BENEFIT CONCERT ALL FOR AUTISM 2018

BENEFIT CONCERT ALL FOR AUTISM 2018

| 23. February 2018 | Events

Benefit Concert all for Autism

All for Autism Benefit Concert will take place next Sunday 4 of March at Musikverein. A virtuoso musician will give all for children with Autism; organized and supported by the former opera singer and music agent Irina Gulyaeva.

This year Ramon Vargas, Clemens Unterreiner, Sergey Lazarev, Yury Revich and much more will be part of this beautiful benefit gala.

Autistic people perceive their environment "differently". Often they are guided by details, rarely seek eye contact and can barely recognize the mood of others from their facial expressions.

Over- or hypersensitivity to light, smell, noise or touch is common. These and other perceptual disorders and difficulties mean that children or adults with autism have great problems understanding their environment as a meaningful whole. Affected individuals find it difficult to empathize with their fellow human beings and build up adequate relationships with them.

Your learning opportunities are affected. In most cases, the symptoms occur in the first three years of life. Every autistic child is different, but they all do not learn "on the side", unlike children with healthy development. Therefore, they need early and personalized support where content to be learned is broken down into simple learning elements and developed step-by-step.

The early and intensive support enables autistic children to learn behaviors that enable self-help and thus their ever-increasing independence. Today, experts agree that autism therapies should begin as early as possible and should be performed at high intensity/frequency. In the USA, for example, it is assumed that up to 6 hours of support per day.

In addition to the TEACCH method, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is considered the most scientifically validated method of treating autism spectrum disorders. Numerous studies have shown that using ABA therapy, at least half of all treated children can reach a normal level of functioning and can be integrated into mainstream schools with no or minimal assistance.

Thanks to the initiative of this amazing group of artist and the organizer of this concert Irina Gulyaeva the new therapeutic and diagnostic center of the umbrella organization of the Austrian autistic assistance will benefit.

Artist

Ton der Jugend Symphonie Orchester Wien und Richard Wagner Konservatorium Chor

"Sound of Youth" represents a new movement of young musicians who introduce themselves and the ideas of a new generation to the public. The promising young musicians from different countries gather in a body of sound. They present the Viennese public their musical talent, and their will to make music. The concept was developed by pianist Ioan-Dragos Dimitriu and conductor Andrej Vesel. The two have made it their goal to put quality, competence, and talent first. This young musician a successful career start in direct connection with a network of creative influential and resourceful people. Furthermore, If these musicians are offered the opportunity to learn top musicians of the world and with these to play music together.

Director Giuseppe Terza

The Croatian conductor Giuseppe Terza became the leader of the mixed choir and male choir of St. Michael in Croatia at the age of fourteen. He quickly gained a wealth of experience with choirs. In 2016 he founded his own musical group "Musical Mosaic", which promotes classical music and young musicians. In the summer of 2016, Giuseppe was an assistant conductor at the opera Turandot for the Opersommer Festival in Split.

Ramon Vargas

Ramón Vargas, born in Mexico City in 1960, has long been a vocal star in his homeland and has also celebrated on America's big stages and Europe's triumphs. With Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto" Ramón Vargas made his first opera experience. He was the first winner of the Caruso Competition in Milan to make his breakthrough. Milan was the gateway to Europe for Vargas. First, he went to the opera studio of the Vienna State Opera, followed by stations such as Lucerne, Zurich, Marseille, the Vienna State Opera, and the Opéra de Bastille. The leap to the USA was classic in 1993: Luciano Pavarotti had canceled the "Edgardo" in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor", Vargas jumped in. The debut in the Met turned out to be a huge triumph. In the course of his operatic career, he has learned five languages and studied Goethe's classic "The Sorrows of the Young Werther" - like many other works of European literature - in the original. In 2001, Vargas was awarded the ECHO CLASSIC, in the category "Best Singer".

