Amy Purdy has been through hardships that most of us will never face — or can even fathom. But what makes her story so incredible is not that fact that she lived a “normal” childhood then tragically lost her legs at age 19, but how she has persevered, taking implausible challenges and rising above them. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Amy spends most of her time working on her non-profit, Adaptive Action Sports, which she co-founded with Daniel Gale.

Can you sum up what happened to you when you were nineteen?

I was always really passionate about art, music, and boardsports growing up—skate, snow and wake. My plan was to travel the world and be free to pursue my passions, when at the age of 19, my entire life changed forever. I felt like I was coming down with the flu but within fifteen hours realized it was much worse than that. It ended up being a lethal bacteria in my blood that causes bacterial meningitis. We really have no idea how I got it, but one-in-four people are carriers. We’re all in contact with the bacteria almost daily, and normally our immune systems fight it off, but up to 3,000 Americans contract each a year. Somehow I ended up being one of those 3000.

I spent that whole summer on life support in the hospital with less then a two percent chance of living. I was put in an induced coma for three weeks and ended up losing my spleen, all kidney function, part of my hearing, and a lot of blood. I had numerous blood transfusions, and because of the severe septic shock gripping my body, I had to have both of my legs amputated below the knee. I had a kidney transplant a year and a half later — just a week after my 21st birthday — and my dad was the donor. So…when most people are taking shots of liquor to celebrate their twenty-first, I was taking shots of morphine and immunosuppressant drugs. But I can’t complain, it was the best birthday gift you could ask for.

You’ve said you made some really conscious decisions while you were in the hospital.
What were they?

The night before I lost my legs, I made three promises to myself. The number one thing was that I never wanted to feel sorry for myself. Everyone around me was so sad for me and felt so sorry for me — it was awful to be that vulnerable and powerless. I had to consciously decide to not venture to that dark place, or I’m sure I would’ve fallen into an incredible depression and would never be where I am at today. So I promised myself that I’d never feel sorry for myself, and to this day I’ve stayed true to my word. The second thing I told myself was that I was going to snowboard again — even if I had to go to NASA and have them build me a pair of super sonic bionic legs! The third promise I made was that someday I’d help other people. I’ve always been kinda philanthropic — when I was young I sent all the money I scraped together to a “save the planet” organization. I adopted an orphaned bear through the mail and wanted to save the rainforest and all the whales, so wanting to help others came somewhat naturally. I had this vision one night of myself speaking in front of a crowd about my experience and somehow helping people believe in themselves. I swore that through my experiences, I would somehow give back.

Since then, what are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?

I’m proud to have accomplished all the things I mentioned above! I got back up on a board just four months after getting my first pair of prosthetic legs.

It was a huge challenge — nothing like I’d imagined, but I stuck to my word and after a lot of trial and error started winning medals in snowboard competitions again. A year later, I played a bionic-legged runway model in a Madonna music video, and then went on to be the lead actress in an award-winning film. These accomplishments taught me that you really can do anything you put your mind to. I’m also proud that I’ve had the opportunity to give back and help other people. In 2005, I co-founded Adaptive Action Sports — a non-profit organization that helps get youth and young adults with physical “dis”abilities involved in action sports. I’ve also done public service announcements and over 50 television interviews on behalf of the National Meningitis Association promoting the Meningitis vaccination that can save thousands of lives.

You are an incredible inspiration not only for other people with physical challenges, but anyone facing any type of challenge in their lives.

I’ve realized over the years that anything is possible, no matter the obstacle. If your mind is in the right place, then nothing can stop you. I really believe that everybody has disabilities — we all have our limitations — but I think most of the challenges are in our own minds. It’s important to not let your mind be your disability.

Brooke is an artist who lives and workes in Los Angeles, California. Brooke rarely sleeps and spends most of her time painting, writing, traveling and creating illustrative journals.

"Asphyxiation has taught me the art of effusion. I am a metopolitan mermaid with a moxie to live through constant migration. My paintings are memories, marks and maps to document my salvation from arteriosclerosis caused by oxidization. My destination is to create a contagion of demiurge through apostrophe and swell above the catastrophe caused by modern day miasma. That is my bio." - Brooke Reidt

As the very first Element Eden Advocate, how have you seen yourself and your work change since being an advocate?
My work always has and will continue to evolve, change direction and slowly become more realized. When I measure the changes in myself and in my work next to Element Eden it becomes clear that both the brand and my work have simultaneously grown, changed direction and also become more sophisticated as time slowly defines us. It feels serendipitous that we've managed to sustain such a parallel pace and path. It's comforting to be able to look back at my relationship with Eden as one that I've grown with and also look forward to the continued growth, rather than out grow one another.

How has the advocate program changed the way you work or helped you grow?
Sometimes critics find furrow in flux and it stunts growth. I am obliged to say that Eden has embraced the growth of my art as the brand continues it's own evolution to become more polished. When I began with Element I said that we had equal intentions and aspirations. I think as we move closer to the horizon, together we set further destinations. I like to think of the advocate program as a parent that I want to be proud of me, so I sometimes use this as motivation to measure my own growth so I have something to write home about.

What does "Live, Learn, Grow" mean to you?
These are the ingredients to LOVE or PASSION! Be present while embracing every experience, reflect, and use your experiences as tools to improve the life of others and yourself! Life, death and the survivors and debris of both.

How do you embody "Live, Learn, Grow" in your daily life?
I should probably write these words in affirmations, but I try to breathe them and live by example.

What has been the strongest motivator in your work?
There are so many elements in my motivation. Currently my motivation is to sustain my commitment to myself as an artist during such trying times economicall and internationally. I know I've said it before but I honestly believe that everyone is given a gift as a tool in life to survive and to make a contribution. I would love to see my art heal something larger than myself. Along the way I'd like to carry the weight of those who I've lost who were equally passionate. I want to make my contribution a lot larger to fill in the holes for those who ran out of time.

Where does your passion lie in helping others grow? What steps do you take to uphold that?
It's my root system. Life sometimes feels like a trial. I want mine to testify to others that risks reap rewards and life is without limits. I take advantage of every opportunity that surfaces to teach and I am always thinking about how I can extend my art to another level involving the community or a specific cause appropriate to each project. It feels more satisfying when you can share what you harvest from life to complete the cycle.

What has been your favorite memory with the advocates since joining the program?
There are so many! The photo shoot on the roof of my old loft, connecting and bonding with Mataji Booker for the first time as if she were my long lost sister, watching Mataji sing and play guitar alongside Ray Barbee, painting skateboards with Elemental Awareness and a gym full of kids in South Central, being locked inside Coastal Edge overnight with Mike Kershanr to paint a 20ft high wall, painting while Amber B photographed me in my studio yesterday! There are so many memories, I feel blessed to constantly be given the opportunity to work with such beautiful and inspiring people while having it documented along the way.

What has been your most recent undertaking or risk with your work?
I've been working very large and abstractly. I've also been investing a lot of time and love into a project that is going to be released into the universe soon with no guarantee of success or support. That's always scary but I know it's going to be something amazing!

To begin, tell us about Kind Campaign!
Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized grassroots movement, documentary and school assembly program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting affects of girl-against-girl "crime."  Two Pepperdine graduates, Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, founded kind Campaign in 2009.

Immediately after Lauren and Molly graduated with degrees in Film and Television Production, the girls drove across the country for two months to shoot their documentary and began implementing their school program into schools across the nation.  Their documentary, Finding Kind was released in theaters in New York and Los Angeles, was accepted and awarded in over 20 film festivals and has screened in thousands of schools across America and Canada.  Lauren and Molly have personally spoken in over 400 schools across North America and have completed 4 international anti-bullying school tours.  They are really excited to continue their work of the last 4 years by creating what they call the KIND KIT.  

Set to release in Spring 2013, the KIND KIT is an anti-bullying curriculum which will include the Finding Kind documentary, an assembly DVD, Kind Campaign materials and a copy of the Kind Club curriculum.  The goal behind Kind Campaign has been to start vital conversations and educate girls across the nation about the importance of respecting one another, ourselves, mending on-going social conflicts, and viewing other females as allies rather than enemies.  

How did KC start?
The seed that grew Kind Campaign into what it is today was their Documentary, Finding Kind.  When Lauren was in middle school, she dealt with an extremely traumatic experience with a group of girls. That time in her life nearly drew her to take her own life.  Realizing how crucial and devastating that period of time was for her and seeing how universal this experience is for all females, a desire to speak out about girl-against-girl "crime" was instilled in her at a very young age.  While Lauren attended Pepperdine, she had the opportunity to work on a documentary, which inspired her to start production on a doc about this subject.

