Thursday, November 11, 2010

Introducing the talented and extraordinary Jen Seidel!




Jen Seidel

Photography by Roy Cox





Introducing Jen Seidel, an extraordinary and extremely talented artist from Baltimore, MD, who is not only making headways but is making many stop and stare. Her talents are clearly innate and her expressions of art to all of us are priceless.


WMIFF Magazine is pleased to share with you our interview with Jen, who has graciously offered to share her beautiful works of art with all of us. If you ever get the chance to work with her in the futue, you will be more then pleased, as you will be presented with one of the world's hidden treasures.


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Photography by Clark Vandergrift






WMIFF MAG - When did you first get interested in body painting? Did you already have a artistic background? Can you please describe?



Jen Seidel - I have always been an artist, as I truly believe it's genetic and runs through my blood. I was told that when I was an infant, my mother would seat me in my play seat and I would watch her paint murals on the walls at home. Over time, I would watch her create works of art, not only in our home but on her clients with makeup as well.



At that point in time, my parents formulated a break through camouflage line of products called Natural Cover by Linda Seidel as seen on TV and www.LindaSeidelpro.com. It is now Linda Seidel Cosmetics.
Their formulary continues to help people with skin imperfections and conditions such as; Vitiligo, Burns and scars from accidents, surgeries, birthmarks, acne, Rosacea, dark circles and more. The line has since expanded for less serious skin issues. I presently use this makeup on myself as well as everyone that becomes my client. Whether if I am working behind the scenes for a commercial, wedding parties or just an everyday look.



After I graduated from high school, I skipped college and went on to attend Von Lee school of Aesthetics. After receiving my MD state license as an Aesthetician in 1990, I then worked with my mother for years on the more serious side becoming a Rehabilitation Specialist for her company. I started doing makeup for weddings as my side business.



At age 22, I stepped away from the business for 10 years. I got married and then divorced and ended up being a single mother of three. At that point, in full force, I decided to start up my business. Another side job for me was promotional modeling, which got me out and about and above all networking. I remember feeling good but felt that there was something missing.



This now brings attention to BODYPAINTING! I got this creative and crazy idea back in October of 2004. I had decided to body paint myself, wearing a bathing suit and decorating myself as a cheetah for a Washington DC Halloween contest, so that I could try to win some cash. I had spent twelve hours putting myself together. With the help from my mother, I was able to complete the look and head to DC, where I felt like a celebrity as I entered into the club. I was not able to take more than 10 steps at a time without getting hundreds of pics taken! This is how it was the whole night. I ended up on the front cover of DCnites.com as best pic of the week!



Being an entrepreneur, my curiosity got the best of me. I gathered models who happened to be co-workers, to practice on. I practiced for years trying to become as efficient as I could with only the use of a brush and my paints-no air brush. I did logos and designs of anything that I could find. I then decided that in order to kick start my business, I would need to turn Bpainting into a marketing tool for products and companies. I carefully mastered a specific way to prove to them that my works would be successful for them.





Photography by Joe Sachs, Model, Raluca





WMIFF MAG - Who tends to be your base clientele? Is there a certain age range?


Jen Seidel - I have worked over the years to achieve an incredible range of clients, which range from individuals with personal reasons to small businesses and to very large corporations. My experiences have also been with liquor companies, cigar companies, production companies and sports companies. I also do charity and fundraiser events. I have worked with doctors, lawyers, bridal shops, car dealerships and more, you just name it. I am very grateful to have worked with people from all over the United States.



There is no set age range. I once painted an eight week old's foot along with her mother's hands and an eighty year old with tree people images.







Photography by Franklin Fitzgerald - Models Vanessa Marie & Jen H Photography by Jennifer Sieger - Models Lauren and April







WMIFF MAG - Can you describe some of the types of paints that you work with? Does the paint come off easily? Would someone who is sensitive to chemicals need to steer clear of being body painted?



Jen Seidel -
The paints I choose to use are a variety of water based paints. It is a special type of body makeup that is designed for the skin and is not harsh or irritating at all. As long as there is not much sweating, it lasts until its time to take it off. It washes off with just soap and water with possibly some scrubbing at times.





