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Jamie Leigh Humanitarian Exhibition And Showcase Resonates Social Consciousness And Sets Hearts On Fire
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by Robert DiMaglio | October 20, 2005 at 06:45 pm
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Jamie Leigh. One City. One Night.
First ever Jamie Leigh Humanitarian Event And Artist Showcase Comes To A Triumphant Close
NEW YORK/EWORLDWIRE/Oct. 20, 2005 --- On Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, the first Jamie Leigh Event (http://www.jamieleigh.net) and Exhibition came to a triumphant close. The entire evening spelled a message out loud and clear for all to hear: never give up.
Jamie Leigh. One City. One Night. Describing such a magical, beautiful night is so difficult to place into common words. Trying to capture emotions, sights, sounds, smells, and scribble them into sentences for the world to see proves rather tricky since everything blended all together so smoothly and created such a harmonious, wonderful evening.
On Thursday October 13th at approximately 4:00 on a rainy early New York morning, the last image had been taken down. Something about the evening spelled out loud and clear for all to hear - never give up. Whether it be the imagery, the simple awe of those who witnessed the artwork on display, or the humanitarian issues blinding your every move, it was hard to escape the fact, that what one was seeing, was something they would never forget.
"It was a miracle. I cried as I walked through the showcase and looked at all of the photography, the pictures and images were that moving, and I'm not a guy who is known to shed a tear - but I admit - this got me. There was a distinct sense of passion and awareness for just how little we are in the grand scheme of things, and how unless we make use of this time that we have now, it's not going to matter once we're gone. I'm now inspired to help and start really caring more about those larger things around me, even if I haven't had it given, that's the entire point, and I love that. This woman is doing a really good thing right now, a really good thing, and I was honored to be here for the first public gathering, I'll never forget it."
With her hand held on her chest and heart, wearing a loosely revealing and gently draping white silk blouse and black pants, a brunette and doe-eyed Jamie Leigh took the stage and welcomed her guests for an evening that she and many others had been waiting a very long time for.
Gone was the long loosely waved blonde hair, and in was the shortened dark-brunette with eyes that could have stopped anyone in their trails. The woman who stepped onto New York's premiere Film Academy's stage on Thursday night was a Jamie Leigh who had evolved and transformed into another spirit. It was hard to doubt that this woman has grown, as it was clearly evident simply in her appearance. A darker, stronger, and (if you can believe it) more passionate woman has stepped up, and she isn't going anywhere folks. A spirit like most of us, who has been through the fire - and survived. Make no mistake about it, she's still testing the flames, but she's coming out stronger than ever before, and if there was any proof of that, it was obviously observed and seen here tonight. She's moved on, and it's getting better.
With no other accessory but a simple red string on her left wrist, the confidence Leigh exuded while on stage was not surprising. With nearly a decade of experience in various bands growing up and musical ensembles, Jamie Leigh certaintly had no case of stage fright Thursday night, that much was made extremely clear. In fact, there were times where she almost seemed to become much more comfortable and shockingly at ease while on the stage than she was behind the scenes - yet another artist familiarity. Outside could have been burning and nothing would have stopped her from making the night unforgettable. For those who are fans of the greats, one will understand that sometimes all the ringmaster needs to do is simply stand up, and all the others will find a comfort within. Not even a record breaking 8 straight days of rain in New York City could stop this incredible and astoundingly moving and important exhibition from going on full steam ahead. When all hopes seemed questioned by the simple drip drop of the rain clouds hovering above, once you embarked upon this evening, suddenly, there seemed to be not a single cloud in sight. The night succeeded in sucking you in and refused to let you out of it's powerful grip until at least one of the messages was drilled into your consciousness.
"She's completely different, she's not like anyone else around right now. You never know what to expect. You know the core, and the heart of it all, but all the rest is always a surprise... she just keeps coming back with something new. It could be the same concept you've witnessed time and time again, but she'll take that and twist it to present it in an artistically unique and totally different way, and that's what inspires me as a painter - that's a gift that not everyone has. I don't know how to explain her or what she does, it's just her compassion and humanity that shines through. It's not something you come across in an individual anymore. It almost seems as if she entered this life too soon, that she was meant to be alive during earlier centuries or times in history - and who knows, maybe she was."
