Demo's Promo Clip

Femme Fatale Video Clip!

Here's a short and sweet recap of the 2008 Femme Fatale Art Battle. Brought to you by the the AB crew! Big shout to C-Lyne - I see you mamita!




Femme Fatale from Art Battles on Vimeo.

Ocean City Board Walk Art Show: Demo Attracts Demo Repels

Grab a sandwich or your coffee....So much to say about this one....

Day 1: Getting it together

It was about 2am when I left Brooklyn and started my journey towards Jersey. We zoomed through Staten Island. "Not bad for a Thursday night" I thought to myself. Traffic was nil, the air was muggy yet there was no sign of rain the entire time. The humidity made me wonder nevertheless. It would really be messed up if my work got wet in the rain... Thoughts of how I'd handle such a case quickly drowned in the hypnotic bass lines of Funk and Soul classics on the radio. The station was on point! Just what the doctor ordered. By the time I arrived at the Stainton Memorial Causeway or the "9th Street Bridge" as the locals call it, I began to feel the early stages of fresh mosquito bites on my legs and arms. At 4:30 am I had my hotel key and a perfect room location - 1st floor level and 2 blocks away from the boardwalk. I was in OCEAN CITY for the first time. The sun would rise soon but before I could let my eyes settle with my surroundings, I realized that I forgot to pack my credit card swiper... "Damn it!" I guess shit happens. Tah Phrum Duh Bush encouraging me says " look Ma...I just want your event to go well. This is important to you. I'm here to help." A feeling of frustration and gratitude took over me. "Thanks bu..." I expressed with a much needed hug. I had a critical business decision to make and not having that machine could potentially hurt my sales. It was done then. Back to NYC … and then back again.

It was now Friday morning 10am. It was time for me to get set up at the boardwalk. I was both excited and exhausted as we dragged all of my equipment and artwork across the hot wooden planks. The soreness in my arms was a steady reminder – 2 more days of setting up and breaking down…but it will be worth it.

Once everything was up and running, things appeared to go well. I had a great neighboring artist who as you read on, will see why Lori Felt saved my life on day 2 of the art show. It's also interesting to see how people react to art. My works drew the attention of many visitors – from babies to teens to the elderly. I was really overwhelmed with the amount of love and support I received. On the other hand some found my work somewhat offensive. Nudity was an issue for some people. The intensity of color and vivid array of textures drew toddlers to my tent! It was pretty funny to me though - a kind of dichotomy. My heart completely melted when I saw a parent pulling a radio flyer with 3 little ones in it. One of them - a girl, was attracted to my ice cream themed painting "Humanity is Like Ice Cream" and in one continuous motion she extends her tiny hands as if scooping the ice cream of the canvas and makes an eating gesture. So cute!!!
I also had the pleasure of meeting David Nahan - a photo journalist who was shooting photos for the OCEAN CITY SENTINNEL, a local publication and a supporter of my art. Click here to view Nahan's Boardwalk Show photos. Thank you so much for your kind words David! Tah and I had a great time chatting with you. Plus we ran into the one and only HYPHEN-ONE who was showing works as well. This cat is nice with his skills. Big shouts to Nicole and Letitia Lee (her work is amazing ya'll). Needless to say, we were completely useless by the evening...still hadn't slept, and we were hungry as hell but wait! We had a greek salad that consisted of a 1 to 10 ratio - that's 1 oz of chicken to 10lbs of lettuce. Bitter lettuce.Oooh was I cranky. A bed and a decent solid meal would've made all the difference. Every where I went or called had 9:00pm closing hours. Luckily I found a late spot and ordered chinese take out...and fell asleep eating it. The GRIND WAS ON MAN!!!!

Day 2: Up,Up and Away....(literally)

With only 4 hours of shut eye, I awoke that saturday morning to learn that a storm had swept through the area an with it destroyed a hefty number of tents and art works that were left drilled and locked in place at the boardwalk. Ahem...My tent well... now looked liked an art installation with its contorted post-storm shape sans its green mesh (god knows where it went. Never found it.) I couldn't believe it! There were no signs of a storm the day before - heck...the night before! Then…in one swift thought I remembered that Lori Felt (another fellow artist that was my neighbor) had briefly mentioned that she was told a storm might show up. I was more concerned with no one stealing my tent than strong winds wreaking havoc on the beach. Her tent did make it though – which was amazing! We had the same kind of tent structure.
There was no time to waste - Tah and I set out on operation “T.H.I.N.K. Q.U.I.C.K.” About 2 hours later, I was STILL out about town desperately looking for another canopy. “There’s gotta be something available…” I repeated in my head constantly to keep me from losing faith. Although a bit disappointed, I wasn’t ready to give in just yet. Waiting at a cashier line at a local supermarket, I had just decided to go with beach umbrellas for shade when I got a surprise call from yes…Lori Felt! “Oh…I’m so sorry.” She sincerely shared her knowledge of how seriously the storm affected other artists in the show. “ You can use my tent since we’re not in today…” I felt so blessed to have come across such kind people. I wondered earlier that afternoon if she was ok since I didn't see her and her husband set up that morning. "I'll take very good care of it. Thank you so so much!"
Overall, I got my exhibition set up late on day 2. Most artists were breaking down their equipment by the time I was up and running again. Hanging out at the beach well into the late evening was so much fun! Ocean City was bustling on the boardwalk and many stopped by to chat and enjoy my works and some become new owners. I fell in love with the lights that decorated the rides. I even painted a few pieces inspired by it. The scene reminded me of Coney Island's potential in NYC. Did you know that 150,000 visitors come down to Ocean City during peak summer? That's another conversation people.... Big big shouts to Cait and Aaron (You guys are so chill!), Carlo (thank you for supporting! You have a classic!), Purrr A and Noah! Hilarious you 2.

