Damn, from VA to NYC, multi-talented hip hop musician and artist (see here), Will Porter quietly released a dope a$$ 8-track solid hip hop project in 2016 titled Mansa Muse. Literally every track made the head bop with stank face and all that. Straight fire. Beats dope (ohh especially Finger Painting), voice right, lyrics and flow right, with each track having an overal chill, soul grungy, hip hop vibe.
Before releasing this project however, this man has been working. Within the span of only a few months releasing a few projects back to back, also containing straight - for instance 'Back to Basics'. I think those 17.9k listeners agree as well.
Artist Bio:
Will Porter is a multidimensional visual and performance artist. His strong knowledge of color, form and movement allow him to create moments that transcend the physical piece itself. His acrylic and oil pastel works both exhibit an overstanding of line manipulation that suggests movement, allowing the observer to navigate throughout them and experience something new in each direction. Building such a solid foundation in art allowed for these same attributes to permeate into his music and poetry. He has an innate storytelling ability, directly reflective of his ability to paint such vivid imagery, driven by a cadence reminiscent of his brush strokes. Ranging from sporadic to disciplined, as to create a controlled chaos.
Will was born and raised in Flint, MI. Being a sponge in such a vibrant and dynamic city as Flint in the 1990's, it's no wonder that his passion for art sprouted at such a young age. Will, affectionately known as Junior by family, began drawing at the age of 4. He was under the study of his older brother, Jeremy Cooper. Jeremy being very skilled in pencil and graphite, would instruct Will to recreate many different video game and cartoon characters. including, but not limited to, Mortal Kombat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Super Mario Bros. This addition of technical drawing to his infinitely creative mind birthed a black and white framework that he was eager to fill with color. He took every art class available in school from first grade to freshman year in college.
In 2001, Will and his family moved to Stafford, VA. The significant contrast in scenery and aesthetic was yet another catalyst of growth for Will's creativity. His medium of choice shifted from tempura paint, to the more robust oil pastels, and oil and acrylic paints. He was able to transform his formerly flat, and one dimensional paintings into pieces that showed great promise of form and depth. Will worked tirelessly on projects both in and outside the classroom so that he could sharpen his talents.
In 2009, with encouragement and a letter of recommendation from his high school art teacher, Stephanie Athanasaw, Will was accepted into the VCU School of Arts program. He was quickly humbled by the advanced and ambitious work of the students there.Being forced to adapt, Will met the challenge head on. Excelling at times, while failing with confidence at others. His time at VCU would be short lived due to financial woes, but even after returning home to work, what he'd learned on that campus, remained in him.
He continued the path of self improvement, pushing the limits of his gift with each new piece he created. Creating works that were more personal and without parameters allowed for Will to extend his total body of works to upward of 500. He has been quoted as stating "...art became so fluid for me, to the point where it's easier most times to communicate through paintings than through words." This surgence of work catapulted Will to becoming a standard in the culture of art and not just a student. Needing a larger platform to showcase his large catalog of work, Will made the transition from Virginia to New York in December of 2015.
Since being in the big city, Will has landed full time employment as a dog walker while juggling art, music and poetry into all the time in between. He has worked alongside musician/curator Steff Reed in shining a light on police brutality and systematic oppression, collaborated with actress/vocalist and cinematographer Angelica Jackson in the creation of her groundbreaking docuseries "The Grind BK", while also making his presence known in multiple venues throughout New York; either by opening up the space with his artwork, or commanding an audience with his music and poetry.
One of those spots being Brooklyn's own Backdrop. A venue that focuses on providing the space and a welcoming environment for creatives to come inspire and be inspired. Will is only just getting started, so to avoid missing his amazing journey of self exploration, be sure to use the links available on this site to familiarize yourself with his social media, soundcloud, art gallery and more. Since I've caught you up to speed with the artist, I'd like to introduce myself. Hi, I'm Will Porter :) welcome to my page. Explore it with open senses. - Will Porter
"BIGGER than the image. Photographs are an important part of our world . Time travel as we know it has not ever been achieved, but ask anyone who sees a beautiful portrait of themselves. Most likely they can tell you what was happening in their life, how they were feeling, and what the weather was that day."- Flysaiah
Natalie Pujols work influences a constant gaze into imagination. Its not only because there is this realism involved; its a certain movement, personality and emotion that is evoked from the expressions, gestures and other details she creates via a combination of colors on canvas. The objects and other relatable, familiar media or concepts she incorporates, creates these thresholds of familiarity we can't resist. Thresholds that allow for that constant gaze and awe. Check out her work here.
