"x12" original watercolor painting
by Chelsea Rose

I started it out with a quick pencil sketch to get the outlines down. I then did a wash for the background from blue to green( sprinkled some salt for a tad bit of texture)- once that was dry i began going into the eyes and the scales. Slowly adding shadow and more and more color.
The last thing i did was use my new super fat Faber castell india ink brush pens( compliment of Mr. Wonder Randy Tooth for my birthday. thank you!) to go and do some black outlining of the main shapes of the piece.

I got some positive feedback on these pieces when i put them up on my flickr page which was encouraging since these were certainly experimental and rough since i have been away from the medium for so long. In my watercolor storage bin i have a couple different brands of tube watercolors-some super fine quality ones that i purchased on sale when i was working for Art Supply Warehouse, but strangely enough i totally bypassed those tubes and went straight for my dirty old Prang watercolor set( do you remember prang? its what they used to give us in public school to use.) And i was pleasantly surprised with how vibrant the Prang paint ended up being. It just goes to show its really not that important how fancy and nice your materials are- as long as your able to express yourself and produce work from the heart!

In other news-
Yesterday Danny and I went to go see Karah, an artist friend of mine, at a place called The Manor of Art, Milepost 5 where she had participated in a huge art show featuring 100 artists- but with an interesting twist: They had taken over a yet to be renovated old folks home( built in the early 20s and has been used for many different purposed over the years)- every artist was assigned a room and aloud to make it into one big piece of artwork. As danny and i walked around this trippy(slightly spooky) building- we were awed as we journeyed the three floors and wandered in and out of all 100 rooms that really felt more like mini parallel universe. karahs room was super wonderful- she had taken large square cuts of green grass and tiled them in the room to create an rather earthy carpet. She displayed her pottery pieces( interesting plant holders that remind me of honey combs and mushrooms at the same time) while a friend of hers did elaborate hypnotic pen and ink drawings + fabric and flower creations on the walls.

It would be impossible to accurately describe the various scenes we walked into last evening but i can try- there was one room where someone had built up a wooden shooting gallery( like the ones you see at carnivals) where he crudely arranged pictures of Bush, Obama, Cheney, Micheal Jackson and more + beer bottles, cans- there was a Bebe gun wired to the booth- which you used to take shots at it all. it was wondrous fun. This art show is so hard to describe because it was sooo far out there. I loved it to death and went home bursting full of inspiration.

Whats also very interesting about The Manor of Art, Milepost 5 - they will be turning all of those rooms, once renovated, into super cheap/affordable artist studios. Right now they already have a live on/art studio thing going on made specially for the starving artist, or art student. There are some rooms that are fully equipped with room, sink, shower and all- others are simply rooms and down the halls are community bathrooms. They have a community kitchen, a wonderful courtyard with stage and more.

Im so glad Karah invited me to come and behold such a trippy/super awe inspiring art project. Im also very happy to know about The Manor of Art- it warms the heart to know that places like this do infact exist.

So thats all the latest news. Stay tuned- there is more to come.

Much love to all,
-Chelsea Rose

PHOTO OF THE DAY :: angel mujer

::: Angel Woman, Mujer angel, Desierto de Sonora, México, 1979 :::
by one of my favorite photographers and huge inspiration, Mexican artist GRACIELA ITURBIDE.

FREE DOWNLOAD :: LOOTPACK : Soundpieces: Da Antidote

I've been listening to the Stones Throw Podcast 50: Lootpack's “Pieces of Soundpieces” mixtape, 1999, for the past few days. Soundpieces was the first and only record by the famed West-coast ninjas---this mixtape was put together by Madlib before the album dropped in 1999 and now it is given away for FREE to mark Stonesthrow's 50th podcast series. If you haven't signed up for the amazing Stonesthrow podcast, now is the time to do it...you will find freebies (for a limited time only) from artists such as ST founder Peanut Butter Wolf, Dam-Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, The Gaslamp Killer, Madlib, Quasimoto, Jay Dee, Guilty Simpson and many more. Follow the link to subscribe.

