THE GIFT OF BEAUTY, THE GIFT OF ART

Remember when "the holidays" were too far to think about? Seeing red and green decorations in the store before Thanksgiving was absolutely ridiculous, and those who announced that they've already gotten half way through their gift lists were just a bit too peppy for you?  Well, In just a few days children will be ripping into the colorful packages that have been taunting them for weeks, and the "The receipt's in the box" songs will commence.  It's Christmas! *enter sounds of jingling bells*

I've got a great gift idea for all you last minute-ers,  Give the gift of art!--
www: That's a great gift idea Nicole!
me: Yes, that's what I said it would be
www: but how can I find a great artist?
me: I'm so glad you asked World Wide Web--*enter, KELLY GRACE*

Photo by: Creative Coordinates
Makeup by: NAH makeup

I met KELLY GRACE in elementary school, long ago (never you mind how long!), and we lost touch after she changed schools.  We re-connected about a year or two ago via good ol' Facebook!  I came to find out that she now makes her living as an artist, and anyone who can make a living through their art, I have GREAT admiration for.  She describes herself as an "art hermit".  "She uses painting as her way if interpreting and sharing with the world, the beauty that she sees on a daily basis"-(from her bio)
Check out her paintings, and prints here.  Also, to duplicate her Hollywood style coif, she has some hair tutorials here





THE LOOK

Photo by: Creative Coordinates
Makeup by: NAH makeup

KELLY'S signature color is Teal, so I went with it, and orange tones to go with her porcelain skin and fantastic red hair color.

PRODUCTS (All M.A.C)
Eyes: Aquadisiac eyeshadow (all over lids)
         Cork eyeshadow (crease)
         Embark eyeshadow (as liner)
         Brule eyeshadow (brow highlight

Cheeks: Peaches sheer tone blush

Lips: Spice lipliner
        Richer Lusher cream sheen glass

Note:
This photoshoot was in the summer.  To make this look winter/holiday friendly,  here are my suggestions:
Eyes: Humid eyeshadow (used just around the eyes if you find it too bright), Cheeks: Ginger or Raizin (for darker skin tone) blush, Lips: Costa Chic lipstick (for a pop of brick)

FAREWELL AMY

Today, we have lost a great artist.  I found out on my fb feed earlier this afternoon.  It hit me hard, and I find myself extremely saddened by the news, and I don't quite understand my own reaction.  After all she was just another drugged up Hollywood singer right?

I was first introduced to AMY WINEHOUSE by my co-worker Mike about 9 years ago, way before she hit North America.  We played her album repeatedly during our shifts. We commented on the richness of her voice, and the bitterness of her lyrics.  But that's all we knew, her voice and her song. I didn't even know what she looked like, I just knew that, with a voice like that, she was destined to be a musical great.

Fast forward to about 3 weeks ago.  I watched in amazed horror (and I admit a little judgmental disgust) as she performed stumbled around on a stage in a daze, blatantly displaying the drug addicted behavior she has become known famous for.  I then became sad.  Sad because it was clear that she was being swallowed up by her own addiction, and sad because no one was stopping the show.  It felt as if we were all sitting back to a live show of self destruction.

AMY you're gone way too soon.  And although the drama-hungry-media will undoubtedly put your illness on display, I will remember you fondly as the tiny British girl with the powerhouse voice.  And though you may not have realized it, your gift was inspiring.

REST IN PEACE

MY AFRODELIK DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY (part 2)

So our Tuesday was going great so far.  My "non model" Caitlin turned it out, like a pro.........

Caitlen, working it!  This awesome photo was taken by Craig Doyle Henry

........my co-photographer/husband/ride, headed off to work, and after one final shot with the designer, Caitlin went off to school..................

Desiree and Caitlin, before I "did her up!"

....so it was just me and Desiree, and it was time to turn my brushes and lens on the woman of the blog-hour.

                                                                                     

Desiree Marshall is the genius behind the genius that is AFRODELIK DESIGN, a creative line of hand drawn (by Desiree herself!) sketches, character and celebrity faces.  In her art, you can see strong influences of the stylin' 70's and African art.  She says: "as a teenager I had a dream that I was sent to Afro City, where everything was smooth and funky.  Our designs are inspired by the essence of out soul brothas' and sistas', and our ancestors from Africa.  Through their guidance and influence, designs are born".  

