Lindsey Meyers Interview

MD: For the record, state your name, age and occupation:

LM: Lindsey Meyers, 33, Photographer & Mixed Media artist

MD: Tell us about your work.

LM: I make photographs because it’s the only thing that I have that is really my own-it makes me feel grounded. I never intended to become a photographer and I basically shoot whatever I feel like shooting, despite having been told that I am better off shooting only one thing….
I like to move people with images and push the envelope… any way that is- that makes me feel satisfied- really and truly. I shoot only 35 mm pictures on my Canon that I have had since I was like 14- no post-digital/Photoshop stuff- just old school shooting.
My mixed media work is a result of a random trip to the art supply store and years and years of writing in journals, on the backs of parking tickets, gas receipts, leftover strips of canvas, etc. The pieces are large format photographs on layered canvas with gels, glitter and acrylic paints and whatever else my mood allows for… seems people either gravitate towards the photos OR the mixed media, and most seem to have strong emotions about both which is, again, just how I like it.

MD: What is your background? How did you get involved with art?

LM: I was born in the Northeast suburbs of Chicago and I don’t really have any artists in my family that passed on any traits, but being creative was always just a part of me and of life. And I come from a family of really funny people.
I studied theatre at Steppenwolf in Chicago and Choate in Connecticut, and then graduated from The Chicago Academy for the Arts with a Major in Theater and a minor in Music. We were immersed in creativity at the Academy- in every honest aspect of art really, from set making to costume design to writing to performing, so having that experience throughout high school really changed my life and affirmed my relationship with the Arts.
I also danced at Joel Hall in Chicago for a long time and studied at Columbia College in Chicago for a few years. I graduated from USC with a degree in Psychology- combining both art and Psych made perfect sense. And, thankfully, Los Angeles was the catalyst for my photography and mixed media just coming out and into the world. It took me by surprise actually- it was a time in my life where art really did save me.

MD: Do you have any upcoming (or past) exhibitions/ shows you'd like to discuss?

LM: I have shown work at the Agora Gallery in SoHo and out in Los Angeles which has been very cool. And I participated in a group show in Swainsboro, Georgia which was also great… the small town community there is trying exceedingly hard to expose its young people and residents to art and is doing an amazing job. It’s a true grass roots art movement down there and I am honored to have been a part of it.
One of my favorite shows has also been down South at The University of Mobile in Alabama, where I was given the "Southern Humor Award" for my mixed media piece called "America's Sweetheart." That, in itself, was funny and flattering.
I recently participated in the Ravenswood Art Walk in Chicago, and have a rather steady gig going with the Flat Iron Association’s "First Friday" and "smART Show" series at the Flat Iron Arts building in Wicker Park. I am hoping to get going on some shows in Logan Square this coming year- my neighborhood has a lot of street energy and art is being made everywhere… so it would be fantastic to get involved in the movement over here in 2010.

MD: Is any of your work political?

LM: Much of my work seems to have a political edge to it whether intentional or unintentional. That is not always welcomed in the art world. I like to explore gentrification, socio-economic issues, race and gender issues, etc., and I love the different dynamics, in landscape and in content, both above and below the Mason-Dixon Line… it’s my little fascination.
I do try to focus on our being human and together and similar and not on what keeps on separated. I have found that the ideologies present in the city of Chicago are not such a far cry from those that people like to believe are only ways of thinking and being in the American South. People here hate to admit that.
I derive so much of my inspiration from the underground music scene and graffiti movement that I was immersed in throughout my teenage years and in my early twenties. Street art is and has always been political, and I have much respect and admiration for all of the street artists who have paved the way for artists like me and for work like mine. It’s empowering to say it, whether on a brick wall in an alley or through a lens and a moment in time.

MD: Have you held any jobs/ careers that you'd like to discuss?

LM: I have done everything you can think of: dishwasher, waitress, coat check girl, nanny, school teacher, paralegal… the list goes on. I am a terrible, terrible waitress by the way. I always knew that I should stick with everything that made me relatively happy and usually paid the bills in order to get home and to create art on the dining room floor in the middle of the night.

