Jun 25 2012

Kevis Antonio: I’m Constantly Praying

Kevis Antonio, writer/producer/director of Five Blocks Away, passionately promotes the independent film project at the Eucharistic Congress held June 9, 2012 in Atlanta, GA.
Photo by: Debbie Fitzgerald

Writer, director and producer Kevis Antonio has worked on numerous films and is founder of Rising Faith Productions. His documentary, Bread of Life, received rave reviews, was officially selected into the John Paul II International Film Festival and was syndicated on an international TV network. Kevis’ current movie project, Five Blocks Away, is his first feature film.

“I am constantly praying. I get to use my talents and my skills with my faith. I love the opportunity to strengthen my faith and to really trust God.” ~Kevis Antonio

Listen to Kevis’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

A member of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kevis serves on the leadership team of Siena Pictures. Kevis’ twin passions are film and faith, and through his work in the film industry, he is able to combine the two for the benefit of those who wish to learn more about the word and will of God.

Kevis comments about balancing a full-time job, newborn twins and the activities necessary for this feature film project, “The grace of God gets me through each day. It’s definitely very demanding with everything that I have to do. I put it into perspective and prioritize — first God, then my family and then work.”

He continues, “It’s a big challenge, but everything is in God’s hands. He works His magic and miracles and we keep going forward.”

Kevis and his wife Stacy reside in Acworth with their newly born twin boys.

Find out more about Kevis and the feature film project Five Blocks Away at  www.fiveblocksawaymovie.com. Like the film page on Facebook for updates on the project. Check out the article about this project in the Marietta Daily Journal.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

Jun 7 2012

Lisa Black: Everything Radiates from Within

Lisa Black has entrepreneur blood flowing through her veins and is the Founder of Fields of Gold Farm and Greenhouse.

“I know everything radiates from within me. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the environment around me — as long as I stay crystal clear, I feel strong and empowered. My main focus is keeping my radiance where it needs to be and my frequency high so these beautiful things can come in when they’re needed.” ~Lisa Black

Listen to Lisa’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

After graduating college with degrees in Nuclear Medicine and Business/Marketing from Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest, NC and USC-Columbia, SC, Lisa took off to explore the fields of conventional health and wellness along with starting her own business in Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design and Public Relations in both Griffin and Atlanta, GA. Her dual passions of health and marketing led her on a wonderful journey.  While working in the Atlanta area, she gleaned from a wide variety of interests including fitness, nutrition, agriculture, alternative health therapies, networking, food, conferences, seminars, and body-mind energetics.

After almost 20 years in the marketing world, Lisa returned to the family farm in Hendersonville, NC to ‘cultivate’ a new project, Fields of Gold Farm and Greenhouse.  All of life’s roads have culminated to birth this latest project — making great health through incredible food, a major priority.  Through this passion-filled ‘God Project’, Lisa has found heaven on earth unfolding the symphony that nature offers in bringing nutritious superfood from farm to table.

Lisa says, “It’s an artist’s palette to have the creative juices flowing and roll out a project with the depth and breadth of Fields of Gold. When I came back to the family farm in 2004, I received this inspiration of possibilities. I kept hearing a voice saying ‘feed my people, feed my people, feed my people.’ That really guided me down the path. It’s certainly not just me — I’ve had a lot of guidance and support from all different angles.”

About detours and roadblocks, Lisa says, “Everything is a blessing. If we can look at those bumps in the road with different eyes and listen to the stories surrounding them with different ears, all of a sudden you’ll get the inspiration as to why that fell into place to either strengthen you or get you back on the right path.”

Find out more about Lisa and Fields of Gold at www.fieldsofgoldfarm.com.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

May 31 2012

Claire Paul: I Start with Impulses

Claire Paul is an instructor of art at Georgia Perimeter College. A graduate of Georgia State University, Claire completed her MFA in Drawing and Painting. While her art intends for the viewer to explore the unseen, her interests in music and sound performance also shape the content of her visual art.

“ I start with impulses, then I narrow from there — sketching, gathering thoughts, writing down ideas. Creativity is a lot of play.” ~Claire Paul

Listen to Claire’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

She goes on to say, “The beauty in making art is the mystery. I search for this quiet area where things recur, patterns happen and then I expand on that idea.”

Through her spirituality, she taps into the “cloud area of unconscious workings.” She says, “Whatever quiet wanderings or whisperings are happening in my life, I stop and record them. Whether or not that becomes artwork is on the side. I have a lot of work that never gets shown because it’s more about the process of making art and listening to that voice.”