From Stonesthrow about the mixtape: It's the 10th anniversary of Lootpack's classic hip-hop album Soundpieces: Da Antidote, the record that launched Madlib, Wildchild and DJ Romes along with their crew Quasimoto, MED, Dudley Perkins, and Oh No. Our 50th podcast is a mixtape tape put together by Madlib as the album was about to drop in early 1999 - back when a mixtape really meant “tape.”
Side one is tracks from earlier Lootpack singles, side two is tracks from Soundpieces, but throughout the mix are various other Madlib beats - some unreleased, and some that would later get worked into tracks like Madvillain's “Rainbows.”

i'm feeling....AMOROUS ::: Jesse Boykins III

The amazing Jesse Boykins III performing Amorous at our VONY fundraiser back in July.
>>>>>love is the message<<<

FREE DOWNLOAD :: King Britt :: KINGSTRUMENTALS

I recently got this link in my inbox to a free download of these rare hip-hop beats by Philly-fam, producer/DJ KING BRITT. Much like DJ Spinna, another favorite musicians of mine, King's production skills are infinitely versatile ranging from hip-hop, electronica, deep house, soul to music that defies boundaries. His Adventures in LoFi (BBE, 2003) is actually one of my favorite hip-hop records-you can check it & listen to it on itunes.

The instrumental tracks on this free release are for all the lovers of dope beats to inspire. FOLLOW THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD IT and make sure to sign up for future freebies as well.

From King's intro:
Sometimes in the studio, I feel I have too many options. Too many software choices, synths, etc. I felt like I needed to go back to the essence of making beats. So I dusted off the MPC2000 and grabbed stacks of wack from my library to make beats. It was such a wonderful feeling to just flip beats again. Wasn’t even thinking of releasing them, just an exercise for my brain. The fun part was that I only used the floppy drive. Only 12sec of sample time for each joint. All kicks, snares and sounds are all from records. Mixed raw, right out of the MPC stereo outs. Done in 1 week in April 2009 (one or two oldies thrown in for good measure). Just some boom bap vibes for all my peeps who just love a good loop…Enjoy and share !

TUVAN Shamans, Punks and Throatsingers ::: YAT KHA-Mankurt & Genghis Blues

I've been working on a video collabo project with fellow artist, motiondesigner/animator Vanguardbots, and we were looking for some soundtrack for our first project that would reflect some of the symbolic references of Central Asia (Check out Vanguardbots' vimeo site for some of his projects here). I remembered this Tuvan throatsinging punk band I used to listen to years ago, called Yat Kha. So I youtubed it and found this amazing animation made for their joint I've never heard before. It is based on the Turkic legend of Mankurt, a story def worth looking up. It's a symbolic tale about actual and mental slavery through the story of Mankurt whose memory is erased and turned into a zombie...as you see the character here finds himself in the city later self-destructing. It's also a metaphor about what happens if you forget your love, roots, ancestors, your mother Earth, and get enslaved by your own forgetfulness...

Yast Kha's birthplace, Tuva has gotten recent attention through it's music. The Soviets cut off Tuva from the outside world for over 50 years, it is one of the most hidden and mysterious places of the southern regions of Siberia in Central Asia. Tuva maintained to a large degree its nomadic heritage and shamanistic culture, though Tuvan shaman were persecuted under Stalin. Their religion is similar to many Northern American Native tribes and their musical culture is tied in with their shamanistic healing tradition. Yat Kha is born out of the marriage of native Tuvan music and Anglo-American punk rock.

YAT KHA :: Mankurt

It just happened that I wanted to post another Tuva related post with American musician, blind blues-singer Paul Pena visiting Tuva to learn throatsinging after hearing it on Radio Moscow while back in San Francisco. He went to Tuva and entered the contest! GENGHIS BLUES, the documentary following Paul Pena's journey to Tuva is one of my favorite films. I highly recommend it. I love this scene, Paul's throatsinging skills are astonishing.

From the presskit ""Blind American blues singer Paul Pena discovered the art of throatsinging while listening to Radio Moscow on shortwave more than fifteen years ago. Emanating from the autonomous republic of Tuva, located between Mongolia and Siberia, multi-harmonic "khoomei" (throatsinging) remained almost unknown in the west until the 1990's. Genghis Blues charts Pena's incorporation of throatsinging into his own music and his entry in Tuva's singing contest in 1995.."

Naked is beautiful :: Commissions are accepted

This is one of my commissioned work entitled THE UNDINE OF THE FROTHLESS SEA (2 feet x 4 feet, mixed media on wood). Even if you are not ready to go all the way and get naked, I could still capture your or your favorite person's loveliest moment. Get at me for details and price packages lichibanart-at-gmail.com (I also do bartering, so don't hesitate to hit me up.)

more and more TIE DYE and Birthday news

This weekend was amazing. The 15th was my 22nd birthday and i had such a lovely time. Needless to say, this birthday was much more pleasant then the last one when last year i was laying in bed in complete shock and agony after being rear ended by a spreading freight truck on the freeway! An experience like that really makes you realize how precious and fragile life can be and that lil bit of perspective was in its self a gift. But...while this year's birthday was much more mellow and less tragic, it also refreshed my gratefulness for life. When caught up in the hustle and bustle of the daily drudge one can loose their grip on the good honest truth of things- the wealth of love and greatness that fills each day. Im lucky to be here, alive and well with such great friends and family to look after me! Thanks everyone for all the birthday blessings.