Other than washing enormous pots of bean soup, I have liked most of these jobs- by far, teaching was the best. I taught middle school in California and preschool here in Chicago, and both of those experiences dramatically changed my life as well. All in all though, being a stay-at-home mom to my girls and continuing to make art has been the best combination to date….

MD: Any amusing anecdotes regarding your work?

LM: I usually get strange looks while shooting, and have had a range of shooting experience- from extremely scary to deeply and emotionally moving… usually I am asked if I am a cop or with a newspaper. It always makes me laugh to get asked if I am with the police though.
When I got told to “Fuck off” and was spat at on Milwaukee Avenue, I felt like I had gotten what I needed that day. But my best experience was talking to a Pastor named Andrew in Vicksburg, Mississippi- he was also pumping gas from the truck to the station. We discussed the light. I still carry his card in my wallet almost seven years later.

What are you currently reading? Matzo ball Gumbo, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, French Quarter Fiction, Coastal Living Magazine (it keeps me dreaming).

Favorite movies? Harold & Maude, Paris, The Wedding Singer, Away We Go, Ma Vie En Rose, Revolutionary Road

Music you like: Twilight Singers, Ed Harcourt, Kings of Leon, Explosions in the Sky, Nina Simone, Ray Lamontagne, and Patti Griffin.

MD: What are some of your interests?

LM: Traveling, baking, making music, hanging out with my girls, throwing parties and surrounding myself with good friends & family… nothing beats good eats and good drink and lingering well into the night.
And although it appears cliché, I enjoy being charitable. I always try to give to the Tipitina's Foundation in New Orleans, which raises money for NOLA schools and provides opportunities for musicians to succeed in the creative world. Giving back rocks- you can always spare a little something.

Favorite visual artists? Banksy, Sally Mann, Mackenzie Thorpe and Mary Ellen Mark

MD: If someone were to come to your town/ city (Chicago) to visit, what places/ bars/ parks/ events etc should they be sure to check out?

LM: 3rd Coast Café in the Gold Coast, the Lakefront and Lake Shore Drive, Logan Square, Blues Fest, Country Music Festival, Rosa's Blues Bar in Logan Square and Café Spiaggia for the best peach Asti and gnocchi on the planet.

Your website(s): http://www.lindseymeyers.com/

Laura Prieto-Velasco

Laura's metalsmithing process is an enigma; she finds her best work is made when she is simultaneously being OCD and making a HUGE mess (it's all about balance, yes?)...instead of keeping a diary, Laura has been keeping a collection of daily detritus samples (pictures please!)...having worked with metal for the past decade, Laura's still intrigued and obsessed with the material; perhaps it's the crystalline structure? Its response to fire? Its recycle-ability? Even when working with other materials, Laura finds she treats just about everything she touches as if it were metal. One time, for example, Laura tried to rivet together a wood frame, only to fail miserably and leave some sweet hammer-marks on the surface (hey, live and learn, right?)...

Website: http://www.lauraprietovelasco.com/
Blog: http://www.skrapmetal.wordpress.com/

Michael Brucks

Tell us about your work.

This new series of work started with the idea of creating a cult but without an ideology. As if someone was lost in a forest and accidentally stumbled upon some ancient, long-forgotten world rife with all its symbols, relics and artifacts but no understanding of what it meant. I loved that idea. I wish I could discover that world. Instead I made it myself!

What is your background? How did you get involved with art?
I'm from the suburbs. I went to Catholic schools my whole life. My older brother and I used to put on mock masses when we were little ones in the middle of the night. I loved cartoons on Saturday mornings. I once made a promise to god that I would NEVER give up my Saturday morning cartoons! Alas, I grew up and discovered girls. But I always loved to draw and create narratives. It's just in my blood. I had to do it.

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions/ shows you'd like to discuss?
The new work had been planned to be exhibited by a not-for-profit organization called Gen Art. We had some problems but I love the people there and I really hope we can do the show together.



Is any of your work political?
No. I'm officially apolitical. So many people shouting "Obama this" and "Obama that". Do all these people truly believe their destiny lies in the hands of some random dude? My future belongs to me. Who cares who's president.

