My relationship with making commercial goods is well...turbulent to say the least. From around 2007-2013 i made thousands of garments, bags and accessories. During that time I create some #magic...but it was extremely unsustainable. My line had a gazillion skus, that required photography and marketing. I was doing custom orders and vending markets practically every weekend. Basically i was making every single idea that popped in my head and folks were definatly responding to the explosion of 'things' i was featured in the NY Times, The Post and tons of blogs. I did collaborative projects with Nickelodeon and Birkenstocks. I even had a studio that was sponsored by the founder of etsy. Honestly I was horrible at running that business. I didn't start 'making' to manage people and was really bad at delegating. Running a company that generates goods and requires space in a quickly gentrifying NYC is just not the best practice. Especially when you have an upcycling process that requires random deconstruction. I often found my self barely making ends meet, shuffling from one studio space to another pretty much right after i got things set up. I burnt out and was frustrated.
So I decided to take a break get real with money and create a tactile service practice. Not quite sure what it was going to be but I knew I didn't want to sit behind a computer all day. That was around the time i started doing still life and prop styling. Hell, if i can make a bag i can certainly make a bag look good. In the mean time i saved my monies did some investing, studied the history and current state of economics and how that applied to my life. I developed regular yoga practice and decided to fill in the pieces that I felt were lacking...the boring stuff...the stuff 'i wasn't good at'.I always have creative ideas. I wake up with my mind swarming sometimes hurting with all the possibilities...but financial management might as well had been the language of starfish and that was really weighing me down. I learned so much about global markets, manufacturing economics, economies of services vs goods and fast fashion. I learned why 'making things look good' provides a better income than actually 'making things'. I learned to set up a better foundation... and give a business financial wiggle room. I learned that i was using goods a catalyst for my art because at the time i didn't know folks who bought art or how to go about creating art in public spaces...but i knew folks who buy sneakers and clothes. I also learned that was selling myself short and needed better boundaries.
Styling came easy to me. It's a solution based occupation and I was very much in the practice of figuring out solutions. In some ways many shoots allowed me to be in my head. It was quite meditative. I have an awesome diverse creative clientele and work with some of the most talented photographers. Things are shifting as they always do. I'm making again but stuff that can be enjoyed my many vs worn by few. My creative practice is a lot less stresssed and it seems the universe is welcoming me in that direction on the form of shows, art sales, opportunities etc. Can't wait to see what's down this rabbit hole.
I love possibilities! Just love the concept of 'what it?'...honestly I can go down that rabbit hole forever and that is generally where my creative process starts. Lately I have been obsessed with the concept of time and timing. Time is a cultural rhythm, it's not a constant. For example, whenever New Yorkers travel just about any where they tend to walk about 7 times faster then any one else. In fact they even talk faster. this is very noticeable when out of New York City. One of the biggest complaints that westerners have when traveling to the Caribbean islands is 'Island Time" I love that timing is specific to location and culture. I often wonder if pacing, timing and the inability to find a comfortable rhythm for all parties is the very basis for every conflict that ever was. A few years ago I was in Costa Rica and the Ticos were super excited about a new highway that was in the midst of being built, it was financed by the Chinese government and was to be repaid via toll revenue. Here's the hitch, the deal was made so that the workers must be Costa Rican Nationals. For China the issue is that the Tico are on a much different schedule than the Chinese Workers. At the time I was there the highway was already taking years longer than anticipated by the Chinese. I'm sure causing concern for the investors. Hey, that's what happens when the currency of time isn't properly adjusted for another culture.
OK so what does this have to do with this big-O-calendar? Well, if time is cultural currency, the rhythm and pace shape the past, present and future, and a calendar is to keep track of future while commemorating cultural rituals, what if we shifted some things. I am a history buff but what I find the most interesting is the gap between the stories that get told so much that they are legendary and the ones that get told so little that are almost folklore. This calendar sits right in that space. Politically America is in a really stupid place, but we didn't get here yesterday or Jan 20th 2017, this come from a long line of decisions. This oversized 2017 calendar explore the 'what if' many things happened differently. It's sole purpose is to bring awareness to pacing and possibility. Get It Here
If you happen to be in NYC. I will have a limited amount on hand at This friday's Time Inc Beat Holiday Pop Up shop.
RSVP REQUIRED
See details below.
WHAT:
Time Inc's
Beat Holiday Pop Up shop!
WHEN:
Friday, December 8, 2017
1pm to 7:30pm for Time Inc. Employees
5pm to 7:30pm for General Public
Life Multipurpose Center, 6th Floor
WHERE:
Time Inc.,
225 Liberty St.,
New York City
This is a free event to attend but make sure to rsvp/register!