Lauren and Molly had both worked on film projects throughout college so they sat one fateful afternoon and had a conversation about making the film together.  During that conversation, Molly revealed to Lauren that she too had a traumatic experience with a group of girls in high school.  Given that they were both personally connected to the subject, there was an immediate drive to get started.  The minute they turned the cameras on for their first interview, they knew they had dipped their hands into a subject that females had been long awaiting an opportunity to express themselves about.  Seeing how vulnerable women and girls were being on camera, inspired them to take the film a step further and create a deeper conversation, thus founding Kind Campaign.  

Best memory from your first tour?
Molly: Wow.  It's so hard to name just one memory - every person that we've met along this journey whether scheduled or by chance, has impacted my life.  One memory that stands out in my mind is a group event that was held at a friend from Pepperdine's families home in Chicago, Illinois where the girls from her sister's high school senior class gathered.  Lauren and I were talking with them about their experiences in school and they made it sound like everything was perfect between all of their different groups of friends.  It wasn't until we started the Kind Apology interactive feature from our school assembly program that the barriers came down. 

Apologies were being given back and forth between and within all of the different cliques that made up the senior class. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.  This memory is one of my favorites because of the honesty and courage that these young women showed that night.  They had the courage to open up about their own insecurities that fueled jealousies towards their good friends. They tore down walls that had been built up by these jealousies by being honest with one another and apologizing and taking responsibility of their emotions.  We should be building each other up, rather than tearing each other down and this memory is a perfect example of the transformative power of an apology and the beauty of strong female friendships. 

Lauren: I think the stretch from Yellowstone through Idaho was one of my favorite memories from the road trip.  The landscape was so inspiring and I remember so many moments just sitting in the van with my headphones on and my shot list in hand, staring out the window feeling almost speechless about the fact that this was all really happening. 

Another reason why that stretch was one of my favorite parts is because we bumped into a group of guys on the side of the road in Idaho that for me, stick out so profoundly.  While I was sitting in the back of the van winding through the mountains, we passed a group of bikers and I yelled to "stop!"  We got out of the car and approached the men to do a candid interview-- I figured they might have a funny perspective.  What we didn't know as we approached them, was that these men bike to that spot once a year to celebrate the life of their friend's son, who had died in a car accident a few years past.  We instantly connected with this group and had a long conversation with them. They ended up invited us to be a part of their ceremony for Scotts (one of the bikers) son. 

We ended up staying in touch with Scott and now he brings a Kind Campaign bracelet back to that spot with him every year.  He also came to the festival premiere of our documentary! 

Another woman's story that has touched you the most?

Molly: Every single woman has a story and often times we don't fully know someone's story until we've walked a day in their shoes.  Our experiences make us who we are. One story that will forever stand out in my mind is the story of a young woman named Lori.  

We met Lori in Walla Walla, Washington.  She approached us after we walked in the Pioneer Parade and met us at the park to share her story.  To date, this is one of the most tragic stories that I have ever heard, but what impacted me is what a strong woman Lori has become.  Since meeting in 2009, our paths have crossed again as Lori's story that is featured in the film inspired one woman to reach out to us in an effort to help Lori.  What has transpired is truly the biggest gift and anything beyond our wildest dreams when we first started Kind Campaign.  Now one woman's random act of kindness is completely changing Lori's life all because of a chance meeting in Walla Walla...You can find out more details about Lori and her story here. 

Lauren:  While shooting Finding Kind, I sat down and interviewed a girl named Amanda Martin.  I went to elementary through high school with Amanda.  Girls and boys were so mean to her.  As I interviewed her, I listened to her re-live those experiences and I saw the pain she still deals with as a result of what she went through.  At one point during the interview she looked at me and she said, "I wish someone would have just looked at me and said, I like you and you're okay just the way you are." 

I actually had a computer class with Amanda in high school and I befriended her in that class because I genuinely always felt bad for her and thought she was such a lovely person.  However, I never took that friendship outside of the classroom because it wasn't the "cool" thing to do.  While I was interviewing her, I realized that just because I never went out of my way to be mean to her, I was just as much a part of her negative experience because I never did anything to stand up for her.

I ended up breaking down and apologized to her because I regretted so much that I was a bystander in her life. It was such a life-changing conversation for me and it prompted us to integrate a conversation about not being a bystander within our assemblies.  

Favorite part of working with one another?
Molly:  It's so interesting the way things work because we had actually only just met junior year when the following summer we dived into this life changing project together, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I think my favorite part about working with Lauren is that I know every little detail of every little thing about her life (and her mine) and I spend more time with her than anyone else in the world (including my husband at times), but yet we still have fun together.  

We find ourselves in the most odd travel situations, but always manage to make a joke out of it or find a way to laugh.  Whether it be belting out random songs, making funny faces, talking in accents or, more seriously, diving into a deep conversation about life.  I am so thankful to have her by my side and cannot wait for the day I get to tell my kids about the adventures Auntie Lauren and I had together. 

Lauren:  Molly has the ability to see the good in everything and everyone.  She works so hard and is such a strong support for me as a friend and as a business partner.  I genuinely had ZERO idea what would come of that first conversation Molly and I had about the documentary.  When I asked her to have lunch, I really didn't know if it was something she would be interested in.  

Now, looking back over the last four years and seeing what the two of us have accomplished makes me really believe that we were placed into each others lives for an important reason and that the results of that first conversation was our fate.  So I kinda see Molly as this divine human who came into my life in some sort of divine way that put me on my life's path...that may seem strange, but it's that deep for me...aside from just loving her as a friend.  I’m lucky to have her in my life. 

What was your vision for KC and how have you seen that grow or change?
Molly: When we first started Kind Campaign, we had so many big hopes and dreams.  We were seniors at Pepperdine and spent any free moment working on starting the non-profit, planning the road trip, and dreaming up ways to further the campaign.  We wanted to start a dialogue and a movement with the film and the non-profit and as a testament to the serious and timely subject matter, Kind Campaign just kept on growing.  We didn't know what we were doing when we started out, we googled "how to start a non-profit", but after many long hours, serious hard work, and not taking no for an answer we have turned it into a program that changes female's experiences. 

Lauren:  Our vision didn't begin with Kind Campaign, it began with a documentary that we just hoped would be seen by people... I mean, I didn't even know if it would ever be completed or if it would even be good enough to be seen! Quickly though, as time went on, I was able to see the bigger picture and where it was all heading and soon realized the fact that when Molly and I put our minds to something, we MAKE it happen.  I feel like we planted a seed and watered and cared for it and then watched it grow into an entire forest in the blink of an eye. We have just been running to keep up with the pace at which Kind Campaign has grown and I've deeply enjoyed being out of breath. 

When on the road for so many months, what do you most look forward to getting home to?
Molly: Christopher David Thompson.  My husband has been such a huge supporter of both Lauren and me from the very beginning, as he believes in the good in the work that we do.  Even with the constant travel, crazy work hours, and moments of intense stress - he has always been there for me, by my side, encouraging me.  He believes in me when I forget to.  I look forward to coming home to him… and my friends.  While we're on the road, we often miss out on gatherings of good friends which is hard, but that's when we remind ourselves why we do what we do and we know that there are always going to be more gatherings.  

Lauren:  My fiancé...the greatest human on the planet who supports me and makes me feel so incredibly loved and special. My family, my friends, my bed.  Its hard traveling on and off almost ten months out of the year and missing things like birthdays, dinner parties, movie nights, anniversaries etc.  As hard as that can get, I wouldn't take back a minute of the time I have spent away from everything to do what we do. Being able to take our film and assembly into schools and have conversations with girls who feel alone and broken and to feel like we are providing them with hope and a drive to change fills me with more joy than anything.

Best words of advice?

Molly: You are beautiful and perfect just the way that you are.  Know that everyone else is battling the same thing as you, they want to be loved and accepted too, so find comfort in that.  You don't need to change anything about yourself to try and "fit in" with a certain group of people, just be you and be kind to the people around you.  Even as I say these things, know that all of this is easier said than done; we all need constant positive reminders like this because we're faced with negative ones every single day that try to make us question ourselves and change things about ourselves, so stay true to who you are and know that you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to, especially when you have your friends by your side.  You can change the world with your friends.  

Lauren:  I was in school only a few years ago, walking those same middle and high school hallways and I have already learned so many lessons that I wish I could have told myself back then.  Lessons like the importance of reaching out to people who are picked on, not getting caught up in drama and gossip, keeping friends in my life that respect me and respect themselves, and to know that one day I would go on to meet amazing friends that love me for who I am.  When you are in school, it seems like that is your entire world.  It feels almost impossible to see outside the school hallways and to know that there is so much more to life and that there are so many chapters ahead of you and people that you are going to meet.  I think its really important for girls and boys to try to gain some perspective when times get tough and to know that this is NOT their entire story...that it truly does get better and that you will never look back on your school experience and regret being KIND to people.  