WMIFF MAG - What is the most challenging aspect of doing body painting?


Jen Seidel - I'd have to say that the most challenging aspect of body painting is time and placement of each design. When I am on a deadline, where I have a certain amount of detail that needs to be done, I would say that this is the toughest part for me. Most people do not realize how time consuming Bpainting is and how detailed I need to be to make it look as realistic and presentable as possible. I try to maintain the best quality of art work that I can for each and every design.







Photography by Glenwood Jackson - Model Raluca





WMIFF MAG - To you, what is the most inspirational part of doing body painting and what satisfaction do you get from doing it?


Jen Seidel - I feel that anytime I do any form of art work, whether its painting on a canvas or doing one of my life size sculptures, I am inspired. But with bpainting, there is that unique illusion that you can't get anywhere else because you are creating on the most perfect entity, the human body. The fact that I can share it with others is most satisfying. When I see so many different expressions and hear all of the "ohhhs" and "ahhhs", that is when its most rewarding.



Its really exciting when the models arrive or an image is viewed and it takes a few minutes for everything to sync in and that the person is looking at body painting. It never gets old for me - I love to sit back and just watch and listen!





WMIFF MAG - Out of all the work that you've done so far, what is your most memorable or favorite?


Jen Seidel - This is a very tough question for me because I have had so many sessions and events that I absolutely loved creating. It's very hard to narrow it down to just one. But if I really had to choose one, it would be the Avatar look alike that I did for the Chamber of Commerce of Rockville. They did a live ceremony event, where they captured her on two huge Screens. This was extremely exciting for me because of all the preparation work. Just prior, it took six hours to body paint my six foot tall model, Lauren. People were in shock when she was presented sneaking through the dim lit florescent ball room in front of a thousand people.





Model shown, Lauren Jen Seidel with Model Lauren



We also presented a Tree People series with ten body painted images which was done in collaboration with Professional Photographer, Clark Vandergrift. I had worked in the studio for hours at a time blending the body paint to match each tree on the model. I made sure to create each look for him so that he could go back and place the body painted model into his image that had already been taken! It was an absolute brilliant work of art and now these images are being sold as prints.







Photography by Clark Vandergrift





WMIFF MAG - Has your work been published in other magzines, books, newspapers, etc..,?


Jen Seidel - My body paint art work has been published and featured in Washington's Finest Magazine, Owings Mills Times, The CityPaper, The Jeffersonian, The Examiner, The Jewish Times, Style Magazine of Baltimore, and a few smaller online magazines such as; Full Exposure Magazine and Iconography. I have also been featured live on WJZ TV Channel 13, Fox 45, CBS Radio-98 Rock, Baltimore's Rock radio station 97.9, The Ed Norris radio show and 105.9 FM Washingtons DC Rock Station -The Edge Morning Show.





WMIFF MAG -What form or artwork would you find most appealing that you have yet to do or maybe have been hesitant to do?



Jen Seidel - I welcome all forms of art work because I love to try new things. I love a good challenge! I actually have a line of life size sculptures that I have been working on. Each is used with a cast from either my own body mold or from one of my models. As soon as I finish hand painting them, I hang them up as 3-D wall art. These will be introduced in the future but on a larger scale, hopefully to be presented at galleries.





WMIFF MAG -
Where do you see yourself if ten years? What is your ultimate goal for being a body painter?


Jen Seidel - As a business owner, like many others, I have set a number of very high goals. One of my goals is to continue to help non-profit and charity organizations by working directly with them to help raise money. I recently worked with The Red Devils of Maryland for Breast Cancer, hosted by Surgeons Dr. Dean Kane and his wife Lauri Kane and for the Susan G. Koman foundation creating Baltimorepaintedladies.com. On an annual basis, I work with Casey Cares Foundation for critically ill children. I plan to add an animal rights foundation and a few others in the future.



When I do work on the charities, I like to alternate them and try to put forth what I can. I like to incorporate my art work so that a percentage of sales go directly to the charity.