Sergey Lazarev

Sergey Lazarev liked music from childhood and was also on stage from the start. He participated in the project "Neposedy" and was part of the music group Smash. Afterward, he decided on a solo career. Now he is an outstanding artist, performing all over the world, filling large concert halls and successfully performing songs in Russian and English. Sergey is a singer, actor of the Pushkin Theater in Moscow, film and TV presenter and producer. Furthermore winner of the Crystal Turandot Award for the best debut in the 2006 season and the prestigious theatre prize "Chajka" - for the Breakthrough of the year and the best love scene in the performance in 2005. On May 14, 2016, the singer became the winner of the spectator vote at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 and won the 3rd place in the final with the song "You are the only one", with an outstanding 491 points.

Clemens Unterreiner

Since September 2005, Clemens Unterreiner has been engaged as a soloist and permanent member of the ensemble at the Vienna State Opera, where he has established himself as a popular Viennese baritone. So he was already successful as Sharpless, Faninal, Schaunard, Thunder, Angelotti, Harlequin, Melot, Shchelkalow and heard in many other roles. He collaborated with many famous conductors such as Franz Welser-Möst, Christian Thielemann, Philippe Jordan, and others. Since the 2008 season, he has appeared in various roles as a guest soloist at the Volksoper Vienna.

Yury Revich

Yury Revich is a well-known Austrian violinist of Russian descent and was honored in 2016 with the ECHO KLASIK as the best young artist and with the ICMA (International Classical Music Awards) in 2015 as "Young Artist of the Year". Yury is a popular, international solo violinist. In May 2009 he made his debut at New York's Carnegie Hall, followed by La Scala in Milan, the Wiener Musikverein, the Zurich Tonhalle, and many other renowned concert halls worldwide. He is the artistic director of his international concert series "Friday Nights with Yury Revich" in Vienna as well as the Beethoven Society and Kunst & Kultur Belvedere. In the autumn of 2017, he was "Intendant in Residence" of the highly respected: alternate festival. Yury plays on the Golden Period Stradivari "Princess Aurora" from the year 1709, provided by the Goh Foundation.

For more information, please visit: Musikverein

 

Photo credits:

Ramon Valera: ©Artist

Yury Revich: MV Photography

3D JEWELLERY BY MARIE BOLTENSTERN

3D JEWELLERY BY MARIE BOLTENSTERN

| 6. February 2018 | Designers

3D Jewelry Printing by Marie Boltenstern

Marie Boltenstern is an expert in precious metal 3D jewelry printing. She is an Architect specialized in 3D Technology. For her, the biggest pleasure is to work at the forefront of possible manufacturing techniques. She loves mathematics, geometry and numbers and she is fascinated by the possibilities they offer for creating shapes. Also, she is a dedicated coder and love to bring together the worlds of Architecture, Fashion, Fine Jewelry, Luxury, Entrepreneurship, and Technology.

How did you get into fashion?

On the one hand, I grew up with fine jewellery - my father founded the brand Boltenstern 60 years ago and was a renown goldsmith and artist. For me, it was always clear to become an Architect until I've heard of a 3D printer that could directly print in gold and silver. I saw the chance of combining my affinity for technology with the family tradition and spontaneously took over the brand 3 years ago.

How did you come to start your own line?

For me, it was clear that I wanted to be the first one to directly 3D print in gold, silver and platinum. I approached the machine developers at a fair and luckily they agreed on starting a collaboration; shortly after I launched the world's first fine jewellery collection directly printed in gold. Half a year ago we launched 'Embrace' - integrating genuine gemstones and crystals in my designs.

Tell us about Boltenstern

With BOLTENSTERN we marry cutting-edge 3D technology with a long history and tradition in the fine jewelry and design world. My grandfather was an Architect, important for post-war reconstruction of Vienna. My father as an artist showed me that nothing is impossible in life. Bringing these aspects together in the brand makes it a pioneer

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

For me as a designer, jewelry is architecture in its smallest form. It is only by thinking in multiple dimensions that I can create pieces that are incredibly complex, yet desirably simple. My aim is to design jewels with a unique look and feel made of fine linked parts that adapt to the human body. Inspired by shapes in nature, the designs are based on strict mathematical rules, yet their outcomes are varying from one piece to another.

