Tuesday 6 August 2013

Ghostdavandal Originals @The Spot, Sandhurst

Ghostdavandal Originals @The Spot
Date: 6th- 8th August 2013
Location: Sandhurst



Ghostdavandal Originals facilitated a youth group of 25-30 Young People @TheSpot in Sandhurst from Tuesday 6th August to Thursday 8th August on behalf of Flip The Script and Bracknell Youth Service.

The workshops were aimed at introducing young people into the creative world of Customisation and Street-art. Understanding the different technics and methodical ways of customising or making something different by adjusting or improving  its originals attributes.  This meant understanding what customisation is by knowing when, how and where to apply it.  


 The 3 days were packed with activities that encouraged YP to identify their personal interests, develop visual ideas through exploration and experimentation, and implementing their designs using professional, creative and technical advice provided throughout the workshops.  YPs were encouraged to Plan, Design and Implement through group interaction and participation, where input information was necessary and reflected their personal understanding of the subject.



Day One: Customisation Workshop
Each day kicked off with group games, which were led by staff @The Spot namely Ruari, Shakira and Sophie. After an Introduction into Customisation led by GDV's very own Marvin Hagglar and Aman Mahoon, YP were required to list personal interests, illustrate and interpret ideas as designs onto a T-Shirt template.  YP were required to consider colours, layouts and appropriate technics to transfer their visual ideas onto plain T-Shirts provided, using materials such as paints and brushes, swatches, paint pens, accessories, stencils and spray cans to transfer their ideas.
Most of the group preferred to stencil their T-shirts, with some using a combination of mediums, producing some interesting designs that reflected their understanding of the processes in customisation...i.e. Planning Design Development Implementation. The final outcome was an array of colourful T-shirts designs produced by YP for YP that they were proud to show off, as each T-shirt design reflected who they were individually within a group. Most of them enjoyed the activity, that they persisted on repeating the activity each day.







Day Two: Street Art Workshop

Began with an Introduction into Street Art, explaining its origins, use in history and in the contemporary. YP showed great depth of understanding and were split into groups, briefed on the activities during the workshop which included Mural designing and painting using Spray Cans. So after a brief explanation of Spray Can use and misuse, COSHH, YP were required to list group interests, similar to the exercise before (to define personal interests) and the groups understood that they were required to design and paint a mural later during the day. 
The groups participated in discussion, Planning and designing their ideas and engaged in creating an image that they decided represented their interests as a group. Each group had to consider how the design was to be transferred on to the mural, which colours to use and how to layout the design.  Once again the YP responded well and displayed interest in designing and especially in implementing their designs using Spray Cans, resulting in imaginative and colourful murals that they were proud to produce and are situated right beside the entrance to The Spot, hopefully reminding them of their experience.




Day Three: Street Art Workshop / Music Workshop

After a brief summary on the key themes addressed in previous sessions, the group was provided with an opportunity to continue with activities of choice, namely T-shirt customisation and canvas painting stood out the most and proved to be the most popular activity throughout the workshops as most YP brought in a personal item to customise each day.  YP were also required to create an image that they thought represented their individual, personal look to be combined into an image that would used to design a large mural that visually reflected the group and to be painted by Ghostdavandal's very own Marvin Hagglar.  YP waited with anticipation as they could only view the image after their music workshop.



After completing customisation/street art activities, YP were briefed how to reflect on their learning through music as an expression of themselves and the YP chose Rap Music as way to reflect this.  YP developed lyrics for a chorus using a list that they created, discussing and deciding the best way to illustrate what they had learned and created an inspiring song about customising yourself to become who you are and who you want to be and that you can be anything you want in this world.....now that's what I call Flippin' The Script!!












