dope style: abdu ali eaton

Abdu Ali Eaton is making his own mark on Baltimore’s cultural scene. A style aficionado and fervent writer, Eaton conceived the blog EatOn This as a platform for both local and worldwide talent in art, music, and fashion. With an eye for the underground and a penchant for the cutting-edge, Eaton reports on just about everything you won’t see in conventional fashion rags and, if he does delve into the mainstream, it’s only for “dope stylish shit.”

Lucky for us, Eaton is channeling his modish wisdom into Style Advocates, an ongoing project (due out in November) that celebrates some of Baltimore’s key fashion players through a series of photographic portraits. BBH recently caught up with Eaton to suss out the details of DIY media and unconventional fashion know-how:

What led to the creation of EatOn This?

I've been contributing to other publications but didn't find fulfillment in that because I had so many ideas that just weren't getting out of there. I wanted to do my own thing on my own terms. I guess I like being the boss or, better yet, the driver of my own craft.

What is your process like? For example, how do you identify your subject matter and what tends to catch your eye the most?

It's simply anything that inspires me whether it's a fashion collection, shoes, or a person. I often write about people more than anything. I love people and culture itself. I have a lot of muses, all the Edie Sedgwicks of the world. LOL. I tell people that my blog isn't a news or picture blog - it's an inspiration blog and I want anyone that views EatOn This to be inspired by what's on there.

EatOn This has a particular focus on “the underground players” of fashion, music, and art. How do you see independent crafters as being part of that realm?

Someone who creates under their own terms, with original ideas, and who really produces good shit is an underground playa! I like artists who do what they love because they love it and not for any type of profit but for more a personal benefit. I have a thing for the underdogs anyway because I've always felt like the underdog. Those people do not get enough credit as they should and that's what I want to do.

When does something cross the line from being underground to mainstream?

Artists whose art has an unselfish purpose and contributes to society in a progressive way. Mainstream lacks fabulous ideas, original thought, and creativity; it's supported by a general large mass instead of unique individuals.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers in Baltimore?

I rarely have favorites because I am so indecisive but I do love Bishme Cromartie, Natty Paint, and CULT apparel.

Tell us about your upcoming project, Style Advocates.

Baltimore is not really considered a "Fashion City" but there is a life of fashion here and a lot of people do not see that - not even the people who live here. I always think about the people who love fashion and are fashionable in Baltimore that I come across and how they are never recognized. That's why I wanted to do an editorial that reveals the secret society of fashion lovers in Baltimore.

How, in your opinion, does an artist, designer, or musician make his or her mark on the world?

By being them and finding a social medium through their art, design, or music. You have to be gutsy and that usually is to be yourself, offering something fresh.

Do you define yourself as an independent artist? If so, how is EatOnThis an extension of your art?

I am more of a messenger and advocate for artists but I guess my vision for my site and what goes into it classifies me as an artist. I love to write so writing is my art. So yea I guess I am an independent artist.

DIY light box

Most of us have probably figured out that when photographing our work, using natural light is the simplest way to achieve the best exposure. But sometimes, available light simply isn't available, especially as the days grow shorter (and cloudier).

In the case of cloudy days or late nights, a back-up option is a good thing to have. Suggested solution: a light box. Sure, they're available for sale and chances are that for a decent kit, you'll pay at least 50 bucks. So why not build your own? For about 20 bucks (tops) you can easily make one and here's all you need:

1 big plastic storage container
2 clip lamps (you can improvise with other lighting if you don't have these on hand)
1 large piece of poster board, paper, or fabric
Enough fabric interfacing to cover the outside of the container

For the full tutorial, go here. Also, keep in mind that if you don't have daylight bulbs on hand, you'll most likely have to experiment with your camera's exposure value (EV) and white balance or be prepared to do some post-shoot touching up in Photoshop.

