Stefanie Tuzman
By Callie Thomas
The word Tzedakah in Hebrew means philanthropy, charity and a form of social justice in which the donor benefits from giving as much or more than the recipients. This concept is an integral cornerstone of Jewish life. Stefanie Tuzman discovered her passion for giving and for working in the nonprofit world and, in particular, with the Jewish community of Las Vegas in 2007. “My work has literally become my life,” says Tuzman. “I met my husband Jon in 2009 through the Jewish Federation, now called Jewish Nevada, and many of the contacts I have made through this work have become my closest friends.” Tuzman has worked in just about every area of the Federation and is the new President and CEO of the organization. “I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help lead the organization to make a great impact in our community, which represents more than 70,000 Jews in Southern Nevada.”
Jewish Nevada is a 50+ year philanthropic organization that strives to build vibrant and thriving communities and support the Jewish life. In her role, Tuzman works to help raise dollars needed to sustain the other agencies in the community that are helping to build and maintain that life, not only in Las Vegas, but around the world. “I’m so proud of the work that we do in our community and beyond,” she said. “No other organization touches so many different lives from the generous support of individuals and businesses, whether it be day school or preschool scholarships, providing camp scholarships, support for Holocaust survivors or helping to feed the less fortunate with a food pantry. We’re dedicated to helping people throughout the community whether or not they are Jewish.”
Jewish Nevada raises dollars to assist those in need throughout all phases of life. The organization hosts a number of events and galas to raise awareness and funds for these initiatives. Pomegranate 2019 coming this March, for one, is the Jewish Nevada’s Women’s Philanthropy council event featuring guest speaker Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics, which hopes to raise critical funds to support their efforts. “I put all my time and energy into my work, helping to grow and sustain our community, but the community has given so much in return,” says Tuzman.
The organization offers a variety of ways to get involved from JCC activities just for kids and families, to those for men, women and young leaders. “Education, volunteerism and donations are key in keeping Jewish Nevada a top-level organization that helps others. Through our grant, scholarship and loan programs, we make educational, medical and religious endeavors affordable and enhance the lives of those living in Nevada.”
Tuzman is not only proud of her accomplishments with Jewish Nevada but of the life and family she’s created along the way. Las Vegas has given her many memorable moments, from her husband’s proposal at Picasso in front of the Bellagio fountains to the birth of their daughter, Tova two and a half years ago and acquiring their family Beagle named Brie. When she’s not working hard at Jewish Nevada, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking with her husband and trying new dining experiences. “Everything I do is to help create a vibrant Jewish future for those who live here and especially my young family.” For information on the programs of Jewish Nevada visit Jewishnevada.org.
Chanko Shabu & Bar
Healthy Comfort Food
Chanko Shabu & Bar
When it’s cold outside, you can’t help but crave something that warms you to the core. In America, this typically translates to gravy, biscuits and casseroles–foods that, while not particularly attractive to look at, soothe the soul and wrap you in a comfy blanket of calories. And, while there’s nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in what’s sure to generate an impending food coma, wouldn’t it be nice to have a healthier option that’s equally satisfying? Chanko Shabu & Bar, located at 5808 Spring Mountain Rd., Suite 103, is the answer, specializing in Japanese Shabu-Shabu (hot pot), Seiro Mushi and the ever popular Sukiyaki that’s as pretty to look at as it is to eat.
Brought to us by the proprietors of Hobak, the Korean BBQ restaurant located right next door, Chanko uses the same high quality ingredients and attention to detail as their sister restaurant. Wagyu Ribeye and Short Ribs, Prime Ribeye, Muji Fuji Pork and a Seafood combo are all on the menu, accompanied by nourishing broths, veg and noodles rich in flavor and nutrients. You’ve got three different preparations to choose from as well, each producing a slightly different result in flavor and texture, with all presenting the tasty and visually stunning plate we’ve come to expect from authentic Japanese cuisine.
Shabu-Shabu uses flavored broth to cook the wafer thin meats of choice. A large, paper bowl placed in a bamboo basket is positioned onto a heating element that somehow gets hot enough to boil the liquid without charring the vessel. Filled with different varietals of exotic mushrooms, greens, squash and fish, the bowl contains either Kombu, Spicy Miso Pork or Garlic Pork broth that transforms into a flavorful and hearty soup. Once boiling, you’ll place the meat into the broth and cook until desired doneness. Besides the proteins, you’ll find yourself fishing out other edible treats, items that include spicy filled dumplings, gorgeous carrots and seafood. In addition, they provide either udon or pumpkin noodles to throw into the mix, the latter a texturally satisfy alternative that thickens the rich broth for slurping when you’re done cooking.