What themes does your work generally revolve around?
I remember watching Dustin Hoffman on "Inside the Actor's Studio" and he was telling a story of having dinner with Sir Lawrence Olivier. They had just finished filming "Marathon Man" together. Hoffman asked him "why do we do this?" and Olivier said, "you want to know why?" and then leaned over the table and stared him dead in the eye and whispered intensely "Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!"

What materials do you generally work with?
Paper, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic and Charcoal. I love wood. I love cutting it. I love the smell of it.

Did you study art in school?
Yes. I too have one of those useless Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts! I met great people in school. School is a great place to strike up friendships and socially interact. But as a witty American writer once said, "never confuse your schooling with your education."

Have you held any jobs/ careers that you'd like to discuss?
I once heard that Bruce Willis said that he got laid more as a bartender than an actor. I was a bartender once.



Any amusing anecdotes regarding your work?
The nicest thing anyone said to me regarding my work was "you're fucking crazy! (dramatic pause) but in a good way."

What are you currently reading?
I found an old book publish in 1885 on "legerdemain" which is an old way of saying "sleight of hand." But I really just got it for the old instructional illustrations. I love those! But I don't read that often. I mostly just sit alone in my studio and stare at the wall or walk around and pretend things and talk to myself.

Favorite movies?
Braveheart, Apocalypto. I love strong archetypes and I don't think anyone does it better these days than Mel. I don't care what anyone says about him.

Trois Couleurs: Rouge, Bleu, Blanc. The late Krzysztof Kieslowski made this trilogy and he's amazing at creating these compelling, intimate moments that really hit me in the gut. They don't seem to have a clear logical explanation to them. I value the gut much more than the head. He's dead now, but he had guts!



Music you like:
Aphex Twin, Underworld, Marilyn Manson, Eminem, Old Metallica

What are some of your interests?
Close-up magic, filmmaking, languages, mimicking accents... especially strong Russian ones like Sean Connery did in "The Hunt For Red October."

Favorite comic strips/ comic books/ graphic novels?
I used to love when Jae Lee did Sandman. I remember always hunting for anything that Bart Sears drew. I never read the stories though. But after finding out that "A History of Violence" was a graphic novel, I changed my mind! Great story! Great movie!

Favorite visual artists?
Luigi Serafini created a series of works called the Codex Seraphinianus. What an amazing idea!



If someone were to come to your town/ city to visit, what places/ bars/ parks/ events etc should they be sure to check out?
There is a tree growing in an alley way on Leavitt street (in the city of Chicago). I used to remember the crossroad but now I forget. But you should drive up and down Leavitt until you see this tree growing in an alley. It's magical!

Your website(s):
http://www.michaelbrucks.com/

Mike Wolff / Mr.Doodle Interview

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Mr.Doodle; an artist, illustrator and designer, thoughtfully manufactured out of lego in the beautiful Sussex countryside some 30 years ago. I lived in a tree until the age of 10 when I discovered I had the ability of flight. These days I like to produce beautiful, weird, surreal, pleasurable, intricate, enticing and exciting images, objects and virtual environments. I like the colours green, yellow and orange in no particular order. Qualities I admire in others include open mindedness and integrity. In my youth I had a penchant for tree climbing and dressing as Superman. Nowadays I prefer to indulge in sophisticated doodling, meditation and cheese on toast eating. Which reminds me.... I think I've left the grill on. Oh... and since the passing of the millenium I have been on a quest. It's exciting!

What has been inspiring you lately?

That's a tricky one as inspiration springs from everywhere and everything. Right now I'm loving the work of Brosmind, Universal Everything, The Monsters Illustration Collective, Cristina Guitian, Kill Pixie, Micheal Rea and Sarah King to name but a few. I think looking at other people's work - especially your contemporaries - is a very good way of getting motivated and inspired to create, but in terms of the actual content of my work, inspiration is often found in the most mundane of places. Looking at clouds, watching people, toys, children's books, plants, dreams, meditating, just looking around at the stuff that surrounds you in life - and I mean really looking, often from a different or more objective viewpoint... The list could go on forever, but you get what I mean.

Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then?