Another goal is to get my work commissioned out on billboards, more magazines, national ad campaigns and cable networks because I definitely see an interest. As well, I'd like to publish a coffee table book of my work and feature my models and the amazingly talented photographers, whom I've been ever so blessed to work with.



Lastly, I'd like to educate others someday with art and body painting. I feel as if I am a natural teacher and I truly hope to see others following my footsteps. I really desire my son and two daughters to get involved in my business, as they are intelligent artists themselves.





Photography by Dnice - Model Raluca





WMIFF MAG - Where can people find out more about you? Do you have any websites?


Jen Seidel - Sometimes I tell people ... just google "Jen The Body Painter", you will find me! :O)



www.JenSeidel.com

www.JenTheBodyPainter.com

www.MakeupByJen.net

http://www.facebook.com/jen.seidelwalsh

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jen-SeidelTM-Master-Bodypainter-and-Makeup-Artist/99451349046







WMIFF MAG - Do you have any additonal information that you'd like to share with your audience?


Jen Seidel - I am a perfectionist as an artist and I feel that I can always do better, so I am always trying harder. I believe in only a positive journey and that everything happens for a reason. Including the good and the not so good, never give up your dreams because you will never get there if you dont believe that you can!



Thursday, October 14, 2010

Check out the latest article on "Romantic Warriors – A Progressive Music Saga"

"In The Eyes And Ears Of The beholder, Art Comes To Life."













"Romantic Warriors – A Progressive Music Saga"


Directed and produced by Adele Schmidt and José Zegarra Holder





The sounds of music can trigger off many senses in our brains. It can make us smile, cry, remember forgotten moments, warm our hearts and touch our souls. It's one of the few unique connections to ourselves and everyone around us.



Adele Schmidt and José Zegarra Holder enlighten us with their documentary "Romantic Warriors - A Progressive Music Saga" which is about sharing an exhilarating connection with today's Progressive Rock Music. Their documentary takes us on a journey to the east coast of the United States, where music not only comes to life but it connects your soul. Today's progressive rock bands are inspired by the legendary sounds of Gentle Giant, King Crimson, Emerson lake and Pink Floyd. For many, watch how this documentary will make your reminisce and awaken your senses.



WMIFF Magazine had the chance to interview Adele Schmidt to find out more about "Romantic Warriors" and where she plans to take this film. Find out more about this film and how you can take your very own journey.



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WMIFF Magazine Interview with Director and Producer Adele Schmidt








WMIFF MAG -
Can you tell us about "Romantic Warriors"? Where was it filmed?




Adele Schmidt -
Romantic Warriors takes a close look at the modern progressive rock scene, specifically the 'festival' scene on the East Coast of the US. Focusing on the Orion Sound Studios concert series in Maryland, NEARfest (North East Art Rock Festival) and ROSFEST (Rites of Spring) both in Pennsylvania, and ProgDay in North Carolina, the documentary also takes a look at some of the band's who have played at these festivals in recent years. Live clips and interviews with progressive rock bands Cheer-Accident, D.F.A., Cabezas De Cera, Oblivion Sun, La Maschera Di Cera, Karmakanic, Qui, Deluge Grander, Phideux, Gentle Giant and Rob Martino are all featured, as well as many other important figures & record label folks in Progressive Rock. This film is about the passion and spirit of the progressive music genre, its music, its fans and the ecosystem that supports it. What challenges does progressive music face today? What keeps it alive, and why is it important? Here, you’ll find some answers.









Cabezas De Cera









WMIFF MAG - Who was involved in the making of this film?



Adele Schmidt - The producers and directors of the film are Adele Schmidt and José Zegarra Holder.




Adele Schmidt
is an award winning documentary filmmaker. In the last 15 years she has produced and edited more than five long-format documentaries (all aired on national PBS). Adele’s productions have won numerous industry awards: The Telly Awards; the TIVA-DC Peer Award; the US International Film and Video Festival Award; the Christopher Award and the Gabriel Award. Adele is also a professional lecturer for film and video production at the School of Communication at American University in Washington DC.