Perhaps more obscure to the LV diner, Seiro Mushi cooks the meats via steaming in a wooden box. Also prepared plate side, meats and vegetables are artfully presented in a Retinispora tree box that’s covered and placed on a pot of boiling water that steams the contents. The texture of the finished meat is impeccable, melt in your mouth goodness, providing all of the rich flavor you’d expect, yet without any grease. As an added bonus, the tree radiates phytoncide, a natural antibiotic purported to relieve stress and provide additional nutrients. Regardless of which cooking method you choose, the meal comes with your choice of six different dipping sauces that include a deliciously nutty goma, traditional ponzu, a very spicy garlic and a mustard sauce that adds a nice acidity to the fattier meats.
There are no tables in Chanko, diners being set up at a u-shaped bar fitted with individual heating elements, so…much like a sushi bar, it’s not entirely set up for lively convo if you’re in a large group. And, to date, they still don’t have their liquor license, although the Hobak chain has the clout to get that up and running shortly. Still, it’s a beautiful, modern restaurant that delivers a comforting vibe and food that’s healthy, fresh and satisfying. I’d choose it over biscuits any day. For info, call 702-445-6665.
EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine
EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine: A Taste of Spain in Chinatown
By Rob Kachelriess
The diversity of Las Vegas’ culinary scene may be best represented in Chinatown, where options go far beyond predictable Asian dining. A great example is EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine, an intimate, 40-seat restaurant near Jones and Spring Mountain. To clear up any confusion, the name is pronounced “ee-dee-oh”, which is not only a nod to Chef Oscar Amado Edo, but also a play on the phrase “extra day off”–fitting since a meal here feels like a vacation from less adventurous dining options. Chef Edo opened the restaurant with managing partner Roberto Liendo in September, following the duo’s success with Boqueria Street, a food truck that’s being renamed EDO Street to keep branding on point. Both spent time at fine dining destinations on the Strip, but teamed up to carry out their own vision for ingredient-driven Spanish cuisine that aims to combine as many vibrant flavors as possible into a single meal.
EDO is best enjoyed via their 10-course tasting menu–an incredible deal at $45 per person with a $35 add-on wine flight. The selections change frequently based on the season, availability of fresh ingredients, and the mood and impulses of Chef Edo. Iberico ham, cultivated from Spanish pigs fed a full acorn diet, makes its presence felt frequently. Early in the meal, it’s presented as delicate slices of charcuterie, handled effectively with a pair of tweezers. Described as an extension of the customer’s fingers, the unique utensil is a familiar sight at trendy Barcelona restaurants. As the meal progresses, Iberico may resurface in a savory clam chowder or, best of all, a loin cut known as pluma, which has the texture of a steak and is lightly seared on a flat top grill. Toppings include herb-filled Cafe de Paris butter, a Palo Cortado sherry reduction, and thin potato puff pastries that balance out the meat with a salty crunch. It’s the best pork you’ll enjoy all year.
Spanish street fare is reflected in dishes both hot and cold. The mild consistency of cold-water Spanish octopus is given a slight kick with spicy kimchi bread crumbs, while the bikini sandwich works as a thin-pressed square of sobrasada sausage and Mahón cheese. In a calculated move, paella is almost always served near the end of the meal, so customers can feel comfortable filling up on rice after reserving most of their appetite for earlier, smaller dishes. Tomatoes and garlic are put to good use in the seafood-heavy Paella Marinera, presented with a sand timer that runs for five minutes when turned over–counting down the time it takes for the temperature to settle and flavors to emerge.
Lighter dishes include a cured Scottish salmon crostini, smoked on the spot with applewood, and topped with black truffle cream cheese. The imported cristal bread, weighed down with fresh tomatoes and olive oil, is a traditional Spanish favorite, with a thin, crunchy crust that breaks away easily into a soft, airy dough.
