Posts tagged One of us
One of Us: Katrina Pfannkuch
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture.
- @CreativeKatrina
One of Us: Meagan A Morris
Sex, drugs and rock and roll. I’ve spent a decade+ in smelly clubs playing music to drunken enthusiasts. It’s great. Musicians are a lively bunch. For all their decadence and self indulgent bullshit, musicians are usually the sensitive and reflective types. I met Meagan Morris under these circumstances. We share a passion for local music, beer specials and global social responsibility. Meagan organizes benefit concerts. I’ve had the honor to play in a few. There was one for Darfur, one for Haiti, there were others I can’t recall. It gets rowdy and the nights get late; Meagan’s events give musicians the opportunity to be involved without pulling a crow-bar to their dusty wallets. It works. I love her work. The world is a better place with Meagan Morris in it. She was nice enough to let us share a bit about her with this Q & A: (Click HERE to read more)
By: Ryan Estes
One of Us: Jesse Eastburn
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture.
“Um… well… yeah, I think I’m going to…” and with that unassuming intro, one never knows what will come next with the ever-entrepreneurial Jesse Eastburn. But whatever it is, you can be assured it will soon manifest. I am constantly amazed by this guy’s stories of life, from tattoo apprenticeships in the Middle East while serving in the US Navy to guerilla painting buildings with renowned graffiti artist Banksy to cofounding “The Pitbull Art Show,” a Denver based drive to legalize Pitbull ownership within the city and county of Denver. Today alone, he staved off two dog owners from tearing each other apart, saved a cat from a tree, booked another art show for the weekend, stretched a canvas, tattooed a midget and took his wife to dinner! He is Everyman’s hero. If the man has not done it, I would wager he will find a way to make it happen! He is a one man show, no matter which way you slice it! In 2009, Jesse and Peter Lewis met at an art gallery. The two talked shop, mainly the determined effort of both to not be “starving artists.” A dynamic duo was formed, kicking ass and taking names on the Denver scene ever since. In their wake, they have painted the town fresh with art shows, movie length cartoons, late night graffiti jams, Heritage Square caricatures booths and other events which help redefine Denver’s art scene. As a dynamic duo, these two might argue as to who wears the tights, but there is no question of the impact they have in our community. It is not a small thing to say that Denver is going through a renaissance. This change is an inevitable evolution with the trajectory of the arts in Colorado, especially Denver and its art walks. So, this being said, I’ll put my two cents down now that Jesse and Lewis will be some of the people to watch as we move forward in making our mark on the art tourism marketplace. Without further ado, I’m honored to introduce the guy behind the Pitbulls and spray cans, Mr. Jesse Eastburn:
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I started art like most children with good old Crayola. In middle school I started tagging anything I could find with a sharpie. In high school I picked up my first can of spray paint. This would later become an obsession. I painted all over the metro area until I found the art of tattooing. I did my tattoo apprenticeship while I was in the navy. I would later end up with two jobs, the navy as a cop and a tattooist. My Passion is Pitbulls. Being a heavily tattooed male I know how it is to be judged on appearances and stereotypes. That’s why I created the Name BullyOne and founded the Pitbull Art Show. A dedication to the education of the masses through art of the loyal, loving, misunderstood and man’s best friend, the Pitbull.
Nickname: Easterbunny, Bunny, Rabbit, Rabbit 187, BullyOne. I drive to become better, there isn’t a free moment wasted. My preferred vice is money and the occasional Strip club. I’d most like to live in a cave in the middle of the mountains. Diet: Mexican food and junk along with an assortment of high caffeine energy drinks. I’m a comic book fan boy so I don’t feel like typing on ‘heros’ forever. My real-life heros are my parents. Work is Tattooing, Gallery Art, Street Art, Advertising, etc. ect. It never ends. I connect online most on Facebook. My favorite person to follow on Twitter is @brandonbond
The question I get asked the most is: “How much for a butterfly on my ankle?”
