EDWIN LATTOUF
A GROWING STAR
One of the most Exquisite and Unique talents the Haus is proud to introduce, EDWIN LATTOUF is a major lebanese artist. Known for his friendly personnality and strong talent, Edwin proved himself in the art world, and managed to gather fans and lovers, supporters and friends making himself not only a star shining in the middle-east sky, but also a role model for young people to follow. Here is the interview we were lucky to have had with him. Sincerely and happily answered, those answers really showed what a great spirit this artist have.
1. Tell us about yourself, Edwin Lattouf. What do you do in normal life?
I wake up early every morning and goes to work like everybody. I am a 3D designer and animator in a Production house. Even though this work takes the majority of my energy and my time, I always try to make profit of what remains of me! I go to the Gym on a daily basis, I am also the owner and General Manager of a newly-born freelance business. So everyday (every night) I check if all the work is going well, especially that my Business "ED GROUP" has 5 different departments in 5 different fields: Graphics, Events, Decor, Music, Skills and I am managing them all.
With what remains from all this, I try to find some quality time for myself, to improve my skills and knowledge or even do some art work. At some nights, I perform in the pubs where I work, or in special ceremonies.
...and of coursesome social life from time to time...
With what remains from all this, I try to find some quality time for myself, to improve my skills and knowledge or even do some art work. At some nights, I perform in the pubs where I work, or in special ceremonies.
...and of coursesome social life from time to time...
2. We know you are a very talented spirit, in music as well as in life. What is the most crucial part in every artist's life?
The most crucial thing is to preserve the talent you have! I believe that God created Humans equal and gave everyone talents and gifts for them to make profit of. It is our challenge to discover them, work on them, improve them, make profit of them and preserve them.
3. Where did you get your talent from?
God!
But talking Science I would answer the following: I Guess I inherited my talent from my Grandfather and Grandmother who had an exceptional singing talent and a remarkable one (at their era). My Grandmother used to say some very technical musical stuff, which I learned after years and years of music education, even though she hadn't studied any musical course! My aunt also has a unique voice, and I grew up by hearing her, and my grandmother, who used to sing all time. Mum sings too, and my vocal tone is very similar to my Dad! So I think I am a certain genes' work effect!
But talking Science I would answer the following: I Guess I inherited my talent from my Grandfather and Grandmother who had an exceptional singing talent and a remarkable one (at their era). My Grandmother used to say some very technical musical stuff, which I learned after years and years of music education, even though she hadn't studied any musical course! My aunt also has a unique voice, and I grew up by hearing her, and my grandmother, who used to sing all time. Mum sings too, and my vocal tone is very similar to my Dad! So I think I am a certain genes' work effect!
4. We knew you had an album so far on your record and you are preparing for a new CD. Can you give us a hint especially that it has been an original success?
Well, my first album is titled “Gift for all” and it contains 8 tracks of Christmas songs. Some of them are original and some are covers for well-known artists like Chris De Burgh, Abba and some others are traditional carols. In this album I interpreted different styles in 4 different languages so I could introduce myself in all these styles and it could please every person who listens to it. This is why it is named GIFT FOR ALL. The Hit of the album is its bonus track, it is a new and exceptional remix of Abba’s “Happy New Year” song interpreted in 2 languages and is arranged in a very new way and the song was put in several local radio stations at New Year’s Midnight as well as some international stations.
I am working now on a single which should be released soon, and it could be shot as video clip.
I am working now on a single which should be released soon, and it could be shot as video clip.
5. What is the most difficult part in the artist's life? Is it work itself, or inner conflicts and affects?
For my case, it is of course not WORK ITSELF! For me these are the most precious moments in this career and the most important ones, and the ones that give me pleasure and self satisfaction.
" No heart has ever known suffering while it was pursuing its dreams, because each moment of its quest is a moment of meeting with God and Eternity." Paulo Coelho's Alchemist.
So, I guess the most difficult part in my artist's life is each time I face a certain obstacle that blocks my road while walking towards my objective and my dream whether it was a certain production or financial difficulty (since I am personally producing my own work) or could be any other offensive thing meant to hurt me personally. (Trying to predict things)
But in general I enjoy my music career and it is the reason why I wake up every day (8).
" No heart has ever known suffering while it was pursuing its dreams, because each moment of its quest is a moment of meeting with God and Eternity." Paulo Coelho's Alchemist.
