NOT SO SECRET :: facing the NOW ::

Brooklyn, NY 11216
This year New Years Eve falls on the full moon, which on top of that is also going to be a blue moon. "Some pagan beliefs hold the second full moon in a calendar month holds the knowledge of the Goddess and contains very powerful three-fold the energy of a regular full moon"[source]. Great timing for AVATAR changing people's vibration. Many of us among my friends are really excited to move forward to the new year, which is going to be very different from 2009.

What I know is that a lot of amazing creative projects are coming out next year and the journey toward a future on a next level will be unfolding even more rapidly. People are tuning into the cosmic vibration that is allowing us to wake up to what is really important in this life and to experience the interconnected of all beings in this planet and beyond. What if string theory is a scientific language for an experience mystics have been recounting throughout history... hopefully one day the two can be brought to equilibrium so science can stop being built on a de facto exploitation of our earth (and beyond) both in spirit and action, and religions won't be used as a means of world domination and social control. It's time for the old story to go.

Leopard Lux :: light bringer warrior

For me this year was the ultimate shedding-of-old-skin cycle... learning to let go (on all levels) and to allow myself to transcend old wounds and outdated patterns in order to experience myself in the moment without fear of the future (which is rooted in being attached to past experiences). It actually sounds easier being said than done, and it required a lot of self-reflection and conscious efforts. What ultimately keeps us in fear underneath is our subconscious fear of losing thee connection=love, which is a form of death-anxiety. All fear goes back to the root of death-anxiety, a deep fear of being "cut-off" from the source.

Pollution :: Separatio
Leopard Lux manifested as Nature Spirit being dismembered by machines during which she has a vision of war :: sulphur :: separation :: leo :: >> see integration & blossom in part 2. Blossom :: Coagulatio

So when you give up the fear, you can experience your pure freedom and allow yourself to be connected with your own source of love energy (=source energy). My recurring dreams with big cats made me face those deep fears, which is why felines have taken over much of my creative imagination this year. Of course, it is the journey that has no real end, because the journey is the goal itself.
...
Not everything went my way, but I learned from those-there are certain things you have control over and there are others that are out of your hands and the best you can do with those is to take the lesson and move on. Regrets are a leak on one's chi and so are bad feelings...and there is no time to waste with wasting. I definitely feel that I've made a big step toward experiencing life in the absolute moment this year, perhaps because of all the tests I was getting. It was the Stage of the Fool stepping into the unknown after giving up the past...which, if you see it for what it is, is allowing yourself to plunge into the realm of infinite possibilities. Most of the real progress I made was internal, and I am completely ready to leave the Year of the Ox to reap the fruits of all the invested hard work and to manifest all that is already alive and growing in my mental womb. Beginning next spring, the Year of the Tiger is going to be fun...lots of feline fantasy birthing, traveling, love & work on the next level...and abundance!

new piece ::: Turquoise Freedom : The First Messenger
(first of the new series, more to come...)

...
I'm still digesting AVATAR. I feel like I've been painting characters from the same reality in the past two years and even some of my visions and visualizations have overlapped with the magic world of Pandora. My tribal cats are definitely related to the Na'vi in spirit. I mean, what if artists are tapping into a reality that is out there, and that reality is just as real as ours. The limitations we place on our mind prevent us from experiencing a more complex reality; the key is to recognize them as limitations. I always welcome my characters as messengers. I don't "make them up", I rather feel like I'm manifesting or outlining them.

[The Healer Ibrahim Yaqut x Lichiban collabo Brooklyn, 2008]

I just found an old drawing of an vision I had back when I was 17, and I realized that it was the same character in a different shape that I worked on exactly a year ago, and which became one of my main characters, LOTUSHEART. It is for me the manifestation of heart energy, love as it bursts out of the earth into the universe like a supersonic lightrocket (in the form of a feline samurai). This vibration is coming from the soil, mother earth, and it is our responsibility to protect it for us to be able to receive the love that is emanating from it. It requires a shift in a way we relate and feel toward the natural world to experience our underlying oneness. But the reward is what is called the experience of bliss. I had a life-transforming experience this summer when I had a chance to go back to my childhood and experience the woods through my 5 year-old self's eyes and heart...with complete connectedness and a sense of innocence. I actually saw the plants as they were in the movie, glowing having lit up from within. So after seeing AVATAR, I was immediately teleported back into that memory. It takes you to the purest form of happiness that makes you want to laugh out loud and shed tears at the same time...something kids know how to do best.