Our first Canadian Advocate, Juliana Neufeld, probably doesn’t sleep very much. Not only is she an accomplished photographer and illustrator, she also finds time to work on extensive mixed media projects, design album covers for bands and work on various creative projects for Element.

Spending her childhood in the country climbing trees, building forts, scouting for bigfoot and hunting for buried treasure has set the stage for the clever, colorful and adventurous body of work she has built thus far.

Now living and working in Toronto, Juliana explores her city and travels the world as much as she can, taking inspiration from both. 

 As an artist, you work with all types of creative spaces, mediums and people... What would you consider the most memorable of people you’ve worked with in the past?
One of my closest friends, Sammy Rawal is a photographer and music video director. We have worked on several editorial creatives in the past and I've done illustrations for his music videos. His way of seeing the world  and how he translates that vision to print and video is so unique and inspiring.

What specific art form have you seen your interest grow more strongly in over the years? How has your approach to this specific medium changed?
It's interesting, because I find my work is always changing. I suppose the designer in me wants to try a little bit of everything. Lately, my work has been inspired by the whimsy of children's illustration and animation. I've also thrown myself into watercolor painting, and fallen head over heels. There is beauty in the unpredictability of the paint and the looseness of line. I think it might be the perfect medium for my style of work.

What type of work do you find most challenging and how do you take these types of projects on differently to balance the challenge?
Any assignment where I need to navigate a new computer program keeps me on my toes. I love what digital mediums can do for my art, but I find it super challenging to try to remain creative when I am stumbling through a digital process I've never tried before. I tend to learn what I need to know to get the job done, but sometimes I wish I had the type of brain that devours the technical side of things. Being able to ask for help has been an important part of my learning process. It's so humbling and seeing how someone else attacks a problem can be incredibly  insightful.

Where do you find the most inspiration in life? In your work space?
The internet! Sometimes the amount of incredible work online is overwhelming, but it can also be a huge, endless source of inspiration. I have about 15-20 blogs I check daily. Sometimes I'll spend just  a few minutes on each site, but it helps me to feel connected to a larger world of art.  Books are also a big part of my everyday. I love looking at artist's journals to see their process, as well as flipping through old book's I've bought as inspiration and source material. The material doesn't always  evoke a creative idea right away, but I think it goes into a larger creative memory bank  which I can draw from later.

What type of music motivates you the most when working?
Blues and old jazz music creates a mood without being overly distracting. Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday,Skip james and Miles Davis are a few... Mellow indie rock like Beach House, Bon Iver and The XX are also good for that.

Is there a specific project you dream of being approached with to work on?
Maurice Sendak, (author/illustrator of Where the Wild things Are) did some incredible set design over his career. Seeing his illustrated worlds come to life for the stage was so inspirational to me. I would love the challenge of working on a similar project. An extension of that would be to work on character design for puppets. I'm imagining a room of my monsters as muppets  right now and it's making me really happy. Hahaha...

Was there a specific person in your life or in history that really pushed your desire to pursue art?
My mother.  Growing up, she took me to art galleries,  showed me films and rarely complained  when I drew  all over the books and  important documents around the house  . She made room for my imagination and beyond that, she actively encouraged me to pursue a career in the arts. We never had that talk about finding "a real job" or studying something I could fall back on. I'm eternally grateful for the support she has shown me. I know most people don't have it so lucky!

Favorite outdoor activity?
The walk to my studio each morning isn't exactly an activity, but it is definitely one of my favorite outdoor things. I get 15 minutes each morning to reflect on how lucky I am to be alive, happy and inspired in a city I love. Kids on their way to school, neighborhood cats and most recently, the autumn leaves make each morning memorable and give me a nice dose of inspiration before I start my day.

Miya Ando’s steel canvases and sculpture articulate themes of contradiction and juxtaposition of ideas. The foundation of her practice is transformation of surfaces.  

Half Japanese &  half Russian, Ando is a descendant of Bizen sword makers and was raised in a buddhist temple in Japan and in coastal Northern California. she has continued her 16th generation Japanese sword smithing and Buddhist lineage by combining metals, reflectivity and light in her transcendent paintings and sculpture. In 2011 she completed two memorial sculptures for the 9/11 in which she utilized 30 foot tall pieces of steel which had fallen from the world trade center buildings. Ando’s work has been exhibited extensively throughout the world, including a recent  show curated by Guggenheim curator Nat Trotman. Miya’s public commissions include projects in  South Korea, London, New York and California. Her work appears in many important public and private collections and she is the recipient of the Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant in 2012, the Thanatopolis Special Artist Award and Public Outdoor Commission winner and Puffin Foundation Grant winner. She received her Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude in East Asian Studies at UC Berkeley and continued her studies at Yale University, in addition to serving as an apprentice to  a master metal smith in Japan. 

“My reasons for working with steel are multifold: since the first time I started to work with the medium, I felt a deep appreciation for the dynamic properties of the material. It simultaneously conveys strength and permanence and yet in the same instant appears delicate, fragile, luminous, soft, ethereal.  The medium becomes both a contradiction and juxtaposition for expressing notions of evanescence, including ideas such as the transitory and ephemeral nature of all things, quietude and the underlying impermanence of everything.” —Miya Ando

Did you ever study the arts or are you self-taught?
During high school, I took art as my major subject but apart from that I've taught myself from reading books, watching videos, observing artworks and a lot of practice, trial and error. I would loved to have studied Fine Art however life didn't go that way.

Where do you find your inspiration and what drives you to create?
Inspiration can come from many places but mostly I'm inspired by all that is beautiful... Nature, animals, emotions, colours, unique faces, faces with eyes that have a depth and mystery to them. Quite often there is one muse that I reference over and over, surrounding her with elements of nature. Drawing is my therapy and my way of escaping the world at times, creating images that sooth. This need to express my emotions and thoughts is what drives me to create.

Does your work carry a certain message?
My art soothes my own emotions and I hope that the viewer has the same experience. I also hope that my art promotes a positive image of women and helps women to feel self confident, inspired, loved and beautiful.

What are the things you enjoy doing in life besides creating your art? 
I like spending time with the ones I care about, my pets, going to exhibitions, taking photos, sewing, occasional horse riding, road trips, watching tv series, gardening and pottering around the house.

You tend to work in colored pencil a lot, has that always been your medium of choice?
I am most comfortable with colored pencils. These were the first art mediums I grew up with and I guess the ones I have used the most. I like that pencils are instant to use, no mixing or preparing, they are just there, ready to go when you need. I also like that there is no mess with them, you only need a small space to work and you can take them anywhere. I like painting too and am experimenting with it. It has a mind of it's own, so it's nice to break away from the control with pencils and loosen up a bit with a liquid medium, taking this back to my drawing.

Could you share some artists that you’ve found influential?
I'd say my strongest influence would be Sara Moon. I accidentally stumbled across a framed print in an open hose we visited one day. It was love at first sight! I loved the softness, subject and the clever way the subjects fade away into the paper. My other favorite artists are Lilly Piri, Justin Lee Williams and Brett Whitley, all for different reasons. I find Lilly's work delicate, soft and gentle whereas Justin and Brett's work is loose and quirky and sometimes strange, bold and courageous.

How much do you think that your experiences have shaped you?
Who I am today is a result of all my experiences. Growing up with supporting and encouraging family helped my to deveop my creativity. There was never a shortage of art and craft supplies from boxes to make cubbyhole houses, nan's basket of nicknacks, mum's home made playdoh and draws full pencils and art journals. Spending a lot of time in the country helps you to use your creativity as most of the time you have to make your own fun. Also, being in the country meant no access to art course and studying so when I did move to the city I was and am extremely grateful for the opportunities it provides, the amazing art shops, the vibrant art communities and the galleries to visit. Living in the city has made me realize how much I miss the country, the mountains, trees, birds, streams... I have developed an appreciation that I didn't have before.

Why did you decide to accept the invitation to be an element eden advocate?
For a long time I dreamt of being an advocate, to be part of a collective with a similar vision and I could not have been happier when asked by Element Eden. Of coure the clothing is gorgeous but also they believe in a communal approach, one where they collaborate with creatives, nurture them, provide opportunities, encourage positive self image and have an ethical conscience for the earth.

Have you exhibited lately?
This year seems to have been the busiest year for participating in group shows. I think I've been in around 12. Whilst fun, it's been hard work! The most recent was in Melbourne with Ken Taylor, Alex Louisa and Steve Cross. The next group show is at the end of october with Spoke Art in the states.

What is ahead for Bec Winnel? 
In 2011 I'm taking 12 months off work, relocating from Melbourne to the Kiewa Valley and focusing on my art and illustration. I hope to build on my commercial illustration opportunities and to produce a body of work for my first solo show. And of course, I hope it works out and that I can continue doing art full time, living in the mountains!

