april / may issue 2012

independent artists

VÉCU

photographer VIVIENNE MOKvecumagazine.com

A P R / M A Y 2 0 1 2

Spring Issue

elizabeth colettaelizabethcoletta.com

http://www.elizabethcoletta.com

Silk

Org

anza

Dre

ss: V

ivie

nne

Mok

Flow

er H

eadb

and:

Zar

aTu

lle B

ra: H

&M

PUBLISHERThe Coleman Group

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDelina C.

[email protected]

ADVERTISING DIRECTORMelissa Lee

[email protected]

TRAVEL EDITORLorena F.

www.traveldesignery.com

FEATURES CONTRIBUTORMurissa Shalapata

www.canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

CONTRIBUTORSVivienne Mok, Sandra Aberg, Liselotte

Fleur, Giorgio Pesce, Meagan Cignoli, Ba-mee Tippmas, Koket

www.vecumagazine.com

VÉCU

Bershka

Silk Organza Dress: Vivienne MokFlower Headband: ZaraTulle Bra: H&M

A sense of warmth is tapping at the door;

Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg. 7

la danseusephotography / styling / hair&make-up Vivienne Mok

model Alexia Giordano

And hope, a feeling out from distant lore– Or so it seems – clears the deep refrain!

Silk organza Dress: Vivienne MokTulle Bra: H&M

Emerging youth: a dormant lea awakes.


Dress: Laurence Dolige

Lace Bra: American ApparelRuffle Shorts: Vivienne Mok

The raging colour, singing loud, partakesIn annual birth – spring is born again!


A zest anew for nascent lifeBegins in floral train:

Petticoat: Dance Direct

Carriage one: a snowdropp thrill;Carriage two: the crocus;


Number three, a daffodil – dancing,Drawing focus – as she would,

Attention seeker!

Petticoat: Dance Direct


Silk organza Dress: Vivienne MokTulle Bra: H&M

How I love our spring:The bold and sleeker feel I get,


Rose Bolero: Martine Sitbon

Lingerie Set: H&MHat: Urban OutfittersFlower Pin: H&M

An inner glow, a ring!I’ve paid the winter’s chilly debt, soNow upon the wing!

‘Spring’ by Mark R Slaughter


ARTIST PROFILE

BAMEET I P P M A S

Illu

stra

tor

www.etsy.com/shop/HeartSerene

BANGKOK, ThailandTell us a bit about yourself?My name is Tippmas Srisilpanun-dana. A pretty difficult name, so I go by Bamee {it’s my nickname}. I am an illustrator and a graphic designer. I like to collect and read

storybooks and I was born and raised in a small town near Bangkok, Thailand.

I remember when my fa-ther bought me some col-ored pencils and drawing paper as a child and ever since then I loved to draw and paint. I am love to paint and make illustra-tions of family life, chil-dren and couples in love.

It makes me feel really warm and happy. So, I think it’s very nice to have them as subjects in my illustrations. Every time I paint for a customer, the first thing that comes to mind is to make sure that what I create will make them smile and feel warm when they see my illustrations. In Thailand, my illustrations are commisioned and featured in many publica-tions.

What are some of your early art memories?

I did drawings by pencil and color pencil. The earliest drawings I had were on our house walls. LOL. I have no photos of them now.

What things have you learned about your craft since then?I have improved and managed to satisfy my customers and do my best to bring happiness in people’s lives.What inspires you?Family, friends and warm feelings from the people around me.Before I begin any project I al-ways go outside for a walk. I enjoy watching the interaction between people. How people are walking on the street, and how they are dressed. It is easier for me not to copy something from a magazine or a photo - I simply observe an item or a person and with my style, I illustrate what I truly see. This is how my brain works.

Plans for the future? Open a business for wedding cards and wedding crafts :-) but continue to paint for clients and children’s books.


http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartserene

photography Liselotte Fleurillustrations Franzi Fiedlerstyling Giulia Meterangelis

mua Elena Marchesimodel Kristina Mai

Draw The Line

ARTIST PROFILE

Tell us about yourself?I’m Liselotte Fleur, 20 years old and I’m a photographer from Holland. Photography is my passion since I was 13, I made a lot of pictures and at the age of 16 I was admitted at the Art Academy in Rotterdam.

In the beginning my passion for photography was focused on por-traits and fashion. After the first year I realized that fashion with a conceptual influence is a great combination in a photo. I love to work with a team, behind and in front of the camera. That is the great thing of the fashion photography.

For this editorial I wanted to add something more, and I thought it would be interesting to add some illustrations to the pic-tures, so the reality became a fantasy world. During this shoot I was in Milan, Italy for an ex-change period of six months.