While on stage kicking off the night and welcoming her guests, a dramatic looking and styled Leigh made sure to let people know the distinct intent and purpose behind what they were about to take in.
"I'm not ashamed for the world to see this", Leigh proudly spoke out. "I never have been. I've built up a sense of trust and compassion with so many, both animals and people from countries all around the world by being vulnerable, by being human, by being an artist and perfectionistic in one sense, yet fragile and simple just like anyone else. I've used what I've lacked or been searching for, as the main light and guide in all I've done. I've trusted it, and I will continue to trust it."
"They say our instincts are what keep us humble and keep up grounded, in this case, I know they're right. If they can't see you bruised, why bother showing them the cover-ups. People relate to the journey, to the battle, that's how we can find ourselves and our purpose in life - that and in taking risks. I was speaking to a friend of mine on the telephone while I was waking up from an operation on my spine in the hospital earlier this year; my lips were all dry and I hadn't had a sip of water in 48 hours... I couldn't stand up on my own and I was just sick the entire week hooked up to countless machines. My legs wouldn't stop kicking and moving around beneath the sheets since I was shaking so hard from the virus that struck me after the procedure. I said to her: If you don't want me when I'm in my nightie, my lips all cut and bruised, my eyes sleepy and tired and legs weak, don't want me when I'm healthy and standing tall. If they love you when you're down, they'll love you for the inch you can manage to stand in the years to come. Just keep on. Just keep showing up - on time," she finished with a coy smile.
"This is what we need right now in the world. We need for someone to stand up and show to the world that underneath it all, we are all scarred and flawed in our own ways - and that's ok. That you will still be loved and you will still inspire and offer hope and an escape through your gift. If no one builds up that courage and just goes for it without fear of judgement or circumstance, they risk that small chance of making a difference in one life. They risk the chance of not drawing attention to the little house in the ghetto where animals longing and yearning for homes sit and wait... they're sitting and waiting for us. For us to use our voice to help them. And we've all got one - it's up to you to choose if you use it or not, and I truly hope that you do. After all they've offered us, I can't help but think I owe it to them. When human nature is tested, it either sinks or swims. I've been in the pool since I was born, and I've been sinking for a while, but for the first time, I feel I'm starting to rise again and float, and thankfully, I've never forgotten how to swim."
"I have a voice, and I'll use it to help anyone or anything in need no matter what, for as long as I can. That for me is more than enough. Be it physical on our skin, or emotionally inside, we're all bruised, torn, twisted, pulled and beaten. The amazing thing about that is, is that when you see it presented in this light, when you take a step back and take in just how beautiful we all are by what we've been through and fought for, we then discover it's how we've arrived at being who we are right now. It's the grain that unites us when the world demands we seperate or live in constant fear. Recently mother nature has been singing to us, loudly - she's got the right... and I for one can understand where she's coming from. If I had to do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. This is from my heart to yours. I can't thank all of you enough for coming out tonight and supporting me and this entire evening. It was a first, and hopefully won't be a last. To see you all like I am right now, to look in your eyes and know that you're hearing and listening to what I am saying and really feeling it, is an emotion I don't want to loose - expect us to meet many more times just like this."
"This is only the beginning of something I've fallen deeply in love with. I won't let you all just go that easily," Leigh said with a determined and heart-warming wink before the film and evening officially continued.