EDO is so small, there’s no room for a full bar. Instead, drinks are efficiently prepared at a cocktail cart in the back corner of the dining room. Gin & Tonics are the specialty of the house, but don’t overlook the Bitter Andy, a modified Old Fashioned made with Montana’s Whistling Andy bourbon and the subtle sweetness of salted caramel syrup. The wine selection leans toward unconventional, yet affordable labels from Spain, France, Italy and California. At least five amaros are kept in stock at any given time, ready to complement dessert–especially the light and refreshing shaved strawberry ice, served alongside a heavy whipped cream and sprinkled with popcorn dust.
Learn more about EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine by visiting edotapas.com or stopping by the restaurant at 3400 South Jones Boulevard.
Blume: An Eye-Catching Culinary Experience
Blume: An Eye-Catching Culinary Experience
By Rob Kachelriess
Blume is on a mission to bring a taste of Strip-style spectacle to the Henderson dining scene. The food, drinks and environment are all designed to be photogenic conversation pieces, in which aesthetics are stressed as much as the sourcing of individual components.
The restaurant, which comes with the subtitle “The Art of Culinary”, is a 6,500-square-foot space on the ground level of an office building in Seven Hills Plaza at 3145 St. Rose Parkway. The dining room makes an immediate impression with dark marble floors, Chanel drapes and imported European chandeliers that sparkle during evening hours. Other eye-catching features include an eight-foot-long virtual aquarium with high-definition images of underwater scenery and accent walls decorated with more than 17,000 silk roses and hydrangeas. If the blue tufted booths and chairs don’t keep your attention throughout the meal, the purple accent lighting will.
The menu was created by Executive Chef Joseph “JoJo” Saady, who built his reputation catering private meals for celebrities and entertainment industry executives in Los Angeles. When he’s not overseeing Blume in person, the kitchen is in the hands of Jesse Garza, formerly a sous chef at the Trump International Hotel, and Alessandra Madeira, who was chef de cuisine at the now-closed Bratalian in Henderson. The dishes follow a modern American template with a few unexpected surprises thrown in here and there. A good example is the pretzel board appetizer, which isn’t a board (or even a pretzel, really) but more like a braided croissant, served on a plate of creamy Dijon mustard with beer cheese and artichoke dip on the side. Seasoned with a hint of rosemary and soaked in truffle butter, the bread is light, sweet and delicious, but potentially frustrating for those expecting something completely different.
A playful spin on a grilled cheese sandwich is a more rewarding mashup. Instead of Texas Toast, Blume uses its own house-made “Vegas Toast” (darkened with squid ink) to frame layers of gruyere and American cheese for a savory crunch. The presentation isn’t complete until gold flakes are sprinkled on top. The Bao Bun Garden is another appetizer that exceeds expectations. Pork jowl, used in place of butt or belly, is braised and sautéed to order with a honey soy glaze. It’s served on traditional gua bao with mushrooms and pickled cabbage to balance the sweetness of the meat. The dish comes decorated with microgreens and edible flowers—both a recurring theme at the restaurant.
Blume truly hits its stride with the main courses. Steaks are cooked perfectly, seasoned with little more than salt and pepper. The 36-ounce sharable Tomahawk and 10-ounce filet are worthy bone-in cuts. However, the 12-ounce ribeye is the one that puts on a show, smoked tableside with applewood and hickory. Another highlight is the double bone-in pork chop, brought over from Bratalian by Madeira. The cut is pan-seared with white wine and topped with tomato peppers.
As for drinks, the most compelling cocktails tend to be the most inventive. Squid ink makes its presence felt again in the Grandmaster, a dark combo of Kettle One Orange and citrus flavors with a cloud of coconut foam. The bourbon Manhattan is sweetened with house-made apple syrup and garnished with a lit cinnamon stick.
Blume appears to be sorting out some timing and service issues just weeks after opening, but remains an intriguing concept. It borders on fine dining but has the feel of a local’s hangout, especially when the window between the bar and outdoor patio is left open to circulate a welcome dining room breeze. Perhaps it’s best to give the restaurant an initial shot during happy hour (4-6 p.m. daily) and let your intrigue build from there. Visit bestvegasdining.com to learn more about Blume and to make reservations.
La Strega
La Strega
A Charmed Beginning
It’s rare that a new restaurant is polished from opening day. So much can go wrong, and usually does, requiring the eager, early foodie adopter to skeptically ponder if the subpar service or inability to keep the food consistent is a function of “being new” or a show of things to come. It doesn’t matter if the chef has honed her skills under some of the best mentors in the culinary arena–people like Scott Conant, Michael Mina or Shawn McClain. Or that a General Manager that knows the restaurant game like the back of his hand has joined the force to create a well-oiled machine where chaos typically reigns. It is the restaurant business, after all, and it’s often not very pretty. But a charmed beginning is exactly what’s taken place at La Strega, located at 3555 So. Town Center Dr. It’s exciting and new without the excuses.