José Zegarra Holder
is the co-founder of the production company Zeitgeist Media. He is a progressive rock music blogger. His blog Autopoietican, about contemporary progressive music, has served a global Spanish speaking audience, particularly in the United States, Latin America, and Spain.









Adele Schmidt and Jose Zegarra Holder








WMIFF MAG - What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced making this film?



Adele Schmidt - The challenge of the film was to select bands that represent the different styles of progressive music of today in order to give the film a broader look of the variety of this music genre. We came up with a good band selection, where we were able to include a very diverse spectrum of progressive rock music in the film (Avant/Fusion, Avant/Experimental, Symphonic, Jazz Canterbury, Orchestral and Jazz Rock). Once we had identified and filmed the material, it took a while to give the film a comprehensive structure in order to find a way to tell the story in a way that an audience that does not know much about progressive rock would be able to engage with the film.





WMIFF MAG - What are the most memorable moments about making this film?



Adele Schmidt - Getting to know and working with highly talented musicians was a pleasure. Normally you don’t get so close to the artists. You see them perform onstage and that’s it. It was a privilege to interview the bands, asking them questions about their creative process, their influences and also talking about the challenges of doing progressive rock music today as most of the bands are operating in the underground. It was also encouraging getting to know the support system that stands behind the bands: The festivals, the organizers, the fans and also the independent record labels that distribute progressive music motivated by passion rather than any hope of substantial financial gain.





WMIFF MAG - What have you done with this film and where do you want it to go with it?



Adele Schmidt - We released the film at the progressive music festival NEARfest in Bethlehem, PA in the summer of 2010.



First: Our strategy was to get the media attention of our core audience: The progressive music world, so people could read the articles and get interested in the film. We have received very good reviews from print and online magazines coming from all over the world. You can find more then ten reviews of “Romantic Warriors” at our web site www.progdocs.com



Second: We started the DVD online sale through our website www.progdocs.com and were able to sell DVDs continually. The film is now also available on Amazon and some online music stores.



Third: At this point we are trying to get the attention from film festivals in order to expose the film and the music to a wider audience that might be interested in the music once they see the documentary. The goal is to make this music known beyond its actual limited reach that goes to progressive rock fans.



Next step: Get the film onto local PBS stations.





WMIFF MAG - What peaked your interest to get involved in film?



Adele Schmidt - Since I was a kid. I always had a love of reading novels. Storytelling was fascinating to me. I earned a Master Degree in German and Spanish literature and after that, I realized that I also wanted to tell stories. I always was attracted to film as well and found that filmmaking is a great way to tell stories visually, so I got a degree in filmmaking and started doing films.





WMIFF MAG - Why the interest in creating “Romantic Warriors”?



Adele Schmidt -When I was a teenager I listened to Pink Floyd, Genesis and ELP, however, I got disconnected from the music in the 80’s. Two years ago I was looking for a new film topic and Co-producer José Zegarra Holder invited me to the biggest and most important progressive rock festival on the US-East Coast in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, NEARfest. There, I was sitting in a concert hall packed with 1000 people listening to one extraordinary contemporary progressive rock band after the other for an entire weekend. At this moment I got reconnected to progressive music and I thought: “This music should be heard by much more people.” So, I decided to do a documentary about this.





WMIFF MAG - Are you working on any projects currently and/or do you have anything planned in the future?



Adele Schmidt - Yes, now that “Romantic Warriors” is released we are planning to stay in the genre of progressive music. We are planning to do a film about a specific style of progressive rock music “RIO” (Rock In Opposition) that dates back to the 60ies.





WMIFF MAG - What is the most rewarding aspect of making films?



Adele Schmidt - I think that one of the most rewarding aspects of documentary filmmaking is that you get immersed into a reality that you didn’t know before and you get to meet a lot of interesting people. When you start filming, you embark onto a journey of discovery. Once the film is finished, you share the story with an audience, who then watches the film and goes onto a journey as well.





WMIFF MAG - If someone were to ask you how to get starting in making films, what are the steps that you would recommend to do so?