I’m PTSD like a MF’er. The internet needs to implode on itself and shut down. No one meets in person anymore, and everyone is stuck on-line all the time. My greatest fear is being broke and homeless. The best place to vacation is Cuba. If I could do anything I’d go to my cave in the mountains or a deserted island away from all the negative crap that is in this world. Pets: Layla my Pitbull, Smudge and Pebbles my cats.
I wish I was ambidextrous. My greatest achievement is winning 1st place overall @ 619Inkfest. If I could switch places with one person for a day, it’d be my dog. Such an easy life. I get inspired by Life! My favorite spot in the world is in San Diego, this cliff on the base i used to work at was the most secluded peaceful place, I used to sketch and relax there all the time. My daughter is the love of my life. My favorite podcast Marijuana Radio. My parents are awesome.
As artists it is our duty to make works around current social and political events. If you are unaware, there is a breed ban on the infamous Pitbull. It is based around fear and ignorance. As a dog owner of this controversial breed, we made it our duty to speak for our dogs. To speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. So we educate and advocate for the breed without getting into your face. We want to get into your heart and minds through our pretty pictures.
Connect with me here:
www.dnrtattoo.com
Twitter: @Jmfeastburn , @pitbullartshow
Facebook
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One of Us: Neil McKenzie
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture. 
Neil McKenzie by Jennifer Levine:
I met Neil as a student in the class he conceived for the Center for Innovation
department of Metropolitan State College. I had been back in my glassblowing field for 6 months and was looking for a class or two to develop my business acumen. I had a pretty good grasp of the basics just by virtue of having started a business ten years before, but I needed to learn better organizational and networking tools for my original product lines. One of the advisers suggested Neil’s Artrepreneurship class as a good place to start. From the first class, I knew I had found the right environment to “get the juices flowing.” Neil’s classroom structure is less a college course and more think-tank, a place for people to exchange ideas. Topics varied from online marketing, inventory maintenance, packaging concepts and general real-time concerns of the small business owner in the “creatives” market… the end goal being that each individual would have a business plan by the end of the semester. With Neil’s 30+ years advertising and marketing experience, his successful transition from the corporate world to commercial photography and his numerous articles in the Colorado Biz Magazine, he is the perfect mentor for artists having been in the marketplace for years or just getting started. The discussions were so dynamic that they often spilled out of the classroom, with members of class either pairing off to talk as they left or joining him outside to smoke cigarettes and confer about strategies. Neil is a man of magnetism and engagement. His curiosity is contagious. As he questions you to further expound on an idea, you begin questioning yourself in ways that demand foresight and manifestation. He is concept-driven, focus oriented and just a plain good guy to have on your team. To get an inkling of the man, you can sneak a peak of his photography skills on his website or read an excerpt of his forthcoming book off his blog. But, you can just look here to glimpse the character of which I’ve been delighted to call a friend and a living embodiment of what this series is designed to underscore. Without further ado…
I am Neil McKenzie.
I am a photographer, visiting professor, writer and advocate for the arts.
I was born in a foreign country. My greatest achievement is yet to be accomplished.
My career is teaching people in the arts business and taking great photographs of people. I grew up in Denver and Boulder. The question I get asked the most is, do you photograph weddings? No!
Greatest extravagance: Banana cream pie.
Diet: Healthy items with an occasional Chicago Dog for good measure.
Dream job: The one I currently have.
Favorite vacation spot: Colorado.
Work is fun if you are passionate about it.
The best book I ever read is Don Quixote.
I wish I could draw and paint.
I’m just so sick of worthless politicians.
I’m most excited about finishing my new book.
I found the love of my life in high school
The best way to relax is watching a good movie.
My favorite spot in the world is at my farm in Boulder
Connect with me here: www.neilmckenziephotography.com www.creativesandbusiness.com on Twitter @neilmckenzphoto
One of Us: Kinga Reilly-Moore
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture. 