With that, a noticeably thinner Leigh stepped off the stage (dressed in black high stemmed boots), and took a seat in one of the over 100 directors chairs. If a pin had chosen to fall within the room, it would have echoed for hours. The lights in the screen room dimmed, and the show began. Leigh along with the others watched. Her eyes never shifted from the screen. Leigh was surprisingly comfortable having a camera follow her around for most of the evening after her shy appearance in her previous interview. Her guests and the club were amazingly supportive of the filming, as many even paused to ham it up whenever they noticed an arriving lens. The exhibition and showcase was like nothing seen before. Images almost forcing the viewer to stop in their tracks and an atmosphere that seemed like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a rainy autumn night - a night of a proven voice. It was quite simply, heartwarming and long overdue. "It completely wiped me out. I've been sleeping ever since!" one guest said following her attendance at the event. Another said it reminded them of an attraction at Disney; "Jamie always reminds me of a child. She's an inspiration in every which way, and I look to her almost as some people look to Disney or the classics for guidance or hope. You see yourself in her and it helps, it helps you to be more brave in your own life seeing what she's chosen to do with hers. From the moment I heard that Jamie was doing this, I knew I had to be there. I had to support her. People can't relate to gloss, if they do it's just a passing fad and people never get connected to that. It comes and goes and people forget about it quickly. When there's something deeper, something we all crave, we never can forget about it, it's impossible. She has done so much for so many, to me, this was the least I could do. I wasn't surprised when I took a walk throughout the entire showcase that nearly half of the exhibits were directly calling upon Jamie's activism and humanitarian causes - she just cares a whole lot and you can tell it's genuine."
It was a night when the internet met reality. The merging of the two worlds was warm, and the atmosphere of the lounge was appropriate for the intimate material on view. Additionally, guests were welcomed by gifts from wonderful charities. Animal organizations including the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Pets911, Best Friends Animal Society, Rational Animal, and PETA contributed magazines, wristbands, pens, bumper stickers, NYC maps and a whirlwind information. As part of Jamie Leigh's breast cancer awareness campaign the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, CancerCare, and the New York State Breast Cancer Hotline contributed very important information about the cause, and (to Jamie Leigh's own personal delight) enough candies for everyone in the building. Fido Friendly Magazine and PetMassage also loved what Jamie Leigh was doing and supplied more goodies for her guests. The attendees had a wonderful night of music, art, and inspiration which were truly unique; but can we expect anything less from Miss Jamie Leigh?
Throughout the night you could almost see thousands of animals running and playing in the exhibition, and if Jamie Leigh were allowed to bring in her pawed friends, there's no doubt she would have done just that. This was just the first event, and something in my mind tells me, this is just the first of many more to come, and you may very well see those animal friends joining in on the celebrations as time passes.
Edward Muller, New York
The Official Jamie Leigh Website Home, http://www.jamieleigh.net
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at 18:58 on October 20th, 2005
Special Guest Event Report
Jamie Leigh. One City. One Night. New York.
LOVE
Written By Matt Kaschalk
Sunday, October 16, 2005
It was wet. Very wet. Listening to my satellite radio on the way into the city, all you heard coming out of the speakers were voices reverberating the degree and severity of the flooding, in both New Jersey and New York City. As the rain pounded the windshield of the car, it seemed to mimic the ever-growing thump of my heartbeat, slowly getting stronger the closer we came to our final destination; the first leg of this enchanted evening, the film screening at the New York Film Academy.
As we navigated through the city, people were running around, cabs were weaving dangerously in and out of traffic, and the rain continued. Slipping into a parking space not very far from where we needed to be, we stepped out and onto the streets of a city that was a totally foreign to me, yet as we neared the academy with the wind and rain whipping at us in the back and every which way, I felt comfortable…as if going to meet a best friend whom I'd known all of my existence. At last, slipping into the tall, concrete building and taking shelter from the elements I was finally able to take in the surroundings.
Everybody has a mental impression of what anything you can think of may look like before you actually see it. Creating images in your mind of someone's face just based upon hearing their voice, a place you've never been but have heard so much about, the list goes on indefinitely. What I am getting at is that the film academy was oddly what I had envisioned in my mind in the weeks prior to actually arriving. Echoes traveling throughout the large room when first entering, the color scheme a gray/monochromatic feel. Up the elevator and to the Robert K. Hartman screening room was the next destination, where upon entering I saw Jamie Leigh sitting on the stage, looking sweet and beautiful! I was greeted with a warm hug and the night began.
Those of you, who are reading this, if you haven't yet seen the film, please watch it. Prior to the event I had only seen one section of it, however after viewing it you really truly do gain a passion and complete understanding as to why Jamie put this event together, what her life has been like, and how brave and strong she truly is by being able to talk so calmly about such passionate, heart wrenching ideas and events.