Tell us a little bit about your creative background and how you became a fine artist?
Drawing was my way of storytelling and stepping out of reality as a kid. Growing up, all I wanted to be was an artist, but the older I got the more reality sunk in and I started to believe I wouldn't be able to pull it off and earn a living from it. I stopped drawing after school, focusing instead on uni and getting a job as an interior designer. After working a few years in the field I lost my motivation and got to a point where I really missed being creative and drawing. I had so many ideas crammed in my head that I thought I'd pop, so I took a chance, quit my job and turned my love ofdrawing into a career.

What are your inspirations when creating your pieces?
Books, trees, rainy days, weird looking animals, long drives... Almost anything has the potential to inspire me; everything from antique lampshades to the Galapagos Islands. Childhood is the other big inspiration. Everything relates back to childhood. I often try to draw as if I'm drawing from a child's viewpoint. Children see the world differently to adults and aren't afraid to believe in the non-believe.

Tell us why you decided to be part of the Element Advocate family?
I felt so privileged to be asked and jumped at the chance to get involved with the Advocacy program. I find Element's dedication to making a real difference and improving the way girls perceive themselves inspiring. I'm thrilled to be part of a family that has such a positive outlook on life and look forward to collaborating with them

What are some of the things you like to do when you're not creating art?
Go outside. I like to spend most of my time outdoors when I'm not drawing. Go for long walks, get into the gardening, mow the lawn, go to the beach, play hockey, stroll through a rainforest...anything that keeps me active as drawing requires a lot of sitting still!

Where is your favorite place in the world?
I can't narrow it down to just one place. I love bookstores, the lifestyle of my hometown of Brisbane, weekend markets, bookstores, Paris, Mount Glorious, hidden alleyways, bookstores, Tokyo, movie cinemas...

From your experiences, is there any advice, you'd like to give aspiring artists out there?
Have determination, be patient and believe in yourself. If you love it, keep at it and things will eventually fall into place.

Tell us a little about yourself...
I grew up in New Zealand where I had typical small-town childhood experiences; playing in ditches, building forts, cousins and grandparents within walking distance, camping out in the forest and drinking down by the river as a teen. My parents knew how to throw a good party with kids and adults zones, and had a great DIY indoor/outdoor sound-system. I acquired my obsession with music and records from them... and my appreciation for a good party. Mum was an artist (painter) when I was quite young, so I hated to go to school as I'd rather stay home and paint or make books, like Mum (who repeatedly told me never to be an artist). She was always yelling at me "Move! you're in my light!" We later moved to the big city where I was finally in my element taking all art subjects at a liberal high school (they let me take 'practical' art as two of my 6 subjects!) After school I suppose I should have gone to University, but I ran off to Australia, Canada and other places for several years, and before I knew it, I'd collected a lot of records and made a sideline in accessories, but I hadn't so much as picked up a pencil for 5 years. Then one day I drew a huge portrait and it was so much better than anything I'd ever done - by this time Mum was making a living as an artist again, so I thought it was about time to ignore her earlier advice, and went to art school in Melbourne. Another creative lull after studying was fixed when my friend knocked some sense into me, pointing out that I was most happy when I was creating, so we made a 'sink-or-swim' move to Sydney.

You tend to work in watercolor a lot, has that always been your medium of choice?
I was very loyal to oil colors for years, but I had it pointed out to me that I used oils in a very watercolor-y way. I like to build up layers of transparent color and have the original construction lines visible... I'm attracted to that honesty and fatalism. Watercolor, which I'd never used, suddenly became a necessity when I first moved to Sydney 5 years ago; oils were impossible in a shared studio apartment with no ventilation and scary white carpet.

Your works consistently have a colorful approach to them, do you ever feel like working in black and white?
I don't have any 'rules' to my work, and perhaps that is a decadent indulgence... Though I have worked in a limited B&W in the past, these days I don't really want to stop at black when I can keep going with color! Colors make me happy and they are one more aspect that allows the viewer to connect to my work. My palettes are chosen with a few obscure but meaningful points of consideration, for example the Ladyhawke series heavily featured Blue Manganese which is classically the color of swimming pools in the Dogtown movies that Pip and I used to watch obsessively.

You were invited to be a part of the Music inspires Art project with Becks Beer last year, how did that huge achievement come about?
Now there is an example of loyalty and faith; stick by your friends and they will stick by you. When Pip conceived and established Ladyhawke, I had absolute faith in her vision, and willingly helped her any way that I could. Similarly, Pip was my biggest champion and is the person who 'knocked some sense into me' when I became disillusioned, and catapulted my career when I worked on artwork for her album and singles and videos. Our collaboration is the most rewarding art experience I know, and that was recognized by Becks when they were looking for an art/music collaboration for their prestigious annual artist series.

You were nominated for an Aria for Album Artwork last year via your work with Ladyhawke, how did that feel?
Amazing! I'm usually a pretty low-key person, but I became a dork with pride over that... I just wanted to tell everyone and anyone. A music industry accolade was the best thing I could imagine - the modern 'folk art' of album art, similar to board graphics, is a unique art movement of the last century. In my life and career I have been more moved and inspired by album art and music video than any other art format.

Have you exhibited lately?
In the last few months have been in group shows at Monster Children, Neon Parc - both great galleries here in Australia, and a showcase for Absolut. I'm working on more exhibition pieces at the moment, getting a big ol' series done for a solo show.

What's ahead for Sarah Larnach?
I have the foundations underway for the next Ladyhawke album, which should appear in the last half of 2010. Also, my first solo show will be later this year; I had held off on doing a solo show as I wanted to make sure it was something I would be proud of forever, and not premature. I'm also looking to exhibit in the U.S. and Japan this year... any takers? I really wanted to make 2010 a big exhibition year, so I 'sacrificed' my last painting of 2009 for good fortune... by which I mean that I sold it for really cheap so that I got the first 'red dot' at a group show. The superstition is working out well for me.

You have lived in many places around Europe and speak several languages, tell us a little about your childhood and your early influences that lead you to the point at which you are at now?
I grew up between Andorra, the South of France and Switzerland, but Andorra is home, still now. I'm an only child, I spent a huge amount of time alone so I developed a pretty potent imagination and I think that imagination, combined with my love for the mountains and nature is what influences me today.

How did you become interested in Photography?
I was always interested in graphic design, photography, painting, cinema etc... Ideally I would do everything, be a graphic designer, be a painter, and I did go to art school for a little bit, but I'm a bit of a crappy painter really and I just kept going back to photography until it started becoming increasingly pressing and obsessive. What I love about it so far, is it never gets boring.

Can you describe your style of photography? What type of cameras do you use and what is your favorite to work with?
I like narrative photography, photos that tell stories. So often that means creating a story, which is of course always super fun to do. I work predominantly with analogue cameras and it's not about making a statement, I just much prefer analogue results to digital results, to me it just looks more organic, there's more life in a film photograph. That's not to say however that I don't and won't do digital, I would hate to think that I'm limiting myself.

In a few words how would you describe your photography?
Folky, personal, spontaneous, nostalgic

You've spent sometime studying, how has your studies guided you through life and flow into your work?
I studied cinema, anthropology and art. Photography was a completely natural transition from these subjects, they're all inter-related and complement each other to a huge extent. Anthropology, because it looks at all these creative and cultural expressions, has especially helped me be more objective about what I'm trying to do, having said that, I'm still hoping that all those hours reading dense theory will somehow materialise into a greater understanding of everything.

Who or what are you inspirations in life?
I'm very much inspired by the human mind, by what human's see and do and think, the way life moves us one way or another, puts us into difficult or impossibly happy situations, and how we learn from those experiences and communicate our lives to others, in whichever form that might take, writing it down, expressing it through a metaphor. I love that we have an intrinsic need to communicate with others, even the most taciturn recluse still wants to share his/her experiences somehow and that's because we're human.

What are you inspirations when creating your pieces?
It might start from an image I've seen, or a story I read. Generally I'll have some idea of what direction I want the shoot to take but sometimes it's just spontaneous, which is fun.

You seem to have a passion for traveling and moving around, how has this influenced your photography?
I grew up moving around and now I get itchy feet if I'm in the same place for too long. Actually travel is a big inspiration, at the moment I'm obsessed with doing a USA trip, there's something I find particularly intriguing about the US at the moment, there are so many facets, there's the folk, intellectual beat scene then there's the harder, grittier side and then there's the history, all that space, all those legends I'd love to do a photo shoot sort of mixing history with the now, going from the beautifully in touch with nature side of the native American culture, to the hardship of Steinbeck's America to the multi layered present. I think travelling is the singly most important thing in terms of the broadening of our senses and experiences, and it cultivates your imagination so much, new scenery, new cultures, new people. I love it.