World religions institutionalized spirituality and they forgot about our host, which allowed people to justify a complete exploitation of the planet's natural resources. Tribal communities are connected to their environment in a more organic way that maintains a sacred bond between humans & nature, so I oriented myself toward those spiritual traditions that cultivate this sacred interconnectedness. My murals were all inspired by this desire to connect with the magic of nature through my imagination while I've been grinding in the city, and perhaps to positively influence my future through visualization techniques that projected me into the natural environment that I'd like to eventually take inspiration from and call it my new home when time is ripe. Part of me is all ready to be around orchids, birds, waterfalls and fish markets and the painted temple in the woods I've been already visualizing. But another part of me still sees a role for me in the city, so I promised myself that I'd enjoy it as much as I can while I am being hosted in this amazing metropolis. By living in the now and doing my best to be connected with positive energy and positive people. My life right now is completely magical, I feel like my pieces are telling me a story I understand only months or sometimes years after I've finished them.

I'm ready to open up infinitely more doors of possibilities... and am very thankful for all the people in my life right now and closing a year with a big smile on my face. You are a constant source of inspiration (one of the greatest things about being an artists is that your friends are also your favorite artists). Thanks to everyone who keeps on keeping me in his or her heart--- I love you.

HAPPY 2010 to everyone!
<3,>L.ove Is the CHI
//////////////////////////////////////

i want to be a....FUTURE WOMAN :: Rockets

Cosmic disco/space rock legends the ROCKETS were way ahead of their time when they came out with Future Woman in 1975. Hailing from out of space, the history of Le ROCKETS starts in Paris (France) in the year 1972: originally landed on earth as the CRYSTAL, but in 1974, they changed their name to ROCKET MEN (or ROCKETTERS) and metamorphosed into their new incarnation as five grey eyed, silver skinned bold aliens recording the single 'Rocket Man' produced by Claude Lemoine, who would become their producer 'til 1983. The instrumentation is super sexy and the talkbox linked with the guitar is ingenious!

MY FAVORITES 2009 ::: a different kind of FUTURE WOMAN

The Best Looking Robot of the Year
RAMeX (Korea) as seen at this year's International Robot Exhibition 2009
in Tokyo, Japan

source :: pinktentacle

WHERE THE PARTY AT:: New Years Eve :: BROOKLYN PAINTDOWN

I'll be face & body painting at this party!
[text me to get on the discount tickets list:)]


BROOKLYN PAINTDOWN
@ LITTLE FIELD, 622 Degraw St. btw 3rd & 4th Ave.

RAYE 6
Dynasty Electric, M-Island

NYE Mural & Body Paint by

See-One// Rimx // Lichiban// Livingroom Johnston

10pm-4am (Performances begin @ 10:30pm Sharp & Party after Midnite)

There's still time to WIN 2 free Tickets to this NEW YEARS EVE Champagne Shower!

send a daily text to 4678666th person to text RAYE6 to 46786 wins 2 FREE TIX!!!!

Contest ends 12/30/09

Cover (50% on my list)

$40 Advanced Tickets: http://www.littlefieldnyc.com

$50 @ the Door

http://cdtbk.com/site/2009/12/brooklyn-paintdown/

RAYE 6

Dynasty Electric
Check out their cool website where you can download their free album, 'Burning'.

i'm feeling ....BOARDS OF CANADA

Check out more on warp.net

NOT SO SECRET ::: i did it...

Brooklyn, NY 11216
...i let go of this piece. it was one of my first portraits of its kind, using watercolor on canvas as a way of experimenting with other surfaces and media, and painting instead of drawing. i think wood surfaces wouldn't be able to create these washes, which i like a lot, but i still find wood a more inspiring base than linen canvas.

so this one was of those nothing fancy early sketch pieces that i was emotionally attached to for some sentimental reasons. it was a good reminder that i can always switch to canvas. i was practicing portraits by using one of the famous photos of Jamel Shabazz, a big inspiration of mine... as i've been learning to let go of stuff, i try to go for things that i might be attached the most. the person who showed me the model was my friend, amazing artist Kesed, who pretty much gave away most of his possessions to his friends, and i was one of the lucky beneficiaries. so to push forward with my promise to myself, i gave this one to my neighbor and talented fellow paint-pal, the homie Concep for his birthday (he's been also harassing me for a while to give it to him:). felt great to let go of it, actually. i'm a big fan of his of work so it's in great company. check out his cool blog for eye candies & inspirations.

