garmentDISTRICT presents Light It Up

Curls Studio is participating in LIGHT IT UP hosted by garmentDISTRICT opening today, February 18 from 6-10 PM at 1005 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC.


I created two original inked illustrations in 5" x 7" frames specifically for this event. The art shows Dean Casanova and Roxy Monroe with their cat, Black Magic. They are Curls Studio's creator-owned "Black Magic Tales" comic characters. The art is also marked in red with a "Roxy and Dean" one-of-a-kind stamp.

View the gallery and boutique featuring local designers with entertainment at the neighboring LUX Lounge tonight.

Hours of Operation - Boutique, Lounge, Sewing Room
Wednesday-Friday: 5-9 PM
Saturday: 12-9 PM
Sunday: 12-6 PM
Presidents Day, Monday 2/21: 12-9 PM

garmentDISTRICT: a temporary retail and art installation will be open February 18 thru March 20, 2011.

Carolyn Belefski - Artist Statement
My comic art is exciting and fun because it revolves around the creator-owned characters Curls Studio owns. I think and focus on their personalities, movements and what makes them who they are. The art represents the story and each illustration shows the viewer the character's attitude and reactions to the world around them.

One of my top goals is an artist is to entertain and make people happy. I set out to produce a reaction from the viewer and evoke the emotive qualities of the character. Many people these days are loosing touch with the qualities of being human, so I believe it is important for a viewer to feel something and experience a story thru my art.

Carolyn Belefski - Influences
Everything I have ever seen or experienced in life goes into what I create, however cartoon animation is a major influence on my comics style. I enjoy the work and creations of Chuck Jones, Vincent van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Walt Disney, Jeff Smith, Paul Reubens, Tim Burton, Bruce Timm, Jean Shepherd and many other storytellers.

AIGA DC - When Lightning Strikes!

AIGA DC is asking people to submit 10 images of inspiration. I have decided to share my submission with you. I have a folder on my computer called "Imagery" and whenever I am having an uncooperative day, I take a moment to recharge by looking at these visuals that inspire me to create.

I am inspired by...


Goats in Trees.


Magic and Criss Angel who teaches me you can do anything you set your mind to.


Meeting Jeff Smith at my first SPX as a volunteer. At this moment, I knew I wanted to take my comics to a higher level.


Burlesque and The Pontani Sisters. Circus performers and sideshow entertainers.


This Fish.


This.


Working hard.


Creating iconic characters and allowing people to have fun.


Taking over the world.


Saving the world and believing in love.

Now what are you inspired by? Let AIGA DC know by submitting your 10 images and coming to When Lightning Strikes! on November 15, 2010.

Help kick off DC Design Week by submitting images of whatever makes you tick, creatively. We're asking you to get your creative juices flowing and show the world what inspires you. It could be a butterfly, things shaped like hearts, the National Cathedral, a big jet airplane... it doesn't matter what, who, or why—we want to see it!

There will be a show-and-tell slideshow presented by noted creatives including Pat Taylor, Antonio Alcalá, Philippa Hughes, John Foster, Judy Kirpich, Ethel Kessler, Carolyn Sewell, Terry Wilson, Richard Brandenburg, and Sam Shelton as special guest MC.

Submission details:

• Submissions should be JPGs with a brief description (25 words or less)
• Send all entries and questions to aigadcinspire@gmail.com
• Include in your email: your NAME and title of your submission
• Maximum one submission per person, 10 images per submission
• Submission should be no more than 10 megabytes
• Deadline for submissions is November 10th, 2010

This is not a competition. It's inspiration!

When Lightning Strikes!
Monday, November 15, 2010
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
RFD – Regional Food and Drink
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

This is a free event! Limited street parking may be available in the area. Metro access is via the green, yellow, and red lines at the Gallery Place-Chinatown station, just across 7th street (northern exit).

Special thanks to RFD (Regional Food and Drink) for generously providing the space for this event.