After the Music workshop, which they had an opportunity to write their own verses, choruses and had a chance to use the vocal booth or experiment with an instrument and after the track had been layered by Ruari (...the man behind the beat!) and group evaluations, where members were required to evaluate the sessions, how useful they were to them and what they can do by themselves.  YP where finally allowed to view the mural of themselves within a group and were also asked to identify themselves within the mural, which was quite amusing and was a highlight of the three days. At the end of the day, the YP summarised all the activities and reflected on what they had learnt individually and as a group, what a way to end the sessions!!
Special thanks to Maggie, Rauri (...the frog!), Shakira and Sophie  @The Spot and to ALL who attended for an amazing week!


M.H





Monday 27 May 2013

Ghostdavandal Originals @ Upfest Bristol 2013

Ghostdavandal@Upfest Street Art Festival
Date: 25-27th May 2013
Location: Bristol



Bristol itself is a gallery of arts, a mosaic of colour and a hub of creative activity with large exhibitionist pieces that drape along tall buildings to mini stencil pieces dotted around corners that if you look too quick you might miss them. There's no doubt that this is town that has embraced it's graffiti community and combined it into the towns features and has become a highlight which benefits the whole community.

The Upfest Festival provided viewers with a gallery view of live art along one of it's main strips, with pockets of activities in off-road locations such as pub gardens, small parks and simply on the side of buildings.  An array of artist lined up the event, displaying their work to visitors and onlookers.



Our personal favourites and highlights of the whole weekend include rmer1, Kelzo (who we seem to run into regularly...good to c u there), Inkie, Oner (classic favourite) and we also ran into Fancyfeatures who ran a Giant Colouring-in wall and gave spectators a chance to ink something too.




Other artists include Inca (Inca grafx), @faithfourseven, Cosmos Sarsen, @Telmomiel, @brave1graffiti and @Airbornemark where some of the favourites from the whole weekend but our highlight was C215 (@christianguermy). His mural was the main feature of the whole weekend for us and became a central discussion point for spectators, attendees and everyone that went past it. Truly amazing and talented, the piece was finished on the second day to allow spectators and trading to resume...what a talent.


Special thanks to the Organisers and sponsors for such a well organised event and a display of street art that puts Bristol on the map and we look forward to coming back soon!! Special thanks go to M1ssey-LA-nous, Darrel (@1nnfoeD), Aman Mahoon and Marvin Hagglar.


What a trip!!!





MH

Sunday 19 May 2013

Ghostdavandal at SmashdownTV presents Big Narstie

Ghostdavandal @Smashdown TV presents Big Narstie
Date 20th May 2013
Location: Academy Music Venue

An amazing showcase of live music, courtesy of an array of local musicians and dancers that got up on stage and wowed the crowd before Big Narstie got up and tore the #Base up!


An energetic performance from the BST Dance Crew kicked off the night, ice breaking the event with a new repertoire that was edgy and definitely entertaining...looking forward to seeing more from these young breakers...Keep an eye out for them...This was followed by an explosive performance from the Notorious G13 crew , featuring two of Northampton's sought after MC's...Audio Narxx and Izzie Gibbs,they ripped it with the largest entourage that Academy had ever seen on stage! A very energetic performance. i know i won't forget that one too quick...G13 brrrrap!

Other performances that rocked the crowd include the soulful Angelo, capturing the ladies attention....Karen Preet serenaded the stage with a blissful voice.  King Kash, Jnr Artist and Wanda made their presence felt with some thought provoking lyrics and stage presence.

Another ground moving performance came from Troy Valentine and brother Kreaps held it down with engaging beats and lyrics...this is another local act to lookout for...watch this space!!

Finally, Big Narstie aka Uncle Pain made his presence felt by bringing the house down! The crowd responded to his vibrance and moved with a kinetic energy that lifted everyone who was there!  Energy!!! is the word that stuck in my head and i can't wait to see a show filled with this much action, lyrics, energy and a very good vibe that made the warmish evening night a good Sunday Out!



We at Ghostdavandal originals would like to thank all those who came down to the Smashdown TV presents Big Narstie event at The Academy Music Venue.   Good to see all the friendly faces that attended...you know who you are...Ceasar (Eclectic Eyes), Lord@Grime Report, MyTees, Ras (G13), Victor etc

Special Thanks to the whole Smashdown TV crew...Tubz, D-Wiser, Green Lung, DJ Skratch, Dama James, The Academy Music Venue staff...of course the GDV team Tasha, Darren, M1ssey-LA-neous, Marvin Hagglar and Aman Mahoon!

