Pierre Kiandjan (born 1987) is a French-born artist who focuses on both op art and kinetic art.
Career
Kiandjan found an interest in art very soon when he was able to sketch both color gradients and geometric shapes. Much of his career is committed to painting, engraving and creating lithographs. He was influenced by Bauhaus movement, El Lissitzky, František Kupka, and László Moholy-Nagy.
In his works, the progression of forms with slight variations create illusions of rhythmic movements when completed.
In his Paris studio, Kiandjan mixes colors and light to give birth to abstract and geometric representations. His work consists of building complex constructions in the assembly of simple patterns. It reveals an innovative use of gradients and breaks in shapes in the act of depicting a three-dimensional space onto a two-dimensional plane.
In 2015, he featured the artwork for an Alex Gopher EP.
Career
Kiandjan found an interest in art very soon when he was able to sketch both color gradients and geometric shapes. Much of his career is committed to painting, engraving and creating lithographs. He was influenced by Bauhaus movement, El Lissitzky, František Kupka, and László Moholy-Nagy.
In his works, the progression of forms with slight variations create illusions of rhythmic movements when completed.
In his Paris studio, Kiandjan mixes colors and light to give birth to abstract and geometric representations. His work consists of building complex constructions in the assembly of simple patterns. It reveals an innovative use of gradients and breaks in shapes in the act of depicting a three-dimensional space onto a two-dimensional plane.
In 2015, he featured the artwork for an Alex Gopher EP.
Michael Bourada is a professional, headlining illusionist born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
He travels all across Canada with his very own theatrical production. The show contains over 5000 lbs in equipment, has a full showcast/crew and transforms into a full 90 minute production. The show features exotic birds and grand illusions where he makes his assistants appear, disappear, levitate in the air and more; it's all choreographed to contemporary hit music, intelligent lighting and outstanding special effects.
His inspiration comes from fellow magicians such as Lance Burton, David Copperfield and Doug Henning.
Early life
Michael was born to Marc (outdoor contractor) and Jackie (hospital ward clerk). His parents split at the age of 2 and now has 5 siblings between his two families, in which he is the second oldest. He attended school in Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa, until the age of 14 while living with his mother primarily; he then switched schools and Bourada graduated from Notre Dame High School in 2001. He was persuaded by his parents to get further education and attended Algonquin College in 2002 for a certificate in Multimedia and Design. He never pursued his college program as a career, instead focused all of his attention and efforts towards his magic.
Michael got started in magic at the age of 8 when he received a Houdini magic kit for his birthday; he performed his first show at the age of 11 for a local birthday party. Once word got around the neighbourhood, he quickly found himself with a part-time job, charging $25 per show. He continued performing as much as possible, even went as far to host shows in his parents house, inviting the local neighbourhood and family members once a month to showcase his new tricks. He ventured into fairs, company events, daycares and schools. By age 15 he decided he wanted to branch out and take his show to the next level. He began to develop a show for theatres and convinced a local theatre group in the town of Cobalt, Ontario to host his show. The show was 60 minutes in length and consisted of his sister as his assistant and his friend who operated the lighting and sound. The show was a mild success as it only sold 85 tickets and needed more work. Even with the poor result, Michael decided that the theatre show was what he wanted to pursue and over the next 5 years he invested every dollar he made into his show along with countless hours of rehearsal and development. By age 20 his show was ready for the big stage; it was a 90-minute production that featured sophisticated lighting and bigger illusions. He rented space and filmed a demo video which was sent to theatres and production companies all over the province. At age 21 he got his first break when he was asked by a local charity to tour Ontario with them raising money and awareness for their cause. Since then he has completed successful tours in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.
The production has been featured in over 50 cities across Canada and he performs 150+ shows a year. In 2010 Michael will also be featured aboard luxury Cruiseships.
He travels all across Canada with his very own theatrical production. The show contains over 5000 lbs in equipment, has a full showcast/crew and transforms into a full 90 minute production. The show features exotic birds and grand illusions where he makes his assistants appear, disappear, levitate in the air and more; it's all choreographed to contemporary hit music, intelligent lighting and outstanding special effects.