Tell us about 3d printing

3D printing enables me to realize shapes that have not been possible of being produced before. The most exciting part is that it enables me to create a series of unique pieces where each piece is similar to the others, but none of them is exactly the same. Therefore each person gets their very individual and personal piece. The printer doesn't care if it prints 1.000 pieces that are exactly the same or 1.000 pieces that are a bit different from each other.

How your previous career influence you today as a designer

My career as an Architect is crucial for what I am doing today. Not much has changed in my mode of practice as a designer and in the way of how I realize my projects; I have been using the same 3D programs and thinking processes for the past 8 years since I started specializing in computer technology. So I consider Architecture as an indispensable part of my career.

How would you describe your personal fashion style?

Practical and Architectural! I like to dress up for occasions, but usually, you would find me in casual-smart business-style. Of course, a piece of my jewellery is never missing!

Where do you find inspiration for your creations?

I take my inspiration from natural formations and geometries of natural artifacts. I am fascinated by the endless outcomes of patterns and 3D-structures in nature and how organic shapes evolve from very mathematical principles.

Which phase is the most delicate in creating a piece of jewelry?

Since I am always looking into 3D structures before thinking of the overall piece it is for me the translation from the structure to an actual wearable piece of jewelry. It is so exciting when the pieces that in the computer look completely regular and mathematical, suddenly become alive like creatures when they come out of the printer, moving and adapting to the body.

What piece of advice would you give a young designer who just graduated from college?

Focus on realizing your ideas! No time is too short and no goal is too high, sometimes I am surprised by what is possible if you need to work under pressure and bring a project to the point. Also, there is no such thing like perfection, it is all a process, so better get things out there and receive valuable feedback to go the next steps.

What is elegance according to you?

Elegance is shining from inside. It is how you enter a room and fill it with your appearance in a delicate way. For me, it is all about transmitting positive energy.

What’s next for you professionally?

We are on an exciting journey, opening new markets in 2018 including Switzerland and Hong Kong. The goal is to be perceived as the global pioneer in direct precious metal printing and scale Boltenstern to a solid and internationally known jewelry brand.

 

To more about Marie, please visit: Marie Boltenstern

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER ZUZIA ZAWADA

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER ZUZIA ZAWADA

| 28. January 2018 | Photographers

Commercial Photographer Zuzia Zawada

Zuzia Zawada is a fashion, beauty and commercial photographer based in London, UK. Today we bring you her interview about her career. She discover her passion for fashion photography when she moved to London.

How is fashion in your country?

I originally come from Poland, back there, when I was younger, I did not hear about fashion much. Only when I moved to the UK and discovered my passion for fashion photography I have started learning about the industry. London is an incredible place and the right place to be when it comes to fashion. It is so multicultural, with incredible creative such as fashion designers, make-up artists, and hair stylists, nail technicians and more. We have the main Fashion Week twice a year and Men’s fashion weeks. We also have many fantastic off schedule events such as Fashion Scout, discovering emerging great talents.

How would you define beauty?

That is a very interesting question. I remember being fascinated by defining beauty when I was little and my observations on how others perceive beauty in a different way. For me, beauty is something unique, something original and captivating. It can be unusual colours, it can be a moment in time. When it comes to models, it is hard to describe, but I can see it straight away. Depending on a brief, it can be something to do with quirky features about the girl such as crossed eyes or big ears. Or it can be hair vulnerability or strong empowering eyes.

Were you educated in photography, or are yourself taught photographer?

I do not like to say I am self-taught as everyone learns from somewhere. I am a Fine Art graduate so I think this has helped me in terms of understanding colours and composition. I started experimenting with pinhole cameras and film when I was a teenager.