The company is more popularly know for their funky t's, but most recently, Desiree has decided to pull out her inner fashionista, and designed her first evening dress for the line!  She was shy but eager to show it off herself!

she started out a little nervous...

...and it took a minute to get into it....

...but she got into it!

awww yeeahh!

....here's a closer look at some of the great details...........

Desiree, my new friend, you've got something beautiful going on!  Thank you for letting me share! I had a fantastic day before yesterday! :-)

So there it is BEAUTY AND THE ARTS family!  You're the very first to lay eyes on this new project.  For those of you who will be in the Toronto area this weekend (Saturday July 9, Sunday July 10 2011), AFRODELIK will have a booth where you can BUY THIS DRESS!!!, along with her funky t's, jewellery, and some other new goodies you'll love! --GUYS!! No need to feel left out, cuz AFRODELIK has something new and fancy for you too--but you'll have to check it out at the booth!  All I'll say is that it will be nice to see the return of the "gentlemen"..........hmmmm? 

Make sure you check the website WWW.AFRODELIK.COM

MY AFRODELIK YESTERDAY! (part 1)

So it's been a while since I've been here, but I've been doing some fun and creative stuff that I'm excited to share with you all!  Let's start with the latest.

YESTERDAY, I had a blast doing makeup, hair and TAKING PHOTOS (yeah that's right) to introduce a new design by AFRODELIK DESIGN, a funky hand drawn collection of art for clothing and jewellery--which if you are in Toronto this weekend, you'll be able to get your hands on at AfroFest.--more on that later.  Back to yesterday! Last month I had offered AFRODELIK's designer and founder, Desiree Marshall, a blog feature  to introduce the newest design, And as soon as it was available and in hand, I got the call.  It all happened so fast-about 3 days to be exact.

First, we needed a model:  On Sunday night, I was out with a girlfriend celebrating her birthday.  We had drinks downtown.  Our waitress was friendly, efficient and stunning!--Model-check!

Then, what about an affordable photographer?:  My husband and I recently invested in a great camera.  I took photography in school, and he studied camera operation --photos-check!  And here we go!


**disclaimer** Neither me or my hubby are professional photographers. And p.s no touch-ups!  So please excuse a little shine! lol **

  Our host Desiree, made us some yummy snacks:  hummus (from scratch), rosemary pita chips (homemade!) and the most delicious olives stuffed with garlic (president's choice--who else!)

We jammed to the tunes of Erykah Badu and some old skool Aretha Franklin





So as I mentioned, our model wasn't a "model".  Her name is Caitlin Phillips, she's a part time waitress, and a full time York U student studying Enviornmental Sciences.  I noticed her because she was just so darn cool!  She had long wild strawberry blond hair, hippie chic attituded, and the cutest chin dimple!  When I asked her if she modeled, she responded "nah!  I love my fork too much!"-- so rock n' roll! I had to have her!

         Hair/Makeup by: Nicole A. Henry, Photos by: Nicole A. Henry/Craig Doyle Henry, Dress by: Afrodelik Design.

Not a model?  Hmmmmm!  These were the first shots of the day.  Not bad (if i do say so myself! ha!)  So there's a peek at the newest AFRODELIK design.  More popularly know for the T-shirts, Desiree wanted to try her hand at something a little more chic, with a twist!  I love it!  The material is bamboo which makes it soft and flowy, the style is so flattering for so many different body types, and her hand drawn design on the front is the perfect amount of funk for an evening out!

Let's continue:

Time to change it up a bit!  I think Caitlin's in her element!  Now she's free!!

There's the rock star!  Thanks Caitlin, you were awesome!

If you are looking for a makeup artist for your photo shoot, contact me!

Check back tomorrow on BEAUTY AND THE ARTS for an exclusive feature and photos of the divine Desiree Marshall, creative genius behind AFRODELIK DESIGN

TAKING THE WORLD BY SMOKE: Lori Nuic

photo by: creative coordinates
makeup by: NAH makeup

THE LOOK

I love doing a smokey eye.  It was the perfect look for this bombshell!  LORI NUIC was the perfect palette for this look.  A sexy smoky eye, defined cheek bones and a soft nude lip.  Classic.  