I do have some more tie-dye to share. Take a look at what we listed in our online shop over the weekend:

Blue Bell Tie- Dye Sundress:


one of a kind Medium(M) 100% cotton hand tie dyed sundress!
chest: 36"
...its super sweet and comfy- perfect for a lovely summer day in the garden, on a forest trail, strolling down to the beach, checking out the farmers market and more!
For more info or to purchase click here

Purple Spider Tie-dye shirt:

Here is Danny modeling "Purple Spider" Tie-dye shirt.
a Unisex shirt with flare.
for purple lovers everywhere!!( its my favorite color, don't you know?)
hand tie-dyed with lots of love!
100% cotton sleeve crew neck shirt- size M( 38-40)
available to purchase here

Ploy Pink Tie-Dye shirt:



Ploy Pink tie-dye shirt
Hand tie-dyed with lots of love
55% cotton/45% polyester
woman's short sleeve shirt size Medium
Bust= 38"
Danny and i really dig the way the colors came out kinda like sherbet. Its a nice muted tie-dye perfect for the tie-dye enthusiast who likes to wear more mellow tones.
click here to view/purchase


Orb Forest Tie-Dye Hoodie:


I feel that this is certainly one of the most lovely of all tie-dye pieces my hands have ever created. It sold the first night we put it up in the shop to one of my dear internet soul friendlies and best customers. This makes me happy- knowing this piece of art will be going to such appreciating hands. Its a shame i had only found one of this nice V neck hoodie- i would have liked to make a batch of a few different sized pieces. but alas- as is with all my tie-dye: its a one of a kind find and cant be replicated!
So fare thee will Orb Forest Hoddie- you shall be shipped today to your new home!

Thats if for new Tie-Dye highlights, but we still have more to post from this batch so keep an eye on our shop for new listings!

In other news...over the weekend i broke out my water colors, finally! Its been a long time since i have played around with them- its a nice break from all the acrylic painting i have been doing lately. I have three fun lil pieces i did yesterday that i will be scanning and sharing with you soon!

My solo gallery show finally has an oficial date: September 18th! T.Ruth Artspace! cant wait! we are only a few steps away from having the postcards/flyers ready so stay tuned.

Much love and best wishes, always!
-Chelsea Rose
Lucid Optic Lab.com

got body?...RAYE 6 ::: MISSTERY

::oh my, did she....?! this is fierce and I don't expect less from one of my muses, Brooklyn tigress RAYE 6. Raye, one of the hardest working independent artists I know from BK, is the master of envisioning and manifesting her sexy performances bringing out a different persona, a new alterego, each time she puts on a show. She is not afraid to push the boundaries and you can never expect the same show from her. This song is off of her much-anticipated full length album, Universal Lover dropping in October. Stay tuned for more and catch her at one of her upcoming shows:::

FREE DOWNLOAD :: PETER HADAR & THEOPHILUS LONDON (prod. by Machinedrum) :: Want U 4 Myself

Another gem born out of a collabo of three of my favorite New York musicians, vocalists PETER HADAR, THEOPHILUS LONDON and producer MACHINEDRUM. Thanks to my homie Law who put me on this freebie today!

DOWNLOAD IT HERE


Also make sure to check out both Peter Hadar's dope new site here
and Theo's This Charming Blog

<<<<>>>>EYE SEE TEETH<<<<<

These psychedelic creatures of Philly-based artist, A J Fosik, reminiscent of South-East Asian and Tibetan masks stay true to the power of art made with the old fashioned, hand-made process. These new pieces are simply off the hook! Check out more pieces and read a recent interview with him on fecalface.com.

iRECOMMEND :: Gergia Anne Muldrow :: UMSINDO & Dudley Perkins HOLY SMOKES

Check out the new projects of two of my favorites, power couple Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins. I'll let the homie, Kenny Fresh of FRESHSELECTS take the lead in doing the write-up..he did a way better job than I could. Link FRESHSELECTS for Georgia and Dudley to get download links & some of the preview tracks.

i'm feeling...STEPPING INTO TOMORROW

Donald Byrd gets Madlib treatment...one of my favorites

Summer Tie-Dye

I write this baring news of a new batch of tie-dye Danny and i completed the other weekend. So far we have listed 4 new long sleeve tie-dye pieces that are sure to be loved! Available now in our online shop in the tie-dye section for a very thrifty price!

