Larry White is In-A-Fect!

One of my big fascinations is Artists that go on and on living their dreams and sharing with everyone. Larry White spent many years with Artists like the Whispers and Bobby Brown before forming his own band, In-A-Fect. This high energy band keeps the party moving in Las Vegas and anywhere else they can spread the party! Meet Larry White and In-A-Fect.

Hi Larry.  How are you today? 

I'm Good. 

Let’s start with where you were born and what the musical climate was there? 

I was born and raised in San Francisco CA.  The Bay Area is a very musical place and I was lucky to have been raised there.  Growing up in the 70’s in the Bay Area was definitely something any musician from that time would remember. 

Was music a part of your family life? 

Yes it was a part of my family life.  My father and grandfather are both guitar players and my mom and her sisters have a never ending love of music.  I remember my aunt Josie would come up on the weekends from L.A. with the latest 45’s and they would play those records all weekend long.  My aunt would also give a dollar to dance like James Brown

 

Were you inspired by any Artists when you were young?

 I was inspired by James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, EWF, Motown, Jackson 5, Temptations, Smokey Robinson.   

Larry Did you sing as a child? What instruments did you play?

 

I only sang a little.  I first started out playing the drums but living in San Francisco the houses are very close there.  Our next door neighbor became ill and she asked my mom if I could stop playing the drums.  My parents felt bad for me so my dad went out and bought me my first guitar.  I started playing along to records at the age of nine in my garage.  The guitar has been my first love ever since and bass is my second main instrument. 

What were you like as a young boy? 

I was respectful, but a lot of fun and a high energy child.  My parents made it clear that I had to do all my homework and chores before I could play my music so that always kept me in line because I never wanted anything to get in the way of my music.

Do you have one memory about your childhood that stands out Artistically?   

Yes, when Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched gave me $100 for playing a Jimi Hendrix  guitar solo.  I still have the napkin that she autographed for me to this day.  Some people may remember that she was also a guitar player and sometimes played on her own show, as her own sister I think. 

LOL I do remember that!

You were very young when you started your first group. What was the name of the group?

 

Larry and the High Tones, I put that group together in 5^th grade.

Was that the opening for your career?   

When I auditioned for The Whispers and beat out 30 other guitar players.  I was working on a beer truck for Olympia Beer.  I kept telling my driving partner that I would not be there for long because I’m getting ready to join the Whispers, he just told me that in the meantime I just needed to get the beer delivered!  

Did you know or feel then that your career would be as you wanted it?   

Yes, and I never stopped believing in myself or music.  Music just always sounded so good in my ears, it wasn’t hard to believe in.  It consumes most of my thoughts all day long and probably always will.  My drive to keep being successful in music is never ending. 

All Artists understand that!

Larry do you write your own Songs? 

Yes, I write all of my own songs.  I probably write a song a day or at least have a new harmony in my head for a song if I can’t get in my studio on any given day.

What are some of the other musical things you’ve done?  

 I write and produce.  I also enjoy helping  kids who have the same drive I had when I was young.  I have been fortunate enough to work with some really talented youth here in Las Vegas.  I was also on the Solar Record label for many years.

What other groups have you been a part of? 

I was with a group called Grand Theft out of San Francisco, Collage, The Whispers and Bobby Brown.
 

Did those experiences form the Larry White of today?   

I learned something from each experience that I keep with me today, especially from my time with The Whispers.  Each time I find myself in a challenging situation I often ask myself how the Whispers would handle it, or I actually pick up the phone and call them for advice.  They are a good group of extremely professional guys.   

It's great that you still have that connection for Inspiration Larry.

You now have a group, ‘In-A-Fect’. Tell us a little about your group? Who are the other members?

Larry White, Mark Brown, Clarence Harris, Charles Bush, H.B. Woods

 We are a high energy cool school show band.  We play Motown, R&B, pop and smooth ballads.  We never have a song list when we do a show, if you want to be a part of my band you have to have a large song catalog committed to memory because we play based on how the crowd is reacting and what they want to hear on that particular night. 