In addition to her visual art, Claire holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in music and continues to perform music.

Find out more about Claire and her work at www.clairepaul.com.

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Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

May 23 2012

Trevor Wolford: I Play Every Note Like It Matters

Guitarist and composer, Trevor Wolford, began his career at an early age sitting in with many jazz musicians in Atlanta. While attending Brevard College, he was able to extend his musical knowledge under the wisdom of instructors including Lou Mowad, Roger Cope and Stephen K. Wilson. Studying classical and jazz music attributed to his wide palette of colors that are found in many of Trevor’s compositions.

 I’m always in the frame of mind that whatever happens today, I’ve got to give God the glory. When I play music, it’s my expression of that and I play every note like it matters.” ~Trevor Wolford

Listen to Trevor’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

While attending college, Trevor played in numerous jazz groups around Asheville, North Carolina and recorded with artists including the renowned jazz-vibraphonist Jason DeCristofaro. He currently resides in Atlanta and performs as a sideman to many groups around town. Trevor says, “Playing music with other people is a lot more fun than playing solo. The improvisation of jazz is like a conversation. I like that family aspect of playing in a group — relying on other people I trust.”

In addition to playing music, Trevor also loves to compose. About a current composition he says, “Many people talk about how they experience God in nature and I complement that with Scripture saying ‘the mountains declare His glory.’ I take that concept and apply it to music. I’m working on a composition right now that’s based on the sounds I woke up to one morning of the birds outside my window. It’s a work in progress, but I think the Lord inspires me in little things like that.” Trevor’s own group is expected to release a new album by December 2012.

Find out more about Trevor and listen to samples of his music at www.trevorwolford.com.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

May 17 2012

Roz Zollinger: I Am a Channel

Roz Zollinger has an international reputation for her therapeutic work and instruction in Reflexology and Aromatherapy. She has 20 years of experience in the practice and teaching of these healing arts.

 “I ask Source to help me, help my client. I am a channel and touching them is really touching God. I do my best work when I let go and let God use me.” ~Roz Zollinger

Listen to Roz’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

Roz qualified in Reflexology in 1983 through the South African Institute of Reflexology in Johannesburg, and in 1984 trained in Aromatherapy with the Institute of Clinical Aromatherapy in London. She subsequently pursued advanced Aromatherapy studies with the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy in California, and has taken the International Training Program in Essential Oils at Purdue University in Indiana, USA.

Roz says, “Essential oils have energy and there’s always something that can help a person. Roses, for instance, have the highest vibration of all flowers and being in a room with beautiful fresh roses changes the energy.”

Roz founded the Heal Center in 1992 and currently has multiple practitioners offering a full range of natural therapies. The center has gained a national reputation for its therapeutic services and instruction. Roz lectures at regional and national conferences in addition to teaching courses and workshops from their Atlanta location.

She developed the BodySystems Method of Reflexology and Aromatherapy, which stresses the interaction of all bodily systems and addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of the individual.

She says, “People think that I love feet because I work on the feet, but I love the connection that the feet give me to the soul of the person.”

Roz is co-founder of the Georgia Reflexology Organization and is a regional director for the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). She is Assistant Director of the US Branch of the International Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA), which is based at the Heal Center.

Find out more about Roz and the offerings at the Heal Center at www.healcenteratlanta.com.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

May 10 2012

Vyvyn Lazonga: You’re Only Limited By Your Imagination

Vyvyn Lazonga picVyvyn Lazonga has been a tattoo icon for more than 40 years. She began tattooing in 1972 and in 1989 opened her shop in the famous historic Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. She’s world-renowned for her art and has garnered many awards over the years. For much of that time she worked alone, but in recent years she brought together a small crew of talented artists to create a safe, and inviting environment where clients can get beautiful custom tattoo work.

 “You’re only limited by your imagination. Even if I do a theme, I try to make what I do original. I don’t copy or do things twice or repeat things. The trick is to help my clients open up their mind to the possibilities that exist.” ~Vyvyn Lazonga

Listen to Vyvyn’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

When Vyvyn began tattooing, there were very few women who had tattoos, not to mention who were working as tattoo artists. Her work opened many doors for women in the tattoo industry, and is seen as an example of a fine artist working in the tattoo medium.

She says, “There is no separation for me between my expression of spirituality and my art of tattooing. It’s a day-to-day experience. My days go easier if I take a few minutes to pray or meditate. When I’m working on someone, I’m usually pretty quiet because I’m in the zone and go into that meditative space.”

