"PREP" STAR

As we grow, we evolve..., we face challenges, and hopefully we pass on those skills that we too have learned. Life it seems is always about this balance. Ying and yang; life and death; beginning and end, teacher and student. A never-ending circle that ensures that the lessons learnt are taught and the mistakes of the past are not re-lived. So whilst most people were beginning to plan their Christmas parties, (and it does seem to start earlier each year doesn't it) or become weighed down with the plans that the natural renewal processes of this autumn season brings out in us; I found myself looking back at "my year in review" and thinking ahead to the projects of next year. (Like working with Tiger Lilly, you know I love you girl.)

It was at this time that an old friend (and protege' if you will) asked me to do a test shoot with him. I remember the gangly lad that I met years earlier. I remember the promising poetry that he recited and over time had seen him grow into the rather colourful, preppie young man that he is today and said, "sure how can I help." This is how the PREP STAR shoot came about. Hot on the heels of and in complete contrast to the HENCH HOMME shoot (which we're still editing) and amidst the singular work that went into photographing the wonderful accessories of BEADS BROTHERS;

the PREP STAR shoot was if you'll pardon the pun, old school.

No make-up artists or stylists. No assistants or behind the scene videography. Just me, a camera and an eager model. Blessed with the same location for an extra night and with lights etc still in place Ashley came down and professionally went through the paces even though he had to rush over straight from work and all I had to spare were a couple of hours from 8pm till midnight at the location. The results are what you see here and in the links above. A great model, a great shoot and a great time was had by all.

If nothing else, I hope I will be remembered as fondly as I remember the woman I credit as giving me my start. That formidable designer that gave freely of her designs for a school fashion show, to the young gangly lad that I was then. Here she is in a clip from "the Basia Show" talking about her incredible line that was inspired by and in tribute to

1st Lady Michelle Obama...,

the force that IS.... CLAUDIA PEGUS.

She was my first entry into fashion (working in her boutique); my first major shoot (on location in Mustique); and one of my first major assignment as her stylist/photographer for Caribbean Fashion Week 2001. In so many ways she was the mentor that prepped me for this industry. I hope I've done her proud and passed on the torch in prepping this young model.

World, meet Ashley Kha'n.

click here to see more of the shoot

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

It's the morning after.

The images left over have all been put away.

The artists have all gone our separate ways and now there is nothing left but the exhilaration of what once was. The celebrating lasted way into this morning, and it's a wonder that I am awake at all. Still I wanted to take the time to give particular mention to some of the guys that really helped carry me through this my first exhibition ever and the wonderful experience that it was.

CHARLIE PI for extending me the opportunity and sticking by me even when I wanted to sit it out. My other co-exhibitor TERENCE McDONALD HUMPHREY with whom I shared a love of Vintage Kaiso and look forward to collaborating with again in the future. Our always eager assistant for the exhibition DONNA EVELYN. My Poppas PAUL JARVIS and IAN McINNES for allowing me space in the madness. ROI WILLIAMS for being more than just a friend, but a brother. DENISE ATHERLEY-ASSI my sister by another mother, who paved the way with with both smiles and tears. DANNY EDWARDS for picking up the reins afterwards. The "FAMILY" and the Manor Park Crew (you know who you are MUAH!)

My amazing models over the years, especially those featured in this exhibition.

The men: Marlon (my blue boy); the incomparable ‘X’; my first muse and cousin, Jose Carlos; the twins Mario & Patrick; Theo aka Becks; Chizedec my early fashion muse, my newest fashion muse, model ZIM LELO and my source of inspiration for the feature section in this exhibiton, EARL STANDARD. Special thanks to my sole female featured, Kathy.

Always at the back of my mind and forever in my heart, CLAUDIA PEGUS, whose clothes graced so many of the earlier pictorials and whose lessons lead me forward always.