The name of the restaurant could be part of the magic, La Strega translates to “witch” in Italian, but more likely it’s the talents of Executive Chef Partner Gina Marinelli that fuels La Strega’s success. Creating a menu that reflects her experiences working for celebrity restaurateurs, tempered with family roots and extensive travel, she serves up contemporary Italian cuisine that’s simple, yet prepared with sophisticated ingredients. Antipasti roams from greens to ocean, butcher and farm. Favorites include Steak Tartare Bruschetta with almond, basil, tomato pesto and ricotta salata; a selection of fresh vegetables served with whipped chickpeas titled the “Witch’s Garden”; and creamy Burrata cheese paired with fresh and vibrant green tomato and garlic salsa, accompanied by house-made bread. On the lighter-ish side, they also have pizza, from traditional Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, served calzone style with sage and honey, to the fan favorite Spicy Pig, made with mildly hot soppressata, smoked mozzarella, Calabrian chilis and chives.
Main dishes include pasta as well as fish, steak and chicken offerings. It’s a small, yet chef-inspired selection with nothing ordinary on the plate. Dishes might include dandelion pesto, braised beef cheeks, wild boar, a spicy, spreadable salumi known as ‘nduja’, whole stuffed fish, and Verlasso salmon–an open ocean, sustainable fish that’s rich, fatty and flavorful. All are thoughtfully prepared in the open view kitchen, and beautifully presented. Accompany your meal with craft cocktails (the Diana made with vodka, lemon, aperol, fever tree tonic and rose was a personal fave), or wine procured from an impressive selection chosen by sommelier Stephanie Torres, formerly of Giada’s at the Cromwell. Finish with signature desserts, including a Bay Leaf Panna Cotta or the Bomba–a doughnut filled with coconut cream filling and dusted with lime sugar. Order it early, as when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Despite what some might consider decadent food, the place is really meant to be casual, homey and unassuming, an aesthetic made successful due to bright and airy décor, lively music and atmosphere (ok, it can get a little loud), and casually dressed staff whose service is anything but lax. If there’s one thing apparent about the speedy success of La Strega, it’s that there’s no luck involved. It’s a charmed beginning that’s sure to weather the test of time. To make a reservation (you’ll need one), visit Lastregalv.com or call 702-722-2099.
Juan’s Flaming Fajitas
Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
Aly Wagonseller
Capitalizing on the popularity of his wildly successful westside location, Juan Vazquez, owner of Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina, has expanded to Downtown Henderson, transporting his homegrown brand of hospitality, great Mexican food and lively atmosphere to our side of the city. Located at 16 So. Water Street, the restaurant is part of the DTH revitalization, having been built and designed from the ground up by its namesake proprietor, resulting in a hip, industrial space that, based on the crowds, is clearly making a name for itself.
Juan and a handful of staff, including the original chef who now resides at the new location, all originated from the iconic Viva Mercado’s Mexican Restaurant before taking the plunge to start something new six years ago. Their experience paid off quickly, resulting in an establishment that functioned much like a well-oiled machine, yet maintained the kind of friendly service and personal touches that catapult a neighborhood spot above its corporate competition. This new location is no different; in fact, I’d venture to say they’ve not only kept the same consistency in food and service that made their flagship location such a success, but improved upon the experience with a larger bar area and more modern aesthetic, lending itself to both family or date night dining.
You won’t find Nuevo cuisine ala Border Grill on the menu, but that in no way means that the classic fare Juan’s is dishing out doesn’t compare. It starts with sauces that are incredibly complex in flavor; for me, the reason why this place is so noteworthy. The kind of red chili sauce so earthy and robust it transforms a simple cheese enchilada into a masterful bite you just can’t stop thinking about. Verde sauce that’s tart without being abrasive, balanced with just the right amount of heat to accentuate ingredients like the tender chunks of pork found in their exceedingly flavorful pork chili verde. And, because these sauces are the backbone of pretty much every burrito, enchilada or tamale on the menu, I doubt you’ll go wrong with anything you order; they’re really that good.