Is there anyone in the future that you want to work with?
I would love to work with a poet or a novelist and make a book together, but I guess that would be a very delicate relationship, because the words and the images really have to connect. I would love to make a little mini book to accompany a record, like a story of what the music is about what images it creates, that would be awesome. Anyone up for that!? haha

How much do you think that your experiences have shaped you?
I've definitely been shaped by the different cultures I've lived in, it's also made me feel like a constant outsider, I've never been a 'part' of any culture and though I may relate to certain aspects I've never felt entirely part of one culture. On one hand it would be nice to feel 'aahhh this is my culture' but on the other I don't really believe in all of that, I mean you get on with people globally and nationalism can sometimes breed xenophobia. As a photographer being an outside observer has been hugely important.

What are your passions outside of Photography?
Conversations over red wine, the mountains, cinema, literature, music, graphic design, driving aimlessly, walking aimlessly, nature, Art, fashion, vintage magazine and record covers, flea markets, 60's furniture, independent galleries, eating and buying shoes. Actually this section could go on for a while.

Where is your favorite place in the world?
I'm not sure I've found my favourite place in the world yet, but for the time being, when I need to just think I go to the mountains or the forest and that's pretty grounding.

How much do you think that your experiences have shaped your work?
I'm not so sure it's my experiences that have shaped my work, it's more my insistence to loose myself in my thoughts. Photography helps me feel like I'm communicating some of what's going though my head.

From your experiences is there any advice, you'd like to give aspiring artists out there?
It's not easy, there are so many times when it feels like it's not going anywhere and it would be better to just give up and get a 'normal' job. It's so cliched, but persistence really makes all the difference, that and a bloody good business sense because you're your own business. I'm still working on the latter.

You live in Sydney, Australia, but your surname suggests something even more exotic, what is your family background?
Yeah, I grew up in Sydney and I've lived here for most of my life so far, except for about six months that I spent living on the prairies in Canada (studying design and printmaking at the U of A). My family originates from Samos, a Greek island in the North Aegean Sea. I suppose I have a very typical Greek-Australian story? My grandparents migrated to Australia in the 50s - they had a corner store and even a goat in the backyard (in Sydney's inner west!) A lot of my family still lives over there, so I like to go visit - enjoy some ouzo and a whole lot of doing nothing.

Give us a childhood memory while you're thinking about your background.
I remember the day I was climbing over a rusty old wire fence at the back of our place (we lived in a rural part of Sydney, surrounded by bush-land) and I put my hand down onto a huge hairy huntsman spider. To this day it still gives me shivers down my spine. Why do the scary things always come to mind first?

Your art has a beautiful light feeling to it, a fragility almost, then it sweeps away into a more raw and instinctive approach - tell us about what makes one of your pieces come to life.
Through my work I like to piece together my own sometimes-shadowy little worlds that come to life somewhat as a place of escape for the viewer. I'm also quite interested in exploring the juxtaposition of detail and expression in the subject with the raw, loose line work and open space, which I think gives the work a sense of lightness and isolation.

When it comes to subject matter, mediums and techniques, do you work within specific boundaries or are you free and easy about what your creating and how you do it?
Having come from a design background, I do feel like I have adopted a fairly consistent process that I use to develop my work - although to me, it does evolve in a way that does seem very natural and organic. When I'm coming up with ideas for a new work, I spend a lot of time looking through old children's books and family photo albums. I take this imagery as inspiration and in a way set up a scene of my own make-believe moments in time that are often based on my childhood dreams or sometimes memories. Before I start drawing I make collages from photocopied bits and pieces to plan out the composition to find all of the right elements to bring into the work (I'm completely a Virgo). Then I use my collage as my reference to draw from. I always work with a really light and loose outline layer in pencil, work up a couple of layers by spilling and dripping ink, gouache and tea and then work over it all with the detailed pencil lines. Definitely, I would love to see my work live its own life and travel the world, as long as I get to tag along. There has been quite a lot of interest from people outside of Australia, particularly in the US and Europe, and surprisingly South Korea! I just need to save up my pennies so I can put on some shows in a few places!

Who are your favourite artists and the people that inspire you?
I love Egon Schiele's figurative paintings and sketches. I saw his work in Vienna a few years ago which I feel was a catalyst for my art making, and kind of inspired my use of line and white space. At the moment I'm also really into Brisbane artist Michael Zavros' work - his detail, composition and scale are incredible.

What does the future hold for Kareena Zerefos?
Lots of drawing! I've started playing around with working at a larger scale, and have also been experimenting with wood tints and gouache on pine plywood boxes! If all seems to work out, I'll be looking into putting on a solo show later in the year.

Ask Kendra Jones Morris to talk about her accomplishments as a filmmaker and humanitarian - or about the success of her company Rural Revolution, and moments later; you’ll find yourself as the interviewee not the interviewer. With quiet grace and humility, Kendra lets her actions speak far louder than her words. Growing up on a rural farm in Stockton, Missouri to former Peace Corps parents, she knows how to cultivate soil for a hard winter, but also knows the ideal aperture for the perfect shot for the documentary she’s filming in China. Letting people speak and help themselves is her life’s work and we think that’s an important message.

Rural Revolution produces amazing jewelry, how did you decide that this is the direction you wanted to take with the company?
Skill sets and logistics.  The whole vision behind Rural Revolution is that we want it to be a platform for women throughout the world to develop and profit from their art.  Jewelry is a beautiful form of art and requires lower overhead for most women and is easier to ship through customs.

Such a beautiful mission Kendra! RR not only helps artisans all over the world develop their own business, but local artisans as well. Why did you decide it was important to launch the RR project in the U.S.?
It's always been about creating a sustainable platform for women to continue to do what they do best.  New Orleans has it's own breed of international flare and an obvious choice to launch our home grown products.  I'm a big believer in living out the message that you're asking others to do.  If we want to be a part of women's financial growth abroad we need to know how to do it at home too.

So true! Where do you hope to see Rural Revolution go in terms of expanding?
One of the smartest things I did was bring on a co-founder.  The past 10 months we've spent building our business relationship and growing Rural Revolution through an amazing fellowship I was awarded through SENO (Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans).  Our goal is to be self sustaining in 10-12 months and to continue to expand our artisan line up and distribution formats.

Amazing to hear... and thus far, what is the greatest impact that you have witnessed through Rural Revolution? 
Pride.  The women we work with always want to see pictures of other women wearing their pieces.  They comment that they can't believe that someone else wants to wear their pieces.  Ownership is such a powerful tool in creating change in someones life.  To be a part of someone else's life and to see that is humbling and beautiful.

In addition to the impact RR has on other's lives... How has founding this company impacted your own life?
It's my calling.  It's been filled with experiments and seasons of goals not met. I think most artists and entrepreneurs would agree that overnight sensations don't typically happen without a few years of experiment before them.  It's impacted my life in a positive way because every day is clearer that our lives are best spent focusing on others.

In what way would you hope RR would inspire other women?
I think our global connection and how overall our dialog between one another through multiple online and media platforms has really made us loose sight of our humanity.  I'm hoping that by viewing one another as partners and not as charity our dialog between one another will be a positive impact one each others lives and the communities that we live in.

No doubt you've been successful in that way thus far! You're also passionate about filmmaking... any projects in the works?
Yes!  I'm casting for a feature that my husband is shooting in New Orleans this summer and we're taking applications for our summer program in Amsterdam and Kenya this summer.  So ladies if you're interested check out http://www.ruralrev.com/pages/adventure-1  We'll be telling the stories of the women we work with and the communities they live in.

Wow! We can hardly wait to hear how it goes! In general, where have you seen your passions grow and where do you see this path leading?
Co-ops.  We're getting really excited around here because of our growing outreach with semi established co-ops and starting co-ops.  We're working this summer with a high school program in New Orleans that will benefit disadvantaged young women and train them in job skill sets.  We've also been asked to create a similar program in Nairobi, Kenya and Amsterdam with mothers.

Love the sound of that! If you could only share a few words with someone to fuel their passion in life, what would you say?
This too shall pass.  If today is a struggle for you, clear your mind, regroup and start again tomorrow.

Such strong and peaceful words to live by! What about yourself, who has been the most impactful person you have met along your many journeys and why?
My parents.  They showed me how to live out their faith while walking and working throughout the world.  When you live out your ideology life and circumstances remind you that you're lucky to even be a part of someone el se's story much less make a difference in it.  And that's a good place to be.

Join Rural Revolution's mission to empower female entrepreneurs, locally and globally. Fair trade jewelry available to order ruralrev.com.

Where were you born? 
In the psych ward of a Culver City hospital. Am I allowed to say that? It's true.

Where did you grow up? 
Born and raised in LA in between a pair of rolling hills and next to a lone highway. It was interesting, because five minutes east by car is a major urban epicenter, the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza and Leimert Park. But in a lot of ways I always felt like I sort of grew up out in the country. That’s what I love about the topography of LA and California in general.

