Liner Notes…
eRecto - Creative Director
“From the jump, when we were creating our works, it was always for us with no particular audience in mind. We created the art that we wished to see in this world. With all the music that we’ve listened to and art that we’ve seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and touched that inspired us and made us feel something good inside, maybe creating art would make us feel something even greater. The final photos laid out before you are just by-products of the experiences and highs that we got from creating. We’d straddle among genres and galaxies, injecting our own individual flavors. Some images were created effortlessly on the fly and some have tremendous back story with a lot of time and research, digging for wardrobe and props, scouting for the correct location, work on hair & makeup, etc... We’d be ballin’ on a budget, making best of what we could by culling all of our resources to see what we could all get by shoot day. The themes of the photoshoots are random, pushed by someone’s idea that they couldn’t get out of their head or an energy and desire to create. Sometimes it was to advance each other’s art forms and add to portfolios, and other times it was just for the fun of it. The most pivotal shoots though came out of some major life event, whether it be a new gig, move to a new city, pregnancy, or even a battle with cancer. They come out of a place that is more need than want. Nevertheless, all of these works are just as important as the next, not in just the final product, but in the journey captured and the experiences and feelings of all those that have had a hand in them.
We’ve been able to create and share these stories with our SICK STAR Family. Without them, we wouldn’t have been granted access or invited into different worlds and sectors of life that most people would never see. The music of SICK STAR lies in the collaborative process of the Family with everyone pushing one another outside of the box creatively and as individuals to pull the best out of each other to produce the best work possible. While we all come from different walks of life, each bringing our experience and knowledge to these shoots, we are all equals in the development process. We’d put everything on hold and take chances that we probably wouldn’t without the urge and support of the team surrounding us. Trust would be given and received, forming our unique bonds on and off set. With each shot, we’d learn a little more about each other and ourselves, realizing and surpassing limitations as part of a group. Each photograph is a testament and documentation of our journeys to find the highest expression of our talents and becoming the best versions of ourselves. As long as it stays fun, there is passion, and we continue taking risks, we have an infinite playlist. Words could not express our love for our Family and our supporters... but the music might.” - eRecto
Ellen Kwan - Art Director
“There’s no such thing as a dumb idea, only abandoned thoughts left unexplored or forgotten before you got to share. As for the SICK STAR Family, the creative process of capturing these images becomes the heart of every project. We’re creating another outlet to viewing performance art in visual layers. I love the idea of utilizing technology as a medium while staying true to our roots with music and imagery.
Every finale of a piece speaks a thousand words and actions. It cracks me up when I see the pieces that I’ve had a hand on… there’s so many accidental, beautiful, and embarrassing things happening all at once. I can’t say there’s just one shoot that I particularly fancy the most. They all make me feel a lot of something…” - Ellen Kwan
imagenix - Photographer
“From Hip-Hop to Star Wars, SICK STAR has been a basis for creativity. The art of progressing in all aspects from multiple directions is our forte. Not one person or vision is ignored from the creative hub we stem from. The individual is helpless without the collective as the body is helpless without the mind. The power of one soul giving their “two-cents” is invaluable. Imagine cause and effect.
Our cumulative collaborations label our persona and the separation of individuals may pose a level of difficulty. We live different lives and connect with different people thus dissimilar ethics, morals, and values. If these challenges never existed there would be no advance. Despite this divergent behavior we never fail to meet on common ground.” - imagenix
Noell “JJB” Hernandez - Art Director
“SICK STAR throughout the years has been a brand that embodies the culture of Hip-Hop through the mind of a mad artist with influences of Disney and sex. It is loved through a cult following and has captured numerous moments that encapsulates a daring side.
As I got the chance to be an Art Director for SICK STAR, I knew I had the opportunity to not only be part of the brand, but to be part of the Family. The shoots are a platform for eRecto to showcase parts of a story that weave into the SICK STAR universe. It’s been a wild ride both creatively and mentally but nonetheless always fun. As each shoot progresses into another moment of inspiration. It’s truly a collaboration between all forces, something I always look forward to when working with SICK STAR and to the future of the brand.” - Noell “JJB” Hernandez
PhotoHuynh - Photographer
“It’s quite nice to have a different perspective when it comes to art. As a photographer, it’s easy to replicate a style that works, a style that you know is pleasing to the eye. Throughout the years of shooting and sharing artistic visions with SICK STAR, it has truly provided nutrition to grow as a photographer but more importantly as a human being. Technical wizardry in conjunction with exotic artistic insight has certainly proved to be a winning combination. Each piece has its own taste, charm, and wonder. Our Family has grown after every shoot and continues to get hotter. Each piece is what exactly SICK STAR and I saw when looking through the viewfinder.” - PhotoHuynh