Intro by: Jennifer Levine
I honestly believe that “kinga” is the polish word for “superwoman.” I first met this lovely lady at an event I was putting together for Cinco de Mayo, “Liberate Your Mind, Liberate Your Soul.” I posted a call for artists on a face and body painting Facebook group and within minutes I received an email from Kinga. She was energy, excitement and enthusiasm. After emailing her a few details, I called. To my amazement, she had already found her model, an assistant and a concept. Classically trained in aesthetics and a professional make up artist, it was only natural that this Polish beauty evolved to be one of the most talented body painters I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Original, inventive and color- driven, her work is reflective of her personality. Since meeting her, I have watch Kinga’s portfolio explode! There isn’t a week where she’s not coordinating a slew of events, from face painting children at family festivals to massive body painting expos downtown. For good reason, she is a woman in demand and the only one I know who can pull it off with such effortless grace. I cannot underscore my delight in this gal or her warm spirit enough! Without further ado:
I am Kinga Reilly-Moore. I was born Warsaw, Poland.
Role: Devoted Wife, Mother, Skin Therapist, Make-Up Artist, Body Painter, as my husband calls me, the “Director of Creative Energy”. I would change my inability to make decisions at the dumbest moments. For example: Buying paint brushes. I literally spent an hour in the paintbrush section at Hobby Lobby staring at two packages and I could not decided. My husband just stared at me in disbelief.
Why grow up?
Nickname: Princess.
Preferred vice: Facebook.
Diet: salmon, chicken, fruits, veggies, popsicles.
My greatest extravagance is make-up, skin care products, and beauty products.
I’d like to live in Europe somewhere.
My husband is my hero.
The most valuable thing I own is my laptop.
I don’t twitter.
My greatest anxiety is the fear of me.
If I could do anything I’d go back in time and spend more time with my grandma.
I have no secrets.
I loved Conversations With God, changed a lot of things for me.
Best thing on TV: The Cosby Show.
I think people are too self absorbed.
I get inspired by other artists work.
I envy a person without fear, or at least not afraid to face their fears.
I spend most of my time with my family.
I most wish I had grace.
My favorite spot in the world is my grandparents kitchen table.
I found the love of my life at work in 1999.
The best way to relax is at the beach.
My parents are complicated.
The internet is self aware, it’s just toying with us.
Connect with me here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Face-and-Body-Arts-by-Kinga/114599075291468
One of Us: Ashley Johnson
Introduction by Jennifer Levine
Ashley Johnson is sweet. I abhor the adjective “nice,” feeling like it’s a descriptor for a person lacking any other quality. But, Ashley Johnson is sweet. Her casual manner and cheery disposition immediately inspire friendship. Her passion just plain inspires. She is one of those rare gems that manifests ideas and visions, giving people (especially artists) something to believe in. As a graphic designer trying to carve a career trek, Ashley saw something missing and endeavored to solve the problem. How can I, as an artist, utilize the Internet to find projects and work… how can I help other artists/artisans with the same goal? Galaxyquotes.com was born. Her company is a platform meant to cultivate artists’ careers and develop creative projects in the mainstream marketplace. Be it a mural on the side of a building, a logo for a letterhead, the perfectly tailored wedding dress, live music or an intricately designed necklace with your favorite stones… Galaxy Quotes is the place to shop. Then, for artists looking for exposure or financing for their visions, they can post portfolios and projects just a click away from consumers. What makes this site different than other artist portfolio / project services out there? The conception and implementation of the business was by artists, for artists. The key demographic is professional. Her service is cutting edge, offering a new platform for creatives to explore that they wouldn’t necessarily have access to through other social networking. In Talk Launch’s “One of Us” series, she deftly fits into their call to arms: The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture. Without further ado, here’s the gal behind the galaxy, Ms. Ashley Johnson:
I am Ashley Johnson. I was born in good ol’ Denver.
I am a creative director / idea designer. I grew up in Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, and New Zealand. I wish I could sing.
I have a Masters in Political Philosophy. I think people are inherently compassionate and selfish at the same time. I’m just so sick of politics.
I get inspired by art and movies. I have a little black kitty orphan named Magic Johnson. I like my spontaneity and general willingness.
Nickname: Ash.
Vice: Cheese.
Diet: Organics.
I’d like to live in Europe.
I fight the temptation to get depressed. I envy Jacques Cousteau.
I spend most of my time creating and designing.
Dream Job: Creating an expectational movie while travelling the world.
Fictional Hero: Bugs bunny (not sure why)?