What are some of your early pho-tography memories?What things have you learned about your craft since then?I started to make pictures of boys and girls, without a team of styl-

ist and make-up and hair artists. It was great, because we were just by ourselves and walked around and made pictures in between nice moments. I already realised that I didn’t like pictures that are stan-dard and to posed. I like to shoot people/models with an interesting face and to make pictures in be-tween moments. So they actually didn’t notice that I made a picture, most of the time, that is the best pose that works for me. It is a com-bination of natural, strange and dreamy. I learned that it is cool to share your concept with the team, and they all have another vision to it. So together you can make a pictures more interesting. During my exchange period in Milan, I learned that people (in my teams) from all over the world, have the same passion for their work and it was a amazing experience.

What inspires you?I get inspired by people with in-teresting faces, by reading maga-zines and story’s, watching other pictures, by feeling the ambiance I like to have in a picture and a lot more.

LISELOTTEF L E U R P

hoto

grap

her

www.lisolettefleur.com

MILAN, Italy


http://www.liselottefleur.com

Formal training?I’m studying at the Art Academy called Willem de Kooning in Rotterdam, Holland. I’m now in my third year, and I just came back from Milan, where I stud-ied for six months at the Art Academy in Brera, and I learned a lot from the teams and people I worked with. I’m happy that I can be busy with my hobby as a profession, during my study, because I think it is important to make a lot of pictures, and get feedback on your work all the time.

Plans for the future?I have one more year to go at the Academy, and I hope I will have an interesting intership and meet a lot of important people in the fashion photography world. After graduating, I would love to work for different fashion magazines, and travel around the world to make those editorials with lovely teams. That sounds like a dream, isn’t it?!


BON APPETIT

WANDERFULLT R AV E L E Rby Murissa Shalapata, The Wanderfull Travelercanadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

Anthony Bourdain Visits Vancouver

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would like to think that my palate has two sides; a benevolent side as represented by the simplistic David Rocco, and an adventurous side represented by the intrepid Anthony Bourdain. I was fortunate enough to see the latter speak at The Centre, in Vancouver. In case you don’t tune in to the Travel Channel as often as I do, you won’t be familiar with Bourdain’s food-based travel show, No Reservations. He has also written many books ranging from cookery, memoir to a fictional mystery novel, however, the book that launched him to the top and gave him my dream job was his first non-fiction book, Kitchen Confidential (2001). His book depicted the culinary roughhouse of the New York chef scene of which he belonged until he wrote an essay for The New Yorker called, “Don’t Eat Before

Reading This”. Bourdain, described as the Kerouac of the kitchen and (I say) the television world, then reached stardom with his best-selling books and eventual television shows, No Reservations and his newest T.V. venture The Layover.

His Vancouver appearance lived up to my expectations, he was both hilarious and offered thought provoking anecdotes along the way. It was a casual event with Bourdain talking about his trav-els illustrating his points with the occasional video clip, includ-

ing new footage. For instance, the Travel Channel network will not allow drugs to be shown on their programs. Bourdain explained how he eludes the red tape. He cut to a


http://www.canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

http://www.canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

clip of the Jamaica episode with a local’s face shown from the nose up. A mysterious smoke sur-rounded the man’s head and was emerging from an unknown source at the bottom of the screen. His point: avoid showing the substance. How-ever, I am interested to see the future No Reservations episode that is based in Am-sterdam as most of the episode may be edited with faces only half shown and the occasional Dutch spe-cialty being devoured in a fit of munchies.

Bourdain also cov-ered the more con-troversial aspects of travel and today there is no shortage of des-tinations with oppressive politics, especially when an American camera crew is trying to capture ev-ery moment. Egypt provided a breeding ground for controversy with government offi-cials trying to control what the No Reser-vations crew filmed, including the aver-age Egyptian diet, which consists main-ly of watery lentils and bread. Not only was the government afraid of revealing their poor diet to the world, they were also fearful of the nation’s reaction as No Res-ervations is aired in Egypt. The previous Egyptian government, since Bourdain’s last visit, has been over-thrown but he suspects their diet and lifestyle remains the same as their turbulence continues. Whether or not No Reservations informed a small part of the 2011 Egyptian riots, Bourdain could only shrug his shoulders and wonder.