Welancora Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new works by Chanel Kennebrew. This most recent body of work demonstrates Kennebrew’s expert ability to stylize and compose an image in order to tell a story and bring awareness to an issue. The exhibition will be on view from June 10 to August 13, 2017 at 33 Herkimer Street.
This series by Chanel Kennebrew is a cunning exploration of shattering, revealing, exposing, questioning and colliding for the sake of creation. The work seeks to investigate the realities and possibilities of technology, of modern communication and ideas of representation. #ElectricRainbowDaydreams is a collection of vibrant imagery composed and stylized by an artist in a constant state of making. Kennebrew is a multi-disciplinary, commercial, graphic design and fine artist. Each craft has a role in her work. The essence of this series is that of a socio-cultural, political meditation channeling the pensive and the carefree. It’s a creative exegesis of color, playful objects and the spirit of joy.The technological surge of the 21st century has awarded us the means to share and communicate in ways only science fiction could have previously imagined. Kennebrew engages this phenomenon by superimposing electronic objects such as stereos, televisions and recorders with human body parts and figures. The bodies are carefree; in motion, leaping, dancing and jumping. With sharp wit, Kennebrew incorporates glops and splashes of paint in the steps of these figures to indicate the looming hazard our electronic tools impart on communication. She questions the impact of the sleek and well-advanced smartphone that bundles all past electronics into one. This new mode of communication and its applications, especially regarding social media has forever transformed human engagement. These devices and ‘apps’ have replaced or obstructed our view of each other and have also deteriorated and enmired actual connecting and understanding.The rainbow of color in Kennebrew’s work, acts as both a signature and visual guide. It serves as a strategic marker for viewers to focus attention on specific elements of her compositions. The color, be it dripping down the picture plane or sprayed in the background, triggers an emotional response. With her sculpture, she paints and assembles fun vintage objects and toys of the same or similar color, creating a cohesive composition. The objects are transformed by color but maintain their integrity as cool, play things from a nostalgic past. Fantasy and imagining animate this series. Layers of color and texture distort time and space. Bodies are in motion, inhabiting impossible spheres. Singular mouths grip rotary telephones, upside-down, bodiless heads blossom into a spectrum of vivid balloons. Beautiful brown girls tower over incredible landscapes. Past, present and future merge in a distorted but tangible daydream. Each piece, whether whispering or booming, a unique but unified message to ‘stay woke’, to pay attention to each other beyond our digital selves. The work warns us to connect with integrity and intention, to be wary of the potential haphazard messiness of our new technology. #ElectricRainbowDaydream is a lesson and a celebration. The series invokes the passion of the artist but also aims to connect her questions and experiences to that of the viewer. It harbors joy and wonderment in concert with a subtle warning. It’s loud with color; it’s a remix, a throwback, but also a guide. It expresses fortitude and a genuine interest in the politics of freedom. This series reminds us to recall and retain the spirit of our authentic voice. - Daricia Mia DeMarr
Let me tell ya a little story about this video. So last Christmas Tough Dumplin, my sister and I set out to make a video for the Brooklyn35 song 'So Alive' We spent the whole day in the Philly loft playing with light, wardrobe, set ups, concepts and various cameras we rented for the project. Everything looks so forced and stupid and kaa kaa. We were just beat, having fun laughing at ourselves, but overall beat. I had purchased matching dinosaur jumpers for all of us and some how we ended up doing a spoof video of Drake's Hotline bling with our goofy choreography..I honestly cannot find that video. Tough Dumplin swears I have it...I swear he has it...who knows. Then it hit us. Let's just go outside. The day and evening were un-seasonally warm...like just a hoodie weather on Dec. 25th crazy huh?! This is what we ended up with. I love it and I hope you do too.
Thanks to The fam over at Fokus. My Piece "Puke" is featured on the cover of Insight Magazine
Here's a bit about the publication:INSIGHT magazine is based on the concept that we often look to art to define past civilizations. In turn, we provide insight into the artists who are shaping our culture through their work today. We provide insight into the worlds of actors, musicians, designers, fine artists, emerging artists and those who do not immediately come to mind when thinking about the arts/artists, such as culinary artists and industrial designers. INSIGHT magazine is published quarterly.
Also I'm super excited to announce that Puke is being featured on trash cans through out downtown Brooklyn
junk on trash! junk on trash! junk on trash!
You can catch one on Fulton Street in from of the Macy's and the other on Court St. and Schermerhorn
Did I tell ya'll? I'M HAVING A GOOD OL FASHION HOUSE PARTY!
Tristan Tough Dumplin, Paul Liatsis, Dana Athens and I are throwing a party? It's a house party and I would absolutely love if you came by.
