Release Date: 5 May 2010
Author: FIDAMO (www.fidamo.com)
Industry: Fashion
FIDAMO is extremely excited and honored to announce that they have been offered the opportunity to conceptualize, organize, and present the fashion element of ORANJE 2010.
ORANJE (www.oranjeindy.com): If you are new to the unique cultural flavor of the Indianapolis arts scene, ORANJE is one of the largest contemporary fashion, art, music, and film festival in the Midwest. Held each fall and gracing Indianapolis with its 9th annual event, ORANJE provides local talent the opportunity to showcase their creative passions to an engaged audience of over 3,000 patrons and cultural enthusiasts.
INTERACTIVE FASHION: In line with the overall vision of ORANJE, FIDAMO is dedicated to presenting an high quality interactive experience to those who will be attending ORANJE 2010. We are currently conceptualizing activities and opportunities that will showcase both the process and the final product of the talent within our fashion industry. Through runway shows, live product demonstrations, interactive clothing design, photo shoots, and exposure to sponsors/designers/boutiques… FIDAMO will offer a full spectrum fashion experience to ORANE 2010 patrons.
PARTNERSHIP: As both an experienced patron and featured art participant in ORANJE 2009, FIDAMO is extremely excited to continue their support and partnership with ORANJE. At this time, we are excited to formally announce our involvement in ORANJE 2010 and we invite those within the fashion industry to contact FIDAMO in regard to collaborating toward the growth and continued exposure of local fashion talent. Whether you are a local fashion designer, boutique, product specialist, photographer, stylist, talent/model or you are simply interested in being more involved with the fashion aspect of our local arts scene, we would love to partner with you in this endeavor. For more information regarding involvement in ORANJE 2010’s fashion events and activities, please email booking@fidamo.com.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: ORANJE offers additional volunteer opportunities to those seeking experience in; marketing/promotions, photography/videography, event staff, and event production/wrap up. Please visit, www.oranjeindy.com or email volunteer@oranjeindy.com for additional information.
It occurred to me last week that I have officially outgrown my previous phase as an artist/photographer. Cheers for progress! :) The evolution of any artist is a necessary and inevitable process. Life experiences, expanded inspiration, unexpected opportunity, technical learnings … whatever the cause may be, growth happens. As an artist … we learn to embrace, adapt, or perish. ;)
For me, it arrived as elusively as the subtle tide rising on a full moon. A force so powerful that it’s gentle nudge left me standing in wide-eyed awe. — Basically that’s my poetic and overly dramatic way of saying … it took several things falling perfectly into place and now that they’ve arrived, I can’t imagine what life was like before. It just feels different. I feel different. It’s as simple as that. :)
So here we are. Two months into a new year and I’m as inspired as I think I’ve ever been. I have a new team, a million concepts on my mind, and am in the process of transforming my house into a creative haven (blog to follow). To me, it only seems natural that a new design for the website would pop up somewhere amongst the chaos. ;) side note || and I definitely mean ‘chaos’ in the most positive way imaginable.
Basically, it comes down to the idea of intent. As much as I visually enjoy the creative concept of FIDAMO’s current website … it’s just not me (nor us). Brick and graffiti are stale concepts, overplayed and overused. It’s time to grow (creatively) outside of what others have laid down before … to be true to myself and where I’m at. The current state, so to speak. Additionally, a photographers website should never compete with the art that they’re trying to display or the message they’re trying to send. You live, you learn. ;)
Anyway, back to the current project at hand… FIDAMO 2.0 — I’ve been back and forth through a dozen concepts and this is my favorite so far. :) The camera image was pulled from a scanned 1950’s advertisement for an Agfa Speedex ($29- for a Medium format camera … if you can imagine), the circles are modern art/retro inspired representations of the shutter on a lens … then you have the diagram-inspired menu on the homepage, collage-inspired header on the portfolio page, and latin-pronunciation-inspired aspect to the back of the business card (in each, several parts combine to create a whole). I love it because it’s clean & purposeful, without having to sell out to the current trend in professional photography web design … aka. straight black or white background. =p
So that’s whats new today. I sent the proof to the team late last night. A few more tweaks and with any luck, FIDAMO will have a new face by Tuesday. :) cheers! xoKT
This past Saturday…HELP-PORTRAIT Indy….with the help of 40 volunteers….