His inspiration comes from fellow magicians such as Lance Burton, David Copperfield and Doug Henning.
Early life
Michael was born to Marc (outdoor contractor) and Jackie (hospital ward clerk). His parents split at the age of 2 and now has 5 siblings between his two families, in which he is the second oldest. He attended school in Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa, until the age of 14 while living with his mother primarily; he then switched schools and Bourada graduated from Notre Dame High School in 2001. He was persuaded by his parents to get further education and attended Algonquin College in 2002 for a certificate in Multimedia and Design. He never pursued his college program as a career, instead focused all of his attention and efforts towards his magic.
Michael got started in magic at the age of 8 when he received a Houdini magic kit for his birthday; he performed his first show at the age of 11 for a local birthday party. Once word got around the neighbourhood, he quickly found himself with a part-time job, charging $25 per show. He continued performing as much as possible, even went as far to host shows in his parents house, inviting the local neighbourhood and family members once a month to showcase his new tricks. He ventured into fairs, company events, daycares and schools. By age 15 he decided he wanted to branch out and take his show to the next level. He began to develop a show for theatres and convinced a local theatre group in the town of Cobalt, Ontario to host his show. The show was 60 minutes in length and consisted of his sister as his assistant and his friend who operated the lighting and sound. The show was a mild success as it only sold 85 tickets and needed more work. Even with the poor result, Michael decided that the theatre show was what he wanted to pursue and over the next 5 years he invested every dollar he made into his show along with countless hours of rehearsal and development. By age 20 his show was ready for the big stage; it was a 90-minute production that featured sophisticated lighting and bigger illusions. He rented space and filmed a demo video which was sent to theatres and production companies all over the province. At age 21 he got his first break when he was asked by a local charity to tour Ontario with them raising money and awareness for their cause. Since then he has completed successful tours in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.
The production has been featured in over 50 cities across Canada and he performs 150+ shows a year. In 2010 Michael will also be featured aboard luxury Cruiseships.
The Inquisition (The Holy Orders of the Emperor's Inquisition) is an organization in the fictional Warhammer 40,000 universe. They act as the secret police of the Imperium, hunting down any and all threats to the stability of the God-Emperor's realm. In fiction relating to the games, Inquisitors are usually represented by extremely powerful, intelligent, and talented individuals. In the games, Inquisitors are usually powerful combatants with a variety of specialized abilities with a party of followers who improve and protect the Inquisitor. Inquisitors also grant the player access to many new units, such as Imperial Assassins and Daemonhosts.
Development of the Inquisition
There were originally only two Orders within the Inquisition (Ordo Malleus and Ordo Xenos), but a third (the Ordo Hereticus) was added after the events of the Age of Apostasy.
A further fourth the Ordo Sicarius was formed following the Wars of Vindication. It is rumored that the Inquisition has thousands of independent ordos and cells for various goals and tasks, and the resources they pool together can rival those individually owned by Inquisitor Lords.
Within the narrative provided by source books and other media, a number of Inquisitors are considered to be famous. Those include Gideon Ravenor, Ario Barzano who is featured in the book Nightbringer by Graham McNeill, Gregor Eisenhorn the main character in the Eisenhorn series by Dan Abnett, and Jaq Draco, the main character in the Inquisition War series, written by Ian Watson. In the graphic novel Daemonifuge, by Kev Walker, the character Silas Hand features prominently.
The development of other characters alludes to important literature works. Fydor Karamazov, Fyodor is known as the Pyrophant Judge of Salem Proctor. This is a reference to Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Proctor being the name of one convicted, yet innocent, witch; and Salem being the puritan township he lived in. His name is a reference to The Grand Inquisitor a chapter in the Russian authors Fyodor Dostoevsky's book entitled The Brothers Karamazov.
Development of the Inquisition
There were originally only two Orders within the Inquisition (Ordo Malleus and Ordo Xenos), but a third (the Ordo Hereticus) was added after the events of the Age of Apostasy.
