On December 27th, 2011, Wesley Rose and Shane Corey launched Lost Artistry, an independent record label. The launch party, held in Fredericksburg, Virginia, featured live performances from Era Hardaway, Amore Jones, and Kevin Sinatra (all artists represented by Lost Artistry). Other members include Quinelle Holder and Curtis Tull. Lost Artistry bills themselves by saying, “Together we represent the lost qualities in the industry that have seem to be lost over time and to bring back the originality and love that art as a whole has been missing.”
Wesley Rose is one of the masterminds behind Lost Artistry, working as a director, filmmaker, editor, and photographer. Along with being one of the seven owners of Lost Artistry, Wesley is also a photographer and owner of Wesley Rose Photography. I have recently had the opportunity to catch up with Wesley and ask him a few questions about Lost Artistry, Wesley Rose Photography, and a few other projects he has up his sleeve.
Wesley Rose is a photographer, filmmaker, editor, and director. He lives in Fredericksburg, VA and is 18 years old. Images are courtesy of Wesley Rose Photography. Photographs and music videos can be viewed at http://wesleyrose.tumblr.com. For more information about Lost Artistry or Wesley Rose, go to http://Lostartistry.tumblr.com
Gadfly: Can you tell me a little bit about Lost Artistry, what it’s about, and your role in it?
Wesley Rose: Lost Artistry it is an Indie Record Label out of Fredericksburg, VA. This label was started by myself (Wesley Rose) and Shane Cory. The #LA artist roster includes Kevin Sinatra, Amore Jones, and Era Hardaway. Also on the roster are Quinelle Holder and Curtis Tull. Together we represent the qualities in the industry that have seemed to be lost over time. I am the founder and one of the seven owners.
Gadfly: Why create your own recording label?
WR: Creating Lost Artistry came about while in a meeting with Shane Cory. He and I were discussing how to further extend branding and monetization within my business. Being a music video director I have an abundant choice of music and artists, so indirectly it was in my lane. With the constant flow of artists in and out of my life and business it allowed me to develop friendships and business relationships with them. By plugging the artists, producers, promoters and more into the same team, we have no direction to go but forward. Collectively we all progress, and make profit, together.
Gadfly: What kind of qualities are you representing? What’s been lost from the industry that you’re trying to bring back?
WR: Ultimately we aim to have our passion shine through our work. With our work ethics and high standards there are several avenues of success we are trying to pave for ourselves and take over, immediately.
Gadfly: Why do you like doing music videos and fashion spreads?
WR: I guess because with a music video I have the capability to express myself through other’s lyrics. I have the capability to combine the artist’s as well as my own rendition of that, the construction of what the lyrics mean. I can build a rendition as tight or loose to the words as possible… the looser the rendition the more creative it can be. Expression is everything, but I believe the gift of being able to express yourself through others words, lyrics, and actions is the greatest gift of doing music videos.
On the look book side, I love fashion as well as “lifestyle” photography (creating or capturing the environment to where the viewer almost feels as if they were present).
Gadfly: Who has been your favorite person to work with?
WR: Probably Kevin Sinatra.
Gadfly: Any particular reason?
WR: He is a very political/controversial artist. The music he writes is very much gauged towards the way I see things as well as the outlooks I have on life. With working with him on visuals it’s very easy for me to relate since we’re already on the same page. In doing so, my passion is at its highest and usually produces the highest quality work of mine. Not to mention he’s my brother as well as a very patient and understanding client.
Gadfly: I watched the video for his song “In My Soul.” Did you get a ticket during filming?
WR: Yes, we did. Trespassing on the bridge.
Gadfly: It fits perfectly in the video. You’ve done music videos for artists of all different genres from rock to country to rap. Do you have a favorite genre?
WR: The genre of music doesn’t affect me, I pride myself in being able to express myself through others emotions words and actions. I love good music. I was raised on Country but I eat thanks to Hip-Hop haha.
Gadfly: What about in photography? Do you have a favorite subject to photograph or expression you want understood?
WR: In the means of my still work I enjoy working with musicians, models, and clothing lines. It’s a little bit more difficult expressing a story through one frame versus 30 frames per second haha. On the expressions side I tend to gravitate towards the subjects who look tired and worn out with stories in their faces and eyes.
Gadfly: One of your music videos has been featured on MTV. What was that like?
WR: Honestly I had no idea that my video was even featured on MTV until about three months later. I was surprised when I found out from the editor of the film… since it was my second film and not exactly strong it was completely unexpected.
Gadfly: What projects are you working on now? I’ve heard a little bit about a movie and a breast cancer survivor project.
WR: Currently there are a few things in the works, including a movie and a book. Myself and screen writer Andre Catlett are set to begin working on a feature-length movie in mid-2012. As far as the book, depending on how this year goes I have expected release for late September. The book is untitled at the moment, but as you said is a project in tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors. Within the book there will be uplifting stories from 10-15 survivors, including artistic photographic aspects of the scarring, hair loss, mastectomies and to show the world the beauty in the experience. By showing them the faith, hope, and life changing decisions I hope to bring that opposite perspective to the situation and shine light on the shadowed positivity.
Gadfly: Can you tell me a little about this movie?
WR: Like I said, the movie was written by Andre Big Cat Catlett, who has too many roles to describe. It will be filmed in Fredericksburg, hopefully starting early June.
Gadfly: What is your role in the film?
WR: Director, Director of Photography, and Editor.
Gadfly: For the record, how old are you?
WR: I am 18 years old.
Gadfly: How old are most of the artists you work with?
WR: The age ranges between 16 and Mid 40’s.
Gadfly: Don’t you know that you’re too young for this? Just kidding. Seriously, though, has anyone told you that?
WR: In the beginning, I was very eager for people to know my age and they took advantage of me. Since then, I’ve surely learned who to speak about certain things to and who to let assume. More than anything these days me being so young provides a humbling factor to those much older than me who realize how young I really am. I take advantage of my youth, I’m very aware of the path I am paving and more than anything I can’t wait to be able to inspire those who aspire to follow their dreams.
Gadfly: Being a young independent artist, is there anything specific you are trying to say with your work or a point you are trying to get across?
WR: Be your own competition. Aim to have every one of your works to surpass your past by leaps and bounds and don’t ever let another make you think you aren’t capable of your goals and dreams. In my works I’d like people to see the emotions and expressions portrayed by those whom I work with and everyone to be able to get something out of it from one aspect or another. My main objective is to make sure the point of the film is expressed to the level of intent and achieve the highest capable recognition of the artist.
