Anna Marie Bradfield ~ Photo by Victor Bian

Anna Marie Bradfield on Herself:

I never thought about being a model at the age of 14, but with my sister’s encouragement, I made my first model submission. After acquiring agency representation, I continued modeling throughout high school and college.

I had several highlights throughout my work experience, such as being a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model.” I was also described as “America’s Next Top ’Mom’”, because I was the first mother who made it as a contestant on the reality show.

With the guidance of executive producer, Tyra Banks, I continued modeling and have been featured on magazine covers and spreads such as, Oz, Runway, Interrace, Denim, and Hopelessly Romantic. I also booked featured principal roles on several Comcast TV commercials and Feature Films by Tyler Perry.

This does not complete my work, as I continue to book modeling jobs with fashion, catalog, editorial, and another possible reality tv client.

Victor Bian on Himself:

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, I came to USA at 26 in 1990. I have been taking pictures since 1991. I started doing model shoots less than two years ago.

It was a quite departure from what I used to shoot. Model shoots require a different set of shooting skills and mindset. Years of shooting have enabled me to ease into this role with relative smoothness. Working with various models is a rewarding experience. I have been fully enjoying it. I am sure I will continue to improve my craft by working with expanding list of models in the future.

Take a look at Anna Marie Bradfield, as captured by the lens of Victor Bian:

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Photo by Ashley Cox Brawner

We’re proud to announce that one of the hottest new bands hitting the Atlanta music scene hails from North Georgia! The band members of Azreal have been on a regular rotation at the best bars in Kennesaw, and recently started playing at the renowned Peachtree Tavern.

Kristin Mulligan

North Georgia Leisure magazine is excited about bringing these guys on board to play at our events. Tyler, Billy, Reiner, and Cody played smooth southern rock covers at Moe’s Original BBQ on July 12^th, and the fantastic response led to another booking for them on the next Tuesday night at Varasano’s Pizzeria in Buckhead.

Photo by ElleMichelle Photography

Azreal is in the process of recording original tracks, and they’re creating quite the following in the meantime. After 6 years of working toward playing for crowds all over the country, Azreal is representing Atlantans and making us proud. Soon, they’ll be rocking the stage at Phillips Arena, and you’ll remember reading about how they started.

Make sure to look them up on Facebook and join their mailing list, so you’ll know the next time you and your friends can come rock the night away!

Azreal will be playing at Ray’s NY Pizza in Kennesaw on August 7, 2011 for “Atlanta Beat Appreciation Night“

For more photos of Azreal, check out “What Just Happened?”

photo by David Rams

by John Bickford

I first saw a piece of William Rossoto’s work in January of 2011, when I stumbled across an online photo of one of his Polo series pieces. After viewing a few more pieces, I knew I wanted to see more. Melissa Rutland and I had the opportunity to meet William Rossoto at his home in Atlanta in February. I was a bit surprised by the man we encountered that day.

I truly expected to meet a creative intellectual with a serious, better than you attitude. He is creative, and he is intelligent, but otherwise, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

In an article written about Rossoto’s experience with Polo players, it was stated,  “Considered an elite sport by many people and a world not easily accessible, William found the riders to be very humble, kind, and open to conversation.” Ironically, I found William to be the same way.

I found William to be a true individual. A person in touch with himself. A person able to enjoy the state his work and life has placed him in.

In Nature’s Hope, my untrained eye can see a touch of the cubism of Picasso, blended with the surreal reality of Dali. Throw in a bit of Escher, and you have William Rossoto. His work is intriguing, sometimes psychedelic and always captivating.

The beauty of abstract art lies in the fact that different eyes see different pictures. Whatever Rossoto intended, I see a man in a lazyboy who really ought to be outside.

Obviously, the idea here is that an artist like William expresses the vision. He asks that you interpret it for yourself. See what you will, just make sure you see.

Conversation with him is very like his attitude toward his art. Rossoto expressed a deep interest in what Melissa and I had to say, and what we thought. He recognized, it seemed, the value in the interpretation  and opinions we had to offer. Individuality is a quality best appreciated by a true artist.

In Nature and Chaos, one can see a darker, almost mournful side of Rossoto. The darker colors insinuate a sadness that exists in the Autumn of life. The balance, however, comes with the order that exists in what seems to be chaos. The blocks of brighter color remind us that occasional chaos can create order, and in the midst of darkness there can be hope.

This is one of my favorite pieces for those very reasons. In my own life, I have found that by realizing when chaos abounds in my circumstances, I can find the logic and sometimes recognize the beauty that still exists.

When I met William, I immediately saw a man at peace with himself and others. Perhaps it is his ability to see the inner order of chaos that enables him to be that peaceful. The wry smile he showed us told me that he could always see the good in things, despite the situation.

A spirit of kindness, blended with hope, can create in us an ability to deal with Autumn.

Of late, William’s work has revolved around the sport of Polo. While working on a filming project, Rossoto became involved in the Polo world, interviewing players and getting to know the sport. His presentation and expression shows a great appreciation for the artistry and beauty of the athletes and their ponies.

Here, in Polo Mist, the combination of abstract art and a sport of agility and finesse provide the elements of speed and precision as might be seen in a dream-state.

The drawing Polo shows an example of the strength and athleticism that must combine with balance and determination in order to play the sport.

It is no surprise to me that this man will continue to grow in popularity. His work inspires thought, and satisfies the eye. Those looking for inspiration and those looking for decoration can find exactly what they need in Rossoto’s work.

Learn more about William Rossoto and find out where to see his work at www.rossotoart.com.