Real Life Hero: Stanley Kubrick and Marco Polo
Great achievements: Directing a movie, websites, and iphones.
My greatest anxiety is not getting anywhere.
One thing the Internet really needs is an environmental reader. Would using black screens on google be better for the environment?
If I could switch places with one person for a day, it’d be an astronaut.
My favorite spot in the world is a lush forest next to the ocean.
I’m excited by seeing lots of creative portfolios on my website GalaxyQuotes.com
My favorite song: Bob Marley, One Love. It just makes me happy!
My greatest fear is humans in general destroying our planet.
If I could do anything I’d go to space.
My secret hobby is buying domain names…er yeah…juicyfarts.com?
Work is my life. My ideas are most valued to me.
I connect online: Galaxy Quotes!
Favorite Book: Even Cowgirls get the Blues
Favorite Song: Bob Marley, One Love. It just makes me happy!
Gardening is the best way to relax.
You can find me here:
GalaxyQuotes.com
Elfpig.com
Shapingart.com
One of Us: The Mirror
Duncan Trussell had a great story on the Joe Rogan Experience yesterday.
He had been depressed and went on a 10 day camping trip.
He noted: In the woods there are no mirrors.
- During the course of your day you glance at the mirror to make sure you look good; to see how you are doing.
When you have no mirror, the people around you take it’s place.
- You look to these people to know how you are doing.
- Their expressions reflect how you look.
In the woods, in the company of friends, all you see are smiles.
There is a reciprocity here that is beautiful.
I found this quote by Rudolf Steiner that fits:
“A healthy social life is found only when in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living.”
I’m heading to the woods in a week and I’ll take Duncan’s story with me.
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I’m gearing up for another round of the ‘One of Us’ series.
I am inspired by good folks working with excellence.
I work to reflect that.
Estes
One of Us: Daniel N. Ericson
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture. 
Daniel N. Ericson is an artist from Denver Colorado. He paints portraits on streetsigns. He is one of the funniest men I know. His friends call him Dunn, Dunnington, Dunston, McDunna and the Signtologist - we met in middle school. We were friends in high-school, we were roommates in college, we’ve collaborated on numerous projects since. We both share a passion for oriental aesthetics and second-wave hip-hop music. Mostly, we drink and smoke together and have a grand ol’ time. I’ve learned quite a bit from Dunn, particularly the power of free. The amount of work he’s created and given away is astronomical. For me he’s videotaped performances, designed posters and laid-out the cover-art for my records. Dunn was helping me frame some tribute pieces I was working a couple years back. He asked for a nominal fee, which lead to an argument. We exchanged f-bombs and I left at a slamming door. After I cooled-off a bit, I realized I was being an ungrateful jerk. I apologized and we were good. It’s incredibly valuable to have friends that can check you every now and again. The ‘One of Us’ series is a reflection of Dunn’s spirit of reciprocity. He’s a sweet and generous guy; a world famous artist. I’m hoping he dies tragically so my Signtologist art collection will finance my kid’s education. In addition, Dunn was nice enough to spend a little time with this Q & A:
I am Daniel N. Ericson. I grew up in South Denver. The most valuable thing I own are my ideas. The question I get asked the most is: ‘Did you steal all those signs?’
I like my creativity.
I wish I had more hair.
I’d love to live in the Caribbean or NYC.
My greatest anxiety is crowds of people.
Extravagance: Toys
Vice: Whiskey or White Russians
Diet: Knowledge & water
Fictional hero: Homer Simpson
Real-life hero: Andy Warhol
Work is not work when you love what you do.
I connect online most on my Iphone or G5.
Favorite person to follow on Twitter: @radioestes my college roommate & only person I can get to play to Shogi with me.
One thing the Internet really needs is an age limit. I had a great childhood with minimal computer interaction let a kid be a kid.
Greatest fear: Heights.
Best place to vacation: Jamaica .
If I could do anything I’d fly.
Hobby: Cooking.
Favorite book: Anything by Dr. Seuss
People are amazing, I get inspired by life.
The best thing on TV is Robot Chicken.
The person I most envy is Banksy.
