The MLK freedom train will leave from the San Jose, Ca Diridon Station at 9:30a to San Francisco CalTran station to make its annual fifty-four mile journey replicating the fifty-four mile walk from Selma to Montgomery the newscaster said, and which I just happened to hear and quietly asked myself, how many times have I said I going to make that journey sometime. So with a little more than two hours before the trains journey was to begin, I made a decision that this was a perfect time and way to enjoy a Monday.

I showered and made a quick breakfast, gathered my camera bag and drove myself to Diridon train station. I had a feeling there was going to be lots of people as this event always attracts multitudes. On my arrival I could see tons of people which reminded me of a ballgame gate entrance. I got my train tickets and began taking a few photos to document the day. I boarded the train and chose an upper deck seat so I could observe a bird’s eye view of the singers and poets of this event that strolled through all the train cars. The journey was eventful and memorable. If you ever have a chance to experience this from any city in America, do so.

When I arrived at San Francisco’s CalTran train station on 4^th and King you could see the excitement in the faces of young and old and listening to parents teach their young as to why this event should be so special in their lives was satisfying to say the least. Everyone gathered at the China Basin to begin the march which is alongside of the most beautiful major league baseball ballpark in the US, AT&T Park where the 2010 Champion San Francisco Giants play. I photographed the beginning of the march and somehow knew my day was going to be separated from the crowd as the sites of the city called me like the sound of a siren. I love San Francisco and could spend days just strolling through the many fantastic areas of this magnificent city.

The Freedom Trains Arrive at San Francisco Station

The Gathering at China Basin

The March Begins

One Very Excited Ten Year Old Who Told How Much She Was Happy To Be Here

Ice Cube + Mike Epps + Katt Williams + K.D. Aubert = Hilarious! I remember looking back almost ten years, since the movie “Friday After Next” was released, and I dont think I’ve ever laughed as much, at a movie, unless you mention its prequels, of course, “Friday” released in 1995, and “Next Friday” released in 2000. These films, that had limited budgets available to them, made a great deal of money because of their casts, in addition to the hilarious writing. These films appealed to a broad range of people, along with folks from the hood, who could so clearly relate to it.

Friday’s cast was made up of Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, sweet Nia Long, and many other talented cast members. FAN’s new cast features, once again the talented, Ice Cube, but surrounds him with a new and wonderful crew, to mix it up with him. If Nia Long was sweet looking, then what was new actor K.D. Aubert bringing to table? I’m glad you asked…..nothing short of absolute beauty. I remember several friends saying the same thing when they saw the movie.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from her, but especially in the last hour before she arrived, I was prepared and excited, to say the least. I didn’t realize it from looking at her on the big screen, but she is a tall woman (about 6′ 1″ or 2 in heels) who, ten years later, holds her beauty very well. From our first introduction, it was easy to see why there was plenty of hype about her to began with. She’s a model who has had campaigns under her belt, with AT&T, Noxzema and Garnier. Nevermind the fact, that she has worked with so many talented people such as musical artists Usher, Snoop Dog, Method Man, Jessica Simpson, in addition to having worked with the amazingly talented actor, Matthew McConaughey, in the 2008 movie “Surfer Dude”. And that is just naming some of the great people, of whom she’s been in good company with throughout her career. The industry obviously, saw some big things to come for her.

I welcome any amazing opportunities like this, as they present themselves to me in the future. I would hope that, after looking at these pictures, if any of you see an opportunity for me to be part of a great project like this that you’ll give me a holler.

Yes, she still has plenty of appeal for desire!

A short fifteen minute relaxation caught candidly, so beautifully framed

K.D. Still has a very sexy appeal which is clearly evident here

K.D. is spontaneous and delivers pleasantly what she wants you to have, so there really was never a need to direct or pose her as evident in these last photos

My crew on this project was (left to right) Phil Mabry, Jennifer Spence, Myself, K.D. Aubert, Gerald Franks

Thank you K.D. for a pleasant experience, when you stop in the Bay Area again, look me up!

I love art! I love people that love art! I love watches! I love people that love watches! I spend so much time in art galleries that I feel at home and I always wanted to own an art gallery. I spend so much time enjoying the beauty of watches that I created my own line of them. But this isn’t about me, it’s about and artist that somehow combined two things that mean so much to me into one thing.

Dale Mathis lives in a world that most of us will only admire and never truly understand the inner sanctum of one’s thoughts and intelligence. Genius, yes! The process of imagination has given us much of what we take for granted from telephones to running bath water. But art somehow tends to grasp a hold of us and capture our minds to make us think about creativity from another place in our soul and mind.

When I look at the work of this artist, I’m perplexed at the vision he had to fabricate his creations. I can travel back centuries and compare him to some of the greatest sculptures in of our time. I can also compare him to some of our twentieth century genius’ as well. From an observation of first glance at his work you will be a gasp and quickly ask yourself, is this really what I see?

Dale is a self taught artist with the precision of a master storyteller through his work. Usually an artist must tell a story to most of us as to what the inspiration was and we understand and take joy in the process.  But his creativity needs no explanation! Your first thought upon gazing his art is how I can get my hands on it. Or perhaps you’re thinking where I would place this art in my home and what joy the conversations will be after I show it to my guest.

Born in 1972 and raised in the Inglewood area of Los Angeles CA, which alone would be a challenge for most. He managed to make it through the gang invested areas and believe enough in himself with determination that matches his skill as an artist to leave his mark in society and history. At 36 years old his legacy has a fantastic start. I hope you enjoy this testimonial to an artist that I think as well as many other’s is well on his way to fulfilling his destiny!