Let us start out with "Cosmic Berry" tie-dye shirt:

(photography courtesy of Danny's creative photographic eye and abilities!)

Its a youth's large/ adult small.
100% cotton long sleeve t-shirt dyed with procion mx teal, purple, and magenta dye
This is one of our favorites from the new batch!
for more info, pictures and to purchase click here

Another tie-dye jewel:"Sash"


This one is super vibrant with its bright red and teal. The red sash comes all the way around connecting at a nice angle at the side, hip with an interesting vertebra pattern within its middle.
of course this baby was hand dyed with lots of love
its a 100% cotton woman's Large long sleeve shirt
... available for purchase here

And this one is called "Purple Thunder":


a nice 100% cotton, slightly ribbed fabric with an elegant v neck button up collar
woman's size medium in lovley colors of dark purple and teal!
click here to see our online shop listing for more pictures and info!

And last, but certainly not least: "Purple Midnight"


Purple Midnight is another sash pattern variation with the most soothing of colors: cobalt blue and raspberry dye( creating a lovely harmony together). This one is perfect for the lover of tie-dye who doesn't always like to wear jarring colors.
This piece was also hand tie-dyed with lots of love, like all our tie dye!
its 100% cotton long sleeve woman's small shirt and available for purchase in our online shop

...and you can tell you that there is certainly more where that came from! Every day i intend to list a new tie-dye piece from our latest batch so stay tuned and see what pops up next.

Recently i was in Target for some odd reason and i happened to walk by a clothing rack in the woman's department that was full with dozens of identical tie-dye shirts. Same pattern, same colors, same details- it was errie. Upon closer inspection i realized that these tie dyes were not tie-dye at all but machine printed! can you imagine my horror? After all, tie dye is charming because its made one of a kind, no two identical, hand made by happy creative hands. Who could possibly wear a machine fabricated tie-dye and feel good about it?
Its soullessness, thats what it is!
As one can most probably tell, i felt deeply offended and left the store. So mark my words: Beware of the machine made souless tie dye!
Make it a point to buy tie-dye from your local entrepreneurs. I cant stress enough how crucial it is to remember how important hand made artisan art and craft is to humanity. I know right now in this world, where so much is being mass produced, it is sometimes very hard to find something tenderly and happily hand made and local but we must strive to keep craft, art and community alive and the best way to do that is by supporting it!
It is also important as a consumer to realize that by buying handmade goods from individual artists instead of mass produced goods from corporations one is effecting major positivity in the world around them.

So, a big hug and a big thanks for hand made, art and craft supporters! We couldn't do it without you.

Peace n Love!
-Chelsea Rose
Lucid Optic Lab.com

RIDING THE WAVES: Exclusive Interview with Marie Daulne of ZAP MAMA

Visionary, cultural nomad, healer, mother and one of the most authentic female artists of our time, Marie Daulne has returned from the lab with a new album Recreation (Heads Up International 2009) reflecting her new vision for finding way to healing and rebirth by inviting pleasure into one's life. The singer and songwriter born in Congo, and raised in Belgium, Marie Daulne created the concept ZAP MAMA at the beginning of the 90’s with an acapella group of Afro-European women. Zap Mama’s first full-length album Adventures in Afropea 1 came out in 1993, and she has since released six albums worldwide. In 1996, Marie decided to go solo as Zap Mama and has since integrated a wide variety of genres such as hip hop, Afrobeat, pop, indie, jazz, R&B, funk into a musical blend that is the unmistakable 'Zap Mama' sound. She has collaborated with a number of high profile musicians like Al Jareau, Bobby McFerrin, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Manu Dibango, U Roy, Maria Bethania, Speech (Arrested Development), David Byrne, Hans Zimmer ("Mission Impossible 3"), The Roots, Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Common, Bahamdia, DJ Krush, DJ Jazz Jeff, Bilal, Jazzy Fatnastees, Lady Alma, Sergio Mendes, G. Love, Meshell Ndeogecello, and Karriem Riggins, among others. She is a humanitarian at heart, and has used her artistic power and outreach to support projects such as LOVE, LABOR, LOSS: a documentary film that profiles women in Niger, West Africa living with obstetric fistula, and through her most recent involvement in the humanitarian organization CARE's efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates in the world's poorest countries.