the beautiful Miss Ashley Mui and Concep brought the Stoop (a youth mentoring project that connects Brooklyn youth with working artists) over for a studio visit. great convos, i've been waiting to get to know them. check out the interview about the Stoop with my friend, the amazing Sallome Hralima, one of the visionaries behind the project.

i'm feeling... Shafiq Husayn "Lil Girl"

keep your eyes out for the full video

Shafiq Husayn - "Lil' Girl" Video Teaser from gregthedude on Vimeo.

SOLAR LOVE :: Sol Invictus

today :: winter solstice
As I walk, as I walk

The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk with Beauty.

Traditional Navajo Prayer

New Bodypainting shoot + the plans

So, on Saturday the 19th I met my Model JBird inside T.Ruth Art space gallery at 10am.

( here is a street view of T.Ruth Art space located at 2403 NW Thurman, Portland Oregon 97210)
Luckily, we found the gallery super toasty as we climbed the stairs into the loft where I would begin painting her from head to toe for the next few hours.

and yes, it did take about three and a half hours to do the full body painting. In the above picture Jbird is working on doing some creative makeup on her eyes as I concentrated on getting the bottom half of her body painted. As always, we were racing against the clock. Jbird had an "ugly sweater party" to go to at 6pm which meant we had to be done with the body painting and photo shoot by 5pm.
By the time 2pm rolled around T.Ruth Art space Gallery was hopping with all sorts of creative energy and people. As people came into the door they were greeted by live flute and string music where they could sit back, enjoy a cup of coco while looking at the artwork on the walls. The brave and curious souls made their way up to the loft where I was still body painting the model. I met some wonderful new faces and was granted the supportive presence of friends.
When I finally deemed the body painting completed my model and I descended the stairs where Danny had setup the black backdrop and lighting.
And since the gallery was packed with people + our model and backdrop were visible to the passersby on the streets through the window we had plenty of onlookers and turned a LOT of heads.
About halfway through the shoot I ended up snapping this comical photo:

The lady pointing at Jbird from outisde, in the hat is Lorna who is to be my next body painting/photo subject. I will be photographing her in the wild woods of Eagle Creek, Oregon after the holidays. She is a roaring jazz singer and super groovy MaMa!
While this shoot was certainly fun we did get some serious photography done, I swear.

Here are the first few shots that have been processed so far:

body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose
....I was totally blown away by this model's creative poses and graceful postures. I was also pleased that I was able to paint more of her body then I did with the first model- this was because I had learned my lesson and decided to start painting earlier. And thats really what experimentation is all about: try some new things, figure out what works and doesn't work till you get into a good ebb and flow of creation.( Thank you Ann Marie, my frist model, for letting me epxeriment on you! You were amazing and such a trooper and I love the way that first shoot came out too!)

Another shot from Saturday's shoot with Jbird:

Body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose
.....another great pose by Jbird.


body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose
....For this shoot we were able to get a better lighting situation that made it possible to keep some of these photos in color. At the end of the shoot I had Jbird rifle through my costume bag to pick out an item of interest she wanted to work with. This red and silver drapery looked super exotic on her and really begged for some color photography.
When the photo shoot ended at 5:00pm I had taken over 500 photos. While its going to take some time to pick and choose between the shots I think I will have a lot of work to show for this shoot in the end. So stay tuned for more.


Last night I knew would pretty much be the last piece of creative time that i have left till after the holidays so on top of weeding through and editing some of the shots from Saturday I did some color painting work on my friend Wonder's woodsman/green man cloak + started a new painting of some sort of alien, insect goddess lady( whats new?)
Sorry, I didn't get any photos of this progress of these projects. After doing laundry all day on top of everything else I pretty much marched myself to bed when I was done with the creative endeavours.

IMPORTANT SHOP DISCLAIMER: Due to the Holidays any orders placed on Dec23 to the 27th will be shipped later then usual( shipped by Monday the 28th) So, if you are buying from our shop in the specified time period please realize there will be delays in shipping.
Thanks and Happy Holidays!

