For as long as I can remember, art has been part of my life. I have always wondered what do most families do without the slightest notion as to what should go on a wall. Funny enough, I also remember, most of my friends only considering images of Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King of a famous Rahbi reverently displayed in their family rooms or kitchens. I so loved all of that! Today, I am an avid collector of artist visual narrative and futurism.
“Art is life!” is a very popular mantra for many. involuntarily, COVID-19 has taught us to overstand the meaning and measure in ‘making it work.’ The new normal of creating art, its appreciation, and collecting, has really taken on a new normal. Last year’s Miami week was great! Exhibitors from far and wide presented their newest creative narratives, ready to connect with onlookers and buyers.
Yearly, the first week of December ushers in Miami Art Week, affectionally know as Miami Art Basel. This amazing week featured pop-up installations throughout the landscape of the city. Major draws to South Beach festivities include lead installations hosted by Art Miami, Design Miami, Miami Art Basel, PULSE Art Fair, Scope, and Untitled. As many of the heavily sponsored conglomerates featured the art favorites, Derrick Adams, Deborah Roberts, Delita Martin, Gregory Siff, Kehinde Wiley, and Ronald Jackson, there were other great surprises to visit within the city of Miami. Art Africa, Prizm Art Fair, Red Dot, and Spectrum were housed in downtown areas of Miami with art collector’s favorites, Alfred Conteh, Charly Palmer, Genesis Tramaine, LaToya Hobbs, Leroy Campell, Marryam Moma, Tylonn Sawyer, and Zoya Talor.
Experiencing the wonderment, a Miami Art Week emersion can add so many wonderful experiences to your nuptials. The glitz, glamour, hustle, and bustle of attending many of the exhibitions and events is definitely worth its weight in gold, yet it also lends itself to an extremely vibrant vacation or honeymoon. Art is a gift that keeps on giving and an unforgettable marker for where you were in life when it was acquired. On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Art Basel Miami, unfortunately, delivered the news of this year’s cancellation, therefore, traveling to Miami Art Week 2020 didn’t quite work out the way many of us planned. As this news is a bit somber for the art community, it gives us all a head start in planning the 2021 festivities. Let’s go!
Check the following websites for updates:
PLAN YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE
- Schedule time off work Dec 1-6, 2021.
- Research all exhibitions/events and pre-order your tickets.
- Book Lodging closet to where you wish to get the most enjoyment.
- Book your travel and lodging .
- Check listing of all art exhibition and create calendar plan of execution.
- Research all of your wish list restaurants and book reservations.
- Check weather for wardrobe choices and definitely bring an umbrella.
- Don’t forget to bring your emergency credit cards for art purchases .
Perhaps the word “epicurean” isn’t completely sufficient for Rodney LoveJones, who often describes himself as the ultimate “Lifestyle Curator”. “I believe in all beautiful things; all the time”, says LoveJones, “Even if supplied with minimal detail, I enjoy the idea that I can create and close on great experiences for clients.”
LoveJones, a native New Yorker, who now resides in Atlanta GA, specializes in creating synergy and partnerships mixing the Art-world & Culinary arenas. He is an art enthusiast and private sales representative for several artists on the rise as well as a Global Sales Rep for a list of American visual artists and celebrated Black Artist and Visual Historian, Charly Palmer.
A man of many talents, LoveJones started his illustrious career in the early ’90s as a fashion stylist for high fashion magazines, music videos, celebrities, and later became a Model/Talent Agent. The fashion industry was his avenue to later move on to magazine publishing and advertising industry. Motivated by his grandfather’s mantra, “know your worth,” this urban-fashionista switched gears in summer 2005 to follow his passion towards the sweet and savory. LoveJones departed a career in magazine publishing to create BILL JONES EPICURE— a highly successful catering company and brand devoted to those with refined taste.
LoveJones captured the attention of many notable clients like President Bill Clinton, Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Senator Vincent Hughes, Vanessa L. Williams, and Model-Mogul Tyra Banks with his creations of such palate pleasers as Amaretto Pound Cake, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Haute ‘Chok-Lit’ quad Layer Cake and a Pecan Tart that does not disappoint true dessert connoisseurs.
In Spring 2012, LoveJones switched gears, leaving the bustling city life and relocating to the sunny beaches of San Diego, California. Settling in the township of Encinitas, LoveJones joined forces with Diana Benedek, PhD. of now-defunct 2GOOD2B Bakery & Café as Chef-Partner and Marketing Director of the only gluten, corn, and soy-free safe haven for those suffering from severe food allergies and health issues. LoveJones took on the task of redesigning the complete line of products and menu of 2GOOD2B’s recipes with one goal in mind: to develop menu items that taste no different from the best restaurants or bakeries nationwide. His award-winning baguette stands as a tribute to his success. Finishing his fourth year, Chef LoveJones has established 2GOOD2B as a tastemaker within a new realm of healthful, conscious eating.
Beauty and style was always his motivation and the connective thread weaved through his personal and professional ambitions. Summer 2020 kicks off to launch his personal project, “Love Language, byLOVEJONES”, a creative avenue to showcase food, art, personal street-style, travel, and youth mentoring.
As a Chef, LoveJones has been showcased in Essence Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, Zagat,0810 Magazine, Home & Gardens, The Reader San Diego, Fox 5 San Diego, and KUSI San Diego and is a contributing Art & Lifestyle Editor for World Bride Magazine.
CONTACT
Email: LoveJones.WBM@gmail.com