Adele Schmidt - Listen to yourself. What is important to you? What do you want to talk about? Find your story. The story is sometimes closer then you think. Do the research, immerse yourself into that reality you want to explore, talk to people, travel, get the technical skills and start the journey.





WMIFF MAG - Can people buy copies of "Romantic Warriors"? If so where can they purchase it?



Adele Schmidt - You can buy the film from Amazon (TV/Movies) and our website http://www.progdocs.com





WMIFF MAG - Where can people find out more about you and your films?



Adele Schmidt - All reviews of the film are now at http://www.progdocs.com. If you want to know about us and our previous work please visit: http://www.zeitgeistmedia.tv and

http://www.american.edu/soc/faculty/aschmidt.cfm





WMIFF MAG - Do you have any last words that you want to share?



Adele Schmidt - I really wish for “Romantic Warriors” that it gets out there and that people connect to the music that is in the film. It’s fantastic music once you get really into it. Be a supporter of progressive rock music, listen to the music, go to the concerts, buy the music. Help that the musicians get the recognition they really deserve.



I also would like to thank all the people who have given support to the film. Without them, the making of the film would not have been possible.



“Romantic Warriors” is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.









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Trailer from "Romantic Warriors – A Progressive Music Saga"









Thursday, September 30, 2010

Check out how the talented and sexy Ty Bless is Taking it to the limit!

"Work hard, stay focused and always put God first."














Rising Quickly To The TOP And Master Of His Music







Hip Hop Artist 







TY BLESS

















There are no doubtingly a number of talented artists in this world but very few stand out.  Out of these few, there are fewer that shine on forever.  What is that key ingredient to this type of success?  Is it that in addition to an overwhelmingly amount of passion and love for their art, they have an abundant love for the people that follow them? Perhaps.  If so, WMIFF sees Mr. Ty Bless as one of these few and special people.  Ty is a blossoming and talented artist that will not give up on his dreams and at the same token, neither will his fans.  Learn more about this talented artist in the making and watch how he make a follower out of you.  




Also, make sure to check out his award winning music video "Freakin It" at the bottom of the page.







WMIFF MAG - How long have you
been a musician? Tell us about your love of music and the type of music that
inspires you to create your style of music?
 




Ty Bless - I've been making my
own songs and music for about 16 years, going back to childhood. 


I love music of all kinds, and genre's, it's all in the melody,
and the movement of the track or the song. Party music, music that allows
people to escape their everyday trials, and stresses is what inspires me to
create. However, I adore mood music too, so if I'm feeling sad or romantic, I
can play ballads or day. Like Anita Baker, or Luther Vandross. Or if I
feel like singing along, I love R&B mid tempo music such as Mary J. Blige,
R. Kelly, etc...





WMIFF MAG - Who are artists that
inspire you and why?
 


Ty Bless - I'm inspired by artists
who understand the theory of writing a great song.  Musically, I would say Dr. Dre, and his many protégé’s
or OutKast because of how creative they are;
T.I. as a Hip Hop artist for his structure in music and Jay Z because his
music is conversational, and so often time one can relate to it.





WMIFF MAG - Tell us about your
award winning music video "Freakin It".  Who are the people responsible for helping to
make this music video happen?
 


Ty Bless - Carlos Berrios is
both the producer, and the director of the video.  He wanted to make sure it had the proper
promotional tool to go along with what we thought was a really great song and
my guess is that we captured it.





WMIFF MAG - How long did it take
to create "Freakin It"? Is there anything that you would change about
the music video?
 


Ty Bless - It took two days.  If I had an opportunity, I would do a few more
scenes, and I would be a part of the silhouette scene doing my dance.  I know that by the time if we got to that part
of the shoot, I would have had a terrible headache, and couldn't move. LOL





WMIFF MAG - Do you have any new
projects in the works right now as far as music or music videos?
 


Ty Bless - Currently I'm
finalizing a mix tape project, called, "Anything Is Possible".  It's a straight hip-hop album that I'll be
throwing out there hopefully by Halloween or so.  I'm also working up on a follow up
"CLUBHOP" album for my current album "Rock Da Party".  I’m not sure if I'll call it “Rock Da Party
II”, or “The After Party”.  I'm also planning
to work on more music videos for the songs that are on my current album as
well.