Only about four years ago I started an evening DSLR course for beginners. My teacher was really passionate and from then on I started searching for information on fashion photography online. I have learnt from ‘Creative Live’ website, then started ‘Mastered’- an online photography course in London and it gave me many opportunities and fantastic networking.

What camera do you use most of the time?

I’ve done my research for months before buying my equipment and I must say I am very pleased with my decision. It was Canon 6D for so-called ‘enthusiasts’, half the price of renowned Mark III but having very similar features. I would say the only downside is that it does not have a dual card slot for a piece of mind especially when it comes to big commercial jobs. My ‘go-to' lens for fashion is Canon 24-70mm and beauty Sigma 105mm. I love mixing fashion and portrait/beauty for the editorials.

Which photo are you currently most proud of as a photographer?

I always go through a love/hate relationship with my photos but I try to explain myself and understand that this is a creative process and I want more from every next shoot. I would say, my favorite photos are the latest, still unpublished ones. The one photo I still very much remember the model Opor wearing a

Sequin Hellavagirl dress taken in a ‘Peacock room’ I took about two years ago. I think photos with great emotions excite me, the ones showing a lot of energy, either in facial expressions or body movement.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

I’m not sure if there’s anything I could do earlier. I think that the beauty of this passion is my journey. I have no regrets; I don’t think that I’m losing any time either. The fashion industry was and will be there for years to come so there is no rush in discovering it at my own pace.

You’ve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio? Tips for models?

I would say: Aim high, contact serious agencies to see if they are willing to take you onboard and go from there. They have slots when you can meet them, show them your polaroids (simple, no make-up full-length shots). Agencies are great as they already have a broad range of contacts with talented Photographers who can discover you and build a strong book quickly. The most important is to be prepared for constructive criticism and certainly, do not worry if they say no (‘No’ can be for various reasons- them having a similar type of looks on books and so on.). They all have different requirements.

Describe a typical shoot.

It is important to prepare well and do your research first before each shoot. Try and get a pull letter if possible for the stylist to request the clothing for the shoot.

Choosing the right team is crucial. Every single element is important and there is no room for mistakes. Once the team and model are chosen, we discuss ideas and develop mood boards, each of the team members usually gathers more suggestions, mood boards, give their expertise and comes up with more ideas based on the initial story given usually by myself (however any Creative can approach me with the idea). The typical shoot is a full day production with one or two models, we start off with the first look: Hair, Makeup and Nails being done, whilst I prepare the set and do lighting test shots with my Assistant. We usually shoot between 6-8 clothing looks with 2,3 makeup, hair and nail look changes.

How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?

I sometimes laugh that 95% of my work is emails, organizing and choosing the images and 5% of it is actual shooting. For Fashion, I outsource my images and collaborate with fantastic Retouchers whom I trust, yet still, a lot of my daily tasks are to do with inquiries, research, meetings and preparing for next shoots.

The favorite accessory as a photographer?

Perhaps a reflector? It acts almost like a second light, fills in the shadows and gives a fabulous glow.

Who would you like to work with most?

I would love to photograph Sam Smith, as I love his music, he seems like such a passionate and vulnerable human being, a true Artist. In terms of the Photographer, I would like to assist Nick Knight, I would love to learn from him. His work has inspired me a lot, his imagery is out of this world, which I truly admire.

Favorite photography book?

I don’t think I have one favorite. I have books at home, such as Best of Vogue, Nick Knight’s collections, books on lighting or Fashion Photography. However, I do not have one particular I come back to. I feel nowadays we are fed with thousands of images every day, together with fantastic interviews and tutorials.

 

For more information about photographer Zuzia, please visit: Zuzia Zawada

VENEZUELAN PHOTOGRAPHER BONNIE RODRIGUEZ

VENEZUELAN PHOTOGRAPHER BONNIE RODRIGUEZ

| 16. January 2018 | Photographers

Venezuelan Photographer Bonnie Rodriguez

Bonnie Rodriguez is a young Venezuelan photographer based in Miami. Her studio in the heart of downtown Miami offers premium photography services. She started her studies in journalism in Caracas, Venezuela and she finished her Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the New York Film Academy. Her projects have been published and presented in New York, Los Angeles; Caracas and Miami.