Now that sounds like a Musical rush!

What is your favorite song? 

After the Love is Gone by Earth, Wind & Fire  

Song Link

You’re traveling and performing practically non-stop.  Are you a workaholic having fun?

If you’re having fun and love your career, is it really work?  I’ve been told I am both a workaholic and a perfectionist, I could be called worse.

So, what makes you laugh?

I like a dry sense of humor, I like someone who can dish it out but can also take it.  I’m not a prankster my nature, but if you pull one over on me be sure I’ll be getting you back one way or another.  

LOL

As we know, talented and creative people have many Artistic outlets, do you have others? What Are they? 

I enjoy spending time with my wife and we also have a one year old golden retriever  (need I say more) but as far as an outlet, music gets 100% of my artistic outlet.

Where can we find out more about you and your group?

We have a great website at www.inafect.com, we are also on facebook.  We update both sites continually so anyone can always see where we are at and what we are up to.

What inspirational words would you offer to Artists out there working on that Dream?   

Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way.  Love what you’re doing and do what you love.  

Larry, I can’t wait until I come to Vegas and catch your show. Thank you so much for sharing?

It’s been a pleasure, thank you.

The Believer - Ramel Jasir Artist

Today I'd like to introduce you to Artist Ramel Jasir. Ramel is a fascinating Artist with a unique style and a love for color that comes out in big bold beautiful works!

Hi there Ramel. How are you today?  

I am wonderful….

How’s your year going so far? 

So far my year is going great.  2011 has been very good to me thus far.

I have to say, your work is beautiful. It’s so unique and detailed I can only imagine that you’ve had Artistic Vision since childhood. Is that the case?

Yes I have been an artist since my earliest memories.  Like all children I started off drawing with crayons and school pencils but I was always very meticulous and was always trying to be the best artist in my class.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia in an area called Prentis Park on Elm Avenue.

Was there a creative outlet for you as a child?

Mostly drawing…. I was the youngest of 7 children on my mother’s side.  By the time I was born my siblings were a few years older and one sister had already had a child of her own a few months before I was born.  So I kind of grew up as an only child in my household because by the time I was about 11 or 12 everyone had moved out of the house except for me.  So drawing was something I did all day every day.  I had many sketch books and I would draw on the front and back of very page…..lol

What types of activities did you do in school that influenced you?

When I was in the second grade I use to draw pictures for other kids…. I usually charged a quarter which was big money in the second grade.  I would draw pictures for other kids if they had a project or homework etc. so I always had a little extra lunch money.  In high school, I was a little rebellious and craved attention, so I use to draw pictures of other students and faculty on the classroom desks.  It was many months before they found out who was doing it.  The pictures were hilarious because I was pretty good with realism by high school and I drew pretty fast.  I never sat in the same desk during some of the classes and I would move from one desk to another right after drawing a picture and no one really noticed because I sat towards the back of the room.  Other than, that I took art as an elective but I hated the class.  Drawing fruit and still objects was boring as well although I appreciate still artwork nowadays. 

Sounds like you had a lot of creative fun and skill as a child. Did you know then what you wanted to do with your life?

Well, I wanted to be an artist and everyone told me that was what I should do but there were always those to spoke about the “starving artist” and that you can’t really make any money drawing so I kind of stopped drawing for many years.  I did a lot of abstract collages in ink towards my senior year, but girls, alcohol and the streets kind of ended any thoughts of pursuing an art career.  To this day, I have not really drawn a complete picture in pencil since maybe 1988.  I have done many abstract ink drawings but graphite and charcoal were mediums of choice.

  

What medium(s) do you work with?

Nowadays, I paint in mostly acrylic but I use graphite or charcoal in some of the work as well.  I like to mix a lot of different mediums especially when it comes to texture.  I may use joint compound, molding paste or even thick Gesso mixed with paint.  My favorite is mixing Plaster of Paris with water and Gesso to make an interesting texture and it dry very fast.  I have yet to use oil paint in any of my works but I plan to very soon.  I have even used candle wax, which hardens pretty quick but I like the affect when I spread it quickly on wet paint with my palette knife.