After the film screening, we rushed into the elevator and down we went to the ground level, where Jamie Leigh's car was waiting to whisk her off to the Lotus Club. Jamie offered to take us in the car with her since it was raining outside and an umbrella hadn't been brought by us. We piled in to the car and there we were, just like the other cars, zipping in and out of traffic until we arrived at the club, with its trendy sign and stark red lights shining onto the ever-growing line outside the main entrance.
Making it through the doors, we descended what seemed to be a very long staircase down to the lowest level, and upon exiting the stairwell you could view the most beautiful sight the eyes could see. Everywhere you looked, there was Jamie's artwork; placed so perfectly on the walls, tables, propped here and there, all placed so flawlessly it had looked as if it were a permanent staple of this section of the club.
Checking our coats in, we broke away from Jamie as she went to mingle with the other guests and just absorbed all of the exquisite artwork and the atmosphere of this incredibly unique place. Half-moon shaped chairs with leather stools on wheels, ambient lighting behind what seemed to be long rows of metal beads dividing the different seats and sectioning off the flow of artwork. The room dimly lit, flickering candles placed strategically, all to creating a comfortable, warming environment that made you yearn to explore and take in everything this meandering structure had to offer.
Photographs from Jamie's gallery strikingly littered the walls and ledges of the club amongst hand-crafted art pieces so amazing, I only wish every person reading this could have viewed them physically, touched them, and captivated the energy they resonated from deep within. Favors from Tic-Tacs in pink containers supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, to blue rubber wrist bands that were inscribed with "I adopted a pet", to bumper stickers and flyers, the tremendous amount of effort and planning that had been invested into this was truly overwhelming and extremely pleasing to the senses. The music and the bass from the DJ seemed to just envelop your body, yet you could still converse (which we did with Jamie quite often) and you would find yourself subconsciously swaying to the beat.
For all of the fans and followers of Jamie who could not attend, I hope that what I have explained can give you some type of insight into what this evening had in store. By absolutely no means could I ever explain the true feelings that swirled within me, nor what could be seen through your own two eyes rather than my two hands typing this portrayal. As with all great things, eventually the conclusion arrives inevitably. This night will for sure be stuck in my mind for years to come, as a great and wonderful reminder and tribute to such an amazing person, one who we all love and support with all of our being. Jamie Leigh. Thank you for the exquisite evening.
Source: http://www.jamieleigh.net
at 19:03 on October 20th, 2005
Jamie Leigh, New York October 13, 2005
Submitted And Written By Michael Raihofer
On October 13th, 2005 , Jamie Leigh hosted her first ever exhibition at New York hotspot Lotus in the Meatpacking district. Lotus has been called an "impressive venue (which) has been featured everywhere, and its clientele is incomparable". PromoNY.com has said that it might be easier getting into Fort Knox then Lotus. Once you enter, you are welcomed by the Asian inspired décor and subtle chocolate tones. Descending the stairs to what looks like a dark basement, soon turns into the chicest lounge in the city. The simplistic beauty of the rooms hides under a blanket of darkness. Lit by just a few candles, the setting was perfect for an intimate exhibition. The crowd was upscale "Sex &the City" and "Friends" types, the scene made complete with Matthew Perry's presence.
On that rainy autumn night, Jamie Leigh presented her most expressive work featuring images from Labyrinth, her breast cancer awareness campaign, humanitarian efforts, and paintings deriving from her past experiences. Sounds of Prince filled the room as people surveyed the images covering the walls. It was a night when the internet met reality. The merging of the two worlds can be daring and incredibly uncharted, but the warm atmosphere of the lounge was appropriate for the intimate material on view. Additionally, guests were welcomed by gifts from wonderful charities.
The event began with a film screening at the New York Film Academy touching upon all areas of Jamie Leigh's passions, plights, and humanitarian goals and missions. Both the screening and exhibition were filmed almost as a continuation of what came from the story screened that night. As an interesting take on audience reaction and artist presentation, Jamie Leigh spoke directly to the audience putting her own voice and side comments in as the film itself literally ran on the giant screen behind her.
The paintings, the artwork, the powerful presentation of humanity and unity, made this event one that those in attendance would never forget.
Those who held out heavy eyelids to witness the final rounds of the evening, were delighted to take home the images that remained on the walls as Leigh signed her works of personal narrative and storytelling for guests to take home.
