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.

Living In Color With Steph Jordan EP8

Click to Play

Halloween fun with lots of projects, music, crafts, entertainment and more

Morgan Clayton -Heart and Song

I'd like to introduce you to Morgan Clayton. This beautiful multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician is on her Dream Journey and gracing us with her lovely voice along the way! 

 

Hello Morgan. How are you today? 

Quite wonderful actually! Thanks for asking.

Let’s talk about the beginning first.

How old were you when you first decided Music was what you wanted to do?

I have been involved in music since my grade school years; however it wasn’t until tenth grade that I wrote and composed my very first original song. I believe that experience confirmed my passion for the art of musical creation.

What types of things inspired you?

Foremost, my faith as a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ is an inspiration in all aspects of my life. I know that all of myself and my talents are due to God! So I am very grateful for my abilities in an art form that I love. (=…  Now, if it weren’t for my parents I would have never been forced to audition for my first church solo in younger days! Haha, I hated it at the time, but assessing it in hindsight I can now say I am very thankful to them for it because I likely would have never mustered the courage on my own. My mother in particular has had a great impact on me musically. She grew up in a very musical family and was/is asked to sing at various events due to her beautiful voice. She was also the choir director at my former church for some time, so she has always been an encouragement and an inspiration to me as well as a major factor in my vocal development. My remarkable husband has always encouraged me in my music and he himself is the inspiration for several of my songs!  Also, my family in general has been a great inspiration. They have always supported me in my music and been present at all of my performances growing up. A lot of credit is due them for my musical progression.

When someone asked you what you wanted to be/do when you grew up, what was your response?

Well, if you asked me this when I was three, I probably would have answered, a lion! In third grade my response would have been a model/fashion designer/movie star/ singer/ writer. In junior high I was going to be a veterinarian all the way. In high school I was destined a future in music and theater. In early junior college I aspired to be a pharmacist/ coffee and book shop owner. Now, my response has evolved into a Chemical Engineer…  So, if I’ve learned anything in life, it is that the future is always uncertain; and though I may be graduating as a Chemical engineering major, I know my life is not limited to any prior direction. However, I do know that no matter where I may ultimately find myself at in life, music is certain to be there as well, anchored deep within, tugging at my mind and soul, and bursting forth into creation.

Great Answer!

Were there any major musical events for you in your childhood?

Ha, what is childhood exactly? I like to believe that we can always remain a child in spirit, regardless of our physical limitations!...but, I shall start from the beginning. (:  I sang in my church’s children’s choir growing up, however my first musical events of significance came about in junior high. I participated in singing competitions which were held amongst mine various other schools. These were my first experiences in solo performing. In ninth grade I auditioned, by means of parental coercion (as stated earlier), and received the part to sing “Breath of Heaven” for my church’s Christmas play! From that point I became very involved in music. I began singing many specials in church, and continue to sing in church even now. I became a member of my high school’s choir and show choir, which later led to my becoming a part of the choir and show choir at my junior college as well. So needless to say, I participated in many musical performances and events by means of extracurricular activities. However, of all the musical events I have been a part of, playing the role of Sandy in my community college’s production of “Grease” has definitely been the most rewarding. I love acting and singing, so the combination of both wrapped within a portrayal of a beloved American classic was certainly an experience to treasure.

How long have you been singing and playing the Piano?

 

Haha, I have been singing since before I can remember… I have been singing well since about eighth grade. (; I began learning the piano in elementary school and have progressed from there, taking lessons off and on throughout high school.

Do you play any other Instruments?

As of now, no. I had to learn a few chords on the guitar for a role I played in “A Piece of My Heart.” I was Mary Jo, a singing artist who performed for the troops in Vietnam. However, I have no recollection of those chord fingerings now. I would love to actually learn to play the guitar one day though, and possibly the harmonica.

Where do you see yourself heading with your career?

I’m not quite certain where I see my future self musically; my only vision now is more songs!  Currently my major focus is education, but my music is still a vital part of my life. When I need comfort, or relief from stress, music is always there reaching out to me. I just grab my notepad and pencil, head to the keyboard, and let my emotions take the reins. 

A dream I do have though is to one day have my songs professionally recorded and possibly even expanded upon with additional instrumentation. That would be simply amazing.

Have you performed Live yet?

Yes! I perform live quite often. However, I have only performed an original song of mine live once. It was for a talent competition and I placed second. It was a grand experience. 

What are you working on right now?