What inspires you to create?

My Queen, children and simply the joy sharing and creating are my greatest inspirations.  I love the seeing people’s faces when they see my artwork for the first time.  I am not one of those people that can just start a conversation but if you ask me a question it is on….LOL.  So the interaction with people when showing my work at home or at an exhibition is inspiration with in itself, especially when someone is able to find some kind of connection within my work.  On April 6^th 2011 I will be having my first solo exhibition.  I will be showcasing many of the pieces from my first two years as an artist.  All but about four of the 35 or more pieces that will be shown were created after June 15, 2009 which was the day I found my self unemployed for the first time since I was a teenager. Not to mention that we had a baby on the way due in July.  I had created several paintings before then but that day I really got serious and my subject matter seemed to change as well.  That same summer I finally met some of my father’s children after years of searching and found out that I was the youngest of 33 children and also discovered that I was of  Thailanese and Colombian descent on my fathers side.  It was only the second picture I had ever seen of my father who died when I was 6 years old and I saw a picture of my grandfather for the first time who was from Thailand. I also found out that my great grandfather on my mother side was Caucasian and that my great grandmother was native American.  Of course all of this threw me for a cultural loop.  As I started to explore my ethnic background and family history, I started to discover other forms of indigenous art along the way.  My palette went from mostly earth tone to multi-colored pieces in which I really enjoyed to create.  Music was a critical factor in the direction of my paintings as well. Especially after I lost my job all of my paintings were mostly created while listening to music from Hector Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, El Gran Combo, Cheo Feliciano etc. and Fela Kuti. So Music was every instrumental in regards to the energy in my work so naturally a lot of my work is embedded with a lot of Taino Art and symbols.  So again, this show will chronicle my first 2 years as an evolving visual artist show casing several different forms of indigenous and traditional contemporary art.  One of the goals of my show is to try and transcend ethic or racial lines through my art by exposing those who visit my show to aboriginal art, northwest Indian art, African art, taino art etc all in one show…. These are forms of art that many would not have been otherwise exposed to.  Sorry if I got of track a little. 

That's OK. We love hearing all of the details! Do you have other Artistic outlets?

Yes, I write poetry and short stories…. And also play acoustic guitar from time to time.

I know that you are a Father. Do you include your children in the creative process? What is that like?

Well I have a one year old that will be two in July…. We have a two bed room duplex which is pretty big but not big enough for me to have a separate studio so part of my front room has been turned into part studio.  It works out because I am a clean freak so I keep it pretty tidy….. but my son is always there while I am painting and always trying to get to my paints.  No matter what I do or how loud I may yell, he will strategically re-evaluate his next plan of attack and this goes on day after day LOL but I love working around my son and it gives him an opportunity to see me in action and I can’t wait to purchase him his first paints.  When my older children come over, they love to see the new work as well.  It catches their attention for about 1 or 2 minutes and then it is off to the Xbox 360.  Again I like having my son around but we do have to get a larger place soon so that I can have my own studio space.

Who are some of your favorite Artists?

There are a few. Haida artist Bill Reid, a multitude of old school aboriginal artists, Monet, Picasso of course and several local artists such as Sharon Bachman-Hanson, Clayton Singleton and the great Wayne Potrafka who has been one of the consistent pioneers of art in Hampton Roads for years.

What is the story behind ‘Itchy Eye’ and ‘The Believer’?  

Well, 'Itchy Eye' is my first composition in regards to paintings so that was one is special for me.  I mean, I did another painting that look like a little promo for Halloween or something but I consider Itchy Eye as being the first painting that I was really proud of.  It was all trail and error and I had no idea how to paint trees. Even when I was drawing with ink and graphite I never used trees in my drawing. So that is why the branches are coming out from the side of the painting. So I decided to run with it because the yellowish moon looked like an eye so I wanted the branches of the tree to look like the veins of a person’s eye.  I had no idea how to mix paint and no idea of light composition or orientation in a painting as well but I like how it came out.  I may never sell that one.

