Artist of the Month-Kira Campbell

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Brandon

Here at Stoke we’ve decided to take the Artist of the Month in a slightly different direction. Instead of featuring musicians that’ve never heard of us or prolly never will, we’ll be reaching out to the truly indie musicians and artists who we feel the world should know about, and we’ll be collaborating with them for a more personal approach.

Going forward in this new direction, our first artist of the month is Kira Campbell, a young artist based out of Vancouver, B.C. She’s in school now pursuing her passions and expressing herself creatively in many different mediums.

Her skill, uniqueness, and originality have already started getting her noticed, and this is why I feel her stuff is worth your attention. See for yourself, her work speaks for itself.

Stoke: So tells us a little about yourself..

Growing up on Lantzville’s idyllic beaches on Vancouver Island, I was constantly drawing and sketching on every surface I could find, be it in my many sketchbooks or in the sand on the beach. After graduating high school, I realized my desire to pursue a career in the arts and attended a year of fine arts at Vancouver Island University. From there, I was accepted into Capilano University’s intensive IDEA program (Illustration/Design: Elements & Applications) after going through an interview and testing process, reducing over 100 applicants down to a class of 30. I am currently living in downtown Vancouver and in my second year of the 3 (optional 4) year program and have loved every minute of it.

Stoke: Who inspires you the most ?

I am inspired by so many different artists that work in different mediums from oils to digital to photography. Howard Tangye, Jason Thielke, Amanda Nedham, Baron Storey, Greg Girard, Mariana Garcia and Luke Dixon are some artists I greatly admire just to name a few.

Stoke: Do you have any words that you live by ?

Day to day, I like to remember these quotes:
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” – Beverly Sills
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” Helen Keller

Stoke: What gets you the most stoked ?

I love love love photography, art shows, being inspired with ideas for new work, travelling to unique, out-of-sight places, catching a good wave in Tofino, sailing around the west coast on my dad’s boat and hot sauce on absolutely everything.

As we continue to move forward in this new direction, I want to give a special thanks to Kira to getting the ball rolling.

You can keep up with all Kira’s new works of art, by checking out her website, and she would love to here your feedback, and of course is always open to doing commissions.

Kira Campbell’s site: http://kcworks.tumblr.com/
email: kiracampbell@me.com

By being willing to share these amazing creations, it is my hope that it inspires others to pursue their creative passions.

When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same.

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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Photos of the Week

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Brandon

It has been a busy week and this post marks the end of our first month in Bali. It has been an amazing ride so far, and we sometimes feel we have to pinch ourselves to make sure its all real.

As with most places we visit, beyond the aesthetic beauty of the place, it really is the people that make all the difference. This could not be truer for Bali. The people here are so genuine and friendly, that everyday presents new opportunities to make connections with these incredible people. Here are a just a few we’ve come across so far….

This group of performers we’re just finishing a musical performance at the Royal Palace. Music permeates almost all aspects of their unique culture.

This guy was taking a bit of a smoke break from his work in the rice fields.

We met this guy at the Elephant Caves, a Hindu Temple. I asked our guide if he was a priest but he said he was just in charge of the maintenance, but their was a deepness to his eyes that suggested something more.

One afternoon, we went on this incredible walk through the rice fields, and there was no end to colourful characters we came across. They all seemed extremely hard working but never too busy to stop for a smile.

These rice workers were some of the friendliest people we’ve met yet.

This guy was my favorite. His name was Gusty, and though he was a little older, his vitality and vigour were almost tangible. We chatted for a bit, and he invited us back to his hut for a coconut.

As we sat under 30 feet coconut palms, enjoying about as organic a beverage you can get, I asked him, do these just fall when there ready ? He then showed me this figure eight piece of cloth, and said he climbs up those 30 foot palms and gets them himself. There must be some magic in these coconuts. It just goes to show the only limitations that exist are the ones we impose on ourselves.

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired..

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Photos of the Week

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Brandon

We’ve begun to settle in our new home here in Bali, and things so far have been amazing. My wife and I live in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual centre of the whole island, so there is no end to the amount of amazing artists, delicious restaurants, and cool cafes to go to.

There also is a thriving music scene here, so you can find live music any night of the week, which is really getting me stoked, and I’ve already made a connection at this smaller cafe with a balinese guy and we played our first gig last Tuesday.

Both of us really feel we are exactly where we are supposed to be and the Universe seems to be giving us subtle reassuring nods that this is the case.

The internets been a little hit or miss here, and our amount of time on the computer has drastically dropped, but I’m going to try and post new photos from this incredible place each week. Hope you enjoy!!

Bali has some very unique Temples.This one’s surrounded by a lotus pond and is right in the heart of Ubud.

Ubud also boasts some amazing rice fields. You can spend hours walking around enjoying the sun, the friendly people, and all that nature has to offer.

And when in doubt, you can always take a walk in Monkey Forest,

Just don’t take yourself to seriously….