So what's the celebration about you ask? Well,
Ahhh it's the end of summer....Let's dance
I worked on a video that got into a film festival and we will show you at the party...so you can dance
My sister is gonna make waffles all night long and we will have a katrillion toppings...in case you get hungry while you are dancing
It's this Saturday. Please come through... and let me know if you can make it and how deep you are rollin'
rsvp on the fb page
DEETS:
BROOKLYN35 HOUSE PARTY/ VIDEO RELEASE
Come & Party/Celebrate the BROOKLYN35 New Music
"Just In Love For the Summer"
Release in the "Coney Island Film Festival" & on "BROOKLYN35.COM"
Saturday September 17 2016
@VESPA-LOUNGE
999 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207
8pm
DJ SCRATCHY D & TOUGH DUMPLIN on the ONES & TWOS
Why an athletic line? The primary thematic focus of Explorations in nude is perspective. I think that the main reason for societal disconnect be it in the form or racism, sexism, classism, ageism and or homophobia is due to very warped perspectives and lack or connectivity through empathy. I’m committed to self awareness. Rules, boundaries, lines and groups are all constructs. I’m interested in deconstructing the constructs that don’t work. I know that’s super broad, here’s an example. I’ve been a vegetarian for about 16 years. I initially took a break from meat because I was kinda grossed out. I found my self in the supermarket in my late teens staring at the ground beef thinking this could be anything…it could be human flesh for all I know. That lead me on a super journey into food, health, origins, cultural relevance and symbolism. One of the wonderful things about agency is the ability to make choices. I value that, My ancestors have worked so hard to ensure that for me. If i know I have to eat and I have a choice of what to put into my own body and how to move my own body, I’m going to exercise that privilege…for myself, for the ancestors and for health of the future. I’m going to celebrate that privilege by eating clean, being mindful, practicing yoga and getting sleep. Don’t get me wrong there is a wonderful beauty in perseverance. You know making lemonade, chitlins eating parts, ie cows foot, goats tail etc. Perseverance is the co-founder of hip-hop, jazz, soul food…black in America. wonderful things come out of perseverance. I’m interested in what’s in beyond perseverance. What’s beyond surviving? perhaps thriving, connectedness, understanding, fearlessness. Let’s do away with validation. Let’s unapologetically be the very strongest individuals, making up the strongest community. No more asking permission. If being fly inspires you to work out, be bold, live your truth, love yourself, be healthy, be active, and eat well etc, I’d like to support that journey. I’ve created textile patterns inspired from the art series. Pictured is ‘Between The Lines’ reversible sports bra and shorts
Enjoy this latest manifestation of creativity…and get moving.
Friday May 13th – Sunday May 15th: Pop-up festivities and artist talk for Explorations In Nude, will be held at 5 Central Ave, Brooklyn NY 11206. The concept behind these events is a performance driven display of the artist’s work using emotions, inspirations and community connections. Events include live performances, a video screening, community yoga class, and a fundraising evening with chef prepared vegan dinner - proceeds will be donated to Black Lives Matter.Explorations in Nude is Chanel Kennebrew’s first solo exhibit. In this new work, she attempts to shake off assigned categories and invites us to explore the different definitions and associations of the term nude. In Kennebrew's opinion, society hides behind -isms (racism, colorism, normalism, conformism, westernism etc) and uses them to neatly organize and categorize practices, ideologies, and movements. Explorations in Nude is the articulation of Kennebrew’s deep dive into that world of isms. Using mixed-media, illustrations, photography, hand-cut paper, wood, paint, ink and installations, Kennebrew dissects, defaces, layers and crassly tacks on foreign elements to chisel away at society's history, power, trends and language. By exposing the layers, she clears a path to imagine, design and build a better futuristic representation of a transparent new world socially aware.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Conjunction (Friday May 13th, 2016) - A screening of a video project by Chanel Kennebrew and Brooklyn35. Followed by live performances. RSVP required. Please note - limited display of Explorations in Nude at this event. To see the full exhibit visit the Brooklyn35 and Junkprints pop-up space on Saturday and Sunday. Doors open at 6pm
Concordance (Saturday May 14th, 2016) - Find your at-oneness in a free community yoga class held in the environment of Explorations in Nude. Led by Tara Sponsored by WTRMLN WTR - RSVP for Class at 10am. Exhibit open to yogis at 9:45am and to public 11am - 7pm
Communion (Sunday May 15th, 2016) - An intimate dinner party and artist talk hosted by curators Jen Joyce Davis and Hana Elkhazin. Plant-based fare prepared by Chef Joanna Jeros. RSVP and donation required. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Exhibit open to public 11am - 5pm