I think most creative people have creative slumps as you call them. It's very difficult to be 100% creative 100% of the time. I try to see this downtime as part of the overall creative process though. As a positive instead of a negative. The calm before the creative storm so to speak. I also find that meditation helps in maintaining a more consistent creative flow.

Describe your work setting.

A desk by a window. A room with a view. Lots of stuff to inspire and use. The inevitable bank of white, black and silver technological equipment. Plants, books, wire, toys, tools and trolls. Gourds, pens, paper, stones, artwork on the walls, wooden objects, postcard and music... always music.

Which artists have most influenced you and why?

When I was younger I got twisted by Salvador Dali and other surrealists. Their art just seemed to make sense to me. It's likely that the surreal nature in a lot of what I do stems from spending ages looking at his work when I was back at school. Nowadays, with the internet we are exposed to so much more contemporary artwork and artists, so the avenues for inspiration and artistic influence are far greater than ever before. I have hundreds of artists' websites bookmarked, and admire a very wide range of creative people, so again it's difficult to name names, but those who are doing something unique or pushing the boudaries of their field are always a head turner. I also love to see other people who are embracing the world of the doodle.

Other than art, what are some of your interests?

Reiki, cycling, cooking, tea drinking and exploring the inner mysteries of life

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Maybe Australia. I lived in Melbourne for a while and loved it there. Anywhere with nice warm, sunny weather for most of the year would be ideal. Preferably somewhere with nice beaches also. I'm sure there are many amazing places around the globe that fit that description.

In what city do you currently live? What are a few must see spots you would recommend?

I live in Brighton, England. It's a great city with so much to see and do. The most famous landmark is the Royal Pavilion, which looks like a bunch of giant onions on pillars, so you'd have to check that out. The seafront in summertime. Take a stroll through the North Laines with all it's funky little shops, cafes and other delights. If you're planning a trip in May all the better, as the Brighton festival transforms the whole town into a cultural wonderland.

Did you study art or are you self taught?

I studied illustration at University, although whether it actually taught me that much compared to what I have subsequently learnt through self teaching is debatable.

Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions?

Not too many plans at the moment, but I will be taking part in an exhibition later in the year as part of the Spraygraphic artists community. I also want to exhibit in Brighton at some point, so will have to look into making that happen before the year is out.

Favorite quote/ lyric from a short story, poem or song?

I'm not really a fan of selecting a favourite this or that. There are so many pearls of wisdom out there to choose from. Saying that, I did hear this quote from Gandhi recently and it stuck with me. "Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviors. Keep your behaviors positive because your behaviors become your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny."

What are you currently reading?

The amazingly inspirational 'Ask And It Is Given' by Esther and Jerry Hicks, and a wonderful collection of short stories in 'Love and Obstacles' by Aleksandar Hemon

Website: www.mrdoodle.com

Tom Smith / Dr. Sizzle Interview

MD: What is your background? How did you get involved with art?

Dr. Sizzle: I always drew on stuff as a kid... copied the Sunday paper funnies and my Saturday morning cartoon favorites. Then by the 2nd grade I got into breakdancing which was married with graffiti art (somewhere around '82 think). Through Graffiti I quickly developed my cartooning skills and progressed into more realistic styles of drawing. I was always fascinated with drawing the human form: faces, hands, and dynamic poses. I guess I was born with an artistic passion in my soul. Lots of people tell me true artists are left handed because they use the right side of the brain which is the side that is most creative or some shit. I guess that makes sense. After taking high school art majors I realized art was something I was good at and could probably make a living doing, so I signed my good name to a student loan at the Art Institute of Philadelphia where I received my degree in Visual Communications / Graphic Design.

MD: How would you describe your work?

Dr. Sizzle: Well my current body of work would probably be described best as exaggerated realism. I don't know if that makes sense or not but it's kind of a distorted life-like caricature using Pin-Ups as my foundation. Instead of distorting distinctive facial features, I exaggerate the anatomy in whole, enhancing heads, hands, and other bodily forms in inflated proportions.

MD: Have you studied art in school? What did you like best about the school you attended? What advice would you give to anyone considering going to school vs. doing it on their own?