** Fed 140 women & children (thank you Mel & Ella’s Memorial Fund)
** Decorated 70 Christmas Cookies (thank you Mel & Kids Team)
** Handed out 100 Children’s Books (thank you Katie Alsman & Pearson Education)
** Handed out 80 Gift Bags to female participants (Thank you Ashlee & Mallory)
** Styled 90 women (Thank you Kalli and Stylist Team)
** Photographed 234 men, women, and children (Thank you Alan & photography team)
** Provided 96 framed family photos (Thank you Jay and print team)
** Filmed one 3-5 minute viral documentary & one 30 minute documentary (to be submitted to film festivals & encourage future give back efforts — thank you Sam & video team)
OH MY GOODNESS!!! WHAT A DAY!!!! =D
…before I write a quick blog about the day, I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Julia Sipes, Jeff Stanger, and the Salvation Army Battered Women & Children’s shelter for welcoming us into your home…AND to Jordan Young for offering up the idea and getting the entire ball rolling!
Help-Portrait // Photog Team Family Portrait
Photog Team Family Photo
From Top Left : Brian Logan, Jeremiah Laughner, Carl Frye, Joseph Lee, Alan Brockman, Josh Hollandsworth, Marc Lebryk, KT Moon, Mitzi Wilson, Stacy Able, Amy Brucker Castillo
HELP-PORTRAIT Indy 2009
The holidays are known for being the happiest time of the year, but for some…they can also be the hardest. For those at the Salvation Army Battered Women & Children’s shelter facing cases of domestic violence, stalking abuse, and forced prostitution… Christmas this year takes on a new meaning. For these women & children…Christmas is a fresh start and a second chance for a healthy life. I cannot say enough for what the Salvation Army and the shelter do for these families. Their gifts extend year round and impact people for a lifetime.
For the 40 individuals who volunteered on Saturday, we were offered a small window into that world and into the lives of those who will fight harder battles than most of us could ever imagine. We were quite literally invited into their new home…and for the 10 minutes or 20 minutes that we had with each person…we were given a very special opportunity…the opportunity to be that healthy relationship….one based on shared trust and respect for the value that each person brings to the world. It may seem like such a small thing, something many of us take for granted…a photo. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words…and after Saturday, I truly understand why.
I could write pages upon pages telling stories from the day, the people that I met, the new friends that I made, the many ways that I feel inspired and rejuvenated….but the most important thing on a day like today…is to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU to everyone who came out and offered their talents on Saturday. THANK YOU to the 7 team leaders who organized parts of the event. THANK YOU to those who donated product, equipment, food, time, & energy. THANK YOU all for being you.
It truly is a beautiful thing…when people come together to share their talents and to make the lives of another a little brighter. Watching everyone interact and love on these families…checking them in, handing out gifts, playing with the children, styling hair, doing makeup, conducting photoshoots, interviewing/filming/telling the story/encouraging future give back, editing prints, handing out frames (and the list goes on & on…) I am still overwhelmed with gratitude. Similar to the last post I will end by saying….I am so thankful that give-back still means more in our current society than pushing a button on FB…….I am thankful for the many gifts and talents that each person brings into the world…..Tis the Season (but isn’t it always). I am thankful for you. :)
You know what I love about life today? :) Waking up knowing that in less than 36 hours I will have the opportunity to stand alongside a team of 40 amazingly talented individuals — with one goal in mind — bringing happiness to 130 strangers.
It’s a funny thing…self worth. I’ve learned that one of the easiest ways to give that gift to another…is through giving it to yourself (and vice-versa). It is possible for certain acts to be both selfish and selfless at the same time — maybe neither can fully exist without the other? That debate, we can save for another day…but what I know to be true today…is that (this coming Saturday) strangers will turn into friends, gifts will be shared, and individuals will learn more about themselves and others than they have the opportunity to on any other average day. Certain outcomes are inevitable when you give a part of yourself to another.
As I was sharing with a few select Help-Portrait members at our first meeting — 6 months ago I was completely frustrated with work. I had hit a wall. Don’t get me wrong…I will be the first to stand up and give a thousand thanks for all of the amazing opportunities that have fallen into my lap over the last year and a half (most of which, I still couldn’t fully explain)…but still, something was missing. There was a part of me that couldn’t help but wonder…with all that I have been given, shouldn’t I be giving part of that to others? As a creative minded person…is there a purpose to my current path? Sure, I’ve gotten to a point where I feel that I can take pretty photos…but is “pretty” where it ends for me? — There are obvious personal implications & situational aspects to each one of those questions, but maybe you understand that too…wanting more in life…wanting to live a life that has meaning.