What do you do and how did you got started? 
Modeling took me to London, where I fell in love for the first time, had my heart broken for the first time, and my healing process for that life changing event turned out to be writing and singing songs over one string of a guitar! So after having been primarily a dancer my whole life up until that point, it was interesting all of a sudden at 21 to realize that I had this gift to sing and play music. DJ’ing was always waiting to happen because I fell in love with records and music at a young age, and always knew it was something I would do. It is in fact for me another extension of singing.

Your talents assume many forms. What are your favorite means of self-expression? 
I don’t think I have a favorite really, but both singing and DJ'ing are the two that bring the most fulfillment, just because music is such a healing and inspiring element. But I’m very spontaneous and try to remain fluid to my artistic instincts; therefore I set no boundaries, rules or ways things should normally get done.

Who have been your favorite musicians to work with?
I love working with musicians that are doing something completely different than what I’m used to doing. It’s great to put myself into situations where I’m sort of forced to grow in a new way; to figure out how to blend my style of vocalizing into someone else’s world of music. The raw materials that are born from these types of situations are the most rewarding because I like to try and create something that’s never been done before. In every medium that I work with.

Who would you like to make music with in the future? 
In general, anyone that feels right to be working with. There’s nothing sweeter than when musicians come together and you all really connect and it's like magic. I want to cross over into another culture completely and merge worlds. I’m very much interested in making music merging the many rhythms, instruments and styles from Colombia, Mexico, and Spain (Flamenco) just to name a few. There’s absolutely no end.

Who is a person you admire? 
Anyone who is doing what they’ve always envisioned for themselves. People that live by example and spread good vibes. Definitely someone who is actively making a difference.

You’ve been described as a storyteller. How is that title relative to your daily life?
Everything, person and place has a story to tell and this really gets me excited! I find myself always reaching deeper as to how to find a way to bring more stories into the world for people to enjoy. Whether it’s through song, film, visual art, dance, all of the above. Stories, always stories.

What influences you? 
Music. Experiences. People. Vibrations and color. The mystery and or history of people and places. Traveling, being in transit. Being a fashion model.

What are your thoughts of the industry and its influence on females?
Although it is refreshing to see that in comparison to when I started out, there are more magazines, clothing lines, and tv shows starting to represent "real" women more; at the end of the day I think that there are still great strides that need to be made in relation to challenging socially perceived and accepted stereotypes about ethnicities, age, body types, and all the differences that make us who we are as a whole. By this I mean in terms of really showing young women images that they can not only relate to, but that can look up to as well. But like, on the regular!

Why did you accept the Advocacy?
My initial vision for myself as a model has always been to help challenge the perception of what is collectively considered to be ‘beautiful’ or normal. As an independent artist I strive to work in ways that haven’t been done. So aside from the obvious honor of being chosen for the Advocacy, it is the perfect platform to reach out to other women, particularly the younger generations, and share some of my experiences as a fashion model, as an artist following her dreams, and of course as a multi-racial female.

With your platform as an Eden Advocate, what message would you like to share with girls that will read or hear about you?
I have had people in the industry straight up tell me I would never find success in this as a model because I was too this or not enough of that. One agent in ny told me I should just plain give up, and that was only 2 years ago and now the LA branch of that same agency ended up booking me for my first Element job, which has led me here today! It’s important to remember that things sometimes take time to incubate, so you have to be patient, and for god’s sake, don’t ever stop becoming, without limitations, the person you envision yourself to be.

Hailing from Manhattan by way of Long Island, Beck Hickey has the kind of dry East Coast wit you wish you had. Standing about 5’3” tall, Beck opens the door to her Westside apartment/workspace on a recent autumn afternoon to let me, the photographer known as Boogie, in. We’re there to take photos and ask a few questions about her craft, her involvement as an Element Eden Advocate, her company Beck(y) and her line of high-quality handbags, belts, and clutches called Sk8bags. Besides the quality, what makes her work unique is the fact it’s made from material and artwork from “loved” skate decks – and no two are alike. Showing us how she works with drills, and large, deafening, and, yes, very sharp table saws, she also sat down to tell us how her craft and her chance to make a difference came to be.

Tell how you first started making Sk8bags and what inspired you?
I had just gotten fired from a new waitressing job and had gone to see a movie. It was [the movie] Irreversible and I left feeling totally inspired. I walked around and ended up at the Prada store in Soho and the entrance reminded me of a skate ramp (I remember wondering why no one had ever busted in and skated it). I was downstairs looking at some small (very expensive and very beautiful) satin handbags they had and suddenly I had a thought to make bags out of old decks. I wanted to combine the old deck with something very polished like satin

Did you think then that it would be something that was entirely possible? Or just something that could be cool?
I had no idea if it was possible at all but in my mind it looked totally cool! I went online and stopped into a couple skate shops to try and find an old, beat-up deck. Steve from 5boro gave me a few of his old decks to mess around with and my friend who is a carpenter helped me cut them up. I sewed the first bags myself and when it came together it was even better than I pictured in my head! I was so excited to see it as a reality.

Did he show you how to use the saws or did you cut the first ones with a handsaw? Did you have to work up to the crazy table saws you have now?
My friend had all kinds of crazy tools in his workshop, so I took what he showed me and tested out some other ways to make them. My dad is pretty good at woodworking too, so he helped me get the right setup. It's been an evolution, finding the best materials and best tools along the way.

How long ago did you make your first Sk8bag?
Three years ago, almost exactly.

So you've had some major successes and it's really taken off in three years, don't you think? Or is this the way you saw it all?
No way, I never thought this would happen! It’s been surprisingly easy in the sense that so many people have been stoked on the idea and have helped me along the way.

How did that happen and what do you think it is about your bags? 
People love them because they’re original, because they’re recycled and also because the boards the bags are made from carry a history with them I think. So many people have the “Damn I wish I’d thought of that!” reaction to them. And I've never seen guys get so excited over a purse before!

That’s awesome. So, going back to when you first started making bags…did you always sew or why did you first start making handbags in general?
I’ve always made things. Sewing, building, crafting – whatever. I like to always be busy. I was laid off from my advertising job right before Christmas '01 and felt like I should make gifts that year. I made handbags for my sister and my best friend and they were totally different, made from denim and upholstery fabric. They got a really great reaction...wait, I just realized I’m always getting fired when these thing happen! Someone asked me once in an interview where art comes from...I said for me it comes from frustration. Plus when I’m working with my hands it frees my mind to work out other stuff. I'm not necessarily thinking about what I’m working on.

Creativity is a lucky reaction to getting fired! So, you also work in art direction and graphic design. Does that help your work on the bags or does is it a total challenge to do both?
The art direction helps I think for the most part. My background is in advertising so when we create ads we think of the concept first and then design the ad. When I design bags I approach it the same way. What's the concept I’m going for and then the design follows. So I guess I want all my stuff to have a bit of a story. I am also used to working collaboratively with other people so I try to incorporate that when I can.

Who are some of the people you've had a chance to work with?
Oh man, I put together the artist series last year so I worked with 38 AMAZING artists on that. It was so incredibly rewarding. I thought I’d get like ten people to want to be involved and then ended up turning people away at the end!

What was that event? Gimme a little background. 
It was called the 50/50 Auction. We had a gallery show and auction in Culver City at the Lab 101 gallery and another in NYC at the Powerhouse Gallery. The artists painted full decks which I photographed before I cut them. Then I cut them and made bags from each board and re-photographed them so you could see how the art changed as the context changed. All money raised went to Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), which helps kids and teens with disabilities stay involved in action sports. I put it together with the help of Chris Hull at Vapors magazine and Chris Pastras. Stereo and Etnies as well as Vapors were sponsors. It took a year to pull the whole thing together.

What was your favorite piece if you had to choose?
Hmm. Well, I bid on and won Sam Flores’s bag. I love his work.

What other charities have you been involved with? What inspires you to give back like you do?
I have the “Boards For Bowls” program, which is something I set up to help encourage people to send me their decks. For each board I get, I donate money to help build public skate parks. I mostly give to The Tony Hawk Foundation, but also Elemental Awareness. At first it was mostly a way to get boards, but then once I started giving and seeing how much it really helps, it became much more than that. It was also a way to give back because I feel like I’ve been given so much help and encouragement through this whole process. I’m hopefully going to help AAS with another fundraiser/art show in the next few months.

You’re also an Element Eden Advocate. What do you like about the program?
There are so many good parts…the other advocates are so talented and seem so cool that to be a part of that group will keep me working and inspired. The fact that Element is taking its marketing and advertising opportunities and using them to positively influence and inspire girls is a great thing. I’m just so flattered to have been asked, I am so entrenched in the day to day that when something like this comes along it reminds me that I’m working on something kind of cool and I get to stop and enjoy it for a minute.