My foodie idol, Bourdain, has traveled everywhere and tried it all from delicious Foie Gras in France to Magic Mushroom pizza (aka “Happy Pizza” for the network) in Cambodia and even the more

sinister Fetal Duck Egg in Vietnam. Bourdain is not one to shy away from tasting what ever is put in front of him. Food, in all parts of the globe, not only unites but also rep-resents the culture, the history and poli-tics of a community. Although it seems that the ideal job is to be a culinary adventurer, it also takes some intesti-nal strength to eat whatever is put be-

fore you and be respectful. To consume a cultural specialty is to accept and understand the genera-tions it took to perfect the dish, the history behind

it and the family that killed the dog or mystery bush meat in your honour. In these cases, Bour-dain would advise to eat it and chase it down with whatev-er murky alcoholic beverage is served along side it. This is the case even for Vegetarians and, his most loathed ethical eaters, Vegans. If you ever find your-self in Bourdain’s

shoes (that is hosting a television foodie show), I urge you to eat! These cultures are giving you their best and if you disrespect them...well, then you could be served their worst, which, in most situa-tions may be more upsetting than spit in your food.

Bourdain ended the evening with a Q&A. Of all the questions asked that night, as a Canadian, one stood out in my mind; so, what is Canada’s culinary representation in the world besides maple syrup and bacon? Not surprisingly, Bourdain responded that Quebec inspired cuisine is the next trend permeat-ing the New York food scene. Anthony Bourdain attributes this movement to Chef Martin Picard, among others, who owns the popular Au Pied De Cochon restaurant in Montreal, which offers rich foods such as duck, pig’s head for two and Foie Gras of all kinds including the curious creation of pig’s feet stuffed with Foie Gras. Picard’s restaurant has achieved a huge amount of fame which is rep-resented in his new photography and recipe book, Sugar Shack Au Pied De Cochon, released March 2nd, 2012.

Emerging from the Bourdain lecture with a deeper understanding of the importance of food in a com-munity, I now question how my local food scene is fairing when it comes to trends, ingenuity and creativity. I wonder how you, the readers, find your local foodie supply of unique dishes serves at res-taurants? Is it lacking much like the Okanagan Val-ley where the only interesting dining experience can be found one or two locations, such as Mission Hill Winery (see July 2011 issue). Or are you surround-ed by a plethora of forward thinking restaurants and proud chefs who are inventive and passionate?


photography Sandra Åberg sandraaberg.com

headpieces Jannie Baltzer janniebaltzer.com

model Amalie N@Unique Models Helene@Le Management

assistant Helene Lissau Christensenstyling Simone Drost

makeup & hair Patricia Maja Andersen

dresses Vintage Bride Copenhagen & Elefteria

location Paradehuset Gisselfeld Castle

Dreamingabout myFairytale

Apr/Mar 2012 VECU Magazine pg.49

http://www.sandraaberg.com

http://janniebaltzer.com

ARTIST PROFILE

KOKETwww.bykoket.com

PORTUGAL

Love Happens

The Koket line is manufac-tured in Portugal by master ar-tisans and jewelers who leave no detail or element forgotten. Its principal designers are a group of exceptionally artistic and well rounded Portuguese product designers who are led by Janet’s creative eye. The KOKET brand is managed by an elite staff of highy skilled individuals who strive to cre-ate the ultimate consumer ex-perience while seamlessly selling its products worldwide through a selective network of interior designers.

A celebration of art-istry, originality, and the many exquisite and fascinating treasures of the world.


http://www.bykoket.com

Camilla

Enchanted

Gem

Lotus

Devine

ARTIST PROFILE

Tell us a bit about yourself?I am a fashion photographer based in Milan Italy. Always intrested in Art since I was a teenager, I ded-icated myself to take pictures with an original style inspired by XX century icons of cinema and fashion. I want my images to highlight how concepts, fash-ion and beauty can be an expression of art.

What are some of your early photography memo-ries?Haahha. When I took my first photo shoot with my schoolmates using my mother as a stylist! :)

What things have you learned about your craft since then?Just to be patient, curious, and remain strong be-cause I enjoy working hard!

What inspires you?Old, classic cinema, my friends and family. My granmothers were very pretty women that dressed with style and ‘savoir faire’

Formal Training?I graduated in Treviso with a degree in Graphic De-sign and studied fashion photography in Milano.

Future Plans?Go far away from Italy, it’s a too old country. It is challenging for young talented photographers to get work., only people with recommendations work, that’s not a good thing!

GIORGIOP E S C Ewww.giorgiopescephotography.com

MILAN, Italy

Pho

togr

aphe

r


http://www.giorgiopescephotography.com

TRAVEL

TRAVELD E S I G N E RY

by Lorena F., Travel Editorwww.traveldesignery.com

PETRA,JORDAN

If there is any ONE place that I recommend you must travel to in your lifetime, it is Petra.

A while back I saw a picture of The Siq in Petra, Jordan opening into this ancient carved cliff side known as The Treasury and a year later I was staring up at a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. To get to The Trea-sury, you must first pass the Siq, an event in itself and one that I recommend walking on foot. The Siq, a dim and narrow gorge (approx. 600 ft high and only 10 ft wide at some points) winds its way through a mile of

carved niches and ruins left by the Nabateans. This was the grand entrance to the old city of Petra and even today,

horse chariots whiz by over the same cobblestone streets that are believed to have been in use over 2500 years ago.. Amaz-ing!

