Rad Livin’ Series: Meet Blakely Little

Friday // January 28 // 2022

 

This past year living in Europe, we got a surge of creative energy. Not only from the amazing humans that we met along the journey, but through the synchronistic findings of people who are living their dreams in a unique way. In comes Blakely Little.

Blakely is an Artist and Painter based in Charleston, South Carolina. We came across her instagram when we were planning our trip to Greece and saw that she was also traveling there while creating her art. Her canvas perched in front of beautiful scenery, and her art telling the stories of the visuals and feelings she experienced there. We needed to know more about her story and the authentic lifestyle she has built.

Meet Blakely….

How would you describe the work that you do? 

I collect shapes, light, and color through my home life and travels and turn them into paintings!

 

Your paintings and art have such an authentic style, tell us the story of how you got into painting? 

Growing up, I always enjoyed creating, but it wasn’t until high school that I honed in on painting as my medium. I came down to College of Charleston for school and majored in Arts Management and minored in Studio Art. I always thought I would manage an artist or enter the design world. My semester abroad in Florence, Italy changed everything. My season aboard gave me space to understand myself as an artist and grow. I started to figure out my style and how my work could reflect my genuine personality. One of my favorite moments was when my professor Lorenzo said he could see me in my paintings. 

We came across your work when we were planning our trip to Greece and saw that you were doing paintings of the places that you visited. When did you first start traveling, what spurred this love of it? 

I will never forget going to Italy when I was in middle school, sitting at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome watching the sun set. I had this thrilling feeling inside of all the newness around me… culture, language, art, food, etc… and even as a middle  schooler I could tell it was special. Luckily, my husband also loves to travel so we have built it into our lives. I feel very free in a new place and prefer to explore and happen upon places rather than make a strict plan. All the while, I sketch and photograph so I can take these thoughts back to my studio and capture the feeling through paint. 

What does a day in the life look like for you?

I wake up, make myself a breakfast taco, take my dog for a nice walk, then head to Slate Studios. I try to keep a typical 9-5 at the studio because it helps prevent underworking and overworking. I usually start with the business side of my art… so emails, marketing, and collaborations. The studio I’m in has two other spaces filled with female artists and our assistants – so we all come together to eat lunch and chat. Post lunch, I make myself a chai tea latte and start to paint! Typically, I am working on 2-3 pieces at once because it keeps my work loose and intuitive– I don’t want to overthink it. I paint until 5, clean up and head home. I love being out and about during the early evening. My husband and I are usually deciding between a sunset boat ride, tennis, or a beach walk. After, we will whip up a quick late dinner and eat it on our front porch, and then watch a little tv before heading to bed. 

Do you have any favorite rituals? 

My favorite ritual is my sketchbook. A few times a week, I give myself time to try new things or record new ideas in my sketchbook. It is a no judgment zone for me. I feel like it helps me reach my inner child where I was creating, just for the fun of it. Another ritual for me is turning on the lamps and lighting a candle as the sun goes down. Sometimes, this time can be hard for me because I love the sunshine so much, but the ritual of making my home feel cozy makes me happier for the evening to come. 

Continue Reading…

Video Storytelling: Artisans of Comfort

Friday // April 9 // 2021

After filming Mitchell Gold + Bob William’s debut Artisans of Comfort series, they reached out to create a new designer-focused series building the collaboration between design and hand-making the furniture. This video features Co-Founder Bob-Williams, CEO Allison O’Connor, VP of Design Carl Marmion, and the Artisans who hand-craft each piece of furniture. 

What we loved the most about filming this video series was the heart and soul that goes into their pieces. It was apparent that craftsmanship was so much more than creating a piece of furniture, but building pieces that could be passed down from generation to generation. 

 

 

 

Watch the Film: Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region

Friday // March 5 // 2021

We had the privilege of working with Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region to help create short films for their 1,000th critical home repair celebration. We met Ms. King who was their 1,000th CHR recipient. Being able to tell Ms. King’s story and celebrate with her in this new chapter was an amazing experience. Watch the film below, and if you are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity, you can check them out here

 

Habitat For Humanity from DontTellSummer on Vimeo.

Director & Producer: Olivia O’Connor

DP: Connor Guest

The Rad Livin Podcast: Starting a Cause, The Peace Bus with Kwabi Amoah-Forson

Tuesday // October 13 // 2020

 

LISTEN: ITUNES /  SPOTIFY 

 

“Peace is the final frontier for society. It’s what we’re all aiming towards. It’s the final goal for us.” ~ Kwabi

In today’s episode, Olivia is joined by Kwabi, founder of a humanitarian aid organization, The Peace Bus. Kwabi shares his journey of spreading the message of peace to communities near and far. 