WMIFF MAG - What is your ideal
goal or dream as a musician and where do you see yourself in five years?
 


Ty Bless - I want to be a multi
media GIANT by 5 years. I'm currently embarking on a mission to create my own
Sports variety show that will be on
 nitelineradio.com.  I'm a sports junkie, and I feel all too often
that athletes are demonized by the media just for the story of the day, and I'd
like to be there to rebuttal all of that.  Also, I’d like to make it very sexy and fun
for all my listeners, and followers.
 


 


WMIFF MAG - How did it make your
feel when you won Best Hip Hop music video for "Freakin It" at WMIFF?


Ty Bless - I was absolutely floored.
I had no idea that out of nine nominated
music videos, mine being one of the last entries, that I would even have a
chance.  When they announced my name I
just floated up to the podium.  It was my
first time ever receiving an award for my work, outside of a plaque for sales.
 





 


WMIFF MAG - If someone wants to
follow in your shoes, what is the best advice that you can give to them?
 


Ty Bless - I would first advise
them to be resilient.  Then I would tell
them that if they can’t take criticism, don't do it.  If they can't take the word “NO” or any type
of rejection, don't do it.  If they are
not willing to put as much energy into their stage show, as they do into
recording, don’t do it.  Someone shooting
for their dream needs to go all out and not give up.  They need to make sure to be prepared to make
significant sacrifices; otherwise they may not reach their goal.  Also, I would say to keep expectations low
and make sure that the initial goals are somewhat realistic or modest, so they
can actually reach them.  Then
afterwards, set higher ones.   Once they
put their noses to the grindstone, and they start to look back after a while,
they will be so surprised and proud of themselves for what they have done.
 


 


WMIFF MAG -What is your best trait as a musician?  Do you have any unique qualities that many or
few artists share? If so, what are they? In other word what would make you
stand out in the crowd with other artists?
 


Ty Bless -I believe that my love and passion for writing songs is my best
trait.  As well, my ability to capture
and motivate just about any audience is enlightening.   When I
perform, I see everyone wanting to party even if they don't like hip-hop music.
To me, I find this unique. Sometimes I
think that God has given me a hotline into the world’s collective thoughts that
keeps me saying things that many people can relate to.
 


 


WMIFF MAG -Where can people find out more information about you? 


Ty Bless – You can find me at the following URL's: 


http://facebook.com/tybless 


http://twitter.com/tybless 


http://myspace.com/tybless


http://reverbnation.com/tybless 


http://youtube.com/user/blessflix 





I welcome all to come and join my personal website at http://www.tybless.com where you can set up your
own profile account and stay in touch. 
 


Also, if you Google Ty Bless, you'll get about 50 pages of
information.  I’m getting out there in
this place they call the “world wide web” and my goal is for all of you to see
much, much more.  Lastly and of course,
you’ll find me at any WMIFF event, because we're family!! <3





WMIFF MAG - Do you have any last
words to say to the audience?
 


Ty Bless – I'd like to say that
in life you have to believe in yourself.
Sometimes even parents won't
understand or see your vision and you might have to take yourself out of many
comfort zones to make your vision a possibility.  Don’t be afraid to break that mode and try
every avenue available to your dream.  Make sure to work hard, stay focused and dedicated,
and always put God first.


 


Check out Ty's music video with Ft K7 from TKA.  Once you watch, it you'll be "Freakin It" on the dancefloor too!   










Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ask ICIZZLE, I dare you!

Do you want a question answered about film, acting, interviewing or LIFE in general? Ask ICIZZLE. Ask ICIZZLE whatever unanswered question that has been racking your brain for days, months, year and get some peace of mind and/or perhaps a really good laugh. Best of all, have your questions answered on video so you can share your personal question with the rest of the world. You'd be surprised how many people might be thinking that same question!




Life is too short, so go for it, ICIZZLE is here for YOU!




Email info@wmiff.com