A further fourth the Ordo Sicarius was formed following the Wars of Vindication. It is rumored that the Inquisition has thousands of independent ordos and cells for various goals and tasks, and the resources they pool together can rival those individually owned by Inquisitor Lords.
Within the narrative provided by source books and other media, a number of Inquisitors are considered to be famous. Those include Gideon Ravenor, Ario Barzano who is featured in the book Nightbringer by Graham McNeill, Gregor Eisenhorn the main character in the Eisenhorn series by Dan Abnett, and Jaq Draco, the main character in the Inquisition War series, written by Ian Watson. In the graphic novel Daemonifuge, by Kev Walker, the character Silas Hand features prominently.
The development of other characters alludes to important literature works. Fydor Karamazov, Fyodor is known as the Pyrophant Judge of Salem Proctor. This is a reference to Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Proctor being the name of one convicted, yet innocent, witch; and Salem being the puritan township he lived in. His name is a reference to The Grand Inquisitor a chapter in the Russian authors Fyodor Dostoevsky's book entitled The Brothers Karamazov.
One hit wonder band hailing from Miami, Florida. Formed in 2003 by "George Graquitena." They were a Misfits knock-off band.
Members
* Vocals
* George Graquitena (a.k.a. George Van Orsdel) - vocals (2003-2010)
* Drums
* David Carbonell (a.k.a. Ichabod Van Orsdel) - drums (2003, 2007)
* Alexx Morales (a.k.a. Alexx Van Orsdel) - drums (2003-2004)
* George Graquitena (a.k.a. George Van Orsdel) - drums (2004)
* Richard Robinson (a.k.a. Hoggin' Dick Van Orsdel) - drums (2004-2010)
* Upright Bass
* Bruno Esposito (a.k.a. Bruno "The Butcher" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2003-2006)
* Eric F.F. (a.k.a. Eric "The French Fry" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2007)
*Steve Sacchetillo (a.k.a. Steve "Satch" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2008-2010)
* Guitars
* Todd V.W. (a.k.a. Todd Von Wankenstein Van Orsdel) - guitars (2002-2005)
* Tomas Bringas (a.k.a. Tomas "The Meatball" Van Orsdel) - guitars (2006)
* Orlando Garcia (a.k.a. Orlando Van Orsdel) - guitars (2009-2010)
History
In 2002, founding member and vocalist George Graquitena was in the process of organizing a show, a one-off Misfits tribute band, to play a Halloween show in October 2002. He eventually met up with guitarist Todd Von Wankenstein and drummer David Carbonell. Along with a friend, Brian, who was the bassist for a local Miami band named Underpaid, they formed The Braineaters, a Misfits tribute band that played on October 28, 2002. After the show was done, George, Todd and David decided they wanted to continue playing together, but they wanted to do something original. George had already been hoping to start a psychobilly band, so the members decided that would be a good idea. They all had shared interest in the genre, as well as a love for horror movies. George and Todd eventually decided on a name for the band after kicking around a few ideas. They decided to name the band The Van Orsdels, and they also decided to adopt the last name of Van Orsdel, in tribute to The Ramones, and also as a sign of unity within the band. They then began their search for an upright bassist, which would prove to be hard. The genre was non-existent in the south Florida area, and musicians who were willing to play psychobilly were just as non-existent. Eventually they found bassist Bruno Esposito. The band was now complete and they immediately began writing songs and preparing for their first show.
Performing and recording
In Spring of 2003, the band was now ready for their first show. They spent months preparing, promoting, and exposing their name all over south Florida. On June 19, 2003, at a local south Florida venue called The Alley, they played their first show, to a great reception. Immediately following their first show, they began to receive requests for bookings. They then decided to record some songs to release as a CD. They recorded songs that would eventually be their first CD release, a 7-song EP titled "Ain't Life A Drag?".
Misfortune
Shortly after recording the songs for their first CD, the band was struck by a dose of bad luck. Their drummer, David, decided to leave the band. Shortly after, guitarist Todd was constrained by a few legal issues. This put a big strain on the band, especially after months of preparation, a great debut show, and their first CD on the verge of being released. The Van Orsdels were forced into a 6-month hiatus, which nearly ended the band. Without a drummer the future of the band was grim. Fortunately George and Bruno saw something in the band that made them tough it out.