Inspired by her first visit to Brazil, Marie's latest project ReCreation is a play on the words multiple meanings: both an invitation to take a break away from the matrix of everyday life and find a way to rediscover and recreate oneself from and through the experience of play. “That moment when you are relaxing and enjoying yourself,” says Daulne, “is the perfect moment to create a new person within yourself – to heal yourself and let go of all the negative aspects of your life. In those times when you relax, you recreate yourself.” In addition to a rhythm section rooted in a rich Brazilian vibe, “ReCreation” boasts a guest list of high-profile vocalists including Bilal, G. Love, actor Vincent Cassel (La Haine, Ocean’s Twelve) and several others. My personal favorite is her collabo with Bilal, called "The Way You Are", a song about love on the next level. Recently, I had a chance to ask her about her new album and get to the more intimate aspects of her art.

LICHIBAN: The new album is entitled ReCreation…knowing that you have a strong spiritual side, I sense that this album is a fruit of an internal rebirth. Would you agree?
Marie Daulne: Yes, it was a manifestation that I did not control. It just happened. I always follow my intuition and instincts. I pray and meditate every day for a good balance of well being. This is what the Universe has proposed me.

L: You seem like a cultural nomad, seamlessly melting different traditions of music together into the sound that is so uniquely Zap Mama. What are the ingredients?

MD: 5 elements and love.

L: There is clearly a vision behind all your work. Could you tell me more about the spiritual universe of Zap Mama?

MD: That is a big question. I could take hours to respond. I believe strong in mental power (faith). We just have to (practice) pray every day. Our connection with the essence of live is to be what we want to be. We must feel the vibrations (instincts) that guide us in the right place, at the right time, to the right people. And understand these signs. In theory it’s easy, but in practice it is not. When you have friends (a community, a tribe) that’s undergoing the same process, that helps.

L: Healing & relaxation…could you elaborate on the connection between the two in the context of the new album?

MD: Often we try hard to obtain something. And with this album, I’m proposing to relax. Take it easy. Let it be. Let it go! Believe in your desires, and let the universe guide you – but be awake! Like a curious child. Be able to follow the signs.

L: How long did it take to finish the album?

MD: 6 Months

L: You seem to love to collaborate. On ReCreation, you have worked with high-profile vocalists including Bilal, G. Love, actor Vincent Cassel (La Haine, Ocean's Twelve). How was it working with them?

MD: Magical and Sensual ;)

L: You partnered up with CARE to honor mothers around the world, and donated the revenues from your track, “Hello To Mama?” Could tell us a little bit about the mission of CARE and why you chose to work with them in particular?

MD: I chose them because a few years ago, CARE’s CEO Helen Gayle, invited me to a perform at a CARE conference in Washington DC, where there was a conference/discussion about empowering women. They (CARE) asked for ideas – both big and small – to improve the world. This collaboration for my track ‘Hello to Mama’, given CARE’s campaign for maternal health, and my prior involvement with CARE (I had already been involved with CARE Norway, CARE Mali, CARE Tanzania in the past. We shot a documentary) was a positive and natural extension.

Check out "HELLO MAMA", the video made for Zap Mama's collaborative project with CARE in my earlier post.

Where do you see this album in the evolution of your growth from your first album to the artist behind Recreation in 2009?

MD: My personal evolution is that I recreate new ways of appreciation again and again. Our minds are organic and need to be constantly renewed. We need to feed our souls with simple little things. With this album, I chose to bring people on vacation, feel the beauty, harmony, and color that surrounds us, and let this album be the soundtrack of your pleasures—your vacation.
ZAP MAMA feat. Erykah Badu "Bandy Bandy" from her 2006 release "Ancestry In Progress" featuring Erykah Badu.

L: Ideally, what would you like people to take away from listening to this album?

MD: Pleasure

L: New projects you are working on?

MD: Ohh, a lot -- non stop! But still in development

L: Many of us artists are coming together and realizing that we are on the same path trying to transmit a similar vibration with our art, a positive message of love and healing. I definitely see this tendency growing in Brooklyn, do you see this phenomenon in the arts in other places as well?

MD: Yes. I would always like to meet more artists. I don’t know a lot of artists yet here in Brooklyn.

L: What do you think about the ‘global transformation of consciousness’ many people are talking about these days?

MD: It’s the reason why I moved to the US. To be part of the evolution. During the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s everyone talked about revolution. Now let’s begin the ‘evolution. The election of Obama is definitely part of the reason I moved to the US. I’m open and really want to listen to others. I will soon be giving workshops (teaching my vocal technique) in NYC very soon!

Thank you. MARIE

You can purchase her CD or download the album on amazon.com. Also check out her store for previous releases and link with her on her myspace page.

The Way You Are (Feat. Bilal) - Zap Mama

Check out Marie talking about the album on Fusicology.