Dr. Sizzle: As mentioned previously, I attended AI where I thought I was being taught to be a better artist. The drawing and painting classes were minimal and they geared us towards computers and graphic design. In the long run it helped with getting a job. But I guess I was expecting to be more of an Illustrator. It was like pulling teeth to get info out of some of the teachers. Others taught me more than I can understand and still to this day am just realizing what they meant. As far as advice- choose your school wisely. Education is expensive and if you are serious about it choose a serious school and program. When it all comes down to it, you either have it or you don't. School doesn't give you talent – it just helps you sharpen your skills.

MD: How have you been influenced by the art community? Who/ what inspires you?

Dr. Sizzle: To be honest I try not to keep up with the art community. It sickens me to open an art publication and see new artists being featured and it all looks the same to me. Art has become trendy and it's really another person's rendition of a style that already has been done. There are a bunch of artists out there that are setting these trends and I enjoy their works but I see others copying them to the point where they can't even enjoy their own creativity. So I really don't get influenced by the art community other than techniques that I might want to experiment with. To me, I see art as an expression of ones thoughts carried onto a medium or surface. Paint, Drawing, Sculpting or what ever your fancy, should be 100% your own visions. Don't paint to impress the masses or magazines- paint because that's what you paint even if it sucks. If you're passionate about it you'll make it great and people will appreciate it more than you're ripped off version of someone else's passion.

MD: Do you have a career/ job (other than the art you create independently)?

Dr. Sizzle: Yup, I am a motion graphics designer and animator for TV and video. I create the cool stuff people take for granted on TV. Like your favorite commercials, or music videos and even the show title open.

MD: Have you had any careers not related to art?

Dr. Sizzle: HA! I designed Hoagies while going to AI. LOL. Yeah, lots of odd jobs before I got my break in the professional world.

MD: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

Dr. Sizzle: It's tough out there. To put a price on something you spent a good deal of time on and expect someone topay that is really hard. If you're up and coming, or just not well known enough, you really have it hard. I have a hard enough time parting with my originals as it is and to price them to sell is almost impossible. I've been creating prints and selling limited numbers signed until I exhausted them to the point of selling the originals. Creating a website and swag helps a lot to promote myself and get the name Dr. Sizzle out there. It's really hard balancing time to paint, promote, work my day job, hold my family together … not to mention my nine million hobbies and other creative vices…

MD: What are your goals? What are your plans for the future?

Dr. Sizzle: My plans are to paint when I feel like it and not make it my job. It's important to me to keep painting a hobby and not my primary source of income. Once that happens it becomes work which is no fun. I paint for passion not for paychecks. Changing that would have a considerable effect on my art and my love for it. I plan to continue painting my Pin-Ups and
branch them off into a few directions and various series. I have a few products in the works as well as some videos and books planned, so stay tuned!

MD: Do you have side projects you work on? Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past?

Dr. Sizzle: Being a graffiti artist, I have worked on much collaboration on a very large scale. It's one of the best feelings. I hope to get out this summer and do a few more.

MD: What was one of the most memorable projects you've worked on?

One is a portrait I did of Miss Mia Sinclair which took over a year to complete and is one of my largest brush paintings. Mia passed away last October 2008. I'm glad I had the pleasure of working with her.

MD: What are the biggest changes you've seen in the art world since you got involved? Where do you see the art industry going in 5 years? 10 years?

Dr. Sizzle: Well I have to say the "Lowbrow" art scene has taken the world by storm. It was frowned upon and was never really accepted into the gallery and art world but now it is pretty much dominating the globe. I suspect things will evolve full circle. As people start to realize there is a difference between Lowbrow Art and Lowbrow posers. People will eventually go back to a more Fine Art taste and talentless crud will wash away. Then again who am I to say what is good and what is not. Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. So maybe the things I call trash and what people love and that will wash fine artists away AHHA. Who cares, art is art. People will express themselves whether someone likes it or not. I think if enough people hate you you're probably doing it well enough to piss people off it will eventually become the best thing the movement ever seen. Just like PUNK ROCK!