To purchase your own Sk8 bag, go to beckycity.com

Capturing Asha’s personality in words is like trying to rein in an indescribable energy. Asha is a TV personality, performer, musician and singer who allows her talent to shine while maintaining a captivating balance of confidence, composure and mischief. From her childhood in the UK and growing up in Australia, Asha always knew she wanted to be a performer. Drawing her inspiration from her dad’s music collection, Asha grew her love of performing from an early age learning piano, flute, guitar and becoming involved in various choirs and bands throughout the years. Asha’s diversity as a performer has seen her excel in her television career, which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Fox, MyspaceTV, and has also seen Asha’s first TV nomination for Favorite Female Personality at the ASTRA awards in Australia.

With these firmly tucked under her belt, she now resides in LA and has expanded her horizons internationally. Asha’s passion for what she does is as infectious as her sense of humor and her cheeky smile. She embraces the lighter side of life with a free spiritedness unusual for someone with such ambition and talent. With a refreshingly down to earth approach to her natural ability and the celebrity status it has brought her, from the moment we met Asha it was impossible to ignore the animated and charismatic energy that she radiates.

Describe your childhood, where did you grow up?
I was born in Birmingham UK, then moved to Brisbane Aust when I was 8. Did all my high school and university there (I have a BA in Film and Media Studies), until moving to Sydney when I worked in television.

Where does your love of music and performing stem from?
I think listening to my dad's music collection: Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, Santana, and Supertramp definitely influenced my love of rock! Then of course the obligatory grunge stage in high school. I’ve just always been surrounded by music.

Describe your personality?
Very crazy! I’m always on the go, funny (I love making people laugh), bubbly, I can never sit still, I love life, I’m very active, and I always need to be doing something or creating in some way!

You are a professionally trained musician, tell us about that?
My parents put both my sister and I into piano lessons when we were six and we’ve continued with that. I started playing the flute in school and did extension programs outside school. I've always been involved in my church bands which is a great training ground for any musician. I’ve been lucky enough to record music for Walt Disney Records when I was involved in Disney (for the ‘Chicken Little’ Australia release). I also used to sing in a reggae band that toured Vanuatu, and the QLD state choir that I performed at the 2001 Goodwill Games opening ceremony with.

What is your favorite form of expression?
I don’t know if I can put it in order of preference. I think it’s a typical trait of a creative person that their mood changes from day to day as to how they want to express themselves! One day I wake up with inspiration to write a song (I’ve recorded about 40 or so original demos), or the next I’m feeling gung-ho about networking and meeting with network executives to show them my demo reel. Other days I might want to veg out with my husband, watch obscure indie flicks and cook something yummy. It really depends!

You seem very confident on television, do you find working with high profile musicians and celebrities intimidating?
I sometimes can get a little nervous before a shoot, especially if it is live. There have been times where we are interviewing, for example, Chris Brown and we only have 5 minutes to totally nail it and shoot a great interview. I think sometimes the thought of a certain person or band can be intimidating, until you meet them and they are totally cool and all the ‘buzz’ talk was just silly hype. Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel from the Foo Fighters were just such rad guys, chatty and NO entourage. It made for a great experience all around!

You come across as very ambitious - what are some of the things you have set your sights on achieving in the next few years?
I always want to be involved with various creative forms, and forge new paths in my field. I want to continue hosting TV shows, something big like American Idol, SYTYCD or X Factor would be an ideal gig! I also want to continue having side projects like the Myspace TV show im currently involved where I can be in touch with new music out there. I also want to be able to help others wanting to break into the industry and be a positive role model for young girls. I want to show that having real talent, and being individual is paramount to being popular or famous.

Who or what inspires you?
Firstly my parents. For so many reasons, too many to list here but they have been so selfless with my siblings and me. 
Second, in my industry I would say Cat Deeley. She is an amazing, beautiful and talented TV host who never flaunts her sexuality and is always engaging to watch. She has succeeded in so many shows that it really spurs me on to do my best and achieve my goals. Thirdly, missionaries. Growing up in a Christian church we would hear a lot about them. I can’t describe how selfless and amazing and humbling it is to literally give up your own life, so that it might benefit even one other person.

What made you accept the offer to become an Eden Advocate?
I love what the brand stands for. I love how Element is like a big huge family who embraces everyone’s individuality and gives them a platform and a voice which they may not otherwise have had. Plus, the clothes are incredible! I literally live in them. They pretty much speak for themselves!

What advice would you give to girls thinking of embarking on their own performing career?
Be yourself, always stay true to that. Celebrate who you are! Don’t let anyone, any situation or anything else deter you. Dream big, keep your options open and always be nice to everyone around you. Work hard, and equip yourself to be the best you possibly can.

Ishle Park has an unmatched passion for living and for life itself. She has the rare ability to follow her dreams wherever they may take her – never losing sight of where she’s been. She’s faced challenges, risen above them, recognized her true calling and inspired people from all walks of life to do the same. The Poet Laureate of Queens, New York, and a regular on Def Poetry Jam, we’re proud to present Ishle as the newest Element Advocate. She’s performed her poems and songs at colleges in the U.S. and at literary and cultural festivals around the world. She wrote the award-winning book, The Temperature of This Water, and today is working on a music CD co-sponsored by Element. Between getting ready for a seven-month writer’s retreat in New Zealand and a last minute Element photo shoot, Ishle took time to answer questions, offer advice, and share insights on music, inspiration, and poetry.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? 
My mom rode the N train nine-months pregnant to give birth to me. I was born in New York and raised in Queens – a Korean American homegirl.

Sum up Queens, NY in 5 words. 
Green. Immigrant. Secret. Brutal. Star-filled.

Where's a place you've been that you've had a particular connection to? 
My aunt's garden is my sacred space. It's small but peaceful, filled with lavender, chamomile, roses, cosmos, do-ra-jis. My uncle built the wooden sofa under the crabapple tree. I doze on it. Write poems. Sing songs. I like how love and labor can create a paradise out of nothing. It's my own private Eden.

General history about you...what you do and how you got started doing what you do. 
Basically, I began as a young girl with big dreams. I'd go to open mic cafes and imagine myself brave enough to take the stage. Eventually, I did, and it snowballed from there. Actually, I'm still a young girl with big dreams. I'm also the Poet Laureate of Queens, New York, and a regular on Def Poetry Jam. I've been lucky enough to perform my poems and songs at colleges in the U.S. and at literary and cultural festivals around the world. I wrote a book, The Temperature of This Water, which won three awards. And this year, I'm working on a music CD co-sponsored by Element.

What are your favorite means of self-expression? 
Right now, I love how song transcends language, culture, and time. A good song can stop your breath, make you whirl in circles, burst into laughter, tears or daydreams. And you don't even have to understand the words. True spirit is universal.

Was there a moment you realized you had a special talent? What gave you confidence to continue? 
When you’re a young girl, you feel the magic within you. As you get older, your light sometimes dims, or you don't believe in it as much…but my mother, my aunt, and a few teachers helped me, prodded me, urged me along. They truly saved my life.

At one point, I was working a corporate job as a paralegal for a horrible lawyer. I was miserable. But after he left the office, I'd turn on the music and type poems onto floppy discs (ha!). I eventually quit and started working at a non-profit, then volunteer-teaching at an arts organization where I got hired to work full-time. Every time I let go of a security blanket job and ventured more towards a field I loved, the happier and freer I became. Within three years I went from being an underling in the corporate world to a teaching artist. It's amazing! If I can do it, anyone can.

I think the universe rewards you when you follow your true path, and gives you hints along the way that you should continue. Not in the form of money, but more mysteriously. Be open to possibility, and follow your bliss.

Who have been your favorite artists to work with (and what were the projects)? 
Denizen Kane, a young Korean American poet, is my spiritual twin and inspiration. He once said, "your life is the palm print of mine.” I feel that. We're touring together this year on The Danger & Beauty Tour.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? 
I'd like to work with anyone who is passionate about his/her art & has a strong work ethic.

Who is a person you admire?
Thich Nat Hahn, the Buddhist monk, is a real inspiration. My childhood was filled with pain, so I'm trying to learn how to be a whole person now – how to take my sadness and rage and transform it into something beautiful. His books help me on that journey.

You've been described as a storyteller. How is that title relative to your daily life? 
I'm a storyteller, torch singer, drama queen, comedian, and a crazy. All of these people tell truths as they see it – they spin stories, release passion, build bridges, call people out, call themselves out. I try to tell stories that reflect the beauty and complexity of Korean American immigrant culture, hip hop culture, woman-girl war stories: all the worlds I encompass. Most importantly, I try to tell my own truths.