PRODUCTS (all MAC products)

Eyes: graphito paint (all over the lid and crease)                                                                                                   carbon eyeshadow (outer corner)                                                                                            shroom eyeshadow (brow highlight)                                                                 Cheeks: golden bronzing powder (contour)

             blushbaby powder blush                                                                          

                                                                                       Lips: hug me lustre lipstick

                                                                                               oyster girl tinted lipglass

07 Something's Gotta Give

photo by: creative coordinates
makeup by: NAH makeup

She's not just a lovely face, she's a voice.  And as I discovered during our photo shoot, she's also a pleasant and funny personality.  LORI NUIC is so far the first artist featured on Beauty and the Arts, that I had never personally met before.  My only encounter with her, was when I saw her on stage as the opening act for a friend's showcase.  She performed with her brother and was a lot of what I really love about live music and discovering new talent, and I immediately added her to my mental list of artists to use for the blog.  Not that LORI is "new talent"!  Actually she's world wide.  I was taken a bit aback when reading her resume!


LORI is definitely making a name for herself, and if you think you've never heard her before, you will soon.  Her debut CD 'Red Book Chronicles', has taken her to stages in South America, the UK and the Dubai Jazz Festival.  She has also opened for Simply Red and Arrested Development (just to name two).  LORI NUIC is currently working on her soon to be completed second album.  Be sure to check her out at lorinuic.com

THE DEFINITION (part 1): Abena Malika

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

THE LOOK

I knew exactly what I would be doing with ABENA's makeup even before our photoshoot!  She has the most beautiful skin a woman could have.  Its the perfect shade of chocolate and  flawless.  I knew that this would be the focus.  I used a foundation from MAC called HyperReal.  Its a perfect summer foundation with light to medium coverage.  The nicest thing about it is its reflectors that highlight the skin beautifully.

PRODUCTS (all MAC products)

Skin: NC700 hyperreal liquid foundation

Eyes: hyperreal used all over lids using a stiff bristled brush

         beaded eyeshadow (under brows and inner eye corner)

         embark eyeshadow (outer crease, lightly blended inward)

         ebony pencil eyeliner (top and bottom lash line)

Cheeks: reed powder blush

Lips: hyperreal foundation evening out the lips, 

        c-thru tinted lipglass

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

ABENA MALIKA is for me the definition of Beauty and the Arts--gorgeous and gifted!  She's another one of those people who I have no memory of meeting.  I have no idea how I know her, but I sure am glad that I do, she just exudes lovely!  As someone who LOVES theater and music (especially when the two come together!), I am such an admirer of  her body of work.    

I had the great pleasure last week of seeing ABENA on stage for the opening of the play '(re)birth E.E. Cummings in Song'.  Now, I knew that she was talented, but OMG! There were no "leads" in this play, she was part of a chorus, but of course she stood out!  During part of the play, I looked up and there she was playing the upright bass, at another point, she walked onto the stage with an accordion in hand.  I thought, -'of course this is just a prop'- and then she starts playing.  And of course she  sang!  .   I enjoyed myself immensely.

Some more of ABENA's theater credits include: 'A Mid Summer Night's Dream', 'Mamma Mia', and 'The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God'.  She received a 2007 NAACP Theatre award for her performance in 'Da Kink in My Hair' and a Dora nomination in 2008, for 'A Raisin In the Sun' in her role as Ruth Younger.  

Currently, ABENA is working on a solo project which should be out this summer.  Check back here for part two of ABENA MALIKA.

LIFE AS A MUSICAL

photo taken from soulpepper.ca

A week ago I had the pleasure of attending the opening of a Double Bill at The Soul Pepper Theater Company (located in the Toronto Distillery District).  I had no idea what either play was about so I had absolutely no expectations.  

The First play was called (RE)birth: E.E. Cummings In Song.  The title pretty much sums it all up, but for some reason I didn't make the connection. The spoken prose of the 20th Century poet placed on the stage and put to song?--GENIUS!-- I walked into the full theater, was led to my seat in the last row almost center (I think the best seats in the house) and observed the rustic set of wooden chairs, instruments and a wooden upright piano.  My excitement began to build.