I do hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday. if you dont celebrate the common obligatory rituals of this time of year... then make it a point cherish the beauty of winter, the friends and loved ones around you and be thankfull for what you do have and not morn for what you dont. Thats what I will be especially striving to honor in my mind's eye for the rest of this month.

Much love and many blessings!
-Chelsea Rose

P.S.
.....how could I forget!?
I sold another one of my big paintings!
This is the one that sold:

Masquerade ball
original acrylic 24"x26" painting by Chelsea Rose
.....It sold to a lady who saw it through the gallery window while my solo show was still up. I guess she lives close to the gallery and would walk by on her way home and admire the painting from afar. Then one day when the show was taken down she realized how much she wanted the painting she had admired. She contacted Tiffany Ruth, owner of T.Ruth Artspace gallery and they struck a deal.
.....I had the pleasure of meeting the buyer during the body painting/photo shoot on Saturday. She was super sweet and excited to take the piece home and hang it in her bed room. Made me feel wonderful to know that it would be going to someone who will cherish it!
Very exciting and inspiring!

i have a new website!

My art website is finally up & running! I'll be updating it with more images and posters for sale. Thanks for all the love & support I've gotten so far--I am much honored. Click on the image or this link to peep it.

Thanks for the feedback to...

"We love Lichiban!" Adrian from Limite Magazine, NYC

"Yes! Yes!" Waajeed (producer, Bling 47/ PPP, Brooklyn)

"Fantastik" Dolphin (singer/MC/producer/musician, Wardolphin, Baltimore)

"IMPRESSIVE AND BEAUTIFUL CONTENTS !!!!ALL THE WAY <^> LOVELUTIONARY" Cris Prolific (producer, Belgium)

"Follow Lichiban, because she would make Frida Kahlo proud." Shawn Theodore (writer)

"Nice!!! Congrats. Daru Jones (producer, drummer NYC)

"I LOOOVE IT! Congrats on the site mama! It looks dope - very clean, organized & succint!" Waichi Yeung (Pandacandy, Brooklyn)

"Congrats, homie. site looks great. keep up the keepin' on!" Jelsen Jargon (graphic designer, Brooklyn)

"Congrats on the beautiful site!!! it looks fantastic!!" Stephanie Land (photographer, Brooklyn)

"The site looks great!! Im so proud to know you!!!" Cathleen Angelo (MC/humanitarian, Felecia Cruz, Fighting for Futures)

just say no...

this is probably my favorite PF song
Pink Floyd :: Welcome to the Machine

THE BEAUTY & THE BEAST :: MARY ELLEN MARK :: India

MARY ELLEN MARK has achieved worldwide visibility through her numerous books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. She has published photo-essays and portraits in such publications as LIFE, New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and Vanity Fair. For over four decades, she has traveled extensively to make pictures that reflect a high degree of humanism. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers. Her images of our world's diverse cultures have become landmarks in the field of documentary photography. Her portrayals of Mother Teresa, Indian circuses, and brothels in Bombay were the product of many years of work in India. A photo essay on runaway children in Seattle became the basis of the academy award nominated film STREETWISE, directed and photographed by her husband, Martin Bell.

ANIMATION OF THE DAY ::: judge or jux

lololololol...how the hell did i miss this!? i was just checking out my buddy, Livingroom Johnston's blog and discovered this gem. solid gold!

this was our collabo we did back in April, entitled "Manifesting Gold"

i'm feeling...NEW JNEIRO JAREL remix :: BJÖRK : Juvenile

Haunting remix from super prolific MC/producer JNEIRO JAREL, also known as Dr Who Dat, Shape of Broad Minds (w/ Jawwaad), Willie Isz (w/ Khujo Goodie), and Capital Peoples, among others. Check out his website at viberianexperience.com and sign up for his blog here.