I spend most of my time creating & dreaming.
I wish I had is rhythm.
My greatest achievement is having an art show with my mom.
I’m just so sick of egos, check yours at the door please.
If I could switch places with one person for a day, it’d be Dali Lama.
My favorite spot in the world is at home in my studio
My Wife Gigi is the love of my life.
I can’t pick just one favorite song; too many that I love. I’ve been bumping a lot of Cee Lo Green’s catalog lately Goodie Mob, Gnarls, and solo projects in the studio.
Favorite podcast: Lately I’ve been listening to Hay House Radio.
(Listen to Dunn on 8th Grade Ball here.)
Painting keeps me balanced, I’ve always used my creative outlet to relax.
My parents are great & super supportive of my art.
The internet becomes self aware in the year 2012, around the same time all the other shit hits the fan would be a good time I would assume?
I would like to see Eric Matelski a.k.a The Art Pimp answer these questions
You can find me here: www.thesigntologist.com
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- Ryan Estes
One of us: Rob Streisfeld
The artists, entrepreneurs and digital gunslingers of our creative culture. Rob Streisfeld is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, a health food chef, an author, a consumer advocate and concierge for better living. He is known affectionately as Doc Rob. I met him 6 years ago at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore. After nearly 10 years in natural products I’ve come to recognize the industry is split into two camps: 1) Chumps. Wing-nuts, Nut-bags, crazy people. e.g. Kevin Trudeau 2) Champs. Health freaks, do-gooders, relaxed people. e.g. Sara Snow I’d like to tell you I am in camp #2, but I’ve still got a bit of crazy to get out. Doc Rob is a champ. Old guard, hippie, health food evangelist he is not. His message is sympathetic and easy to understand. Happy living is about healthy choices. Doc Rob has taken me to little neighborhood pubs in Boston. Sent me to some good clubs in Chicago. We talked about watches in Sacramento. What really separates Doc Rob from his peers; he’s not going to lecture you. Many a dinner I’ve been wrist deep in a porterhouse when a vegan starts in on a PETA diatribe. It’s a real buzz-kill. I am a nut-bag health freak, but I like bourbon and tobacco too. Perhaps Doc Rob disapproves, but he’s never let on. He is a friend first - then a physician. He’s my ticket to Camp Champ. Doc Rob is from Monticello, New York, is willing to drop coin on good food, he’s gunning for Dr. Oz’s job and was good enough to sit down with this Q & A: I am Dr Rob Streisfeld aka Doc Rob. My greatest anxiety is getting what I want, and not being satisfied. I grew up just like most people, not much into health foods. I was sick as a kid. and most of my journey and education was focused on finding answers and ways to feel better each day. I have an ability to be pretty flexible and tolerant. I wasn’t always this way, but studying philosophy and stress management has been a great reward in how I approach things day to day. I’d like to be more organized. I have so many creative ideas and passions. I’m realizing more and more its about the follow through and finish. I am a gypsy. I travel all the time, not sure there is one place i want to settle, at least not permanently. I think I’d like to live in Brazil for a bit, maybe Thailand too. Diet: Lots of veggies. I try to eat as healthy as I can, but I’m not one to over obsess about it. I like all food for the most part. It’s about the quality of the ingredients that is important to me. Dream job: Talk show host. Something where I can travel, help people, and make good money in the process. The most valuable thing I own is my sense of humor. The question I get asked the most is: How do I get healthy like you, Doc? One thing the Internet really needs is: I can’t tell you, in the process of working on it :) Parents: Awesome and always supportive. If I could do anything I’d travel the world for a while, without concern of cost. Favorite Book: aahh.. I can’t limit it down to one, but ISHMAEL by Daniel Quinn is pretty good. I think people are overwhelmed, confused, but generally good. I get inspired by people incorporating small changes into their lives for healthier living. I wish I could communicate via sign language and play the harmonica. My greatest achievement is publishing my first book; A Healthier Ever After. I’m just so sick of companies selling crappy health products to ignorant and desperate consumers. The thing I’m most excited about right now is my new talk show: “For the HIP”. The best way to relax is to breath deeply. Connect with me here: __
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