CHANEL KENNEBREW (b.1982, Inglewood, CA) is a Brooklyn/Philadelphia based mixed media artist and prop stylist. Kennebrew holds a B.F.A. from Ryerson University and has also studied at New York School of Visual Arts and Ontario College of Art and Design. She has exhibited her work at The Leroy Neiman Gallery, Westwood Gallery, i-20 Gallery, WNYC Radio’s Green Space, Rush Gallery, Andeken Gallery, SXSW and the Manifest Hope Art for Obama Democratic Convention Gallery Exhibition. She has done site-specific installation work at Etsy’s HQ, Publicis and branded art projects for Nickelodeon, Birkenstock, Pepsi, and Macy’s. In 2013 she won first place entry in Curate NYC. Her art has been featured and written about in the New York Times, The New York Post, Gawker and The Wall Street Journal. She has spoken on panels for The Asian Art’s Alliance, Corridor Gallery, The Black Future Project (Toronto), NYFA, and Craft Magazine. Kennebrew is a contributing prop stylist for InStyle Magazine, People StyleWatch Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Real Simple Magazine, Essence Magazine and Ebony Magazine.About Brooklyn35BROOKLYN35 is a progressive collective of musicians, singers, emcees, Dj’s, producers and visual artists who, instead of being pigeon-holed by the hip-hop genre, hang their hat on versatility. Brooklyn35 has a diverse collective of various styles, including Jazz, Reggae, RnB, Soul, and Dance. The collective’s process is in the vein of classic Motown. All aspects are collaborative from the song writing to the production. Most of our songs are created in a jam session environment. This process ensures that the music is clever spontaneous and unique.
Tara Purnell is a Washington, DC-native, brought to Brooklyn by magic and good fortune. She took her first yoga class as a student of media and marketing at University of Pennsylvania and fell in love. Yoga and transcendental mediation practices continued to ground her work as a multimedia producer and grant writer for youth, arts, education and wellness. With a compassionate spirit and a zest for life, Tara has dedicated her life to celebrating wellness and mindfully meditative arts –empowering people to feel better in their bodies and express their humanity.
About WTRMLN WTRWTRMLN WTR™ is a great tasting, all natural cold-pressed watermelon water that hydrates and rejuvenates. Every bottle is packed with electrolytes (6x the leading artificial sports drink) and L Citrulline for workout recovery, plus nutrients and antioxidants from vitamin c and lycopene. With no added sugar or water and only watermelon flesh, watermelon rind + organic lemon, WTRMLN WTR is a pure and delicious way to stay hydrated.
About Joanna JerosJoanna Jeros is a New York City-based vegan chef and activist working at the ACLU. Having worked in the non-profit sector fighting for social justice for the last ten years, Joanna believes that working to support health through plant-based cooking is a natural extension of her passion for positively contributing to the world. She is a graduate of Hunter College and Ann Wigmore’s Living Foods Lifestyle course.
My very slow breakup with NYC. Well I'm happy to report that contrary to the beliefs of many, NYC is not the center of the universe. For a solid decade I have been wonderfully embraced by the big dirty apple, but in the realm of growth I've decided that I need more space both figuratively and literally. So I made the big huge little leap and have moved Junkprints to Philadelphia! Yep, Yep, sorry NY, sometimes you just have to ditch a bitch. Living in New York has become somewhat like dating a celebrity, it's fun exciting, glamorous and kinda makes you seem 'big time' On the flip side you are constantly questioning your relation to the relationship.
That being said...it is a slow breakup and I still spend about half of my time in NYC (maybe even more than that), on sets styling for all your fave mags and brands.
So now let's talk about all the great stuff that Philly has to offer. SPACE! The home of junkprints is in a lovely loft space smack dab in the Philly proper. Folks are generally not complaining as much about rents, you'd be surprised how much head space talking about and dealing with gentrification takes up in NYC. Yo! there is some incredible art coming out of this city, it's amazing what folks come up with when they have room to take risks and experiment.
Speaking of incredible art. I'm thrilled to announce that I am working on a new Series of Art Called Explorations in Nude. Yep ART!!!!!
Alrighty! Welcome to America! You may have noticed, particularly if you are a person of color, that this nation is obsessed with RACE, and using it in some form to divide folks. In fact things have gotten so out of control that seemingly smart people made up terms such as 'The Race Card.' It's a term usually used when one person is pointing out, that due to racism, a particular imbalance or inequality is experienced. The other person who doesn't want to acknowledge that, then says that the person is simply 'using the Race Card'...as if it's a Visa in the back pockets of jeans waiting to be used to pay for a win in a debate. So, me being the vigilante of social justice that I am, have taken the liberty of making and printing these nifty Race Cards, to remind folks how silly that concept is. You may have seen them. They have been making their way into coffee shops bookstores and counters all across the U.S. In the case that you have not yet come across them you can order them from junkprints.
4" x6" post card project. by Chanel Kennebrew/Junkprints