Still, as the name implies, fajitas are Flaming’s big draw, and when they say flaming, it’s literal. Huge (translation: plenty of leftovers) portions of well executed chicken, steak, pork or shrimp come to the table in an iron vessel designed to keep things hot. Unlike most restaurants, where the requisite fajita Pavlov dog-like reaction is set in motion by way of the sizzling sound of meat as it makes its way through the dining room, Juan’s flambés your entrée at the table; a detail that, while entertainingly showy, albeit a bit smoky, actually serves a purpose to render off grease, sear the meat and produce a tasty rendition of this simple staple. Paired with any one of several margarita, beer or mixed drink options (happy hour specials run from 3-7 daily) and you’ve got a memorable meal that’s worth the drive.
I love a local success story, and with the heart and work ethic that Juan Vazquez brings to the Flaming Fajita, it’s no surprise this second location is a big hit. And, despite what may be a bit of a wait for your table, it delivers the perfect excuse for checking out some other homegrown places, including the Lovelady Micro-Brewery located just next door. It’s a small town feel that’s a welcome change from the big city. For reservations (closed on Mondays) or more information, call 702-476-4647.
David Nydam
By Rob Kachelriess
The allure of fine art photography lies in the opportunity to capture a unique moment in time and preserve it for generations to come. In mastering this skill, Dave Nydam has proven to be a true leader in his field, photographing waterfalls, forests, canyons, coastlines, and anything else that reflects the beauty of nature in its purest form — as well as wildlife and architecture in remote environments. Based in Las Vegas, the well-traveled Army veteran is especially fond of the southwest United States, but often ventures to scenic destinations around the world. His work is sold in dramatic, breathtaking museum-quality prints that make a bold addition to any home or office. We spoke to Dave Nydam about the inspiration behind his art and the secrets to capturing the perfect shot.
What inspired you to turn your passion for photography into a full-time business?
I really got into fine art photography and providing my images to the public because as I went into galleries downtown, I saw some incredible pieces of art, but also incredible price tags too. So my goal was to create beautiful pieces of art, using the same printing and creation processes, in order to maintain the highest level of quality, but bring the prices down so everyone can enjoy it.
What drew you to outdoor photography?
I just love the outdoors. When you’re out exploring, you encounter so many different things. My goal is to bring back those beautiful moments and share them, whether it’s animals, architecture, or landscapes.
How did you develop your skills as a self-taught photographer?
In the early stages, it was really just a hobby — going out, taking pictures, and doing things all wrong — then learning from the mistakes I made. It was a lot of trial and error. The important thing is to learn your camera and the best way to do that is to experiment. Sometimes, I go out and try a new technique or experiment with a different setting and won’t come back with anything I’d want to share with anybody. Then, once the techniques are perfected, in combination with optimal lighting, I come away with a beautiful image that must be shared.
In outdoor photography, how important is the time of day — versus the shot itself — in capturing the perfect image?
It’s very important. Of course, everyone refers to the golden hours, right around sunrise and sunset, and being there during that time is optimal for shooting. However, it doesn’t mean other times aren’t good. After a storm or during a storm, you often get phenomenal light and real drama. If you’re in a forest or shooting waterfalls on a cloudy day, it can be the best time since you don’t have direct light or harsh reflections.
What are some of your favorite shooting locations?
It’s always the last location. My latest piece is always where my emotion is. I love to travel and explore internationally and domestically equally. In the past, my travels have been mostly overseas, so now I am concentrating on capturing the beauty of the United States. However, I still try to travel abroad at least once a year. I just completed a trip through Bryce Canyon in Utah; Jackson, Wyoming; Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks; then over to Washington State where I followed the coastline all the way to San Francisco and then headed back to Las Vegas.
Photography isn’t just technical. Do you think your enthusiasm for exploration and travel evokes an emotional response in your photos?
I hope so. I put a lot of hard work and effort into getting the right shot and presenting it in a way that will elicit emotion from the viewer. From the actual hike or climb to get on location to the considerable amount of time spent scouting the exact camera placement and perspective so that I can bring back and share truly unique and powerful images. I try to live unscripted. When I shoot, I generally know where I’m going, but I don’t use planning tools to find exactly where I want to shoot. I don’t want to go in with a predisposed image in mind because then you tend to be overly focused on just that image and you miss other, often better, opportunities.