This weekend we’re headed to Kuta Beach for some surfing and sunset beach parties, so stay tuned for pictures of me attempting to surf, wiping out and having a great time doing it,

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired

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Life is Short. Live your Dream and Share your Passion

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Brandon

I know its been a little while since my last post, but the last 3 weeks with my family and friends has been an amazing opportunity to reconnect with all the people I love, and not much time for blogging was available. As my wife and I ramp up for our big move to Bali, I hope to get back on track as far as posts go, but times of transition usually always have unexpected surprises and things unplanned for, so all I can do is my best.

This is an amazing video brought to you by Holstee, who have created a Lifecycle Manifesto in order to inspires others to live their best lives now.

Holstee’s says ”It is a call to action to live life with more intention, creativity, passion, and community.”

When we begin to live with more intention we see that the life we want won’t just come to us, but we must go after it. We begin to use our creativity and passions as the fuel to get us to our dreams we have for our lives.

The best part of the journey is the people we meet, and the experiences and things we create with them. Go out there share your passions, and connect with people that can help you reach your dreams and you theirs.

When we passionately follow our dreams, we inspire others to have the courage to do the same.

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired

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Farewell Korea K POP MIX

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Brandon

After spending two and a half years teaching English in Korea, I’ve learned that nothing gets a party started or puts you in a better mood than listening to some K Pop music.

One Part RnB, one part Rap, one part Rock, this style blending genre gets the mojo rising and feet moving in no time.

K Pop needs to be experienced to be fully understood, so check it out and see for yourself!

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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The Journey to Now

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Brandon

It’s hard to see the forest through the trees, but when we reflect back, we see that everything has enfolded with a purpose, and things that have happened to us, good and bad, have helped shape the person we are today.

Our Journey acts as the sculptor, revealing the statue hidden inside the stone, one chip at a time.

We are daily becoming who we are meant to be, slowly but surely, carving away piece by piece, until the masterpiece is set free from the stone.

Lets appreciate how far we’ve come, and trust in the Journey.

Check out more of our ” Words to Live By” here.

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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Live a Life That Matters

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Brandon

This little note hit me like a shot to the solar plexus, and definitely got my attention. How much time to I spend worrying about the things, that in the end won’t even really matter.

How much of my waking attention is focused on me, my situation, and how I can improve it ? How much of my time is consumed by trying to win or be right or on regrets when I was neither of those ?

How much time is spent on these unimportant things ? The answer for me is simple, too much.

I want to begin to live a life that matters. To build, not buy. To give, to teach, to act with compassion, courage, and integrity. To leave good lasting memories that live on in the ones I love.

As it says ” its not going to happen by accident, but by choice ” so today I will begin making new choices that are better aligned with the person I want to be.

How do you want to be remembered ?

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Mix Tape Mondays Valentines Day Edition

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Brandon

Dedicated to my beautiful wife! Hope everyone has an amazing Valentine’s Day spending it with the people they love,

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus Spoken Word

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Brandon

This is a powerful message which seems to be resonating well with others as it already has over 18 million hits, which is really good for something not about funny cats.

Here’s what the author, Jefferson Bethke, had to say about why he wrote this:

“A poem I wrote to highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion. In the scriptures Jesus received the most opposition from the most religious people of his day. At it’s core Jesus’ gospel and the good news of the Cross is in pure opposition to self-righteousness/self-justification. Religion is man centered, Jesus is God-centered. This poem highlights my journey to discover this truth. Religion either ends in pride or despair. Pride because you make a list and can do it and act better than everyone, or despair because you can’t do your own list of rules and feel “not good enough” for God. With Jesus though you have humble confident joy because He represents you, you don’t represent yourself and His sacrifice is perfect putting us in perfect standing with God!”

– Jefferson Bethke

In his poem, he’s able to articulate what I think a lot of us are feeling about that current state of religion and its growing divide between what Jesus represented. Religion, a man made institution, has become more of a tool for separation, self-righteousness, and condemnation than it has for unity, spiritual connectivity, and growth.

He illustrates the irony of the ultra religious being the ones who actually rejected Jesus in the first place and states “But If Jesus came to your church would they actually let Him in “. Even though He came to break down the barriers that religion had created between God and his people, it seems Religion has erected them once again in a new guise.

The popularity of this video says to me that people are ready for a change and new approach to finding God. Even though Religion has let people down, there still seems to be hope that God won’t.

I’m hoping for a new spiritual revival in which we overcome our need to judge others and their approach to God, and begin sincerely Loving God and one another.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

Let us know your thoughts, and whether or not you agree with this man’s message.

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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Mix Tape Mondays Child of the 90′s Edition

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Brandon

Who doesn’t remember waking up to a little “Saved by the Bell” and scarfing down a pop tart before school. Or popping your favourite tape into your Walkman as you walked down to the mall. The 90′s will always hold a special place in my heart, and music has a way of transporting us back to a time and place. So fire up your Sega Genesis, charge up your pagers, make sure your Tamagotchi is well fed, and prepare to relive some of the glory of the 90′s.