A funny thing happened after that. “Meaning” found me. –maybe all we have to do is learn to ask the right questions? — Regardless of the why’s….the point is…it started happening. The Salvation Army // Homelessness Bites campaign fell into my lap…bringing with it Vagrant Voice (a grass roots campaign to positively impact the lives of the homeless)…”The Disaster at the Royal American Hotel” (book project) …. around the same time, I was off again to another foreign land, foreign customs, and foreign faces (bringing more personal & professional growth) … then came Help-Portrait. — All of which come with their own background & stories to one day share with friends…but today (in my little corner of the world) I have to say…I am most thankful for the self-worth that comes through the opportunity to give to others.
Maybe one day we’ll sit around a table (or firepit) sharing stories about our ‘personal legend’ & the path from here to there (maybe we won’t) — but today, it’s truly not about that. What inspires me on a random Friday morning…isn’t details…but an amazing gratitude and thankfulness for the personal gift(s) that every person is/are given. — and by gifts, I don’t mean a shiny object wrapped in pretty paper & presented below a tree — by gifts, I mean the acknowledgement that each person is born with specific talents that make them unique and valuable. I am thankful that such things exist and that they bring meaning, not only to the bearer of the gift(s), but to others as well.
In lieu of running a tangent on a wild goose chase…what I want to say is this….
I am thankful for days like today. I am thankful that life has brought me to a place where I not only recognize, but also appreciate the individuality of others (regardless & regarding race, creed, religion, social/economic status, etc). I am thankful that “give-back” still means more in our current society than merely clicking a button on FB. I am thankful that the barrier between a homeless woman & child seeking shelter and safe haven from stalking abuse is not so far from a twenties-something middle class creative still trying to find her own path & way through life. I am thankful that whether or not each person sees the worth that they have or bring to the life of another…their worth will continue to be shared and will inevitably inspire/impact others in return.
Above all else, I am thankful that I can say to you with 100% conviction….We all have something to offer to the world…”Tis the Season… (but isn’t it always)”. I am thankful for you.
September 19, 2009 at 12:22 am · Filed under (FIDAMO - News)
My first photography exhibit.
“Roots & Wings” is an interactive contemporary art museum inspired photography exhibit. The space is a dedication to the local scene that brought me up (the roots) and the international cultural world that has since stolen my heart (the wings).
The “Roots” section (back wall) is an interactive homage to the contemporary arts scene in Indianapolis. It is my way of showing gratitude to all of those who have encouraged, supported,and inspired my development as an artist. It features listening stations that coincide with album art work and PR shots for local &
national musicians. As well as campaign work for: The Salvation Army / Homelessness Bites, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Industry & Energy, Urban Fashion, and Contemporary Design.
The “Wings” section of the exhibit (side walls) highlights a few of the international cultural opportunities that I feel extremely blessed to have experienced over the last year and a half. It is an interactive showcase of cultures, communities, and sights from around the world. Each wall contains listening stations (antique phones) that enable the listener to learn more about globalization and humanitarian/cultural activism. The photography features on these two walls are from my time spent working for Fashion Television, Bigfoot Entertainment, and The International Academy of Film & Television in Cebu, Philippines. As well as travel/editorial photography from Australia & Europe.
Together, the two sections create a cyclical view of the creative world that I now call home….a statement of appreciation and a statement of the freedom that is gained through pursuing and believing in your passions.
where :: Morocco, Africa
when :: Oct 22 – 31, 2009
——–
I couldn’t be more thrilled for this upcoming adventure!
I am extremely excited to announce that on October 22-31, 2009 — I will be joining Chris Rainier (below) and a small group of cultural photographers on a photography expedition of Morocco, Africa. This upcoming expedition is sure to be an absolutely amazing experience in which to learn cultural photojournalism techniques from the absolute best of the best. Please check back in early September to view photos from this adventure.
CHRIS RAINIER
Chris Rainier is considered one of the leading documentary photographers working today. A National Geographic Society Fellow, Chris is a director of the All Roads Photography Program and the Enduring Voices Project, documenting endangered languages and cultures. He serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler and a contributing photographer for National Geographic Adventure, as well as a photography correspondent for NPR. He has won numerous awards for his photography, including the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award, given by the Explorers Club for adventure stories.