What inspires you?
Everyday folks like my parents who struggle to make a living and maintain their humanity inspire me. Strong women inspire me. Artists who ask meaningful questions about life and love inspire me: Bob Marley, Pablo Neruda, Mary J. Blige, Nina Simone, Sonia Sanchez, Yehuda Amichai, Kwame Dawes, Ko Un, Anne Carson, Toni Morrison, Haruki Murakami, and all the nameless Korean kisaeng, minyoh singers, and mudang who came before me…Trees. Wind. Sky. Babies. Rivers. God. And stars - boy-stars, girl-stars, nightstars, and You, under-the-star-you.

What does being Korean American mean to you? How has it shaped who you are? 
God, I need a book to answer that. Korea is the only divided country left in the world, so there's a brokenness there that needs healing. I believe it's possible in my lifetime to bring those halves together. My grandfather was born in the north, before it was "the North." It's sad, unhealthy, and crazy, how we see each other as enemies now. I feel a commitment to my ancestors to play a role in reuniting the country. To that end, I'm in partnership with Kyu Lee to form Blue Rabbit Productions. A blue rabbit is the symbol of a unified Korea. In our world, Blue Rabbit is a record label, a girl's clothing line, and an event promotions company. A portion of all our proceeds and time will go towards reunification efforts, domestic violence shelters, and donating food and medical supplies to folks who need it: towards making broken things whole. Our motto is: “One Korea. One Asian America. One Love.”

What's the biggest challenge you've overcome? 
Self-hate. It's hard to keep your own light shining in the face of life's overwhelming darkness – but you have to. It's the only true thing you've got. Love the blue flame of your soul. Tend to it, keep it burning.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers to accomplish their dream of becoming "working" writers? 
Do what you love like it's a job – work and love hard. If my parents can work 8-hour days for 30 years selling fish to make my life easier, I can definitely work hard for 30 years doing something I love. Also, read what you love, and let one book lead you to another like dominoes ‘til you cover the whole ground, and then read more. And write. Write for joy! Write to ease your pain. Whatever's going on, write it. And treat it like a job. Take a step into the writing world. Go to open mics. Subscribe to writing magazines. Take classes. Every step is a step further on the right path.

With your platform as an Element advocate, what message would you like to share with girls that will read or hear about you? 
I once wrote a poem called "ZolaKaiMabelHisaeChiatiCindyFeliz" that's a tribute to my sisters. One line of it says: "gather your split peach/sad honey/ice pick self – Gather your Beauties and believe in them." Believe in your own magic, girl, and cultivate it. Like a wild rose, it will unfurl.

Pepa Prieto was born in Granada, Spain, which is an amazing little city enclosed by mountains but not far from the sea. Surrounded by a mix of cultures in the old part of the city, her love of color and texture grew into the vast array of illustration, graphic work, paintings and installations she creates today.

What lead you to create art?
It’s something that came naturally through all of my life since I was a child. I have always enjoyed crayons, scissors, papers…and bedroom walls so much! Ha. When I grew older I just saw clearly that I should keep going with my art. I have been very lucky and have always been around arty things with my family as a child.

Did you ever study the arts or are you self-taught?
I have been both self-taught and I studied. I studied Fine Arts in Madrid and got specialized in painting (in the classical way) and photography. Then I kept studying in Barcelona and London for a few more years and worked in the meantime.

Where do you find your inspiration and what drives you to create?
I find inspiration in so many things but especially in little things like a flower, a smile, a person, a sunset, snow, ice cream, and also in travelling, music, and love. What drives me to create probably comes from trying to understand this place we’re living in!

Does your work carry a certain message?
I always start from an idea inside my head and, yes, it has a message that anyone can interpret for his or her own needs.

What are the things you enjoy doing in life besides creating your art?
I love nature; going up the mountains is a need for me. I love sports, snowboarding, surfing, biking around cities, music, travelling is an important part of my life too, sharing with friends and family, helping others…

How did you get in touch with Element and why did you accept becoming the first European Eden Advocate?
I just got in touch through an e-mail…ha-ha…a classic start, and then we met in Barcelona. I accepted being an Advocate for Element Eden because I think it’s a project that gives a very good perspective to artistic things. It is a very good combination of artistic and commercial work together. I also really liked the work of the other Advocates.

How do you see your future?
Smiling as much as possible and giving importance to what is important and letting go of things that don’t help the human race.

Could you share some artists that you’ve found influential?
Oh, yes, there are so many I love. Old Flemish painters from the 17th century like Rembrandt, el Bosco. I love old-world Spanish painters like Goya – his sketches are amazing. In contemporary art there are so many amazing artists, too. Louise Bourgueoise, Annish Kappor, Mark Gonzalez, Mies Van der Rohe, amazing illustrators, graphic designers and so many that I forget!

Any tips for aspiring artists?
I’m not good at giving tips but maybe I would say it helps to have a lot of love for your work and to work hard. It also helps to have determination, patience, enthusiasm, honesty, and a bit of luck!

From the time Bozic was a child growing up in the Ozark Mountains, she has been aware of the energy and flow of the natural world. Witnessing this rhythm in a direct and visceral way, she discovered a beautiful simplicity in all of nature's intricacies. Her attempt to understand these complexities drives her artistic vision and allows her to use painting as a means to make sense of the world. After spending the rest of her childhood in Cleveland, she then dropped out of art school and move out to the West Coast, swiftly pursuing her life as a full-time working artist. She now lives and works in Oakland, California.

Can you explain the common theme in your paintings and sketches with the juxtaposition of nature and trauma?
Most of the paintings that I have made up until now are about struggle and triumph evident in all living things. The ancient game of survival.

You've lived in a few different regions of the country. Where do you feel most at home?
I have been fortunate to travel a lot and I have found my sense of home to be wherever I am standing at the time. My own skin. But in some ways my sense of home also resides in the people I care most about.

Pursuing life as a working artist must have been a difficult decision. Why have you taken that path rather than opting to be a commercial artist?
Actually it wasn't a difficult decision to make at all, because there is just no other way I can be. My mom told me this story once that when I was four; I told her I was going to be an artist one day. She told me I already was, and so it just clicked. I have done commercial work in the past, even though I don't take to orders very well, to tie me over so I can paint without the need to sell. This affords me a certain kind of freedom that I need to express these ideas. Everyone has to find his or her own balance.

Why did you choose to forgo design school?
I left for many reasons. Since I was paying for my own way through school, I figured I would rather get paid to fumble through it on my own gaining real life experience‚ over paying a vast amount of money to eventually regurgitate what my professors had ingrained in me. If I had my parents support or something I might have stayed in though, because without the stress of having to make ends meet I might have enjoyed the time to develop my skills, but then again I wouldn't be where I am at now. As it turned out I moved to the most expensive city in the country at the time because it was here that I found the energy to build my foundation. It was difficult but worth it because I learned how to survive. Most art schools are in the business of making money off tuition; they don't teach you how to protect yourself and handle the business side as much as they should. You can figure out how to express yourself and paint through trial and error. But fortunately we are living in the age of information so you don‚'t have to sign up for a business class; the library and internet have piles of information to check out. Take the twenty dollars in your pocket and run out and buy the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, Pricing and Ethical Guidelines.

What is your message in "Key"? 
At the time that I made "Key" I had moved back to Ohio from S.F. to focus on a show. I worked for about 7-8 months in a small bedroom at the back of my father's house. It was a very intense time because all I did was paint. Everyday these little jeweled angels would fly up to my window while I was working and they reminded me how precious it is to be alive. And so to relate to them, I exaggerated the proportions and dulled it down and placed a key around its neck. Which stood for a "time out" when you have to check yourself and reawaken to the moment. It was very human of me to have blown it out of proportion, stripping it of its vibrating colors. Hummingbirds flutter around seeking nectar in the sun all day, their heart beating over a thousand times per minute, while I am pushing a brush around like a sloth in a cave. I wanted so badly to trade places for a moment.

Ralph Waldo Emerson seems to have an impact on your work. What is it about his written word that speaks to you?
That reminds me I haven't updated my site in a very long time. Emerson is a great writer. His words meant a lot to me at one stage of growth. So at the time I put a quote of his up on my site I was reading and rereading from nature, "self awareness." I just love this passage. There are so many independent people that I appreciate though; he is just one of them.

As an Eden Advocate, your influence will be felt by many young women. What wisdom would you like to pass on to a new generation?
I have always strived to be all of the changes I seek to find in this world. I came from nothing, just another girl from the mid-west with empty pockets and a dream. You can do whatever you want with your life if you have the heart and determination. You don't have to play dress up, wear make-up to be pretty, or bat your eyelashes for anyone. Do what you love, work as hard as you can, and remain humble and honest. remember "apples and oranges" so be as supportive and generous as you can to your peers. March to your own rhythm - it is your time.