If any 90′s tracks hold a special place in your heart, post them in the comments, share the 90′s love!

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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Overcoming Fears and Living the Life you Were Meant to

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Brandon

How many times have we been held back by our fears. This manifests itself in different ways. Fear of Failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, the combinations feel endless.

The end result is we don’t take action, we talk ourselves out of pursuing our dreams, or we convince ourselves we didn’t want that in the first place.

But there is an alternative. We confront our fears daily, a little bit at a time, and become willing to leave our comfort zone and travel into the deep waters of the unknown.

This will not be easy, it will only be worth it. Confronting your fears can be the most rewarding work you will ever do. It will be natural to resist, but we can relearn how to approach life and its many challenges. We can begin to have faith that everything will work out exactly as it is supposed to.

We can use our faith to overcome our fears, knowing that we were created for great things and that always playing it safe serves no one. We feel the fear, and use our faith to take the leap anyways.

Confronting our fears, and challenging unhealthy thoughts can form the foundation of transformation. This intentional strategy is the basis of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which is widely considered to be the most effective form of treatment for anything fear or anxiety related. For more in-depth information on that, read on here.

Whether its pursuing a dream job, a dream girl/guy, or just finding the courage to do something you’ve always wanted to do,there are few feelings better than the rush you get when you overcome one of your fears.

These little victories will help you build momentum and before you know it, you will become an unstoppable force of nature.

Let faith be the foundation for building the life you were meant to live, trusting that in the end, Gods got this.

Stay stoked, stay inspired!

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Mix Tape Mondays Vol. 9

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Brandon

Always looking for new artists, so post in the comments if theres any we should know about!

Stay Stoked, Stay Inspired!

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The Art of Influence and How Creativity is Contagious

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Brandon

Now I know the video emphasizes that its hard to put rules on the science of influence and it is a much more organic process that resists systemization. But if you’re anything like me, I like a good list, a “how to” format, or a system I can experiment with to see what works.

Thats where this books come in. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is considered by many, to be the authoritative book on this subject and has impacted millions of people all over the world.

“From an era when ‘self-help’ books had genuine depth, Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” has influenced the world. No book in the self-help category matters more than this one.”

Official review on Amazon.com

Let’s start with Carnegie’s book, which has sold more than 15 million copies world wide, was written in the era of The Great Depression, and is still incredibly relevant today. I personally can testify to the effectiveness of these principles, and the first fundamental technique

“Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. (It rarely helps the situation)”

has become a bit of a mantra I employ in both my personal and professional life, and has saved me on a countless occasions from putting my foot in my mouth or by ruining potentialy life-enhancing relationships.

Take a look at these principles, see if any strike a chord, and begin experimenting with these techniques for yourself.

How To Win Friends and Influence People

By Dale Carnegie

This may be the single greatest business book ever written. You could probably read it every year, and its advice would still help you out. It is so good that these notes are simply a summary of the notes already included in the book at the end of each section.

Part One

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. (It rarely helps the situation)
Give honest sincere appreciation.
Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Part Two

Six Ways To Make People Like You

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves. (This is the secret to being a great conversationalist.)
Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely.

Part Three

Win People To Your Way Of Thinking

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. (Because even if you win, you aren’t going to get what you want.)
Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never say, “You’re wrong.”
If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. (A good way to start is to admit that you could be mistaken.)
Begin in a friendly way.
Get the other person saying “yes, yes” immediately.
Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.
Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires.
Appeal to the nobler motives. (Even if deep down they make the decision based on the baser ones. Everyone wants to be the hero of their own story.)
Dramatize your ideas. (A picture and a story are worth a thousand words.)
Throw down a challenge. (Do this when all else fails.)

Part Four

Be A Leader: How To Change People Without Giving Offense Or Arousing Resentment

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Let the other person save face.
Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be “hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.”
Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

Like all things designed to ” improve our lives ” , we have to respect the source from which it comes, and we have to have a willingness to apply the techniques.

No two people are the same, and self-improvement is a very personal thing, so take what works for you and begin experimenting with these principles, I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Stay Stoked ! Stay Inspired !

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Artist of the Month – Young the Giant

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Brandon

Young The Giant is the first Artist of the Month for 2012, and I knew I had to start things off on the right foot. That’s where these guys come in. Young the Giant formed in California in 2004 and have the kind of finessed indie rock that fans of Kings of Leon and Fleet Foxes should really enjoy. If your looking for the hidden meaning behind their name, you wont find any. When asked, they said its meant to be a little “left-field” and evoke curiosity.

I love how these guys mesh together and lay some nice harmonies on top of lead singer’s Sameer Gadhia amazing voice. The song that gets me most stoked is their first single, My Body, which comes a little harder than their other stuff and the chorus is sure to inspire serious fist pumping.

Their next single, “Cough Syrup ” hit # 3 on Billboards Alternative chart, and the moody cellos and driving guitar riffs help the track jump off.

These guys recently released some acoustic “In the Open ” sessions that really showcase their raw talent and amazing harmonies. Keep reading to listen. Continue reading →

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