VARIATIONS :: ESG-UFO & HC SMOOTH - Let's Rock Non Stop

The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)

using footage from the film, ESG-UFO (99 Records)

HC Smooth-Let's Rock Non Stop (Class Act Records)

iHEARTbeats...ALEXANDER ROBOTNICK - PROBLEMES D' AMOUR

a throwback to italo-disco legend Maurizio Dami who attained international popularity under the pseudonym Alexander Robotnick with this track published first in 1983 by the Italian label Materiali Sonori and then by Sire-Wea , and which became a "cult track" of dance music

More Body Painting with Ann Marie + winter SALE items

I had meant to gradually, day by day reveal more of the finished photos from the body painting shoot I did with Ann Marie on Sunday...but I got a little carried away last night and released 6 more photos:


body painting + photography by Chelsea Rose
Model: Ann Marie
( I really like this shot, she reminds me of a genie here)


body painting + photography by Chelsea Rose
Model: Ann Marie
(this one is the main full body shot. )


body painting + photography by Chelsea Rose
Model: Ann Marie
(This one and most of the others remind me of the old vintage tattooed women photos from the circus.)


body painting + photography by Chelsea Rose
model: Ann Marie
(This one is one of my major favorites from the shoot. I love her profile, the way she is holding her head and that she has her eyes closed. i think she looks regal but soft...and the pose shows off a lot of the painting work while being flattering to her curvy shape)


body painting + photography by Chelsea Rose
Model: Ann Marie
(There is something very mystical about her bright eyes amidst the dark paint on her face....love her expression.)


photography + body painting by Chelsea Rose
Model: Ann Marie
( this is Danny's favorite. He really likes the pose. Its a good shot of some of the back painting work too.)

.....So thats it for now but there is still more to come.
However I do have other projects i need to concentrate on. My paint that I ordered a week ago should be getting here today which means I will have no more excuses to not finish my Harpy painting. So yes, I need to work on that and also need to work on getting color onto Wonder's woodsman cloak. All of this photo project bizz has really been inspiring, super exhausting and time consuming- but it feels wonderful. I am looking forward to my next shoot with another lovely woman which is scheduled for this coming Saturday the 19th. I need to call T.Ruth and make sure I can still use her art gallery space for the shoot. This time I plan on starting the painting process much earlier so that we can be ready to do the shoot by 12 thus utilizing some of the space's natural window lighting. In the first shoot with Ann Marie I had not anticipated that the painting would take 3+ hours. We had started by 12 and by the time we were ready to shoot we had lost most of the natural light.
You live you learn....thats what experimentation is all about.
----------
The holidays are fast approaching, and yes our etsy shop is still in SALE mode. So stop on over and check out the goodies and wonderful price tags.
Here are a few featured items for today:


to view or to buy click HERE
on holiday SALE
original price: $20
on SALE pirce: $15
tie dye thermal
extra large(XL) 100% cotton thermal
dyed w/ procion mx purple and green dye
51" chest
....Its a great item for keepin off the chill while still staying intouch with your psychedelic tendencies.


8" X 16" original acrylic painting on canvas(studio frame/frameable)
By Chelsea Rose
on SALE for $65
to view or to buy click Here
The gift of art is something could be a token to a loved one that will last for a lifetime, bringing beauty, elegance and emotion to any wall in any home or office.
Grab it while its on major sale too!

And last but not least:


on SALE for the Holidays!
original price:$20 now on SALE for: $10
Mushroom screen-print: in white on a black
v necked short sleeved shirt
women's size: Medium( stretchy )
Bust: 36"
to view or to buy click here
Original silkscreen art by Danny Rodriguez Lucid Optic Lab hand silk-screened/printed by the artist: made perfectly imperfect and one of a kind.

Sale runs through December, so don't miss out!

Peace n Love,
-Chelsea Rose

MONDAY OFFERING :: oratio #1 ////////// FREEDWNLD :: Stonesthrow :: Minimal Wave Mix

::: to the immortal prince :::

[image used-source :: flickr]
This is Leopard Lux in a supercharged state, she is wearing the crown of the Priestess of the Seven Thunderbolts which gives her the ability to control the frequency of her vibrations and amplify it to an extremely high intensity. She has activated her hypervision perceiving everything through her diamond-i.
"Thundervolt XII15" [Leopard Lux]

I will be dropping a series of different incarnations of my cat spirit-transformers in the forthcoming weeks. I would also like to invite anyone who would like to remix the black & white version, please go with it! I'll be featuring digital collabos here along with the series, so feel free to grab the image and play with it. You can send emails with info and work to lichibanart (at) gmail.com
::::
::musical treat::
::: the official soundtrack to my work :::
STONESTHROW podcast #53-MINIMAL WAVE
this mix has been giving me full body eargasms..
this is one of the sexiest futuristic sound out there "from the underground DIY electronic music of North America and Europe in the late 1970s and 80s. these tracks were all created with analog synths and drum machines from the 70s until now, and most were originally released on limited edition cassettes or vinyl by the artists themselves. [mixed by Veronica Vasicka]" ---definitely one of the best things that happened to music. ....please bring out more of this sound!!