Any examples of serendipitous moments in which you started out with a rough idea in mind, but then discovered something totally different that made for a great shot?
That happens on almost any shoot. I traveled to Iceland a couple years ago and it was a miserable day, pouring rain. I went out to the Ice Beach and the clouds cleared for a little while. I was able to get a really nice shot of an iceberg on the black sands with the waves crashing against it. Perfect timing on an imperfect day. Sometimes showing up is half the battle.
You do quite a bit of wildlife photography. As anyone with a pet knows, it’s not easy to get a good shot of an animal on film. It has to be tricky when you’re out in nature capturing these incredible photos.
It is. I ran into more animals in Yellowstone than anywhere else — bison, foxes, coyotes, elk, racoon, beaver, and eagles A long lens and plenty of patience is what you need, because they’re wild animals and you’re just waiting for them to not only show up, but also do something wonderful.
Any advice for up-and-coming amateur photographers?
Having good equipment is great, but it’s not what makes an amazing shot. It’s a combination of having an eye for what you like and being there in the right light to capture it. Practice, practice, practice, and try different techniques.
Visit davenydamphotography.com to learn more about Dave Nydam, view examples of his work, and order prints for delivery.
James Stanford
Website or site we can go to see your work: JamesStanfordArt.com ShimmeringZen.com
Standout Quote: “I can’t remember when I was unaware of the magic and power of art.”
A lifelong explorer of the visual arts, James Stanford has a storied history that has spanned more than five decades in the Las Vegas art scene. Educator, business man, activist, creative innovator and early adopter of the technological marriage that exists between traditional, straightforward modalities and the new world of computer manipulation, Stanford’s artwork uses stunning imagery to create movement and provocative visuals that challenge the eye. His latest project, a book and travelling photomontage exhibition entitled Shimmering Zen, draws inspiration from saved imagery from the iconic structures and signage of his Vegas youth. A kaleidoscope of visual excitement and spiritual reflection, Shimmering Zen pays homage to a life inspired by beauty, the beast, and a few things in between.
Born and raised in Vegas, you got your Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting at UNLV, yet most of what you do now is digital. How did this come about?
I graduated with a BFA in painting in the first graduating class in the newly formed BFA program at UNLV, then was accepted into the Masters of Fine Arts Painting Program at the University of Washington. After graduating from Washington, I came back home to Las Vegas. I wound up taking a job as a black jack dealer to try and pay off some college debts. It was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. It was an opportunity for me to learn more about life. I started teaching drawing at UNLV, became a technical illustrator, then, in 1986, formed my own graphics studio. It was through this transition that I discovered digital art. I started the first graphics studio in Las Vegas to make the transformation from traditional skills to Macintosh computers. By 1987 we had abandoned chemical typesetting and copy cameras and had entered the world of Photoshop and Illustrator.
With your digital skills well underway, what inspired you to take this knowledge to create something that’s much more meaningful and artistic then practical?
I had been using my camera to gather images that I thought I might someday be able to incorporate into my paintings. Without realizing it, I had built up quite a body of photographs. By 1993, I began to concentrate on the digital montage. Through my progress as a practitioner of Zen Buddhism I soon discovered what I wanted to explore. Mandala had always interested me. I loved exploring mirrored images. Symmetry had been so difficult to create before the advent of the computer and Photoshop. So, I began to explore the forbidden and formerly impossible world of Perfect Symmetry. Infinitely repeatable patterns became a metaphor for Indra’s Jeweled Net, an ancient description of this holographic universe that we discover when we look within ourselves. My interest in transforming reality into imagined realms has taken many forms, including a photomontage series, Shimmering Zen, originally called Indra’s Jewels. The series takes as its point of departure the Hua Yen Buddhist concept of totality within the metaphor of Indra’s Jeweled Net.
Which brings us to Shimmering Zen, your newest body of work. What’s it about?
I realized that Las Vegas had everything I needed by way of subject matter. Everything was happening right in front of me. This self-awareness helped me to overcome all doubt. Why not examine what is close at hand? Las Vegas, my home town, was certainly worthy of exploration. What better place to explore Pop Culture than in this city of neon signage? In Shimmering Zen, I use the iconic vintage signage of Las Vegas, where I spent my childhood at a time when the city was a small resort town. My layered images reflect a sense of infinite reflection. I have accompanied stories of my life and coming of age in Shimmering Zen, the book. I also reveal the “elements” that were used to build each pattern, with a story of the sign or property associated with the final image.