 **note three things about me before I continue: 1) my husband calls me a farm girl, 2) one of my 3 all time favorite movies is Anne of Green Gables, and 3) if I could, I would live my life as a musical!**

photo by: sian richards

The play opened with a squeaky frog toy (yep!), and added a banjo, an accordion and singing.  I knew immediately I was going to LOVE this play which to my delight became a creative folk musical!

photo taken from Soulpepper.ca

The next play, Window On Toronto, was another unexpected pleasure, and a great work of hometown glory!  Set in downtown Toronto's Nathan Phillip Square, Window On Toronto, is an extremely funny (I mean fold over-hold-your-gut funny) take on the daily adventures of a hot dog truck vendor.  I can't even explain this one any further!  You MUST go and see it for yourselves!

The double bill is playing at the Soul Pepper Theater Company until June 18th (2011).  Have a great grown-up night out, with dinner in the District and 2 amazing shows!  Perfect introduction to summer entertainment!

HYPNOTIZED: Genevieve Marchesseau

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

THE LOOK

Sultry.  That's how I would describe the look.  The make up on GENEVIEVE MARCHESSEAU reminds me of her voice: Rich and smokey, with a bit of shimmer and absolutely, hypnotically beautiful.

PRODUCTS ( all MAC products)
Eyes: satin taupe eyeshadow (all over the lid and crease and along the bottom lash line)
         embark eyeshadow (outer crease, softly "winged out")
         smolder eye khol pencil (inner eye rim)
Blush: desert rose powder blush
Lips: whirl lipliner,
        nymphette tinted lipglass                                                                                                        

I met GENEVIEVE in highschool.  We were both in the "music theater" program at Etobicoke School of the Arts.  She had me mezmerized.  Her voice is something indescribable.  When she would open her mouth to sing, I had no choice but to listen frozen, and taken into another world!  When I decided to start this blog, I absolutely knew I wanted her to be a part of it.  When we chatted, she reminded me that we were only at the school together for one year.  I was shocked!  How could I not have remembered that detail?  But that's the lasting impression she left on me.  She was beautiful, and kind and oh that voice!

GENEVIEVE MARCHESSEAU has kept up her musical career as a freelance vocalist, singing in various bands, and  recording demos for some of the biggest songwriters in Toronto and LA.  In 2000, she was a member of the Toronto "pop" group B2Krazy with appearances on Much Music, and most recently (and very exciting), she recorded the background vocals for the title track "Unfinished" on the upcoming album of  Mister "I'll be loving you forever" himself, Jordan Knight from NKOTB!

I am eagerly waiting for her to release her own project, "Luscious".  I will definitely have her back when it comes out.  Believe me its worth the wait!

PRETTY IN PINK: Lisa Michelle

photo by: Creative Coordinates Photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

If you haven't yet experienced the beautiful sensation that is LISA MICHELLE, you've probably not been paying close attention!  She is definately an up and comer, and since I met her back in September last year, I now see her everywhere.  We first met as a fluke. My husband and I went to a rehearsal for an upcoming show, and she was rehearsing ahead of us for the same show.  My first thought of LISA was, 'what a pretty lady!', and then she sang--I was pleasantly impressed!  She sang two covers, one by Cee Lo and the next K-Os (not an easy feat for a female singer to sing songs by men) and I loved her interpretation of both.
In chatting with her, she mentioned that she is relatively new to performing, that she decided not too long ago to pursue singing as a profession.  You would never know/believe it to watch her though.  There is such an ease to her performance style that suggests the stage has been her home for years.  Watching her live is absolutely delightful!
LISA MICHELLE is not only an amazing "cover girl",  she has recently released two EPs,  Love Lessons, and Rebound.  Make sure you check her out! www.lisamichellemusic.com, and whenever you're in the Toronto area, find out where she'll be.  Definately a great live experience!

photo by: Creative Coordinates Photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

THE LOOK

As I mentioned, the first thing I noticed about LISA is how pretty she is.  And what is the prettiest color that goes with the prettiest girl?  Pink of course!  

I started with a pink fuschia, then highlighted her cheeks in a soft neutral pink blush and then finished off her lips in.......You guessed it!