New MTV Interview: Theophilus London On Hats, Shapes And Joy Division

Dope new interview from Theophilus London.

MTV Shows

Download his debut single HUM DRUM TOWN feat Jesse Boykins III released on Green Label Sound

i'm feeling... Stephane Halleux STEAMPUNK SCULPTURAL VISIONS

to find out more about the artist, visit
www.stephanehalleux.com

FREE DOWNLOAD :: LE DA SOUL :: 20 Years of DE LA SOUL

MICK BOOGIE X TERRY URBAN X LEMAR AND DAULEY PRESENTS

Le Da Soul :: 20 Years of DE LA SOUL

Inspired by 20 years of greatness from hip-hop's most consistent group, De La Soul, this project unites the cream of the crop in hiphop… including old school legends (Phife, Camp Lo and Skillz), current hitmakers (Talib Kweli and Kardinal Offishall) and future stars (U-N-I, Tanya Morgan and Tabi Bonney) to remake their favorite De La classics.

To read more and get download link, visit www.lemaranddauley.com

Exploration in Body Painting + a few words on nudity and Breasts

I had one hell of a weekend, thats for sure.
On Saturday Danny and I went to T.Ruth Art space to set up the area for the photo shoot that we had planned for Sunday. I was going to be meeting a model that answered a craigslist post on being a live nude body painting model for my art project. On Sunday the model and I met at the gallery at 12 and got right to work. I began with her face:

Here we are in the back of T.Ruth artspace sitting by the heater and doing the first embellishments. We started with the face and worked out way down to her legs.

The gallery was open to the public as I was painting and photographing her. T.Ruth had some local musicians playing and she was serving hot coco to all that came in.
This was my first time ever doing a full body painting and while it was a bit nerve racking to be doing it in public i think that my inspiration was fueled by the art space and all the wonderful people there. It was such a supportive atmosphere.

Ann the model was so amazing and patient. I started painting her body at 12pm and didn't finish untill 3:30pm. Then I photographed her till around 5:00pm. It was a long day but i am super excited to announce that the shoot was an absolute success and i cant wait to show you the finished photos.

....So here is one that I retouched and posted last night before I went to bed:

( please click to full view this photo)
So thats a taste of whats to come.

I cant wait to show you a full body photograph...so stunning.
I shot all these photos in color knowing that I would upload them onto my computer and change them to high contrasting black and white. I really am thrilled with the way they came out. Its a very exciting thing to have an idea for so long and then to finally actualize it!
So i will be uploading more of these photos from the shoot as soon as i have time to convert them to black and white. So stay tuned if youd like to see more.
-----
Onto another note i wanted to share an email correspondence i had this morning. This person had emailed me with a question that i have answered all my life about my art so i thought i would share it on my blog.
This is the email I read this morning:

"Hi Chelsea,
I found my way to your blog tonite via flickr, and started reading it. I noticed your Craigslist ad for a model. I have a bit of a bone to pick with you, if you don't mind:-) I am 60. I was a feminist in the 60's, and still am. While your work is excellent technically, I really question all the breasts. I don't know that I would call someone drawing basically male fantasies a feminist. Of course you disagree, and I would love to hear what you have to say. I mean no disrespect. I just wonder if you are aware of feminist history and all that women before you have gone thru in order to NOT be portrayed this way. So, go ahead and explain to me why I'm all wet!!
Best,
-annoymous "

This was my response:

" Dear anonymous,
Thanks for your email and your thoughts on the subject. I have been given crap for the boobs I have draw since I was 5 years old( I am now 22) so I am used to it and understand that in this world our bodies, our sexual organs, our nakedness is something to be feared for some reason. My Aunt always laughed saying the first thing I ever drew were big boobed mermaids...its something I have done unconsciously, unintentionally all my life so I feel its a part of who I am and in many ways I feel guided with my artwork by the spirits, faery, natural spirits that be since my artwork is not so much planned but done on the spur of the moment. These goddess, faery women just jump right out of me onto the paper. why cloth and hide away their truth with bras and shirts and underwear?
I grew up around a lot of powerful women as well as in many clothing optional, nudist communities. I was raised early on practicing earth majick and the worship of mother earth, the goddess and the natural powers that be and was always very fascinated by the big breasted wide hipped symbol of the Goddess and I feel a lot of the figures I draw are very much inspired by that symbol. I think its a very un feminist thing for one to say that beautiful boobs in all their various shapes and sizes could be only what you call " male fantasies". I think its important as woman to take back the image of the female body...take it back for ourselves, explore our selves, our flaws, our shapes and truly cherish our breasts, our vaginas, our clavicle bones, our eyes, our lips...everything. What you see in my artwork is a young woman's exploration of her spirituality and her love of female endowments. If you find that offensive I apologize and know that you have not been the first to be upset by it. But breasts for me are a feminine symbol of creation. We grow them lush so that when we create life we can nourish it and thus they are sacred organs that I offer tribute to in my paintings. I will always be fascinated by breasts and I will continue to paint them whether I paint them perky, limp, long nippled, or lopsided.
Also, I think there is not one way to define a feminist and not every woman will be the same kind of feminist as the next. Labels should not have a set definition in my mind because nothing in this entire world is that predictable. You are an older woman and so I have respect for your plight and your perspectives since you are my elder but I would hope that you open your eyes, your mind because everything changes, including these things we call movements. If they didn’t change, grow and morph with each generation then there would be lil progress in the world and the collective conscious. so I hope you and the others that have issues with the nudity in my artwork stop seeing breasts as a profane sexual thing and start seeing them as a symbol for divine life, creation and giving...and let yourself feel empowered when you look upon my artwork...feel moved by my interpretation of the beauty of the female figure and not shamed by it because that is what man has done to our image in our minds and the only way to break that wall down is to change the way we think and feel about ourselves, our body and the image of naked women and our various parts.
Best wishes and much love,
-Chelsea Rose. "

.....I thought this was a good way to share my thoughts on the nude aspects of my paintings on my blog. Im interested to hear more opinions and interpretations, although I must admit I am saddened that my work can be seen as some half brain erotica bullshit because I feel its far from that. However I recognize that art is a personal thing and we have a different view/perspective then each other and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still, it can be disheartening to find that the nude aspects of my work not only offends people but hinders me from displaying and selling my art work at various art fairs, galleries and websites.
But this is what i create and i have never ever thought to censor myself and im not about to start doing it now, even if it ment me being more successful by reaching a bigger demographic/audience with my work.

It is what it is.

That's all the words I have for today.

Peace n Love
-Chelsea Rose

FREE DOWNLOAD :: Mayer Hawthorne :: GREEN EYED LOVE (Classixx Remix) - vinyl drops Dec 13

wowowowoww....i love this song!!!!... dreamy in a melancholy way and liberating like you are traveling in some sixth dimension fantasy funland.
download
Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love (Classixx Remix) MP3

Waajeed & Classixx have both remixed Mayer Hawthorne's “Green Eyed Love” which will be released on the 6-track green vinyl EP. The video for “Green Eyed Love” premiered on stereogum.com and can be seen below.

PRE-ORDER available for Mayer Hawthorne's green-vinyl “Green Eyed Love Remixes” 12-inch EP. Expected ship date is December 13.

Green Eyed Love Remixes Mayer Hawthorne MP3: $5.94 Vinyl: $8.99

Green Eyed Love is clearly a reference to the "Green Fairy" a.k.a the legendary French spirit, Absinthe, distilled from a hallucinogenic herb, Artemisia absinthium, commonly referred to as "grande wormwood". Blamed for its alleged addictive psychedelic properties, absinthe was banned in Europe & in the US after 1915, though its destructive qualities were probably to be blamed on its high alcoholic content (45%–74% ABV) instead of its slight psychoactive qualities. It was definitely a major player responsible for much of the alcoholism that was rampant among artists at the turn of the century.

V
V
V
music just keeps on getting better.