TRIP ITINERARY
Days 1 and 2 — U.S./Casablanca, Morocco
Depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca. After time to relax, visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, whose 689-foot minaret is the world’s tallest. Then, take an excursion to a vineyard set among cork oaks and eucalyptus trees near the town of Ben Slimane. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in this bucolic setting. Later, stroll through Casablanca’s Habous district and mechouar, the ceremonial meeting place outside the Royal Palace. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner overlooking the sea. Golden Tulip Farah Casablanca (L, D)
Day 3 — Casablanca/Marrakech
Drive through the elegant Anfa neighborhood on the way to Marrakech, Morocco’s legendary “pearl of the south.” After a poolside lunch at the hotel, meander through the stunning Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, and pay a visit to the museum here. See the splendid Koutoubia Mosque, and visit Bahia Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, lined with market stalls and craftspeople; and soak up the colorful chaos of Djemma el Fna Square, where snake charmers and magicians enchant the passersby. Discover the city on your own this evening. Le Méridien N’Fis (B, L)
Day 4 — Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
Today you may continue your exploration of Marrakech, or head into the Atlas Mountains on a back-road adventure, stopping to visit Berber villages and local markets. Sip mint tea in a Berber home, and learn firsthand about this culture. Stop for lunch at Lake Takerkoust, and go for a hike along the shore. Visit lesser known suqs on the way back to Marrakech. Gather for a special rooftop reception and dinner in the medina. (B, L, D)
Day 5 — Marrakech/Aït Benhaddou/Ouarzazate
Cross the Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou and have lunch overlooking this enchanting fortified city. Then venture into its warren of twisting lanes and dwellings, stopping for tea in a traditional adobe home. Take an optional horseback ride along the river before continuing to Ouarzazate, a former trading post now known for its movie studios, where films like Gladiator andLawrence of Arabia were shot. Le Berbère Palace (B, L)
Day 6 — Ouarzazate/Erfoud/Merzouga
Learn about traditional adobe architecture in Taourirt Kasbah this morning. Set out on the fabled Road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Erfoud, passing spectacular rock formations, oases, and rose plantations. Enjoy a hike through a palm and tamarisk grove. Later, walk into Todra Gorge and have lunch at the foot of the soaring, red canyon walls. In Erfoud, climb into 4×4s and drive into the desert to a traditional tented camp, nestled among the dunes of Merzouga. Dine under the star-studded Saharan sky, and enjoy an evening of Berber folk music and tales around the campfire. Bivouac Tented Berber Camp (B, L ,D)
Day 7 — Merzouga/Erfoud/Fez
Awaken early to a ride a camel across the sandscape as the rising sun paints the dunes orange and gold. Return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Head north into the high-mountain plains on your way to Fez, stopping for a walk in a lush cedar forest. Arrive in Fez late this afternoon, and settle into your room at the legendary Palais Jamai, your home for the next three nights. Palais Jamai (B, L, D)
Day 8 — Fez
Spend the day exploring this magnificent imperial city. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania madrassa, characterized by its intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices. See the Nejjarine Fountain, covered in exquisite mosaics, and the Kairaouine Mosque. Delve into the lively medina, where merchants preside over colorful mounds of spices and tanners soak skins in vats of dye. Later, visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, home to the historic Jewish quarter. (B, L, D)
Day 9 — Fez
Today you may choose to explore Fez at your own pace or take an excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage site; and Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century capital. Tonight, toast our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner and belly-dancing performance at the Palais Jamai. (B, D)
Day 10 — Fez/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Sometimes, life changing opportunities find you when you aren’t even looking –
In the summer of 2007, I boarded a plane headed through Hong Kong to Cebu, Philippines … the final destination … the production grounds for FTV Asia (Fashion Television), Bigfoot Entertainment, and the International Academy of Film & Television (IAFT). The following is a candid account of my first adventure in Asia … work, play, and cultural contrast.
CASTING CONTRAST
I will never forget the first morning that I woke up on the campus of Fashion Television Asia (FTV), Bigfoot Entertainment, and the International Academy of Film & Television (IAFT).