The "Spinal Tap" syndrome
The search for a new drummer proved to be harder than expected. The Van Orsdels went through a series of auditions and drummers. They tried a few drummers (8 to be exact) but none of them worked out like they had hoped to. With show dates just around the corner, the band found themselves in a situation where it was sink or swim. Fortunately George was a drummer as well as a vocalist, so he decided that the show must go on, and decided to take up the lack of a drummer by playing drums, as well as singing, for several months. The band was determined to make it work, and as much as the strain was on George, both playing drums and singing at the same time, he knew that it had to be done.
New drummer
In Fall of 2004, The Van Orsdels finally found their missing link, a drummer named Richard Robinson, who had been an old friend of the band's, and who was actually asked to play for the band several times before, but due to a prior engagement playing in another band, he could not join The Van Orsdels.
The new album
In 2005, The Van Orsdels finally got their break. German record label Crazy Love Records agreed to sign the band, and release their second CD. The band immediately began recording tracks for their second CD release, their first full-length titled "Miami Morgue Riot!". This was a turning point for the band. They were finally recognized for their talents, and the release of Miami Morgue Riot helped spread the band's name on a worldwide scale. Record distributors worldwide were now selling their music. The Van Orsdels were getting recognition from fans globally. In Fall of 2005, the band decided to book a short 2-week East Coast U.S. tour to promote Miami Morgue Riot.
Screamfest Horror Conventions
In 2003, a company by the name of Spooky Empire, held their first annual Screamfest Horror Convention in south Florida. Every year since then they have had The Van Orsdels appear as a special musical guest. They performed at Screamfest 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. They were booked for Screamfest 2003, but as a result of their guitarist being in rehab, the band unfortunately had to cancel that performance. As a result of their participation in the Screamfest Horror Conventions, they met famed artist/illustrator Gris Grimly, who created the artwork for the band's second CD release Miami Morgue Riot!
Films
The Van Orsdels were the main featured artist on the soundtrack to the short, independent film titled "It's A Gate To Hell, Cecilstein" which was released in 2006. The Van Orsdels will also be featured on the soundtrack to another independent film, a full-length horror genre motion picture titled "Shadow Grove" which should see a release late 2008.
The final years
In 2007, The Van Orsdels saw a major face-lift in the form of new members. The band also released an EP titled "Leftovers" in October 2007. The CD contained a collection of previously unreleased tracks and demos, as well as some acoustic songs. Also in 2007, George recorded a song for the Gris Grimly DVD release of his debut film Cannibal Flesh Riot!. The DVD was released featuring a bonus CD which included songs inspired by the movie. George's contribution was a song titled "The Ballad of Stash and Hub". October also saw the return of Richard Robinson on drums. March 2008 saw the inclusion of Steve Satch (a.k.a. Steve "The Bruiser" Van Orsdel) on upright bass. The band also recorded a version of "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" for an "Psychobilly Christmas", a compilation album which was released on Cleopatra Records in October 2008. Since August 2009, The Van Orsdels have been taking a forced hiatus, due to some personnel problems. The band never officially stated that it has broken up until August 11, 2010. On that date, George posted a blog on The Van Orsdels' official MySpace page stating that the band is officially done. There was an indication that there might possibly be a Van Orsdels reunion show in the future, but the group has officially broken up.