I have one song in the making that I believe has the potential to be my best song yet. It has powerful lyrics that encompass my outlook on life in regards to my faith and the necessity of personal goals and perseverance. So, not to give too much away here, it is a very personal song for me and I am very excited to discover the outcome!

We are excited for you Morgan. Colorful wishes for a long and exciting career!

To hear more of Morgans lovely voice be sure to watch Episode 8 of Living In Color with Steph Jordan or visit her YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/nagroMROC 

Lady of Soul - Renee Thomas

Cry me a River. Whew!  Renee your voice takes us back to a day when it was just as much about the delivery as it was about the message.  

Let’s just start at the beginning. Where did you grow up?

"Wow, thank you. I've gotten some really great feedback from that song. Even super producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (I thought I was dreaming) heard it, he tweeted me and told me my voice was "dope" and asked did I do R&B, then he said "Don't ever let no one tell ur voice is crazy! Ur voice is so sick its SWINE FLU sick! Love the raspiness in it. Use that more", something I will never forget, what an honor. And I grew up in Akron, Ohio :)

Was music an important part of your childhood?

Very. Especially loved listening to Whitney Houston and Anita Baker as a young child. Music took me to other places.

How long have you been singing?

Since a young child, started off in the 'Sunshine Band' at my church, we were a lil group of kids singing our little hearts out for God. I remember actually singing my very first solo at around age 10, it was 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow', the way I felt, the reaction from the congregation, I knew singing was something I was blessed to do and I HAD to do :)

Is this something you always wanted to do?

Yes, most definitely. Feeling I can't even fully describe, when I sing.

You sing with intense passion. Where do you draw that from?

From the depths of my soul. I am in love with music, and maybe music is in love with me as well, emotions totally take over, it's a great experience.
 

Do you write your own songs and do you play any instruments?

Yes I do. Lyrics, melodies, all of that. I love it as well as interpreting others' songs. I can play piano, my Mom put me in lessons early. I used to do piano recitals twice a year, my teacher had lots of students, she put one together in spring, the other in winter and we'd play Christmas carols. My passion doesn't lie as much in piano as writing and singing, so I really don't play anymore.

Many of the tunes I’ve heard are Gospel. Is that where your musical love is?

Gospel is where it all began, in the church, and gospel has been heavily requested & something I love to do. I'd say jazz is where my musical love is the heaviest, although I love many genres.

Who are some of the major influences in your life?
 
Stevie Wonder, he was another one I listened to a lot along with Whitney, Anita, Mary J. Blige, El Debarge, all great artists with tons of SOUL. It doesn't end there, there are soooo many artists I love and respect, far too many to name, but these are the biggest influences in my life.

What else would you like to do in life as far as your career is concerned?

I'd love to become an established songwriter, as well as singer, for myself and other artists.

If you could duet with anyone who would it be?

Mary J. Blige, but then again, I may not make it to the end of the song, I'd probably pass out on the stage hehe.

Are there other Artistic endeavors for you?

Most definetly, like I mentioned above, writing, and I'll add arranging to that, piecing the songs together, structuring, layers, harmonies, I love it. So, writing/arranging for others, something else I'd love to achieve.

What types of things do you do for fun?

I don't do too much besides the norm, but whatever I do, I try to have as much fun as possible, even if that's going to the park, roller skating, writing, out to dinner. I love acting silly, that's fun lol. I've had some family and friends say I should be a singing comedian lol.

What keeps you going on this path Renee?

My love and passion for music, and the overwhelming feeling that my gifts were not gifted in vain, I am to use them. As long as I have them, I'm writing and singing for life, no matter what.

Are there any inspirational words you would care to share with our reader friends?

Yes, about life. It's not who you've been. who are you being? It's not about what you've done. what are you doing? Right NOW? We can't change the past, our perception maybe, that's it, but it's plenty, because we grow from what we now know, all our experiences, good or bad, right or wrong, up or down. Some thing I've learned, & I hope, at the very least, ONE person finds inspiration in that. Forward progress.

We will you much success and colorful dreams! Where can readers hear more of your music and learn more about you?

"My social networking sites. I have a myspace: myspace.com/reneethomasmusic, youtube: youtube.com/reneethomasmusic, facebook: facebook.com/reneethomasmusic, twitter: twitter.com/reneemusic and reverbnation: reverbnation.com/reneethomas"

Have a colorful day. I think I have to go listen to Cry Me A River one more time.
Steph