Shimmering Zen is also an exhibition. Some of the pieces in the collection are “lenticular” images—several layers of the same image, each treated differently, backlit and viewed through a lenticular, or striated lens. They are the product of photography and Photoshopping—sometimes up to 30 or 40 layers each. The picture shifts as you move in front of it. So, when you move, the image shift, while brief, is pronounced, a disruptive flutter before the picture snaps back to clarity, albeit now in a different alignment.
The Las Vegas/ Zen connection is interesting. How did that come into play?
Today, I am concerned with the development of a visual expression of a philosophy which brings greater understanding to the concept of Unity of Polarity. I attempt to illustrate the fact that bad exists on the same pole as good. We know each in degrees. Like one coin with two different sides, heads and tails, it seems that we can’t know one without also knowing the other. I am trying to show that Las Vegas is a holy place. Just because it is full of Samsara (desire mind) doesn’t mean that it isn’t also full of Nirvana. Is anyone still surprised that a rose can grow on a thorny bush?
You’re quite involved in the Las Vegas arts community. How has living here impacted your art?
I have seen the LV art scene go from the peg board walls of the Vivian Wood’s original Art Guild, to the Las Vegas Art Museum and back again. As a founder of the Arts District, and a former Las Vegas Arts Commissioner, I can assure you that it has been quite a roller coaster ride. However, I see the same interest and passion in our art community as I always have. Las Vegas and its environs are at the heart of my expression. I was born and raised here. At my age, I know a lot about this town that many people don’t know, and I am very proud of my hometown. We have some amazing artists living here, but the larger community needs
DAVID TUPAZ
www.davidtupaz.com – YouTube: David Tupaz
“I am fortunate that the universe has naturally gifted me with talent and creativity. I am honored that I am part of the never ending mystery of creation and that I am able to create beauty for others through fashion. Being beautiful and loved is the ultimate quest, because beauty and love is GOD made real.”
Designer David Tupaz is the only established couturier designer in Nevada, representing Las Vegas at all the major Fashion Week events from Los Angeles to N.Y.C. Crafting spectacular clothing designs that have coiffed women from high society and celebrities to royalty, his take on classic, “Old Hollywood” design sensibility intrigues women with a strong sense of self and style. Empowering women through fashion, David’s devotion to splendor is evident. Yet, despite his love affair with haute couture, it’s his desire to immerse himself in community and philanthropic endeavors that truly feed his soul. We talked to David about his designs, the need to give back and his love for this glamourous city he calls home.
How did you get started in the fashion industry and what influences your design?
I am an Interior Design graduate but did not pursue it professionally. I realized that fashion was more interesting as it is the only industry that changes throughout the year. The idea of creating something new each season was exciting. I didn’t have any formal training and am self taught, having mastered and researched everything about fashion, including its history, techniques, the great design masters–from haute couture to ready to wear–and the business and commerce of it all. I’ve always felt that American Design, an area of which I focus on, was influenced by Hollywood from the days of silent film to the present. Valentino and Armani became designers because of the allure of Hollywood and its movies, and it is in that tradition that my design aesthetic is based on. My muse is Audrey Hepburn. She was the example of a classic American style icon. Every time I create a new collection, I have Audrey in mind and everything is created around her image.
Tell us about your involvement with LV Fashion Design Council, how and why you founded the organization, and what it has done to help local designers.
I’ve met many design students and have worked with fashion schools around town and wanted to pioneer an effort to recognize the local talent and give the industry a chance to develop here. Afterall, 85% of American made apparel is done in California, and the proximity of Nevada to California is so close that why not bring the industry to our city? Knowing that we have tax incentives, affordable real estate, and are the shopping capital of the world due to three million tourists every month, why not? I always say “The whole world is represented in Las Vegas, except Las Vegas” and feel that needs to change! We have talented people who, given a chance, can create world class products. The Design Council assists young talents who cannot afford to go to fashion school to foster their creative growth. We have programs and workshops we give for free. A few of the designers I’ve mentored are already in business today.
Giving back means a lot to you. What other organizations have you been involved with?