How can one top an evening such as this? We'll just have to see what other surprises she has in store for the future.
at 19:17 on October 20th, 2005
Jamie Leigh, Ambassador In The Making
Report Written By Geraldine Parsons, New York Submitted With Editorial Permission By Robert DiMaglio
New York City has maintained it's rough and cripplingly honest outer coat through some challenging times. Never has it once managed to drop it's veil of mystery and hardness unless something crawls deep inside of it and nests.
Jamie Leigh, a voice for the animals, the suffering, the searching. Humanitarian she is - hands down. Activist - no question about it. Artist - it's undeniable. The one thing that I found to be more true of Leigh at her first ever exhibition here last week than anything else was this - she is one person that has no hidden agenda. If genuine motivation and purpose seems lost in a world of constant celebrity floaters and lack of human substance, she is one person we may just want to put; and more importantly keep, our complete and total faith in.
Leigh means what she says and says what she means. Her fascination and devotion to specific causes is only mirrored by her primal ability to captivate and pull you in. If you can't follow her language, her art does all the speaking. Your body will delight in her gypsy-like nerve and chance taking way of life, and almost hand you a free pass that one might read as: "Go ahead, make your move!" It's almost so much excitement and fun that you'll feel as if your playing a game of hide and seek with her and at every intriguing moment, she'll surprise you and shout out, "Go! Your turn!" To turn away from her child-like core would be silly as well - she's a little girl with a very big heart and desire of iron. Images of a young immortal screen icon pop in and out of my mind in describing her personality; she's unpredictable with such a caring and resolute charisma. Again, there are moments when you are around her where you feel the need to put on an earpiece and protect this woman from being grabbed by the neck and carried off into the clouds. We want her here on earth with us right now, so if the suit calls, I'll answer.
At the film screening in Union Square, Jamie Leigh spoke with a maturity and flow that is a rare find in someone of only 24 years of age. Where does it come from? How did she build that? Where are it's roots planted? Despite what one might guess or package her as, she's impossible to describe unless you meet her and have that rare chance to really take her - all of her - in. Upon watching her semi-documentary, semi-storytelling screening at the New York Film Academy, I watched Leigh as she herself watched the film - her eyes said all that anyone in the audience that night might have wondered about. When speaking, she left a lot to think about, and even more to want to literally get up off your butt and do. Despite her physical stature, I couldn't help but notice a distinct fragility to Leigh; almost as if she is like a baby bird walking around looking for it's brothers and sisters. She presents such strong issues, and delivers them with impressive form and intent, yet maintains a certain vulnerable almost fawn-like aura that makes you want to just run up to her and give her a big hug. There's a real sweetness about her as well, a very humble, earthly feeling that she exudes whenever you are in her company - you're just instantly at ease and relaxed - that is if you don't look into her eyes for too long, then good luck.
A striking beauty, one who once you see her, is hard not to find yourself staring at in some almost freakish obsession - she just looks very different - very out of her time, in an absurdingly gorgeous way. Jamie Leigh looks far more beautiful once you meet her in person. From her website and online material that's available, there are at times very little things left to the viewers imagination, while others maintain a strict mask of privacy and professionalism. To me, she represented the complete polars of our human nature; the yearning, sensitive, and almost at times painfully fragile creature, mixed with someone who was strong, hot, ready for battle at a minutes notice.
Leigh is a woman who will be doing great things in this lifetime. That is not something I will say often - unless I'm sitting next to the person or speaking with them directly; I did both with Leigh at her showcase and checked both boxes off immediately. She didn't disappoint. Her story is one that sits and stabs all of us where it matters - the heart. Her missions and goals are pure, true, and determined. If it hadn't been for the almost soul smashing look in her eyes throughout the screening presentation and Q&A, I might have very well screamed and hollered once the final credits began to roll - it was that good, and more importantly - that real. Leigh has managed to do something in a very short amount of time that the rest of us can only dream of. She has somehow managed to take a whole lot of bad, and transform it like a butterfly with a bandaged wing into something of power and unbreakable strength. Hers is a story of inspiration - to argue that would be impossible.