 Whether it’s delivering socks to the homeless, feeding families in need, or educating children on the importance of kindness, Kwabi is the ultimate ambassador of peace and positivity and has a knack for spreading it in a really unique way!

 

In this episode we cover: 

  • Kwabi talks about who and what was the inspiration behind The Peace Bus.
  • How Kwabi helped his community in the midst of the global pandemic + inspirational life lessons he learned.
  • The main themes that Kwabi has heard during his conversations with folks about peace. 
  • What prompted Kwabi to create The Peace Bus TV Show and what is the show about. 
  • Why implementing peace talks should be a vital part of the education system.
  • What can we do to bring more peace into our own lives and into our communities?
  • Advice on how to start your own movement or positive initiative based on his own experience.
  • Tips on how people can go about reaching out to like-minded people.
  • How Kwabi built and grew an authentic community.
  • What is Kwabi’s ultimate goal for The Peace Bus?

Resources from this episode:

  • If you want to become a Patreon of The Peace Bus and help create The Peace Bus TV Show click HERE to donate.
  • For more information on peace literacy go to paulkchappell.com.
  • If you’re curious about #vanlife and the community you can check them out onInstagram

 

Connect with Kwabi

Instagram: @thepeacebus

Facebook: @thepeacebusorg

Website: thepeacebus.org

Connect with Olivia:

Instagram: @DontTellSummer

 

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please Subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. 

This episode is available on iTunes & Spotify 

The Rad Livin Podcast: Taking Your Power Back with Michael Vlamis (EP #5)

Tuesday // October 6 // 2020

 

LISTEN: ITUNES /  SPOTIFY 

 

In a world where so many decisions seem like they are made for us, Michael Vlamis joins us today to break-down how to take your power back and make it by being as authentic as possible.

Michael is an actor, writer, and filmmaker currently starting in The CW’s Roswell New Mexico. He joins Olivia in today’s episode to fill us in on his hustle, the highs and lows of going for a dream, and learning life’s lessons (like a breakup) and how that catapulted Michael into being the most authentic and ‘care free’ version of himself. The conversation also dives into mental health, dating during a pandemic, and advice for ‘staying in your own lane’ when pursuing a life true to yourself.

 

“My main goal in life is to get rid of every single gatekeeper there is'”.

 

In this episode we cover: 

  • Michael shares the story of going from a collegiate baseball player to pursuing his dream of acting.
  • Learning the game and making it his own – the unique ways that Michael took his power back to make it in a tough industry. 
  • The struggles of the highs and lows of pursuing your dream and how Michael overcame it. 
  • Michael talks about how a breakup was the catalyst for becoming his most authentic self in life and on the screen.
  • Michael walks us through the audition process for for the CW’s Roswell New Mexico.
  • The moment that changed everything when he took a risk during his audition. 
  • The importance of doing what you love but at the same time not tying your self-worth to your work.
  • Coping mechanisms that help him overcome periods of unhappiness. 
  • How important it is for your mental health to focus on your happiness and inner fulfillment.
  • How meditation can be helpful in offsetting fear during times of uncertainty.
  • Advice to someone who wants to be their authentic selves and live a fully expressed version of themselves.
  • How to stay in your lane and stay true to yourself. 
  • Michael talks about navigating the feelings of perfectionism. 
  • The impact Michael hopes to make and continue to make through his work on Roswell New Mexico.
  • How to navigate the fine line of saying ‘No’ or ‘Yes’ when opportunities come around (especially when fear is involved!)
  • Michael fills us in on what he is currently working on and what’s next on the horizon.

Resources from this episode:

  • Watch Roswell New Mexico now on Netflix. 
  • For simple guided meditations, check out conniechapman.com Purely Being Guided Meditations and headpace.com.
  • To watch Michael’s seriously funny Sun Bum prank, click here.
  • Some of Michael’s favorite current reads:
  • A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
  • Martin Scorsese: Interviews by Peter Brunette

 

Connect with Michael: 

Instagram: @michaelvlamis

Twitter: @michaelvlamis

Facebook: @michaelvlamisactor

Website: michaelvlamis.com

Connect with Olivia:

Instagram: @DontTellSummer

 

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please Subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. 

This episode is available on iTunes & Spotify