PRODUCTS (all MAC)

Eyes: fuschia pigment (pressed all over lid and bottom lash line)

         carbon eyeshadow (outer corner and bottom lash line-when mixed with the pigment, gives off a purple hue)

         blacktrack fluidline (thin line swept along the lash line)

         shroom eyeshadow (brow highlight)

Cheeks: blushbaby powder blush

             pink opal pigment (light highlight along the cheek)

Lips: hug me lustre lipstick

                                                                    

LONG ROAD: Natasha Waterman

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

You know when you know someone but you don't quite know how?  You've met them someplace or someone introduced you that time, but you just can't pinpoint the what, where, when or who?  Well, this is the case with NATASHA WATERMAN and although I don't recall the details of our meeting, I do have one specific memory of her; the first time I heard her sing.  I was completely enamored by her voice, her presence and just her overall loveliness.
So, fast forward from way back then, to now.  NATASHA has a new sound and a new album called Long Road that I absolutely love.  I'll call the sound, folk/rock soul.  I just love the stripped acoustic sound of music, expressing the real raw gifting of a true artist.  Along with stunning vocals, NATASHA displays her songwriting skills.  As a matter of fact 5 of her songs landed on 2 of the Canadian Idol's albums, one of which went double platinum.  Here's a taste of one of my faves from the album
Deep Water 
You definately want to check her out! www.natashawaterman.com

THE LOOK

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

Of course I've wanted to do NATASHA's makeup for so long now.  Not only because I'm such an admirer of hers as an artist, but also because--well, look at her!  She's gorgeous!  

I went with a purple smokey eye.  Typically when you think of a "smokey" look, you think black, grey or sometimes dark brown.  Using a purple shade is a great way to add some color to the look and brightens up an otherwise dark look.  Rimming the eye with a dark khol keeps the look sultry. I kept the focus on the eyes so I wanted everything else soft.  Subtle bronzer contours her cheeks and a soft nude lipstick with a hint of gold to compliment the highlighting under her brows.

PRODUCTS (all products are MAC)

Eyes: parfait amour eyeshadow (all over the lid, crease and    lower lash line)

         purple haze eyeshadow (outer corner/crease)

         carbon eyeshadow (eye liner)

         smolder eye khol pencil (upper and lower water line)

         vanilla pigment (brow highlight, inner corner/lid)

Cheeks: bronze bronzing powder (as a contour)

Lips: honeyflower lustre lipstick

POP! : Nicole Joy Fraser

Well hello Blog World.  This has been such a long time coming, and now finally...!  I'm so excited to begin this journey of sharing, exploring, and creating.  I feel nervous, hopeful and anxious with anticipation.  It is after all my first time ;-)  So--here we go!

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

I met NICOLE JOY FRASER many years ago.  We were both a part of the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, she an alto, me a soprano.  I liked her right away!  The smiling eyes you see in the photo, is the same smile you'll see face to face--and actually the same smile you'll see passing her on the street!  That, her joyful personality and beauty, are a great mix for the stage.

NICOLE is a Toronto based triple threat (actor, dancer, singer)!  Her professional Music Theater career began when she became a part of the original North American cast of Mamma Mia!  She then continued to add to her impressive resume with titles like Jerry Springer-The Opera, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast UK tour.  She just finished up at the Buddies in Bad Times theater in the play Tombs of the Vanishing Indian and most recently performed at the Smithsonian Institute, NYC in The Great Mountain.  

There is so much more to come from this great talent and I look forward to catching her on her next stage adventure.

(Nicole Joy Fraser is represented by Sandra Gillis at Premier Artist Management sgillis@canadafilm.com)

THE LOOK

photo by: creative coordinates photography
makeup by: NAH makeup

On this Cree/European beauty, I drew inspiration from her dark hair and dark smiling eyes. We did the shoot in February so I wanted something to brighten up the winter blahs.  I went with a "not too dark daytime" smokey look on the eyes, which created a subtle mystery underneath her full fringe.  Then on her cheeks, a soft rose blush that complemented her touch of bronze skin and finally a vibrant "hot" pink matte lipstick for the perfect amount of happy on smiling lips!

PRODUCTS (I used all MAC)

Eyes:  brule eyeshadow (as a base and brow highlight), 

          embark eyeshadow (outer corner/crease)

          carbon eyeshadow (eyeliner)

Cheeks:  nine to five powder blush (you can use blushbaby if      MAC no longer carries it)

Lips: moxie retro matte lipstick (or try candy yum yum from their new Quite Cute collection)

So there we have it!  This is what its all about.  Sharing and collaborating with artists from all walks of life.  Special thanks goes out to Kelly Ann Jones of creative coordinates photography for working with me on my first "blog shoot".  It was an amazing time and I look forward to sharing the rest of the artists I made up on the the shoot.

And now there's no turning back.  My "blogger cherry" has been popped!