C u at the next Smashdown TV event...

M H

Don't F'up the #BASE lol

Monday 6 May 2013

Flip The Script - Empowerment Day


Ghostdavandal Originals attended the Flip the Script Event Day on Friday 3rd May 2013 in Bracknell. The Event Day focused on providing participating youths with engaging positive, motivational activities designed to meet their social and developmental needs. It offered a source of advice, information and sign posting to those who are NEET to attend to work, work experience, college, or education and training.



Full of inspiring and motivational speakers, artists and musicians, Ghostdavandal Originals were delighted to deliver A Customize Ur Life Workshop.  The day began with a introduction speech from Executive Director , Stefan Russell of Experto Credite, who related his past to his goals and current achievements as a source of inspiration for him to reach his goals. A performance from the rap duo.... seemed to kick start the day and got the ball rolling.  Youths were divided into small groups and rotated through different areas of the event during the whole day, with a session left for them to pick as their favourite workshop.




For instance, Area 1 was set for workshops discussing Healthy Relationships run by Anita Bhardwaj, Area 2 workshops were held by Dr Michele Mc Dowell about positive self talk, Area 4 was all about Fitness and Nutrition with advice from Jennie and Carl (we found ourselves taking note of some of the health advice) and we where situated in Area 3 between the two workshops.



 Lifford ( an amazing soul musician), The dance group, Bodecia and Alim Kamara were amongst the performers and even our very own Marvin Hagglar performed an impromptu collabo with the young talent, Brendon Sparks. Alim Kamara definitely spoke with intent and got beneath the surface with his life changing presentation and with his charisma and humour, was definitely a highlight of the day.


The Event Day had a definite buzz about it and the messages of self development, self improvement and self expression floated in the air, behind the scenic backdrop of the Golf Centre, you couldn't have asked for more.


Special thanks to Dee Albert (@FlipTheScript5), who organised the event alongside Liz Hassock (Bracknell Forest) and to all the young participants that attended. All the Facilitators who we worked along with and met, Lyric L, Rurai Hignell, 4ward Thinking, Michael Joseph, all the Flip The Script staff and volunteers, special thanks from the Ghostdavandal Team and see you at the next event.




Dont forget to....Flip The Script!

M.H

Sunday 7 April 2013

Ghostdavandal Originals @Freshly Made Market, Truman Brewery, Brick Lane 2013


7th April 2013

Ghostdavandal originals were up and about at The Freshly Made Festival in Brick Lane with Marvin Hagglar, promoting the latest release from the up and coming album, "This Is Freedom"( available on Soundcloud).
The event was packed with exhibition events such as live graffiti from some of the best aerosol artists in London, music and live performances plus urban and street wear stalls exhibiting and marketing their products.  Being at Brick Lane, on a Sunday, the Truman Brewery was typically jam packed and heaving with activity by the afternoon, although it had a slow start.


We managed to mingle within the stalls and stall holders that were exhibiting and selling their products to get a feel of the event, and most exhibitors sounded uplifted about being out and about selling their products or liaising and networking with other exhibitors.


We met Natcho, an illustrator and photographer who was exhibiting at the market and she was excited about being at Freshly Made and getting a response to her product. Her illustrations are definitely striking and we loved her enthusiasm!  Amongst the exhibitors, we ran into 4649 Worldwide who seemed to be having a wicked time at the market and loved the products on display, some of the exhibitors included Funk Rush, Peace and Cookies and Big Deal Clothing. We also got chatting to GUSTO Urban Clothing and they explained their involvement in music and fashion, not forgetting Seymore Greene Apparel (loving the Snapbacks range) and the boys from Dictate Clothing.