'The Believer', was something quickly done in February of 2010…. I was thinking about my son when I did it because he has gray eyes and I had not seen him in several months being that he lives in a different state.  Even though the picture is not of a child, my son inspired the eyes…. I knew that the eyes and orientation of the nose and mouth were not really correct but I liked it and left it alone…. I painted it in about 20 to 30 minutes.  I originally called it “The Grey Fox” after this cool older cat that use to live down the street from me when I was a child.  He was tall and cool as hell. The women in the area called him the Grey Fox LOL but I renamed it the Believer because he looked more spiritual to me than anything. 

What’s coming up Artistically for you?

Like I mentioned before, I have a solo art exhibition coming up on April 6, 2011 at the Old Dominion University VA Beach campus.  The opening reception is from 6 to 8pm and the show will run through April 29^th.  It is actually co-sponsored by Norfolk State University.   I also have some work that will on exhibition at the Art Institute of Virginia Beach on April 8^th so it will be a busy week.  I will be doing a couple of exhibitions in Europe as well in which I an working out travel and shipping now.  Other than that I am looking forward to throwing a big birth day bash/art show on my birth day in July.  I will be turning 40….. What better way to get my mind off of turning 40 than to have an art show!

Do you have any inspirational words you can offer other Artists?

Yes I do. Here are a few quotes I tell myself several times a week. 'Plan your works and work your plans'. 'Those who fail to plan, plan to fail'. 'The first time you settle for less is when you get less than what you settle for in the first place' and most importantly, 'Anything that your mind can conceive can be brought for onto the physical plane so make it happen'. Don’t sit around waiting for opportunity to come knocking, create your own opportunities and most importantly learn the business side of art so you will not fall for any dealer, collectors scams out there and there are plenty.

Thank you Ramel. That is great advice! Where can we find out more about you and your Art?

You can hit me on Facebook  Ramel Jasir on Facebook  All friend requests are welcome.

My email is rameljasir@gmail.com and I have my website under construction and will be posting the new site on my Facebook page by April 1, 2011.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. You are a fabulous Artists and Energy and we wish you a Fabulous Career!

Thank you for having me and give me an opportunity to share….. Peace and Light

A Ray Of Sunshine....Pamela Sunshine

Let me introduce you to a women with a smile as big as the sun and a character to match! Pamela Sunshine. Pamela is a multi-talented gem who shares her colorful energy with children and inspires them to be positive and free spirited. 

 

Hello Pamela. What musical fun are you up to today?

 Hi. I am currently recording a 5 song EP of my grown up songs.  This is very exciting and the songs are turning out great. Some are songs I wrote quite a while ago and it is great to see them coming out into the light. I am also starting new kids CD in March, which is very exciting.

Let’s talk about childhood. Where are you from?

Born in Vancouver BC to parents who emigrated from England. I grew up in the small town of Haney, now Maple Ridge and moved to England at 17 with my family. It was a very exciting place to be as so much incredible music was being made there.

What was your childhood like? Was there a lot of music?

My mom always sang and my parents loved music. I grew up listening to a widely eclectic mix of genres.  Every Sunday my Dad put on classical music after dinner and it was quite amazing. Also Ella Fitzgerald and Lois Armstrong, the Harmonicats, everything really.

Are there other musical people in your family?

All my kids are musical, and my daughter Beth is a singer/songwriter and we often perform together. We used to do so regularly as Two Tall Women and even toured the UK together.  Now we support one another and pursue our own projects as well.

What types of creative things did you do as a child?

I took piano lessons from the age of 6 and loved singing. I was in school choirs etc and also in the school musical. 

What inspired/inspires you to create your music for children?

I became a teacher, I always wanted to be a teacher, and loved sharing songs with kids in my class. When I had my own kids I started doing childrens CDs and shows.  My philosophy with kid’s music is that children should be empowered to be music makers and not spectators. I encourage participation and audience involvement in my shows.  

Your music is empowering and engaging. And nature appears to be a big inspiration. Is that the case? What about it inspires you?