Image courtesy of Uncommon Eye.

a few of my favorite things: soulful screenprints

Local artist Samantha Cimino's whimsical screenprints are full to the brim with emotion. Just the color alone makes me grin from ear to ear. Turns out that Samantha won't be local for long though: she's headed west to make a go of Portland's art world. In the meantime, check out her Etsy shop where you can purchase some very special pieces and maybe help fund her trip 'cross country.

Baltimore Print Studios Grand Opening on 10/17

Baltimore Print Studios will host its inaugural Grand Opening on Sunday October 17th, from 3pm - 7pm. Hands-on printmaking demos in both letterpress and screenprinting will be offered. Information on upcoming workshops and studio access will be available too!

So swing by - it's free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Baltimore Print Studios is located at 18 W. North Avenue.

For more information visit http://baltimoreprintstudios.com/ or, visit their Facebook event page.

Image courtesy of Baltimore Print Studios

watch and learn: halloween blood spatter

Featured Crafters: Ursula Minervini and Jon Poliszuk {Pellinore Press}

What led you to pursue design?

Ursula & Jon: We are always working toward earning a living creating art of some sort. With Pellinore Press, all aspects of production and distribution are under our control, which we find satisfying. This also impels us to hold ourselves to a higher standard of quality. We feel more a part of the world and our community by producing art that is made by hand but is still affordable.

What materials do you prefer and why?

Ursula & Jon: Our printing press is a 1957 Vandercook 15-21. We do letterpress printing from handset type and our own woodcuts.

The restrictions of working with the limited number of fonts in our collection of lead type, and the relative slowness of setting type by hand push us to be more attentive to our typesetting and design work.

One of our favorite woods to carve and print is cherry, for its crisp detail and the tactile pleasure in carving it. For larger prints we use shina plywood.

What is your process like?

Ursula: Working as a printmaker combines creativity, technical problem solving, and slow, careful, delightfully tedious craftsmanship. Some of our prints, such as the Exquisite Corpse Postcards and Exquisite Landscapes are created collaboratively. At other times we share the studio but work on independent projects.

Jon: I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I want any given piece to be. From there I’ll hone it with sketches until I feel comfortable enough to draw directly on the block. Since woodcuts tend to be very graphic, pencil is difficult to translate into carving, so I’ll use a brush and ink to finalize the image. When carving the block, I try to preserve the lively feel of the brush strokes.

What do you hope to achieve with your work (professionally and personally)?

Ursula: Professionally, we hope to continue selling our work directly through venues such as craft fairs and Etsy, as well as growing the number of independent retailers carrying our work. We hope Pellinore Press will develop a reputation for taking on unusual and challenging custom printing assignments.

Personally, it’s important to maintain the balance between work that is commercially viable and having the freedom to take artistic risks.

Jon: I hope to utilize the benefits and original purpose of printing (multiple copies produced fairly quickly and easily) to support causes I care about, by creating posters and the like.

What advice do you have for other aspiring designers?

Ursula: Write lots of to-do lists. I tend to feel better about working and to be more productive when I have a set schedule and know what my goals are.

Jon: Make sure your to-do lists are reasonable in terms of the time available, or it can be discouraging.

Do you consider yourselves independent artists?

Ursula & Jon: Not particularly. We’re working outside of today’s commercial mainstream, but at the same time our work has very traditional roots and draws on ideas and processes that are much older than we are.

Tell us some little tidbit about you that most people don't know.

Ursula: I abhor ladybugs.

Jon: I spend far too much time tinkering with my bicycle.

To read more about Pellinore, visit their website at www.pellinorepress.com or Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/PellinorePress.

wanderlust: istanbul

Travel to Hampden tonight for Traditions in Turkey: A Trunk Show. Hosted by Earth Alley, the show will feature crafts that were handpicked by the store's owners during their recent wanderings through the markets of Istanbul. Also enjoy live music and locally made treats. 6pm - 8pm. For more details, visit www.earthalley.com.