I grew up in a culture of “it is what you can give” that matters, so life has always been a form of service for me. My mother always told me that if you want to be happy in life, make other people happy first! I have been privileged to give time, talent, and treasure and have raised funds for many charities, including The Lung Center of Nevada, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Keep Memory Alive, St. Jude, Catholic Charities and many more. Every Monday, rain or shine, I feed the homeless in Downtown Las Vegas. With the help of many different organizations, we provide the items and human contact they need. It is easy to write a check and just give to any charity, but being physically there and meeting these unfortunate brothers and sisters is much more rewarding. I believe that good work has to be hands on.
It’s evident you LOVE Las Vegas! How has your move here impacted your life journey?
When I decided to move here in 2010 everyone thought I was crazy. I didn’t know anyone. But by 2012, I was already dining with Steve Wynn and Mayor Goodman! I think Las Vegas welcomed me. Being the only established fashion designer in Las Vegas made me feel like a big fish in a small pond, but I want to share my successes by establishing a local fashion industry. Las Vegas is the last frontier! It is the last glamorous city in America that has potential and opportunities for design, as I feel New York and Los Angeles are saturated. Why can’t the future Calvin Klein come from here?
Bob Tibolt
Website: artmapmaker.com
“I am a cartographer who learned his craft from a master. Having loved maps for as long as I can remember, I’ve been making them for over forty years. I enjoy the design process and the application of fine motor skills needed for their execution, and use traditional techniques of pen-and-ink, mechanical lettering and coloring with colored charcoal to create my pieces. I enjoy working with clients to come up with a map that makes them happy and exceeds their expectations.”
In a world that relies on digital directions to get us to our destinations, we often miss out on the road we traveled to get there. Specific landmarks, geography, streets and even political boundaries all but vanish from the journey, allowing for an arrival that, while ultimately efficient, sometimes lacks memorability. This is the beauty of maps. Placing visual emphasis on the particulars that lie along the way, maps allow us to consume the details that make getting to our end point an unforgettable experience. Cartographer Bob Tibolt brings his love and appreciation for the art of mapmaking to Las Vegas. With a skilled hand and artistic flair, he creates maps that are not only beautiful to look at, but remind us of where we’ve been and where we’ve yet to go.
Map making isn’t exactly common. How did you begin this unusual artform?
I spent the first eleven years of my life growing up in Massachusetts then moved to Nevada. I returned to New England for college where I took a senior seminar in cartography at Dartmouth College from Geography Professor Van English. He was a renowned cartographer; of his many credentials he served as the personal cartographer for General George Marshall, Army Chief of Staff, in World War II. It was from him that I learned the meticulous attention necessary to make a map. He also put an artistic flair to his maps, and I have tried to emulate this in my own designs. For my final project of the class, I made a map of my travels in Europe and the Middle East, based from my experiences my junior year studying abroad. From then on, I have made maps.
You haven’t always made maps as a business. How did that begin?
I was a physician in Oregon for thirty years, during which time I made maps as a hobby. I bought my first drafting set in a pawn shop in Reno. I started with rudimentary tools and built up my studio so that I now have a professional environment in which to work. My wife and I moved to Las Vegas last year when I retired, and I have set up my studio and showroom here. I’ve started a small business, ArtMapMaker, to market and sell my maps. I’ve “retired” into cartography so now my passion is my new career.
Where do you draw inspiration and what kinds of maps have you created?
I have a sizable map collection that provides me with many basic forms, but also get ideas from people, travel and customer assignments. I recently made a map of a Windward Island Cruise sponsored by the Friends of Dartmouth Football and the Alumni Travel office. I had received a brochure announcing this cruise, and I made a map that was distributed to the tour leader and travelers. I also recently made a map of a vineyard in Paso Robles, the winemaker of which is a friend of a friend. I am always on the lookout for mapping ideas. Because of the infinite body of geography that the world represents I have no limits on availability of subject matter. I incorporate different mapping styles related to each projection, the way the area of interest is put to paper, and in using submaps within the main map to show detail of particular places, such as neighborhoods or cities. My favorite pieces are the custom maps that I create for people, usually their travels, including honeymoons, and the large format maps of my “Great American Cities” series.
What does the future hold now that you’re in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is a unique city of the world. The creative expression that exists here is unparalleled, as are the resources. My wife Susan and I are thankful to be back in Nevada. I am still in the building phase for my new business, so that’s my main focus. I hope to have regular receptions at my showroom to show people what I do. I also hope to make travelers, travel agents and wedding planners aware of my custom travel mapping services, providing a way for my clients to have lasting memories of the events and destinations that make up their lives.
