Making Magic with Light

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The marvelous Chanda Am models in a Raul Del Castillo original design, captured in my light painting technique at The Studios at 5663 for this past 4th Saturday Artwalk.

This past 4th Saturday at The Studios at 5663,  I had the pleasure of working with the gorgeous and talented model Chanda Am as I demonstrated my light painting technique live for spectators who were interested in learning about my creative process. Our studios were opened to the public as they are every 4th Saturday for Pinellas Arts Village's 4th Saturday Artwalk, from 6-9pm. Our resident musicphile DJ Sai (aka my wonderful husband Tim Cheranichit) spun an eclectic mix of 80s vinyl, the soundtrack to an exciting and creative evening out. As the night wound down, Chanda and I were admiring the stunning dress designs of my newest studio mate, Raul Del Castillo, who then generously offered to let Chanda have a fitting for one of his fashionable creations. As Chanda was draped in Raul's luxurious dress, the creation came alive, inspiring me instantly! I just had to create a light painting of her in this magnificent dress! She stood perfectly still in a pitch black room as I lit her with my warm toned flashlight, painting her skin and face with light. She held fire in her hands, as I lit textured materials to put magical light into her palms. She then changed positions during the long exposure, with her arms spread out, conjuring energy from the darkness around her as I flowed behind her reaching from floor to ceiling with my string of blue lights, creating an electric forest all around. Above you see the result of three different artists displaying their creative powers simultaneously; Raul's fantastic fashion work, Chanda's impeccable modelling skills, and my inspiration exploding in light. I'm so grateful to be able to share this gift through my studio, collaborating with creatives in hopes of inspiring art lovers. If you've yet to come see what the Pinellas Art Village is all about, please contact me (404.454.6257) to visit me at Studio #9, where I create portraits for all occasions and all budgets, and where you can find my fine art prints available for your very own collection. There's vibrant creativity flowing through every corner of our arts neighborhood and we're just getting started!

Dress Design: Raul Castillo Designs(IG: @rauldelcastillodesigns )

Model: Chanda Am(IG: @chanda_model )

Light Painting Photography: Linda Costa Cheranichit (IG: @lindacostaphotography)

Location: Studio #9 of the Studios at 5663: 5663 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL, 33781.

Neon Dreams and the Jenique Hendrix Experience at The Sharpie!

Last month I had the unique opportunity to capture Jenique Hendrix's newest fashion collection at its debut at the Neon Dreams art opening at The Sharpie Gallery in Treasure Island, FL. Her surf inspired fashion line "Ride the Wave" uses materials usually reserved for active water wear in innovative and inspired ways, creating clothing that rides the line between what mod fashions icons like Twiggy were famous for, but with bold neon colors and a cutting futurist style that is more likely to be found in characters populating the world of the film Tron. It is fashion forward, inventive work. Jenique's energy is contagious and her creativity seems endless as she played the roles of model, designer, stylist and make-up artist for our shoot. The gorgeous models I had the pleasure of working with were of diverse backgrounds, sizes and shades, all hand chosen by the designer herself with intent and purpose. Even in the sweltering heat of Florida, it was pure joy creating these light paintings with this group of talented, creative, and gorgeous women! I hope to have done justice to such an exciting new collection and the glamorous women wearing the work, which I contrasted in against the neon lights of Treasure Island and the neon art work currently on view at The Sharpie Gallery. The Neon Dreams exhibit runs through the end of September. For more information about Jenique's fashion, modeling and acting you can contact the artist directly via her website www.jeniquehendrix.com . To purchase prints from this shoot, or to book your own light painting experience, contact me and let's make magic!

Looks designed, styled, and created by Jenique Hendrix.

Models: Jenique Hendrix, Chanda Am, Kimberly Mohamed, Melanie Perri, Courtney Haynes, Marianna Jazmine, and Mr. Phillip "Nitro" Bozeman.

Light Paintings created live during the Neon Dreams Opening by Linda Costa Cheranichit.

Location: The Sharpie Gallery, 11165 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, FL 33706.