Accolades: Bold, compelling themes and sophisticated aesthetics landed Mathis’ sculpture “Crucifixion of a Legacy” on MTV’s The Real World, Las Vegas XII, which then brought him a segment on HGTV’s, Crafters Coast to Coast. The Executive Desk will be featured in Playboy Magazine – October 2008. The Las Vegas Review Journal and international watch magazines in Europe and Latin America.

www.theartofdalemathis.com

I understand the importance just like you how valuable PR is and the strife for success with limited funds. While funds for traditional media outreach are very expensive, we must use many grassroots measures to still give our young emerging companies a chance. So if and when you get a cover shot or a plug as I like to say, it’s simply wonderful and can propel one to greater heights. Social media platforms have given us that grassroots opportunity and it’s becoming the norm while taking a Hugh bite out of traditional means. I created yet another site to assist in what I have searched for and wish was available to me. Generally that’s what you hear people say when they start a business, “I created this business because I couldn’t find anyone who could make what I need” I want someone to guide me through areas I know least about. In other word, help me find what the hell I’m looking for!

After 8 Media has its cross hairs fixed on being that cover shot or plug as you know I like to say for emerging artist of various genres. Come one come all, enjoy the party because it’s on us, stay as long as you like, drink as much as you want “designated driver required of course” eat as if you suffered famine and spread the love! I’m not going to stop until someone from this site makes it to the pinnacle, and even then it will just be the beginning. GLJ

The Digital Artist

The impact of digital technology has transformed activities such as painting, drawing and sculpture, while new forms, such as net art, digital installation art, and virtual reality, have become recognized artistic practices. More generally the term digital artist is used to describe an artist who makes use of digital technologies in the production of art. In an expanded sense, “digital art” is a term applied to contemporary art that uses the methods of mass production or digital media.

Tsubasa is an artist I came across while browsing the subject and trying to understand the value of digital art as a way to enhance my work. Like any traditional artist using a canvas and paints, incorporating art and products can be enormously creative, or simply a massive blunder in conception. I will continue to explore digital arts as a means to add value to created products in brand attention or advertising.

Just like a late night paid programming commercial would hark, get these fashion magazines at the low, low price of $9.95, BUT WAIT, there’s more, and in this scenario there really is a bright side. Italian Vogue’s February issue featured a 17 page all black model spread. It immediately sold out of every distributed copy although I’ve heard there’s a dealer in the garment district that has some stored away for sale at $15.90 a copy.

The story is called The Blackallure, and it was shot by Emma Summerton who’s work is nothing short of great! The models featured for this epic spread are in no particular order by name. Aminata Niaria, Ajak Deng, Chanel Iman, Rose Cordero, Melodie Monrose, Jourdan Dunn, Arlenis Sosa Peña, Georgie Badiel, Sessilee Lopez, Kinée Diouf, Lais Ribeiro, and Joan Smalls.

To see more of Emma’s Italian Vogue’s Work and other major magazine shoots: http://models.com/models/emma-summerton

I grew up reading many quotes as a youngster, mainly from fortune cookies and hearing them from adults until I was old enough to seek them out for myself. I’ve also heard that for many of us destiny is already written and we may not know it but there are many signs that we may and may not notice along our path to adulthood. In my early 20’s a co-worker told me a Chinese proverb on the path to success. He told me that his grandfather said that a person goes through many phases to find their career until around thirty. And between thirty and forty-five is when their wealth is built. However, creating wealth does not necessarily equal a person’s true calling to one of the most important things in life, Dreams and Passions for what would truly make us happy.

From the ages of forty-five until fifty proper planning to create the dreams is realistic. From fifty on a person should pursue their dreams with vigor to assure that the success of their dreams will come to fruition and therefore purpose of life is truly meaningful. I believe that while also knowing certain philosophies don’t apply to everyone, one must be receptive to the words of wisdom. With that being said, I’ll focus on my believing that many westerners are attracted to eastern philosophy as well as western and indeed believe in ancient teachings, I being one of the many that do. Remember Confucius?

In my twenties I held three jobs, all being in the business of selling fine furniture. Then I went after my dream job of becoming a master-craftsman in the construction industry specializing in hardwood flooring. I passed my California License exam and became a contractor. As an artist of design I knew I would be successful because I could create wood floors of art, designs that well to do clients would be happy to pay for because of my talents. After the first five years I began to get a true following of my skills and word spread a plenty about me in the Silicon Valley. My client list grew to include many of the heads of fine organizations like Apple, Intel, HP, Dean of Stanford U, Etc. After years in my chosen field, I realized I wanted to do something more, just one more thing to master, and my true desire.

I love watches! I always have since I first learned to tell the time. They simply fascinate me like no other piece of jewelry or accessory. The more watches I bought; the more I was impressed with the design of them. One day while driving home it struck me that perhaps I could find happiness in this pursuit. My only thought for days on end was I could become very good at this, but where to begin? The long and short of this endeavor I will spare the reader, however, I made the travels abroad, money I earned to follow my passion of course (it was written in my destiny) I did create my watch design business.

Garlason Group International (GGI) is the name of my company. Today I have so many ideas on paper that the drawings are like volumes of magazines now. One day I hope to create and deliver many of my designs to as many clients as possible. My latest design of watches was created for women. The name of the collection brand is GGI “After 8 Collection”. After 8:00p is when my design juices flow intensely, mainly because the days are filled with inspiration from many things I encounter, and they all seem to come together after 8:00p.

I created this site for the purpose of sharing ideas and building relationships with many of you that aspire to follow your dreams. I hope to gain insight and renewed energy from more youthful adults as well as experience from more knowledgeable adults. Please welcome my efforts to become a friend, inspirational leader, partner, or associated kindred spirit as in truth; we all can use the adage, With a Little Help from My Friends (John Lennon & Paul McCartney)

Sincerely,

Gary L Jamerson, aka Urban Picasso