PUSH // Series

This is my #PUSH

PUSH // & // RISE ABOVE

__________________________________ P U S H // @courtney__heather / UK A r t i s t __________________________________ S E L F P O R T R A I T __________________________________ We picked Courtney as our PUSH feature because she inspired it all and she was our first PUSH documentary subject in 2013. Her art moves and it engages, and her art is loud and it's powerful. You can't help but wonder where the moments come from and what depths they reach and I think that's why I for one keep revisiting her work and why I look forward to more. Like other PUSH features Courtney has sacrificed and found herself in uncomfortable circumstances but her story inspires and I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to interview her and share her work and her story with you all. Look forward to a new short form documentary on Courtney after the Kickstarter campaign. #PUSH

That painting is dedicated to him because if there’s anyone who’s ever inspired me to hustle & truly pursue my goals, it’s my dad” - Courtney

"Cash rules everything around me, CREAM get the money, dolla’ dolla’ bills ya’ll" - WuTang

Courtney's JONESIN' Series

PUSH // @courtney__heather / UK A r t i s t _______________________________ "Recently, I've started to shift into a somewhat different territory with my 'Spectateurs' paintings. I've always felt hesitant about trying new things within my practice, but I figured it was time to broaden the ideas behind my work. So far, I've gotten great compliments on this series. When you receive such praise on something you've worked hard on, it allows you to be fearless in challenging yourself" - Courtney

P U S H // Courtney / UK A r t i s t _______________________ "I think sacrifices teach you how to carry on without the things you value the most because what's valuable to you could also be holding you back from chasing after your dreams. For me, I had to sacrifice the safety net of my loved ones. Moving out of the country and being on my own has pushed me out of my comfort zone, taking on challenges I thought were impossible." -Courtney

____________________________________ P U S H // @courtney__heather / U.K. A r t i s t ____________________________________ "For the longest time I didn't know why I did it, but I knew I always wanted to make art in any creative way that I could. I didn't realize exactly what my dream was until I was exposed to various types of art forms and the artists behind them. I think about some of my favorite artists and how moved I am by their works. My dream is to do what these artists do..to be able to continuously create something that can evoke such feelings and inspiration. It's important to continue to chase after these ambitions because it would be the greatest accomplishment to prove that dreams can happen." - Courtney

____________________________________ P U S H // @kenneth_leishman / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r ____________________________________ We picked @kenneth_leishman as our latest PUSH feature because he’s earned his talents with consistency and because he’s not afraid of failure. He’s a dreamer and proud of it, as he should be. Few people truly understand what it means to fail and succeed at the very same time while constantly dreaming of their world being better than it was the day before, for Kenneth that’s his reality. Ken much respect and thank you for your story. #PUSH

____________________________________P U S H // @kenneth_leishman / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r ___________________________________ “I like to scout the area maybe half the day and not even shoot at all and then going to same spot the follow day at the right time for the best light” - Kenneth

P U S H // @kenneth_leishman / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r ______________________________ This is one of my favorite photos from @Kenneth_leishman Instagram feed. As I filmed his documentary I was really impressed with his level of focus - he was in a calm steady stream of awareness, always looking for a photo opportunity. As you can see from above it pays off. Pay close attention to the exposure levels in the sand and how they gradually graduate to an almost solid black in the horizon with the subjects at a still and in motion. An incredible moment.

P U S H // Kenneth / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r /// PUSH 2 // TRAILER

P U S H // @kenneth_leishman / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r _________________________________ “In order to succeed at anything in life you have to fail and you have to be strong at doing so” - Kenneth

_________________________________ P U S H // @kenneth_leishman / O.C. P h o t o g r a p h e r _________________________________ February // Week 1 - feature Kenneth Leishman's photography is based on the marriage of simplicity and timing. He may spend an entire day hiking, on the beach of in the city and only capture one or two shots but when the moment is right, it's right. Enjoy the next week of Ken's work.

__________________________________ P U S H // @ladyjessmakeup / L.A M a k e u p A r t i s t ___________________________________ We picked @ladyjessmakeup as our January feature because she’s a force - she’s raw, she’s talented, she’s un-compromised, she’s fearless, and she’s unexpected. She left her family and friends in Chicago to see what she was made of in L.A. and she did so alone, all alone, and that’s not easy. Three years later she continues to fight for her dreams and we know she will achieve them all, but more importantly we know she will inspire others to do the same along the way. Jess catches your eye with a particular beauty but holds your attention by challenging your expectations. Simply put…her art demands, her art disables, her art inspires. Jess, thank you for your story. #PUSH

P U S H // @ladyjessmakeup / L.A M a k e u p A r t i s t ___________________________________ "Most of the time when I'm painting my dog is right there sitting at my feet. More often than not he will get a little paint or fake blood in his hair by accident because he just cannot get enough attention from me. I love my dog and he has become a big part of me and my life. Sometimes I think it's limiting but just like anything you love you make things work."