UPDATE – RasTa Live Event

On Saturday September 10, 2011 I was asked to speak about the design surrounding the film. It turned out to be one of the highlights in my career as an artist. I wanted to share it with you.
* Please read my speech at the bottom of this post.
Toronto, Ontario,

Adam Jarvis – At long last, I have completed a very important project. I wanted to share it with you and hopefully get some feedback. In turn, perhaps you could pass it on to someone who might dig it. It would mean allot to me. Thanks.

When I was approached by Len Henry of Fashcam to work on a logo for a featured length documentary about RasTafari – I was very honoured. Working closely with Len and Corwin Hall of Yaudie, we developed a logo that captured the spirit of the movement.
This project presented a grand opportunity for me to educate myself on the religion. What I was not expecting, was to reach such artistic depths within myself. It pushed me to create something, then elevate it into a “work of art”.
A large bulk on my creativity ends up here on Vectorvault. It is my lover letter to vector art and my favourite software Adobe Illustrator. But this project required me to activate the Photoshop side of my brain as well.
With countless layers and textures, this poster finally came to fruition. “It” let me know when “it” was finished.
As a Creative Director with over 16 years behind me, I can honestly say that this project was far more enjoyable than any “ad” I have ever done. I enjoyed the process of reading faces and revealing the story through images…

Interested is learning more? . Read more.

THE JOURNEY OF A SOUL

Donisha Prendergast, Grand Daughter of the legendary Rita and Bob Marley is on a quest. To discover the “Roots of RasTafari”. It inspired the film’s branding imagery. – What a great “client brief”.

A GROWING MOVEMENT

The poster image took on the shape of an organic tree. It was built using the faces of Rasta. The historical icons and everyday people who keep the religion alive around the world. Donisha travels introduced her to many faces – each with a story.

THE ART

The colours and shapes were all pulled together from various stock sources. Including Vectorvault’s own collection of RasTa themed vector art. Including a series of drips and splatters that I used to enhance the branches and dreadlocks. Combined with stunning production photos, and a little creativity – an image was born.

IT’S IN THE DETAILS

Interested in seeing more? Be my guest.
Just make sure that you also visit the RasTa website and look for the film when it premiers in your city:
rastaonline.ca

Executive Producer Patricia Scarlett Producers Patricia Scarlett, Marilyn Gray and Stuart Samuels Director Stuart Samuels Associate Producer Donisha PrendergastWriters Roger McTair, Stuart Samuels Story Consultant Roger McTair Director of Photography Vladimir Czyzewski Editor Gina Binetti
RasTa A Soul’s Journey, a feature length documentary film with Donisha Prendergast and Rita Marley, Damian Marley, Bunny Wailer,
Benjamin Zephaniah, Ras Levi Roots, Darcus Howe, Farouk Dhondy, Dr. Barry Chevannes, Dr. Clinton Hutton, Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah Music by Jesse King and various artists: Gentleman, Tarrus Riley, Zehorah, and Errol Organs

ONE LOVE

Donisha Prendergast – Representing Rastafari

WANT ONE? – PATIENCE

This poster will be available for sale very shortly. Want to get on a waiting list? Register for updates.

RasTa Live – Launch Party

Saturday September 10, 2010
ING Café – Toronto, Canada

My Message to the people of RasTafari

I was asked by the producers of the film to say a few words about the design in front of a room filled with people during the excitement of The Toronto International Film Festival. I was asked by several RasTas that evening to share my speech. So here it is:
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen.
My name is Adam Jarvis.
I am the designer responsible for the RasTa Emblem and the poster associated with the film:
RasTa – A Soul’s Journey.
I’m very excited and honoured to be here tonight.
Thank you all for coming.

Now, contrary to popular belief –
I am not …..a RasTa.
It’s true. Please remain calm.
I can see some confused faces out there.
What I can tell you is this:
I have a tremendous amount of respect for RasTafari and the RasTas who have touched my life personally.
Myself, I was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
My family moved to Canada when I was very young seeking a new life.
– Trust me, They didn’t come here for the climate 🙂
My Grandmother, My mother and all of my aunts and uncles instilled in me a mutual respect for all people of the world.
and so naturally, when the producers of this film asked me to be a part of this project:
I was honoured.
This was my opportunity to indulge my own curiosity and educate myself about RasTafari.
That’s what this film sets out to do.

Now, I have never been to Africa.
But several years ago,
when my beautiful wife was pregnant with our daughter, we travelled to Jamaica with her family to see where they came from.
We drove across the island from Montego Bay to Kingston and back again.
And as we moved deeper into the heart of Jamaica through trecherous winding roads and lush rainforests
I felt something.
The faces and the people and the way that they lived with each other and the Earth itself.
It touched me. It planted a seed in me.
At the time, I did not understand it.
But tonight.
Looking out at this crowd of beautiful faces
It’s finally clear to me:
_____________
This is not a movie.
This is a message.
Cinema is merely the vehicle upon which it travels.
_____________
I for one, have never been fooled by the Pop-culture caricature of “The RasTaman”.
This film sets out to destroy that stereotype and replace it with truth.
Now truth is something that I can get behind.
I endorse truth.
Never before in History has information been so abundant.
Yet wisdom, so illusive. (am I right?)
Tonight, each of you have taken a step closer towards
discovering the roots of RasTafari.
I put allot of love into this poster.
I hope that you like it.

There is an old tradition:
When a ship sets sail on it’s maiden voyage, they usually call upon a person of royal lineage to crack a bottle of champagne across the bow of the ship for good luck.
Now, I did not bring a bottle of champagne.
But I do know that we have a young queen with us here tonight.
I invite you all to introduce yourself to Donisha.
She will be signing movie posters later on this evening.
They have been specifically sized to fit IKEA frames.
Voila – instant art.
The torch of RasTafari has been passed on to a new generation
Donisha is here with us tonight to christen this vessel as it sets sail on it’s international Voyage of Love.
One Love.
Thank you very much and enjoy the evening.

This was a very special project for me. The “butterflies in my stomach” were not about speaking in front of a room filled with people, it was hoping that the intentions of this artwork would be accepted by the RasTa community and Donisha herself.
After my speech, people crossed the room to introduce themselves in the most friendly ways. I was engaged in conversations about philosophy, anthropology, spirituality, and art. By the end of the evening my mind was on fire. Only the sweet Appleton Rum Punch could cool it down.
But the cheery on top was Donisha signing a personal message of thanks on a copy just for me. It’s already on my wall.

This project has made me feel like an artist again. I was welcomed and inspired me to be a little more open to life. To friendship and to love.
For several years I have worked alone. It has isolated me somewhat, and that has effected my life in several areas. This collaboration opened me up in ways that I cannot describe. Seeing my family and friends at my side filled me with strength and confidence.
Next week I am preparing for the most important meeting of my life. Last night gave me just what I needed to move ahead. Looking out at a small sea of smiling faces nodding with my words is an image that I will take to..my…last……breath.
🙂
Thanks,
Adam.

Learn more about the artist here.
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References
Or you can just go here and see what we share in common.