Recently I had the opportunity to discover her on Instagram, and I was amazed not just because her work is amazing and because she is from Venezuela (which makes me extremely proud) but also by her fun approach and tips. Although she has her studio and she is successful as a photographer, she used her Instagram account not just to show her work, but also to give tips of photography, and she makes that in a unique way.

Today we bring you her story and how her journey in the photography world started.

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

When I was 14. I was on vacation, and a friend asks me if I want it to join her on a photography course. I wasn't that sure at the beginning. But when I got my first camera, and discover the magic of the darkroom, I never went back.

From where you get your inspiration

People. I love to discover a meet new people every day. They inspire with the moves, the way they talk, etc.

How do you look for the perfect spots?

First, I like to have a concept in mind. If for example, I want to take photos of a designer new collection, I like to talk with them, know what inspired the collection. This is the first step to really know what's the perfect location for that photoshoot.

Describe a typical shoot.

First, you discuss the concept with your team. Then make a mood board with the color palette, location, makeup, and model you will need to make it happen. Then after finding your dream team, you share your mood board so everyone knows what the client is looking for. The more pre-production you make, the better the shoot is. Every shoot is different, so it can take from an hour to a full day. And then the post-production begins.

Were you educated in photography, or are you self-taught?

Educated. I study journalism in my country Venezuela, and at the same time, I did many photography courses. Then I move to New York and did my Master of fine arts and photography at the New York Film Academy.

What camera do you use most of the time?

Canon 5 D

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

It's very hard to say. I feel every photo has a story behind it.

How is the fashion Industry in Miami?

Up and coming. It's very cool to be able to share and work with talented people from all over the world.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

I would start blogging earlier. I wasn't consistent at the beginning because it wasn't a "real thing". But after I start seeing the result, I realize it was a great way to share my passion with many many people.

Favorite photography book?

Anything with Avedon in it

Tell us about your photography workshops

At the moment I have a selfie online course that is very fun. It's great to learn photography basic but in a relaxed way.

For people who want to take their photography to the next level, every few months I make conference where I teach them how to understand their DSLR, composition, color, editing and more.

With whom you would like to work the most?

Uhhhh I will love to work with Covergirl

 

To know more about Bonnie, please visit: Bonnierzm

To know more about her photography tips: @bonnierzm

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER AANCHAL WADHWANI

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER AANCHAL WADHWANI

| 3. January 2018 | Photographers

Fashion Photographer Aanchal Wadhwani

Aanchal Wadhwani is a 25 year old fashion photographer, art director, entrepreneur and actress born and raised in Hong Kong. To keep it short, she is a creative that simply enjoys self-expression through different outlets.

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

I never planned on a career as a photographer. It was serendipity. I always knew I would be doing something in the creative world but when the time came for me to further my education, I found myself in love with the world of fashion.

My journey began when I was 16, during my first year majoring in fashion design. I created designs that I would lend to stylists or photographers. Simultaneously, I had an interest in Photoshop and it was love at first touch. I spent a lot of my free time mastering the software and began retouching images for professional photographers shortly after.

Through that process I made a lot of contacts with models, makeup & hair artists, photographers and stylists all of whom eventually encouraged me to venture into photography.

I got myself a camera at the age of 17 and my first shoot was for my own collection. Eventually, my work had been seen by brands, magazines, and agencies which led to my career as a photographer.

What is most important at the moment you take a picture?

I’m a photographer but also a story-teller. I believe my strength lies in my concepts. I want my images to add value to the brand or magazine I photograph rather than just showcase the clothing, product or make up for what it is.

Therefore, the most important thing for me is that the models I commission for the project fully fit the aesthetic, are able to portray the emotions and take on the character!