Special thanks also goes out to John and the crew from CONNECTION SOFTWARE and also Herbert and the gang from EDUCATED HORIZON. My printers: Jaspal and the team from PRONTO PRINTERS STRATFORD. Stewart of ADONIS ART GALLERY as well as Michael and the team of ADONIS LOUNGE. The ever present, always quiet advice from the team of OFF-SHORE ENGINEER MAGAZINE.

THANKS TO YOU ALL!!! SEE YOU AT THE NEXT PARTY.

RasConrad

HAVANNA OX

Hey peeps. Been missing in action for a few days, but i've been holed up in the crypt with the exhibition, and wouldn't you know it..., NO WI-FI!! None in the area i could tap into and the Church above while part of this century has only reached as far as dial up access. So i've had early days and really late nights. But it's all good.

Gonna have a few days off in a couple of days and i'll bring you all up to date then.

But I wanted to take a minute to talk about SERENDIPITY. This is always the muse of Charlie Pi, and i somehow wonder if she hasn't been looking over my shoulder as well. Of all the images i decided to put into the exhibition the one that I am getting the most request for prints for is the one that i almost didn't put in.

I named it "Havanna Ox", it features a model who goes only under the name of 'X'. I photographed him outside a cigar shop in Trinidad in 2000,

in clothing done by one of my favorite designers Claudia Pegus.

Her work features heavily in this exhibition not only because of it's rich beauty and colour, but also because she was one of the first designers to see my talent and offer me the chance to work with her. I still thank her for what she has taught me to this day. It seems almost fitting that at my first exhibition an image of someone in her clothing should draw the most interest.

Thanks again 'X' and much thanks to one of the best designers I ever had the privilege to work with, CP.

And what about those pesky three "censored" images. LOL.

Well like I said they were the first to go. Literally the first ones requested for reprint.

Serendipity at her BEST!

FINALLY IT's UP!!

Well after much sweat and tears, and a whole lotta pulling and tugging the exhibition is up, and yuh know what..., it looks pretty damn good for a first timer's exhibit if i do say so myself. Un-tutored in photography, most of what i have learnt has been hands on; and I'm proud to say my life experiances have been good teachers. It's evident in the body of work. HELL YEAH i'm blowing my own horn. I worked hard for this! WHy shouldn't i!! But in all of this i have to give mention as well to the wonderful men and women who have posed for me. Unerringly they have listened, posed, pouted, preened and prattled while allowing me to capture the amazing moments our sharing has brought. From Kathy in Claudia Pegus designs on the isle of MUSTIQUE to Zim Lelo styled by Haiden Medina in Carnaby St in LONDON.

And i couldn't have done it without support. MAN!! I have good friends, (and to be truthful and perhaps RAW, great FUCKBUDDIES as well)

Truth is all my peeps pulled out the stops to help me make this happen. Special Special Thanks to Charlie Pi, ROI, Ian, Paul, Mike, Denise and ever at the back of my mind TERRY BISHOP. You showed me how king! And you're showing me still. (how to keep my tongue in my head most times LOL)

The outpouring of support has been one of the best bits of this entire experience. Outdone only by the feeling of awe at seeing my 'BLUEBOY' image printed and mounted for the first time. Photographed many, many years ago on the streets of Woodbrook. I was driving along with Sheldon Seebarran and spotted a guy on the street who literally then and there upon being asked agreed to pose for this and a series of images which developed into what is now the J'Ouvert Section of the exhibition. I know, how cool is that. That you could stop a car, explain a situation and get someone to agree to pose for you. All in less than 5 mins.

But i'm rambling. Truth is though that is what this exhibition has allowed me to do in a lotta way. Go over past work, revisit great memories and in so doing reclaim a part of self that had been lost. Re-juvenate as it were. and for that my spirit is grateful.

I hope you enjoy it as much as i enjoyed photographing it.

See you guys.

blackˈmanˌkīnd the EXHIBITION IS HUNG!!