Bands
The Van Orsdels have performed with such notable psychobilly and punk rock acts as:
* Mad Sin
* Nekromantix
* Th' Legendary Shack Shakers
* 45 Grave
* The Quakes
* Koffin Kats
* The Rocketz
* Ghoultown
* Calavera
*
* The Independents
* U.K. Subs
* The Vibrators
* Green Goblyn Project
*
* The Chop Tops
* Dr. Chud's X-Ward
* 7 Shot Screamers
* The Cryptkeeper Five
Discography
* Ain't Life A Drag? (CD) 2004
*Miami Morgue Riot! (CD) Crazy Love Records 2005
* So Fla, So Good, So What Vol. 1 (CD) SoFla Records 2004
* Cannibal Flesh Riot! - The Jams (as George Van Orsdel on "The Ballad Of Stash and Hub")(DVD/CD) Mad Creator Productions 2007
* Leftovers (CD) TVO Skeletunes Records 2007
* Psychobilly Christmas Compilation (performing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (CD) Cleopatra Records 2008
* Rockabilly & Psychobilly Madness Compilation (performing "Grenade") (2-CD set) Cleopatra Records 2011
Members
* Vocals
* George Graquitena (a.k.a. George Van Orsdel) - vocals (2003-2010)
* Drums
* David Carbonell (a.k.a. Ichabod Van Orsdel) - drums (2003, 2007)
* Alexx Morales (a.k.a. Alexx Van Orsdel) - drums (2003-2004)
* George Graquitena (a.k.a. George Van Orsdel) - drums (2004)
* Richard Robinson (a.k.a. Hoggin' Dick Van Orsdel) - drums (2004-2010)
* Upright Bass
* Bruno Esposito (a.k.a. Bruno "The Butcher" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2003-2006)
* Eric F.F. (a.k.a. Eric "The French Fry" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2007)
*Steve Sacchetillo (a.k.a. Steve "Satch" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2008-2010)
* Guitars
* Todd V.W. (a.k.a. Todd Von Wankenstein Van Orsdel) - guitars (2002-2005)
* Tomas Bringas (a.k.a. Tomas "The Meatball" Van Orsdel) - guitars (2006)
* Orlando Garcia (a.k.a. Orlando Van Orsdel) - guitars (2009-2010)
History
In 2002, founding member and vocalist George Graquitena was in the process of organizing a show, a one-off Misfits tribute band, to play a Halloween show in October 2002. He eventually met up with guitarist Todd Von Wankenstein and drummer David Carbonell. Along with a friend, Brian, who was the bassist for a local Miami band named Underpaid, they formed The Braineaters, a Misfits tribute band that played on October 28, 2002. After the show was done, George, Todd and David decided they wanted to continue playing together, but they wanted to do something original. George had already been hoping to start a psychobilly band, so the members decided that would be a good idea. They all had shared interest in the genre, as well as a love for horror movies. George and Todd eventually decided on a name for the band after kicking around a few ideas. They decided to name the band The Van Orsdels, and they also decided to adopt the last name of Van Orsdel, in tribute to The Ramones, and also as a sign of unity within the band. They then began their search for an upright bassist, which would prove to be hard. The genre was non-existent in the south Florida area, and musicians who were willing to play psychobilly were just as non-existent. Eventually they found bassist Bruno Esposito. The band was now complete and they immediately began writing songs and preparing for their first show.
Performing and recording
In Spring of 2003, the band was now ready for their first show. They spent months preparing, promoting, and exposing their name all over south Florida. On June 19, 2003, at a local south Florida venue called The Alley, they played their first show, to a great reception. Immediately following their first show, they began to receive requests for bookings. They then decided to record some songs to release as a CD. They recorded songs that would eventually be their first CD release, a 7-song EP titled "Ain't Life A Drag?".
Misfortune
Shortly after recording the songs for their first CD, the band was struck by a dose of bad luck. Their drummer, David, decided to leave the band. Shortly after, guitarist Todd was constrained by a few legal issues. This put a big strain on the band, especially after months of preparation, a great debut show, and their first CD on the verge of being released. The Van Orsdels were forced into a 6-month hiatus, which nearly ended the band. Without a drummer the future of the band was grim. Fortunately George and Bruno saw something in the band that made them tough it out.
The "Spinal Tap" syndrome
The search for a new drummer proved to be harder than expected. The Van Orsdels went through a series of auditions and drummers. They tried a few drummers (8 to be exact) but none of them worked out like they had hoped to. With show dates just around the corner, the band found themselves in a situation where it was sink or swim. Fortunately George was a drummer as well as a vocalist, so he decided that the show must go on, and decided to take up the lack of a drummer by playing drums, as well as singing, for several months. The band was determined to make it work, and as much as the strain was on George, both playing drums and singing at the same time, he knew that it had to be done.