From where you get your inspiration

My best ideas come to me either in the shower or just before I fall asleep. I end up jumping out of bed or running out of the shower to draw thumbnails on paper in case I forget! Once I have an idea, I search up references of paintings and photos for a similar topic or theme to see how other artists have approached it and fine-tune my concept that way.

How do you look for the perfect spots?

Most of my work is in the studio, so my team and I usually come up with the set design for each concept. However, there are times where we do shoot outdoors, in which case we spend a lot of time researching locations that fit the concept!

Describe a typical shoot.

The process of creating an image begins with concept development and research. If I am working with a commercial brand, it’s really important for my team to understand the target market and the goals of each company before producing a set of images. With an editorial, we create a storyline that we follow through the entire editorial frame by frame.

After coming up with a concept, my team and I work together to actualize the set design, makeup & hair ideas, clothing references, model casting, and all the little details that make the image. During the shoot, we make sure everything is coming across perfectly and finally fine-tune the photos in post-production before delivering the images to the client.

Were you educate in photography, or are yourself taught?

I never took any courses in photography. I don’t intend to either because personally I learn better through trial and error and that way my aesthetic and creativity develop as well.

What camera do you use most of the time?

Mostly I use the Canon 5D Mark 4.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

My favorite images are the personal projects I work on because they truly express my deepest thoughts and emotions.  Also, there are so many memories that we create on set!

It’s hard to choose my favorite work. I am still so in love my editorial for 10 Magazine – ‘La Vie En Bleu’. It took a lot of work to create those looks but it was worth it!

I also love one of my editorials ‘The Bride Wars’ which was published in All About Wedding Magazine and behind the scenes was filmed by Channel NewsAsia. It was the first time working with bridal dresses and it took some time to develop the idea away from traditional wedding shoots.

I try to work on personal projects as much as possible but with a busy schedule, I usually find the time to do it at the end of the year! I'm currently in the process of retouching my latest personal project.

How is the fashion industry in Hong Kong?

In reality, the fashion industry here is quite restricted. There are limitations in the way creatives are allowed to present their ideas or sell a product. Additionally, there are too many companies or magazines locally that prefer to have an image exactly the same as their competitors.

However, Hong Kong is an international hub with a lot of international brands based here. I am lucky to have a market where I work with brands from all over the world and create images targeting different mindsets and tastes.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

If I could go back in time and give my younger self some pointers, I would probably tell myself to create what I truly love, to experiment more in different areas of photography and to spend more time learning how to market my work.

Favorite photography book?

One of my biggest inspirations entering the photography world was Tim Walker. I love the surreal, dramatic and original images he creates!

Tell us about Matryoshka Studio

'Matryoshka Studio' actually started as a jewelry brand I started at 16. It was just 'Matryoshka' back then. I had created several jewelry collections and photographed the look book and campaign photos myself.

Over time as photography became more prominent in my life, my jewelry brand gradually turned into a production company and has now become 'Matryoshka Studio'.

Initially, the services I offered my clients covered everything photography related including model scouting, makeup and hair artists, styling, retouching, studio, location scouting, props, and art direction. Early last year, my team and I expanded to videography where we included campaign videos, behind the scene footage, interviews, documentaries, fashion films and many more types of videography.

I hope that in the coming 2018 we can expand to offer different services and work with more companies globally!

Tell us about the Academy of Design in Hong Kong

I started the Academy of Design with a friend, now my business partner, who had been studying fashion design with me. We both experienced different institutes besides the one we mutually studied in, realized that there are too little options for foreigners in Hong Kong and the costs of studying design in English was too high. I am lucky to be fluent in Cantonese but not everyone can speak the language and many give up on their creative dreams because of the costs.

Therefore, we decided to open the Academy of Design which offers affordable long term programs in design, short courses in particular modules like pattern making & sewing, embroidery, photography as well as workshops which are 1 - 2 days long. All of our courses are offered in either English or Cantonese and have industry experts coming in to conduct the classes.

It has been amazing to be able to work with fresh minds and help them on their journey!

To know more about Aanchal, please visit: Matryoshka Studios