Quite a few of my songs for children involve nature. I used to play outside a lot and as a teen and got great solace from being outside, sitting by the river or ocean. I guess it is natural to write about this subject. Let’s Go Climb the Rockies and See The Snow among others, are songs that just came to me, they are like all songs, a gift.

 

You live by the water, I know that must be awe-inspiring. How much time do you spend at the water? Are you inspired to write or sing when you’re there?

I used to be inspired by this, the first song I ever wrote involved the sea at Scarborough in Yorks, England, where I went to college. Also many early songs referenced the Alouette River where I used to play as a child.  Now I am more inspired by hope and joy.

Do you write all of your own songs and music?

I love writing my own songs and music. My first children’s CD when I performed as Pamarama, a singing clown, had a mix of originals and traditional favorites.  I also did a childrens CD of singing games and chants, which were traditional. As Pamela Sunshine, my CDs are full of my original songs.

Pamela, do you or have you performed live? If so, where?

I have been performing live for years.  I started out entertaining children as Pamarama and then Pam Southwell and now my children’s music is presented under the stage name Pamela Sunshine.  I do concerts, festivals, community events etc. Last year I played the Kids Stage at World Fest in Los Angeles and that was lots of fun.

Of all of your songs, which is your favorite?

Probably Growing Up Green.

 

 

What one thing would you like to do that you haven’t yet as far as your career is concerned?

I would like to release a Storytelling CD. It has been a dream of mine for a while and I have the name, The Stories of Three.  Recently I connected with someone who does soundscapes and sound effects, so we plan to work together on the stories.

Do you have any other Creative Outlets and what are they?

I am currently uploading songs and chants for children to my youtube channel, http://www.youtube.com/pamelasunehinetv and promoting it. I am excited to be archiving all the songs etc that I have gathered over the years I have worked with children.

I also blog. I have several blogs, one supporting and promoting women in music, http://violetfemmesmusic.blogspot.com  and another that shares my ideas and work within education, http://www.pamscreativeclassroom.com .  I sing for adults as well as children and have just set up a site for my grown up music, http://www.pamcarrmusic.com

I also paint when I get the time. lol

What Inspiration would you share with others following their dreams?

Right now I just feel so joyful to be supporting my artist and I encourage others to commit to their creativity. Once you do you are led to do what is right for you. Listen to the creator within and follow your heart.  I had so much help from books like the Artists Way by Julia Cameron. 

How can we find out more about you and hear more of your music?

You can buy my kids music at CD Baby and download it from iTunes.

I have a productions company called Magic Puddle Productions and we are excited to say that the Growing Up Green CD is in libraries across Canada and is now in US libraries. This month Growing Up Green won a Kids Music Award for CD of the month and also got a rave review in New York’s School Library Journal, the world’s largest reviewer of Children’s multi media for libraries.

Thank you Pamela! Keep on Shining!
Pamela Sunshine is active on the Scene and you can find out lots more at these other sites.  

http://www.pamelasunshine.com

http://www.facebook.com/pamelasunshine

http://pamelasunshine.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com/pamelasunshinetv

He Came, He Cooked, He Conquered! - Chef Chaz

Hi everyone! I’m happy to introduce you to Chef/Artist Charles "Chef Chaz" Smith and his company Culinary Artists! With many delicious years of experience, travel, knowledge and determination Charles is on his way to Culinary stardom and I’m happy to be able to share this interview with you.

Hi Charles! Let’s start at the beginning of Charles Smith.  One thing we discover is that all Artists had the creative energy even as small children. Even if they didn’t recognize it. What were you like as a child? 

My parents say I showed skill in drawing as early as age 4. I was an imaginative and creative child. I enjoyed reading about other countries. My maternal grandmother worked for a wealthy family and was an excellent cook. She was also multi-lingual and a real "foodie". I remember she would take me to some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh and other cities and never made any food strange to me. By age 10 I loved caviar, veal sweetbreads (thymus/pancreas), foie gras and escargot. This prompted me to want to create new things to eat at home.

Are there other Artists in your family?

I have two older brothers who are artists, but I can't remember them painting after marriage.