New drummer
In Fall of 2004, The Van Orsdels finally found their missing link, a drummer named Richard Robinson, who had been an old friend of the band's, and who was actually asked to play for the band several times before, but due to a prior engagement playing in another band, he could not join The Van Orsdels.
The new album
In 2005, The Van Orsdels finally got their break. German record label Crazy Love Records agreed to sign the band, and release their second CD. The band immediately began recording tracks for their second CD release, their first full-length titled "Miami Morgue Riot!". This was a turning point for the band. They were finally recognized for their talents, and the release of Miami Morgue Riot helped spread the band's name on a worldwide scale. Record distributors worldwide were now selling their music. The Van Orsdels were getting recognition from fans globally. In Fall of 2005, the band decided to book a short 2-week East Coast U.S. tour to promote Miami Morgue Riot.
Screamfest Horror Conventions
In 2003, a company by the name of Spooky Empire, held their first annual Screamfest Horror Convention in south Florida. Every year since then they have had The Van Orsdels appear as a special musical guest. They performed at Screamfest 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. They were booked for Screamfest 2003, but as a result of their guitarist being in rehab, the band unfortunately had to cancel that performance. As a result of their participation in the Screamfest Horror Conventions, they met famed artist/illustrator Gris Grimly, who created the artwork for the band's second CD release Miami Morgue Riot!
Films
The Van Orsdels were the main featured artist on the soundtrack to the short, independent film titled "It's A Gate To Hell, Cecilstein" which was released in 2006. The Van Orsdels will also be featured on the soundtrack to another independent film, a full-length horror genre motion picture titled "Shadow Grove" which should see a release late 2008.
The final years
In 2007, The Van Orsdels saw a major face-lift in the form of new members. The band also released an EP titled "Leftovers" in October 2007. The CD contained a collection of previously unreleased tracks and demos, as well as some acoustic songs. Also in 2007, George recorded a song for the Gris Grimly DVD release of his debut film Cannibal Flesh Riot!. The DVD was released featuring a bonus CD which included songs inspired by the movie. George's contribution was a song titled "The Ballad of Stash and Hub". October also saw the return of Richard Robinson on drums. March 2008 saw the inclusion of Steve Satch (a.k.a. Steve "The Bruiser" Van Orsdel) on upright bass. The band also recorded a version of "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" for an "Psychobilly Christmas", a compilation album which was released on Cleopatra Records in October 2008. Since August 2009, The Van Orsdels have been taking a forced hiatus, due to some personnel problems. The band never officially stated that it has broken up until August 11, 2010. On that date, George posted a blog on The Van Orsdels' official MySpace page stating that the band is officially done. There was an indication that there might possibly be a Van Orsdels reunion show in the future, but the group has officially broken up.
Bands
The Van Orsdels have performed with such notable psychobilly and punk rock acts as:
* Mad Sin
* Nekromantix
* Th' Legendary Shack Shakers
* 45 Grave
* The Quakes
* Koffin Kats
* The Rocketz
* Ghoultown
* Calavera
*
* The Independents
* U.K. Subs
* The Vibrators
* Green Goblyn Project
*
* The Chop Tops
* Dr. Chud's X-Ward
* 7 Shot Screamers
* The Cryptkeeper Five
Discography
* Ain't Life A Drag? (CD) 2004
*Miami Morgue Riot! (CD) Crazy Love Records 2005
* So Fla, So Good, So What Vol. 1 (CD) SoFla Records 2004
* Cannibal Flesh Riot! - The Jams (as George Van Orsdel on "The Ballad Of Stash and Hub")(DVD/CD) Mad Creator Productions 2007
* Leftovers (CD) TVO Skeletunes Records 2007
* Psychobilly Christmas Compilation (performing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (CD) Cleopatra Records 2008
* Rockabilly & Psychobilly Madness Compilation (performing "Grenade") (2-CD set) Cleopatra Records 2011