Then later that night...while Tah and I were wrapping things up, Salsa started blasting out of the jazzy radio station I was tuned into and it was ON ya'll! We danced our asses off and called it a night. Success!


Day 3: Philly Baby!


By far, Philly was in the building deep for days 2 and 3! So much love and so many wonderful conversations! Thank you all who took the time to take in the art and ask me stuff! Mark and Rachael....you guys rock!!!! It was my last day exhibiting and man was it intensely engaging. I had repeat customers and had inspired several young teens in pursuing their artistic endeavors. Big ups to Ashley - you are a ray of sunshine girl! Stay focused. Also, Alex - enjoy homie! You've got the first of it's kind. Some one actually said "well...its just not what we're used to here..." as they studied the various paintings I had on display - particularly the nudes. "Even better" I thought. My goal was to bring my work out to OC and have a great time meeting people and making connections. It's not about fitting in. Sunkissed and satisfied, it was time to pack things up and make my way back to NYC.

Traffic was horrible but I was happy to be back as I couldn't wait to take stock of the experience! All that fun and I never touched the water. Maybe next time.


A great BIG thanks to the Ocean City Arts Center for giving me this opportunity.

Tah Phrum Duh Bush...you're my hero dude! Gracias por todo!





And to you for patiently reading through....



Blessings,

Demostina

Seattle

Demostina Wins Art Battle Femme Fatale 2008!

After an intense 3 rounds of paint splattering, paper tearing, water dripping and squatting, after 2 elimination rounds by 2 judges, it was up to the crowd to decide who would take the title…

Demostina emerges as the

Art Battles Femme Fatale 2008 Champion!

I had a great time performing with the ladies and grooving to the sounds of Spokkin Movement. I couldn’t have been in better company! The crowd’s energy was B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

A great big thank you to all who came out to support whether you saw me for the first time or been through the ringer with my ass! We had celebrities in the building too! Coole High, Tah Phrum Duh Bush, Cee-lyne, ALX, Broke MC and Homeboy Sandman! Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

A special shout to Sean Bono (founder of Art Battles) for giving me the opportunity to rock with the Femme Fatales themselves: Marthalicia, Lexy Bella, Crystal Clarity, Martina Kubinye, DJ Mirandom, Danielle Mastrion, and Fly Lady Di …

You girls are beautiful and dangerous! This event was truly an honor.

Round 1 meng! Lexy Bella (right) wore
these gorgeous pink lashes to go with that fabulous spirit of hers!


Getting equipped!

Marthalicia (left) gets it in as we battle for the title in the last round.
Martina Kubinye (right) even used her feet to build this piece up! Hot!!!

Clartity, Fly Lady Di, and Danielle



Marthalicia and Demo!

Marthalicia was not playing man!

Sounds by Spokinn Movement! They killed it!

Liz and Brian ROCK!!!!!! Thanks sooo much for your attentiveness and smiles!

Gotz to stay focused MAN!!!

Warmed up!

(left) DJ Mirandom -Loving it! (right) Lexy Bella - Luscious!

Celebs were in the building!
Tah Phrum Duh Bush and Coole High's photo opt.
Peep them out at www.tahonline.com
and www.coolehigh.com

Artist Jari and I go way back!

My Victory Din Din! Courtesy of Yummy House!

Sugar And Spice...Not Everything's Nice

My home girl and deadly poet Charlotte Mishell and I kicked it months ago about putting together Sugar and Spice. She made moves and on May 13, 2008 turned SALUTE NYC into a seriously estrogen rich stage show! Both poets Charlotte and Dorshay threw it down with powerful and witty performances. Big shouts to Definition, LMNOP, Rebel Eagle, Rose, Mike And El Gato for showing love! I was warming up with my back ground colors when Mariella and her band XO took over and rocked out! Their set provided the theme for my painting that night. Love you guys. Check the painting out and let me know what you think. I received great responses from the crowd.
Plus there was a lot of hip swaying and jerkin' as a belly dancer made the floor her playground. Hot!!!! Then Melanie with her sultry voice closed the event like a queen. Wow this girl can SANG! Since it was Charlotte's b-day we took a moment to share the smiles and cake! It's always nice to do events that are more intimate in nature. This one sure fit the bill even though the Pussy Cat Lounge is right downstairs...Ahhh distractions....!


Here's a recap...

Optimus Female Musicians Tribute @ Sputnik!