Then all of a sudden, there’s a crack in the gorge that reveals a sliver of the Treasury. The feeling you get once finally there is beyond description but I will compare it to being a lot like the very dramatic music used for the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack. No one knows for sure what the Treasury was ever used for – a tomb? a palace? a temple? The mystery remains as do the bullet holes as proof that throughout history it was thought to house real treasure though none was ever found. I still find it astonishing how entire buildings were carved so ornately BY HAND, into mountain sides. It’s just unreal, you must see it for yourselves.


http://www.traveldesignery.com

http://www.traveldesignery.com

P E T R Aby Travel Designery


photography Meagan Cignolistylist Erin O Keefe

supermodels Loan Chabanol + Catherine Torres(Elite) Tania Balash(IMG) Meaghan Waller(Canadas Next Top Model winner)(DNA)

hair Andrea E Wilsonmakeup Gregg Hubbard

casting Meagan Cignoli and Chelsea Robinstylists assistants Lauren Ashley Ford and Emma Joy

hair stylist assistant B Nilesmakeup assistant Kim Harrison

production Bklynhaus

COLORCORRECT

Loan wears an Erin Fetherston top, Timo

Weiland jumper, socks, Sam Edelman shoes.

Tania wears a 3.1 Phillip Lim top, Fendi

skirt, Eleven Objects collar, PLV shoes. Catherine wears a

Christian Cota dress, Eleven Objects collar, Gio

Diev shoes.


Tania wears a top, Jen Kao skirt, Fenton Fallon ring, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Catherine wears a Jen Kao top, Margaritasaplala shorts, Gio Diev shoes.

Tania wears a Daryl K jumpsuit, Guiseppe Zannoti shoesl Meaghan wears a Daryl K dress, Louis Vuitton wedges.

Meaghan wears a Cynthia Rowley dress, RJ Graziano

bangles, Alexander Wang shoes.


Catherine wears an Ashish top, Louis Vuitton pants, K20 ring, Guiseppe Zannoti shoes.Loan wears an Ashish top, Salvatore Ferragamo pants, K20 ring, Louis Vuitton shoes.

Catherine wears dolce and gabbana dress., Kelsi dagger shoes. Loan wears a J. Crew top, shirts and wedges, Hue socks. Tania wears a Creatures of the Wind shirt, Alice and Olivia pants, Wendy Mink necklace, Kelsi Dagger wedges.

Dress Erin Fetherston shoes Salvatore Ferragamo


Tania wears a Sonia Reikyl dress, Ben Amun bangles, Christian Louboutin shoes. Loan wears a Nicole Miller dress, Swatch watch, Linea Pelle watch , Louis Vuitton shoes. Meahgan wears a Cynthia Steffe dress, RJ Graziano bangle, Adidas watch, Louis Vuitton wedges

photography/ styling / hair&make-up Vivienne Mokmodel Angelique Hivert @Metropolitan

Angelique

Tulle Dress: Vivienne MokPetticoat: American Apparel

Tutu: Vivienne MokPleated Collar Top: Marjan Pejoski

for La RedouteVintage Collar: Stylist’s own

Socks: Stylist’s ownShoes: Anne Valerie Hash


Shirt: Anne Valerie HashMini-overall shorts: Anne Valerie HashTop: AsosStockings: H&M

Tulle Dress: Vivienne MokPetticoat: American Apparel

Tutu: Vivienne MokPleated Collar Top: Marjan Pejoski

for La RedouteVintage Collar: Stylist’s own

Socks: Stylist’s ownShoes: Anne Valerie Hash


Bolero: Isabel MarantVintage Bra: Stylist’s ownRuffle shorts: Vivienne MokShoes: Jeffrey CampbellFlower Hairpins: Karuna Balloo, H&M, Vintage

Body with fringes: Asos BoudoirTutu: Vivienne MokLace stockings: PrimarkShoes: Anne Valerie Hash

Body: Pins&NeedlesVintage Socks: Stylist’s ownShoes: Andre

Vintage tulle dress, belt & collar: Stylist’s ownTrompe l’oeil Stockings: House of HollandShoes: Jeffrey Campbell

OtheliaGraceotheliagrace.com

http://www.otheliagrace.com

april / may issue 2012

Documents

vecu magazine

vivienne moktulle bra

vivienne mokthe

vivienne mokflower headband

zaratulle bra

comsilk organza dress

crocus aprmar

laurence doligelace