So, I guess the most difficult part in my artist's life is each time I face a certain obstacle that blocks my road while walking towards my objective and my dream whether it was a certain production or financial difficulty (since I am personally producing my own work) or could be any other offensive thing meant to hurt me personally. (Trying to predict things)
But in general I enjoy my music career and it is the reason why I wake up every day (8).
6. How do you cope with your social "entourage", and how do you contribute to art on the Lebanese scene?
My social “entourage” does really encourage me in all steps and sometimes helps me, directly or indirectly, to take certain decisions.
Concerning my contribution to art on the Lebanese scene, my major concern in my singing career is to be happy and make people happy. ( Not trying to be nice in the interview. I really think like that :D ) So I always try to find and present to my fans what they need, what could please them and revive in them what had died long time ago since I present ART and not Commercial art... and at this time, very rare are those who work for Music!
So what I only do is giving my all to my work, doing it with passion, love, creativity and intelligence, in a way that keeps me Special and Unique.
Concerning my contribution to art on the Lebanese scene, my major concern in my singing career is to be happy and make people happy. ( Not trying to be nice in the interview. I really think like that :D ) So I always try to find and present to my fans what they need, what could please them and revive in them what had died long time ago since I present ART and not Commercial art... and at this time, very rare are those who work for Music!
So what I only do is giving my all to my work, doing it with passion, love, creativity and intelligence, in a way that keeps me Special and Unique.
7. If you had a message to give to the international student community, what would it be?
Guys and girls, try to make profit of each advice and each course you take at the Campus for they are lifetime keys for success. And don't forget your talents and desires because they are the engine for your life and your creativity.
8. If you had only ONE WORD to say before you become silent forever, what would it be? And why?
BELIEVE
Because that’s what makes everyone succeed in life. Believe in God, Believe
in yourself and believe in miracles.
Because that’s what makes everyone succeed in life. Believe in God, Believe
in yourself and believe in miracles.
Said Maroun: A Lebanese Phenomenon
Winner of the “Cedar’s award 2010”, Said Maroun confided us with his experience through this unique and exclusive interview.
2010 was an artistic revolution in the Beirut history. This year, after Beirut was named “Capital of the Book” many young talents felt empowered to become authors. Those who already wrote to write more and those with talent to get published. Authors and illustrators all over the Lebanese map responded to the letters’ call and applied for several writing contests and book fairs making individual experience an international sensation.
2010 was an artistic revolution in the Beirut history. This year, after Beirut was named “Capital of the Book” many young talents felt empowered to become authors. Those who already wrote to write more and those with talent to get published. Authors and illustrators all over the Lebanese map responded to the letters’ call and applied for several writing contests and book fairs making individual experience an international sensation.
Who is Said Maroun outside the world of Art and Design?
I am an architect, and I’m still studying in the Lebanese university, in the institute of fine arts and architecture. Art runs like blood through my veins, that’s what they say, and in my case, it’s 100 percent true since I’ve always loved everything related to art, from my childhood till now, especially painting and writing.
I didn’t read very much though because I was a very active child and I still remember my mom asking me to read some book but I always refused (He smiles a little) and started to scream. However, I was a funny child, and everyone noticed I was always happy even though I felt angry once in a while… (He laughs)
Outside the world of art and design, I cannot define myself because the Art world is where I belong; it lives in me.
I didn’t read very much though because I was a very active child and I still remember my mom asking me to read some book but I always refused (He smiles a little) and started to scream. However, I was a funny child, and everyone noticed I was always happy even though I felt angry once in a while… (He laughs)
Outside the world of art and design, I cannot define myself because the Art world is where I belong; it lives in me.
What are your sources of inspiration and who is your muse?
My life is my inspiration source: my life at home, my environment, my entourage… However, my brains play big part of what I create since they always show me a much more creative version of my reality in dreams I see at night, though I do not dream that much.
I do not think a lot about engaging my art into anything except art and art alone. I draw because I enjoy drawing and I write because I enjoy writing. Everything I do, I put lots of imagination into it. I overdose everything.
I know many artists who always talk about inspiration and muses and stuff… Honestly, I think they’re all phony and fake. (He laughs big deal) I transform every real thing into a surreal creation of my own.
What style do you adopt when you design a project?