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We also met the legendary Aztec, who we interviewed about graffiti lifestyle, Tom Ryall and a load of artists that were doing their thing outside or jus mingling within the crowd! The music stall, pumpin out fresh organic beats courtesy of DJ Shep and DJ Ivan of Holdin'Court, held memorable performances from Oliver Sudden, Cracker Jon and Marvin Hagglar in front of a humbling crowd that seemed to respond to the emcees performances.

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Special Thanks go to David Tainsh @Krome Ink Cloting, Luke @Holdin' Court, Aman Mahoon @Ghostdavandal Originals and to Dave @Massive Arms for the tshirt swap( for my Busta Tshirt)!

C U @ the next Freshly Made Market!

MH

Thursday 4 April 2013

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Ghostdavandal Originals Presents Lemon Pop Workshops : Learning Through Customisation



Lemon Pop Workshops
Presented by Ghostdavandal Originals

Ghostdavandal Originals presented its first youth workshop in Northampton, on the 2nd of April involving creative activities.  The event was attended by 24-30 kids aged between 3 to 13 years of age, although the event was catered for kids from 5 years onwards, younger kids were more than welcome as long as they were accompanied by a parent to assist in some of the activities.


The event was full of idea generation activities such as colouring and doodling, hand eye coordination tasks such as beading and disciplinary skills in canvas painting and T-shirt making! The room was buzzing with activity and noise as the kids made their own T-shirts by designing their own elements to be heat pressed onto an arrangement they felt suited them best.


Courtesy of Ultimate Photography

Activities such as Beading started off being a girl-only activity until the boys joined in and started creating their own necklaces and bracelets which was fantastic to see them indulge in activities they probably never done before or even considered.


When it came to T-shirt designing and laying out, they became experts with each participant choosing their own style, colours and arrangement without the help of any parent to create a masterpiece that they all were proud off, and so they were, as they wore their T-shirts immediately they were dry.




Graffiti wall painting
Special thanks goes to the GDV team that delivered the Workshop and for putting on an event that is based on improving others lives by influencing creative, technical and creative skills.  The team includes Marvin 'Hagglar' Mudzongo, Aman Mahoon and Natasha Osborne who worked hard to organise the event and run it.  Thanks also go to Ultimate Photography for lighting and capturing the event and thanks to Academy Music Venue for providing a venue that suited the occasion!


Beading and necklace making


Marvin Mudzongo, the founder, commented   "...we wanted to do something around Easter to give back to the kids, as a community focused event!...we intend to be delivering these workshops more regularly and start working with local schools, organisations and groups like clubs and after school events."

Lemon Pop Workshops: Learning through customisation


After such an eventful morning of creative activity we certainly look forward to the next Lemon Pop workshop so we too can be CUSTOMIZED! So Be Original and CUSTOMIZE UR LIFE....

To find out more please check out the Facebook page and Twitter pages for more information on more events to come!!!

M H.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Ghostdavandal Sketchbook 2005-8: A resource of ideas and development

Ghostdavandal are all about imagination and creativity...Keeping a sketchbook has enabled us to develop our design skills and keeping a trail of work enables us to keep track of our development stages and helps us to improve our work and that in turn helps us to deliver for our clients.

http://ghostdavandal.uberflip.com/issue/87138/0

1. A design trail begins with research: which might be a collection of prints, torn paper, wood, bark etc...anything that helps understand the are that is being researched.
2. Development is easier to understand and tracking the development enables us to clearly make adjustments.
3. Experiment, experiment, experiment...simple...each development stage enables the chance to test, try and change features of the project before even thinking about the final.
4. BE ORIGINAL...this is the only place that lets you become who you want to be...This is a place for inspiration and letting your inspiration grow into the craziest doodles and letting your imagination blossom...dont be shy...go wild!!
4. Finally...documenting, commenting and criticising your own work before it gets to the client / printing etc,  is beneficial in REVISING the work and making sure all angles have been explored.

Im sure the client will feel appreciated knowing that you have explored all possible angles that are catered for them personally.
Keep sketching and remember...

BE ORIGINAL

Marvin H

Ghostdavandal Originals