Check out Mckenzie Mayle's chaotically colorful collages, self-portraits and other colorful gems.
Photographer from New York City.
NYC Portraits - Photography - Headshots and more
-Kreg Franco explores a world a realism to convey an emotional connection in his pieces.
Franco (b.1996) is a visual learner, enriching his knowledge through his observations. Drawing from comic books as a child, he continues to pursue his passion for creating as a teenager. He is a graduate of the High School of Art & Design and is currently attending the Fashion Institute of Technology. In his education, Franco is New York City-based artist that is building momentum in Illustration. Outside of his education, he has been on exhibition in several galleries across NYC, from Chelsea to Midtown to the Bronx. As an 18-year-old artist, he is aiming high for his future, and is surrounding himself with fellow artists who share his passion.
Franco delights in drawing from the figure, and finds that direct observation is the key foundation for growing in his field. He enjoys practicing his skills through creating pieces of celebrities and recognizable figures, as it enables him to have a connection to powerful social figures that audiences can relate to. His original work aspires to captivate viewers through portraiture. His subjects explore surreal qualities while maintaining a naturalistic approach. He is constantly observing and learning from his inspirations and striving to apply new artistic translations. His goal is to have viewers recognize the soul in his portraits. He strives to translate such an intangible force through the simple 2-dimensional picture plane. (Source: http://www.kregfranco.com/kf)
Charlotte is a wedding and portrait photographer based in South Carolina. Her passion for photography evolved from her love of love - in all forms. Whether you are engaged, welcoming a new baby, celebrating an anniversary, or getting married, she wants to help you preserve those fleeting moments! Charlotte's goal is to give you an unforgettable experience you will treasure forever.
Go ahead and take a look around in my favorite things! and her updated blog Send her a message on her contact page! She's waiting to meet you!!! (http://www.charlotteconklin.com/about/)
Chapin Mathews , a multi-media artist, designer, musician and photographer, captures the diversity of today’s world with authentic merit. Destined to be a visual artist, one night at the ripe age of 4 his father handed him a 1970 35mm Nikkormat that he used to take his first photograph of music icon Aimee Mann. In his mid to late teens he spent several years studying the traditional techniques of photography and darkroom procedures while simultaneously learning the newly developing age of digital design and production.
In 2009, Chapin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, going on to travel 50,000 miles as a performing visual artist and documentarian before the age of 30. Through these travels he gained significant cultural and spiritual experiences, which aided in developing both his ability to compassionately relate to humanity and his current creative voice.
Chapin’s work is a credible reflection of unique lifestyles that tend to receive distorted views. Through his work Chapin challenges stigmas and taboo perspectives on these lifestyles, representing a common thread of humanity we are all connected to.
Aloha everyone,
Here is a link to my first ever concept album titled "Coming Into The New". It is currently available as a free stream and name your price download on Bandcamp. As I believe music should be freely shared and experienced in this day and age of technology, donations (though not expected) do help support the continuation of a life style devoted to creative service. Here is a description of the album's concept and I hope you enjoy!
Reva May is a Toledo, Ohio based photographer who specializes in portrait and live music photography. With a documentary approach, she delivers raw and emotional moments from your favorite artists and everyday life.
Publications:
Bandsintown
Alternative Press
AMP Magazine / Hails & Horns Magazine
Inked Girls Australia
LADYGUNN
LIKE Magazine
New Noise Magazine
Paste Magazine
Stitched Sound Magazine
Substream Music Press
Visuals Magazine
and more
Exhibitions:
Rockwood / Reva May / Rock & Roll [2015] - Toledo School for the Arts
Pride of Toledo Top 30 [2011] - Toledo Museum of Art
Dark Visions 2 [2010] - Collingwood Arts Center