At 5 o’clock in the morning I restlessly ventured out of my new apartment (home for the next 2 months) and strolled along the sidewalk that led up to the FTV Cafe’. Along the pathway I passed by two huge sound stages that Bigfoot Entertainment used for film production and set design, a 20 foot dive training and underwater filming tank, an outdoor tiki bar, a huge building containing the classrooms for IAFT and the corporate offices of Bigfoot Entertainment / FTV … the South China Sea AND 10 sleeping and caged ostriches. (Bigfoot Grounds, photo above)
I finally arrived at two huge glass doors with the FTV logo embossed proudly in frosted glass … Just beyond was a world containing fingerprint scanners, vanilla lattes, leather coaches, fashion/film concepts, huge plasma tv’s, film editing suites, workout/acting studios, a grand piano, state of the art conference rooms, etc etc etc. Just before entering, I turned to look across the street directly outside the gates of my new ‘Hollywood’ home — standing there was a modest wooden hut and a man staring at me curiously as he washed himself from of a bucket in his front yard. I had somehow been ‘cast’ into a bizarre world of constant contrast, 12 time zones away from home. Later I would learn from my new eclectic and extremely talented group of international friends — that living and working at Bigfoot was fondly referred to as … life in the bubble.
photo by KT Moon
WORKING IN THE PHILIPPINES
I was hired into a 2 month work contract for Bigfoot Entertainment with a rather broad job description. In the mornings, I would serve as talent/model for FTV. With this, I would be trained in the art of underwater modeling and would also be asked to concept a shoot that would air on Fashion Television in Asia …. and in the afternoons, I would either work on production for one of the Bigfoot Entertainment projects or would assist in the marketing department for :: Bigfoot Entertainment, the International Academy of Film & Television, and the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation (nonprofit community outreach). With so many diverse projects being housed under one parent company — I can definitely say that each day brought something new and exciting to learn/experience.
As much as I adored this new world of film production, marketing concepts, underwater diving, and fashion photography — I have to say that it was the people that truly blew me away. Everyone that I met seemed to have an absolutely amazing background and impressive resume to back it up. From my immediate supervisors :: Michael Gleissner/ owner FTV Asia, Bigfoot Entertainment, International Academy of Film & Television – Carrie McCray/ Director of Marketing & Public log/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/tinymce3/langs/en.js?ver=311″ type=”text/javascript”>Relations, Bigfoot Entertainment (formerly Director of Home Entertainment and Television at Deluxe Media Management, Hollywood CA) – Regan Wynne/ Producer, Bigfoot Entertainment (formerly of Toyota, Nintendo, Pepsi, Airbus, and Hasbro) — and Rick Robinson/ Director of Photography, Bigfoot Entertainment (Emmy Award winning and veteran Motion Picture and Television professional with over 20 years experience) — TO my roommate (most recently serving as a model on Project Runway, 2009) — TO every single other person that I met, whether student or employee — everyone had a fascinating background, talent that they brought to the table, and story to share. Above all else, I loved living and working with people from literally all over the world!
TIME TO WORK & TIME TO PLAY
In addition to amazing work experiences, there are so many stories to tell from the time that we spent traveling in our off/weekend time. Almost every evening we would hop on a jeepney and head to dinner at one of the local cultural restaurants — on the weekends we would either plan a local trip to visit Magellan’s Cross, Tops Lookout point and Art Garden, Alegra custom guitar factory, Cebu Dancing Prisoners, Shangi-La, the Taoist Temple, tour a local market, etc — or a group would head to one of the local adjacent islands or venture off to climb waterfalls. Cebu was where I absolutely feel in love with quasi-third-world-culture. (photos from the Philippines ::http://fidamo.com/photolog/?cat=3)
All in all, I feel absolutely blessed to have had this international corporate work experience. As I head to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns — March 2009), Morocco, Africa (photography expedition with National Geographic, Oct 2009) — and pursue a Masters in Cultural Art History — I will always remember my time in Cebu/Mactan as an experience that absolutely changed my life and set me on the path to cultural pursuits.
In a few weeks, one of my girlfriends and I are headed to Australia on a 14 day photography and cultural tour of Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. I couldnt be more excited for this upcoming excursion! Amongst other things, diving in the Great Barrier Reef has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl — and now armed with an underwater casing for my SLR — I can wait to put my photography skills to work on the reef. In addition to this, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the tropic rainforest and experience authentic aboriginal culture. This is definitely bound to be an adventure of a lifetime!
Please check back in early April for photos from this adventure!
BACKPACKING AUSTRALIA
VICTORIA
[UNESCO] Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens
Chris Rainier is considered one of the leading documentary photographers working today. A National Geographic Society Fellow, Chris is a director of the All Roads Photography Program and the Enduring Voices Project, documenting endangered languages and cultures. He serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler and a contributing photographer for National Geographic Adventure, as well as a photography correspondent for NPR. He has won numerous awards for his photography, including the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award, given by the Explorers Club for adventure stories.