Vyvyn creates custom tattoos for many clients wanting to cover scars with art, including women who’ve had mastectomies. She says, “The art of a tattoo is so much more precious because it is on skin.” Here’s an article where she talks in more detail about this work that helps clients have a different view of their body after surgery.

Find out more about Vyvyn and her tattoos at www.madamelazongastattoo.com.  Here is an article from Finding My Religion where Vyvyn discusses the spiritual side of body art.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

May 3 2012

Krista Goodrich: Helping Others Embrace Art

In 2009, Krista Goodrich quit her job as a financial analyst and started Masterpiece Mixers Paint and Party Studio in Braselton, Georgia.  This business has allowed her to return to her art roots where she helps others embrace art in a positive and healthy environment.

“Much of the time I spend painting is when I am teaching. I go within before each class and get into ‘teacher mode.’ I block out the rest of the world so it’s just me with my students and the painting. God helps me through the times I’m having a bad day so I’m able to be upbeat for my students.” ~Krista Goodrich

Listen to Krista’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

Krista focuses on expression through color variations and enjoys painting with strong, bright colors on big canvases. Born in south Florida, she moved to Georgia in the early eighties. She attributes her preference of vibrant colors to her south Florida roots.

Her art love affair began at a young age through her mother who introduced her to a wide variety of art — from pottery, to bow making to becoming part of a young Asian art society, exploring the use of art in Asian cultures.

Krista attended college in France — learning the techniques of art masters and their history.  She graduated with two bachelor degrees — one in French and one in Economics.

She says, “When I opened Masterpiece Mixers I was not very well connected with God. During the first year and a half of the studio, I had some things happen in my life — specifically a very close personal death. It was during that that I created my very favorite painting. While I was painting, I was reflecting on my life and reflecting on the one who had passed. There was a presence with me and that presence was helping me while I was creating art. Since that time I’ve reconnected to God through my art and through my daughter.”

Krista believes everyone can paint with just a little instruction. “Our slogan at Masterpiece Mixers is ‘It’s Fun Art, Not Fine Art.’ We want our clients to have fun and enjoy the process. People hug me after a few hours of painting and say it’s the best thing they’ve ever experienced. I love helping people embrace something they didn’t think they could do.”

A “Crazy Heart” painting by a Masterpiece Mixer autistic client was chosen for the Autism Awareness postage stamp.

She lives in Hoschton, Georgia with her husband Colin, her daughter, Tiana and their two dogs Dot and Danja. They enjoy family time involved in activities such as tennis, boating and wakeboarding.

Find out more about Krista at www.masterpiecemixers.com and join her at one of her studio to create your own painting.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

Apr 25 2012

Karen Vuranch: God’s Energy Comes Through Me

Karen Vuranch weaves together a love of history, a passion for stories and a sense of community. She has toured throughout the United States with her traditional storytelling and living history performances, as well as made five performance tours of Wales and England performing her play, Coal Camp Memories. In 2002, Karen participated in storytelling exchange in China.

“The ancient Celtics had the sense that God is in everything and everything you do is spiritual. That’s how I look at my life — spirituality is part of everything that I do. When I’m creating, I draw upon God’s energy, but I also just let it come out through me.” ~Karen Vuranch

Listen to Karen’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

Karen brings history to life with historical interpretations of women from America’s past. She recreates author Pearl Buck; labor organizer Mother Jones; Indian captive Mary Draper Ingles, Civil War soldier and spy Emma Edmonds, humanitarian Clara Barton, Renaissance pirate Grace O’Malley, Wild West Outlaw Belle Starr and, the first lady of food, Julia Child, Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons. Her newest character is beloved children’s writer, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Additionally, she performs a WWII play, Homefront.

On a lighter side, Karen writes and produces audience participation murder mysteries. She often works with community groups, creating a production in just two or three days using members of the community.  She also has a troupe of actors that travel to present the mysteries. The In Cahoots Players are a troupe of incredibly talented actors from Southern West Virginia. Collectively, they have performed in plays, musicals and murder mysteries throughout the region. Their stage presence, lively and spontaneous banter and quick replies make for a hilarious evening of entertainment.

Karen says, “The art of storytelling and live performance becomes intrinsically involved with the audience  — the audience is as much a part of it as I am. I have a little mantra that I always do before I go onstage. When I offer my work to God, the connection with the audience is magical.”