I am inspired by the most popular and most influencing image: “Mother Earth”. I like everything natural, with the least amount of sophistication. Green architecture always appealed to me, and sustainable building as well. I like to keep people close to their natural home. As long as it is simple, natural, positively affecting the environment, I enjoy taking it, making it and pouring my creation into it. Modern style is closer to my way of thinking; in fact, I think it is the newest version of the pre-historical style. No lies, no sophistication.
Do you feel you are inspired by some famous painter or architect?
I don’t know actually… I just follow my own sensation. I have trust in myself and I feel like I’m into creating new designs, new things, not necessarily related to other artists. I am so avant-garde, in that field, and I am really inspired by nature, everything young, fresh and new. As I already said, nature, especially Lebanon’s mountains, really speaks to me. I am inspired by ghosts, fairies and the spiritual world in general.
We are lucky to cover one of the major cultural events of the year, the cedar’s awards 2010. Being a winner, in English novel writing contest, tell us more about your experience.
First of all, it was a great experience for me and it was a much unexpected surprise. Especially that I am the only winner of that category.
Winning such contest in the capital Beirut provided me fame, exposure and it opened the doors of stardom in front of me. This made me believe that the way to the top is indeed possible if you had talent, strong will and the ability to work hard enough for it.
I got the idea to enter the Cedar’s award spontaneously, but I was writing to publish, and help teenagers all over the world get inside my world. I promise my fans that there will be many parts to the adventures of Alex.
Winning such contest in the capital Beirut provided me fame, exposure and it opened the doors of stardom in front of me. This made me believe that the way to the top is indeed possible if you had talent, strong will and the ability to work hard enough for it.
I got the idea to enter the Cedar’s award spontaneously, but I was writing to publish, and help teenagers all over the world get inside my world. I promise my fans that there will be many parts to the adventures of Alex.
Apart from writing and designing, Said is a painter. Tell us about your latest collection, which I may say, was a success.
I am a painter and I enjoy painting different themes mostly related to modern art. I use the oil to make my “chef-d’oeuvre”, and with the knife I make the colors pop and come to life. I am the creator of the 3D canvas painting. I like to make textures’ combinations that make people see sunlight through my paintings. I put lots of feelings and love in between the layers of the colors.
I painted the Christ and the crucifix from a new perspective no one had ever seen it before. I had many exhibitions since I was a child, and I also collected many art awards in Lebanon and the middle-east; my latest exhibition in “Rachid Karameh expo gallery” was a success. Many art lovers and fans gave me their support and brought new ideas to enhance my creations. Since I am a perfect gentleman, I had to work independently from their opinion. (He laughs one more time and shows his white vampirish teeth) You can see my collection on Facebook, and you can share your thoughts with me and give me your sincere opinion and review.
I painted the Christ and the crucifix from a new perspective no one had ever seen it before. I had many exhibitions since I was a child, and I also collected many art awards in Lebanon and the middle-east; my latest exhibition in “Rachid Karameh expo gallery” was a success. Many art lovers and fans gave me their support and brought new ideas to enhance my creations. Since I am a perfect gentleman, I had to work independently from their opinion. (He laughs one more time and shows his white vampirish teeth) You can see my collection on Facebook, and you can share your thoughts with me and give me your sincere opinion and review.
Do you have any hidden talents we should know about?
Hehe… I have so many hidden talents and unhidden ones too!! Hehe… What do you want to know? (He looks at me and smiles, intriguing me to ask for more) First of all, I am an opera singer, studying at the Antonines University; I am a Tenor. I like to dance, cook, canvas and needle work… everything made with my own bare hands. I like to do sculpting and I have many masterpieces. I write poems, novels, sagas, etc. I love graphic design therefore I teach in the High technical institute of St. Anthony, North Lebanon.
I am a “Botanique” fan and I love to go Bonsai trees. I even have my very own little Bonsai garden. I love acting and my biggest part has always been my life in this world. (He laughs once again and makes everyone laugh with him)
I am a “Botanique” fan and I love to go Bonsai trees. I even have my very own little Bonsai garden. I love acting and my biggest part has always been my life in this world. (He laughs once again and makes everyone laugh with him)
What are your projects for the upcoming year and future?
I am travelling two months to work in Qatar, as an architect for the Doha tower, and I am also planning an exhibition with new artists… But mostly I am enjoying the success my book made so far, and the next volume is on its way.
All I can say right now is “wait for me English people! I am coming! Keep asking for more!”
HAUS AUTUMN THEME