Charles do you remember you first experience cooking a meal and what it felt like?

Before I was old enough to use the stove myself, I would melt things in or on the toaster creating bizarre concoctions to set beside my dad's dinner plate when he got home from work. I remember the pride I felt watching him eat what I made. To this day he's one of my biggest fans.

When and how did you realize you wanted to be a Culinary Artist?

With close to 15 years of hotel/restaurant experience and a degree in art, I would often create dishes for my gallery receptions. But I soon realized although many people enjoyed the art...everyone loved the food. BINGO! Birth of The Culinary Artists!

How did you get your start down the path?

Since I'd worked or managed nearly every front-of-house restaurant position and had been cooking for friends for years, it was a natural transition into catering.

Charles I’ve seen a wide variety of your fabulous dishes. What are your specialties and favorites?

About 12 years ago I started traveling to different countries learning about the foods that I love. I spend a few weeks or a few months soaking up as much as I can. I'm comfortable with the food of India, Thailand, Italy, Morocco and Spain. But since most of my years in the industry were in French restaurants...French food is still my favorite cuisine.

What are some of your ‘Kitchen Dos and Don’ts?

DO wash hands often

DO use the freshest and best ingredients possible

DO keep your knives sharp

DON'T forget to taste everything

Always cook with passion from the heart

What’s the largest affair you’ve catered?  Do you work alone?

I was hired to cook for a weeklong church convention. I took 3 helpers with me and they put us up in a hotel to cook lunch and dinner for 200 - 400 each day. I do all of the cooking.

What would be your Dream setting for preparing and catering a meal?

Recently I enjoyed being a Private Chef in Beverly Hills. But, in general I love to cook for people who know good food and love to eat. Also having fresh ingredients on hand is key.

You were on ‘Grill It’ with Bobby Flay in August 2010. Aside from being able to cook with Bobby, what was a personal best about that experience for you?

Cooking side by side with an Iron Chef like Bobby Flay was an amazing, But the high point was when he tasted one of my dishes and said, "Wow, that's good and cooked perfectly!"

Where can we see that episode? 

Food Network will re-air shows periodically and of course I was given a copy of my episode. But for those who missed it...maybe they'll post it to their archives.

What’s next for The Culinary Artists?
 

What's next? Expanding our corporate catering, the Take Home Chef/ Private Chef service is bigger now and I'm being hired for weeks at a time even flown to other cities. Drive-By Gourmet is in demand, an exclusive underground supper club and a cook book on the horizon.

You also paint. Fabulously I might add. What medium do you like best? Do you paint regularly?

Thank you! Pencils was my first medium and many say still my best, I still paint abstracts and portraits, but now by commission only...like the one I did for Whoppi Goldberg.

Here's a portrait I did that includes the "cooking dynamic" of my mom'side of the family. The grandmother I spoke about, the grandfather who was also an excellent cook (I never met him) and my mom (in this portrait she's about 21)

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful Art. What Inspiration/Advice would you give to upcoming Culinary Artists and Artists in general when it comes to following the Dream?

Believe in yourself. Work hard for what you want and hone your skills to get there. You have the power to shape your future.

Thank you so much Charles. Fabulous interview and we wish you all of the success and colorfulness in the world! :-)

How can we find out more about you and Culinary Artist?

 www.artistcharlessmith.com

  www.theculinaryartists.com

plus various magazine and newspaper archives (Whirl, Pgh Post Gazette, City Paper, Tribune Review, CMYK Graphic Design Magazine)

Welcome 2011

2010 was awesome! So much fun, meeting lots of fabulous new creative spirits, learning lots of new Artistic and Creative stuff...wow it was good! You all made it so much better!

A new Year and new love for Living In Color! Lots of fabulous interviews and projects lined up, the show completely updated and more. As you know one of the main reasons I'm here is to share Art and Creativity with the Universe :-) If you are an Artist, Creative Soul, Entertainer, Cook, you name it...this is the place to share. Send an email, pictures, video etc to diviacity@diviacity.com. So many people out there would love to see and share your beautiful creativity.