Karen has been honored by many organizations including the Corridor Tourism L Commission, receiving the Robert C. Byrd Community Service Award in April of 2005. Other honors include the McWhorter Achievment Award from the West Virginia Storytelling Guild; Performing Artist of the Year for Tamarack, the West Virginia state arts center; the Spirit of West Virginia Award from the state tourism office and the Celebrate Women Award from the Women’s Commission of the West Virginia Legislature.  In 1994, Karen and her husband, Gene Worthington, performed together at the Ellipse Theatre at the White House.  On her audio tape, My Grandmother’s Necklace, Karen performs stories she has written and collected.  She is currently in production with a new CD of the stories and song show Potluck: Stories and Songs about Women, Wisdom and Food, which she performs with Julie Adams and Colleen Anderson. Karen also has completed a DVD of Coal Camp Memories.

Karen graduated from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio with double majors in Sociology/Social Work and Theatre.  She earned a M.A. from the Marshall University Graduate College in Humanities, focusing on American Studies with a minor in Celtic Studies. In addition to her work as a storyteller and actress, Karen is an adjunct faculty for Concord University, teaching Theatre, Speech and Appalachian Studies. She is a freelance consultant for the Coal Heritage Highway Authority. For this organization, she wrote and developed their Interpretation Plan, organized an event celebrating coalfield baseball and is currently directing an oral history project.

Karen says, “My spiritual beliefs and artistic growth are totally intertwined with each other. As I create, I draw upon spiritual energy. As I become more of a spiritual person, I become a better artist.”

Find out more about Karen and her upcoming shows at www.wventerprises.com. Here is a recent article about Karen from the Register Herald newspaper in Beckley, WV.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

Apr 19 2012

Dixie Speck: Communing with God through Nature

For Dixie Speck, President, CEO and Lead Designer of Solterra Landscape Inc., plants and landscaping aren’t just a business, but an obsession. Her passion led her to leave a career in the engineering field, move to Atlanta, receive training in landscape design and horticulture, and start a landscaping business.

“I get to be outside every day enjoying communion with God through nature. After walking a property with a client, I walk through again on my own and start to get a vision of what the finished landscape could be and what plants could work well. I feel that God is leading me in that way and helping me figure out what would look great in my design for that particular property.” ~Dixie Speck

Listen to Dixie’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

Solterra has gained a reputation for delighting their customers both in creating beautiful, distinctive landscapes and providing excellent maintenance service. Solterra customers know that they can request special services and it will always be accommodated.

Solterra’s clients are looking for MORE – particularly more quality and more communication. Dixie and her Solterra team have won local and national awards for landscape design.

Dixie says, “I pay attention to little details — not just the flowers and the color, but the difference in the textures of plants and how they can work together a living design. I feel like an artist on a grand scale when I assemble the puzzle pieces together to create a beautiful landscape with a variety of plant material. I’m working with God’s gift of all these gorgeous plants.“

Dixie has taught classes on landscape design for Emory University’s Continuing Education Program, and is regularly asked to speak at Garden Clubs and other industry events.  She appeared as a guest designer for several episodes of HGTV’s Landscape Solutions. Dixie serves as an expert resource for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and is on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Urban Ag Council. 

Find out more about Dixie and Solterra Landscape at www.solterralandscape.com.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.

Apr 12 2012

Dr. Tammi Baliszewski: Creativity Takes Many Forms

Dr. Tammi Baliszewski has a double Ph.D. and is a Holistic Life Counselor. Her teachings are a blend of psychological and spiritual principles. Tammi is a hypnotherapist, Art for Healing instructor, Sacred Art Facilitator, ordained minister, artist, writer and author of Manifesting Love From the Inside Out. Her intention is to support those she works with in tapping into the creativity, power, beauty and wisdom within.

“I’m creative every day. I am not a painter every day. I am not a writer every day. I’m not a counselor every day. I start every day with a simple practice of centering myself — I invite spirit to work through me for the highest possible good of myself and for others. From that place, I’ll have something I intend to do which may be painting, writing or counseling. Creativity takes many forms.” ~ Dr. Tammi Baliszewski

Listen to Tammi’s Art as Worship interview on Empower Radio.

Her centering practice helps her overcome blocks to her creative flow. Tammi says, “If I lend myself to Spirit, there’s always something there.”

She goes on to say, “Ego can have us play small and claim that we are less than we are. I believe we are breathing in an aspect of creative intelligence and therefore we are creators. We are artists. Our life is the most important creative medium that we have.”

Tammi is host of the radio show, Journey to Center, airing weekly on Empower Radio.

Find out more about Tammi, her book and her art at www.TammiBPhD.com.

Learn more about show host Vanessa Lowry at www.vanessalowrycreative.com.