NU DROP:: DAM-FUNK :: Mirrors [Official Video]

DAM-FUNK :: Mirrors [Official Video]

Director: Henry DeMaio Camera: Jimmy Hammond & Henry DeMaio Graphics: Tristan Keller Camera Asst: Sabina Padilla

Art print SALE + art project news+ Winter Falls trip

Winter SALE news flash:
Not only have i put all my 5"x7" art prints on SALE for $5 but i just released a bunch of my illustrations into sale mode that have yet to be available for purchase.
check them out:


"Staring Contest"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view listing or to buy on SALE click here


"Healer"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE click here


"Faery Blossom"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE click here


"Ribbon"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE click here


"Earth Spirit"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE clickHere


"Harpy"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE click here


"Wind Spirit"
by Chelsea Rose
5"x7" art print
to view or to buy on SALE click here
....and there are much more prints to choose from in the Art Prints section of our shop.

I would have you know these prints come sealed in a crystal clear plastic sleeve to keep it safe. Our prints are made on archival canson artist card paper( has a similar feel to watercolor paper). Makes a wonderful card, gift or decoration.
This concludes our featured SAlE for today. This SALE will run all through December so ahead and grab while the prices are sweet.
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As far as recent art projects go i finally got off my butt and started laying the ground work for my friend Wonder's woods man cloak.

This is what i have so far. Now i have to go in with color and do some more embellishing, flip it around and begin the front side too! I really hope this works. Im using Lumiere acrylic fabric paint ontop of white screen print water based fabric paint. I guess we shall find out, wont we?

Other then that yesterday i posted a craigslist add that said the following:
Title: Body Painting Model Needed for Art project (Portland Oregon)
Post: "I am a female photographer and painter. I have been focusing for the past few years mainly on acrylic painting and I would like to begin working on more photography projects again. I have a huge interest in knitting both painting and photography together however I need a reliable, creative and sultry woman whom is willing to model for me during this art project. Nudity would be involved but only tasteful nudity. I am a woman myself and have a great respect for females, our plight and our image in this world. Being a bit of a feminist I would only ever portray women in a light that evokes respect, admiration, strength and natural beauty. This project would involve a full body painting. I would be using a water based face paint called snazaroo that is very safe even for people with sensitive skin. Please email me with a quick statement about yourself, where you are in portland and why you are interested in working on this project with me + send me up to date photos of you if interested in working on this project. Also, please let me know if you have any tattoos and where they are located so that I can determine whether or not they might hinder the body painting design I have planned. (We could probably cover tattoos up if needed with makeup, so its not a big deal.) If you have had any model experience please let me know, although it is in no way necessary. This is a TFCD( Time For CD) art project which means we will be trading each other’s services. I will be trading you a CD full of excellent quality, beautiful photographs that I take of you for your creative and intuitive modeling. Our photo shoot would be done on a weekend probably in the morning or early afternoon when the lighting is best so please let me know what your availability is like when you email me your photos and info. If you are interested to see some of my photography and art work please view my online portfolio: www.chelsearosearts.com Thanks very much for your interest in this opportunity. I look forward to creating with you! "
....and i have gotten 10 really wonderful responses from some beautiful, strong and creative young women! Originally I was just thinking of doing a shoot or two but now I am thinking I should do an entire series based on this idea/art project. So yes, I am very excited about this and i will keep you posted on what goes down. If YOU happen to be in portland Oregon or know someone who is- whom might be interested in modeling for this art project please have them email me at chelsea@lucidopticlab.com.
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In other news Last night Danny and I took a quick drive out to the Multnomah Falls area where we found this:

Frozen water falls!
photo courtesy of Danny.
....its been below freezing for a couple weeks now but it has not snowed yet. So visiting these frozen water falls was very surreal.
I heard a rumor it might snow tomorrow-eek.

....and its FRIDAY! Im itching to get home, get into my cozys and work on all my various painting projects however i am thinking i might attend 'The Big 100 Art Show-100 local portland artists, 2000 works' ONE NIGHT ONLY. Cash/CarryALL WORK IS $30Benefit for KBOO Community Radio, Oregon Food Bank and Portland City Art, arts non profit (Artists for Artists)MORE INFO: WWW.PORTLANDCITYART.ORG CURATED BY PORTLAND CITY ART (John Graeter, Chris Haberman) and Po Boy Art (Jason Brown/Goodfoot)
.....I would love to go and see what is up on those walls, meet some more local artists and see my friend Karah who has some of her sculpture work in the show. Also, hoping that i can find a way to get on the list for the next one!

Thats it for now. Sorry about these super long blog posts I always end up writing!
Best wishes!
-Chelsea Rose