After following her work for the last few weeks leading up the event, I wondered what I might encounter upon attendance. For as much as I expected - I got that - and much more. Many described the atmosphere as being very "theme park-like". Around each undetermined turn, was another surprise. Candles were the only lighting in the showcase area, and that's all it needed. Flames bounced off of her images like a fine wine - a wine that must be tasted by everyone at least once before they pass on to their next life. And everyone did. Jamie Leigh worked to make this a night that no one who bothered to get off the couch or take the L Train out would ever forget - and we haven't, not even now one week later.
Jamie Leigh is far more beautiful and inspiring in person than any of her work or even personal website could ever properly communicate. She speaks with a passion that isn't around anymore - it's suffocating and begging for breath. And when you hear her, you want to get involved, you want to follow her every choice and decision, every founder and foul. Hers is one who you will be battling with when down, and cheering with when up and testing the limits - and believe me when I say this; she will be testing them.
Could Jamie Leigh be the one we need to pump that hope back into the lungs of artistry and social cause? I guess the test will tell. The courage that Leigh displays not only in her physical being, but artwork is breathtaking - thank god.
When I asked and spoke with some of the several hundred in attendance (many notable celebs and fellow philantropists including Rosie O'Donnell, Matthew Perry, among others who kept to themselves throughout most of the evening staring at the black and white images on the walls - they were inescapable) who were walking around browsing the various images of Leigh and her passions on the dark walls, I couldn't help but sense that they were seeing something that they needed to see - it was lacking within them and therefore then vicariously regained through Leigh's exhibition. Jamie Leigh not only brought out her work and charitable angles from every which way, but essentially locked you into a box of contemplation and ambition that was impossible to look away from. She's a manifester, plain and simple. She doesn't talk about things she wants to change or affect, she goes out there and makes it happen; if anything deserves a standing ovation, it's that in and of itself, not just anyone can do that and follow through.
Leigh is clearly an ambassador in the making. Her roots are of the classic American tale, and her trials are those that we read about in legends. Her passions and unusual delivery of such substantial and relevant social ideas and creative concepts are not only refreshing, but enigmatic. Photographs of her scarred body were about as moving and profound to look at, as they were to take in and really digest; she's been through a lot ladies and gentleman, and still nothing has seemed to put this fire out. The highlighted portraits at the indoor showcase of course, were of Leigh's own body. Widely spread out images of scars on her chest taken with such an impressive form and resilience, the viewer was instantly drowned in a rushing pool of human endurance and tolerance. It is no wonder that Leigh has been the advocate of both animal and human needs since she to has walked the line of the human condition more finely drawn than any I've seen to date. Her work presented a global truth and power that cultures continually turn away from if they don't understand it; the trick - try to understand it - once you do, you'll be eternally thankful you came back.
I have no idea what she will do next, but one thing I can assure, is that this woman is not going to let anything she connects with - or to - go to waste anytime soon. This is a ride I at least plan on sticking around for - it's only going to get bumpier folks, and the excitement and wonder will no doubt only continue to grow. Grass roots are where things always begin. Without the tiny struggling bud, there would never be the glorious flower always in bloom. Without the pouring rain, we'd never experience a newly minted cascade of color in a rainbow. Without the storm of humanity, we'd never appreciate those rare moments of comfort and care. Take it from me - keep your eye and heart with this bud, it's very special and will need us just as much as we need her.
"What is that red string you always wear on your left wrist?" I asked her in earnest. "No, it's not Kabbalah, I can assure you," Jamie Leigh replied with a wide smile, eyebrows raised, and sudden burst of flirtatious and rebellious laughter; she's obviously been asked this several times before. "Mine is special. Mine represents humanity; it's a constant reminder of where I've been, what I've gone through, and hopefully where I'm going and eventually am meant to be. When it gets tired or finishes it's job, it falls off, but then I always tie a new one on immediatly and say a quiet prayer once it's on - then I go about my day knowing I'm safe as long as it's there. It's a reminder to me of why I'm doing any of this to begin with, it's my little guardian angel if you will. As long as I'm wearing it, as long as I can look down and see it still there, I know I'm going to be just fine."
Amen sister friend.
Jamie Leigh On The Web: www.jamieleigh.net