MD: Favorite painter/ artist:

Dr. Sizzle: I have tons of favorites, a few, in no particular order are;
Keith Wessner, Glenn Barr, Coop, Gil Elvgren, Rockin' Jellybean, Maxfield Parrish, Robh Ruppel, Kris Kuksi, Frank Frazetta, and many others.

MD: What are you listening to?

Dr. Sizzle: Old Punk from the early 80's

Website: http://www.drsizzle.com/

Leo Boyd / Arg My Face

LB: To me art is something that I'm compelled to make, something like the cup of coffee that I need to drink in the morning to wake up. It's a slap round the face and I have an almost physical drive to produce. The world we live in is driven by image and signs that jump up and down and shout at us, all vying for portions of our attention. There is a rubbish tip in our brains that is full of this stuff, from the Ladybird books of our childhood to the swine flu pamphlets we read and discarded just a few months ago. All this old information sits there, rotting, getting confused, and I feel I need to use it, to dig it up and paste it back together to create new and hopefully interesting pieces. Its psychic recycling I guess. I like my work to be funny. And dark. There is something satisfying about mixing the two things and it's always good to be able to laugh at the darker side of life. I also find the mundane fairly beautiful. I have a thing at the moment for traffic lights. To me they look like the strange totem poles of some technologically advanced society that worships three colored gods. I can't get enough of them.

MD: What is your background? How did you get involved with art?

LB: My mum is an artist and we were always encouraged creatively. I have very early memories of drawing felt-tip pictures of superman and then covering them in a layer of cellotape so that they would last forever. The pictures didn't last but my creative drive is still going strong.

MD: What are some of your goals and/ or plans?

LB: To keep doing what I do and strive to get better at it. I'd also like to visit Mars.

MD: Have you exhibited your work?

LB: Have just finished exhibiting in Bristol with three other Argists and am hanging an exhibition this week in Temple Bar with Eavan O'Sullivan, another excellent artist (and Argist) who creates these weird collage animals that would be the stuff of nightmares if they weren't so cute. The show is called What the Cat Dragged In.

MD: Have you held any jobs/ careers that you'd like to discuss?

LB: At the moment I'm working for a community arts organization called City Art Squad but before this I have held a number of glamorous positions in Chicken Factories and mental homes.

MD: What are you currently reading?

LB: Just finished reading Light by M John Harrison and Nova Swing by the same author. Two books of brain twistingly good science fiction that will keep you on your toes for weeks after reading.

MD: If you were to build a house out of unorthodox materials, what type of house would you build?

LB: I'd build a tower out of MSG, coffee and twisted science fiction novels. That way I'd never sleep even if I wanted to.


MD: Playlist of a few favorite songs:

LB: I am a big Radiohead fan. I love their oblique use of sound and the way they can make even the most horrible thing seem beautiful. Check out 'four minute' warning on youtube to see what I mean. My friends get annoyed because I play Radiohead too often but I know that they love it really!

MD: What are some of your interests?

LB: I love surfing but I live on the wrong side of the country to do it as much as I want to so I am hanging on for 2012 when the world is supposed to spin on its axis. Hopefully that will send some good swell Dublin way.



MD: Historical figure you'd like to have a drink with, given the chance?

LB: Oooo this is a difficult question. I mean I'd love to go for a few drinks with Lenin mainly so I could get some photos of me and him in the pub but you could say the same of most historical characters. Lichtenstein is someone who I'd like to have met and Patrick Moore too but he's still alive so I guess that doesn't count?

MD: Favorite visual artists?

LB: There are too many to list outright but I love the work of the Pop artists, the Dada group, Otto Dix, Sigmar Polke and the Futurists.

Arg My Face Website: http://www.argmyface.com/

Angela Davidson Q&A

What is your background? How did you get involved with art?

My mom says I was born with a crayon in my hand. I don't remember not being involved with art.

How would you describe your work?

I do all kinds of things, including painting, but the last couple of years I've been focused on making original crocheted creatures. I would describe them as whimsical, colorful, humorous, and occasionally demented.

Have you studied art in school? What did you like best about the school you attended? What advice would you give to anyone considering going to school vs. doing it on their own?

I went to University of the Arts and majored in painting and drawing for my undergrad. I loved being part of such a diverse artistic community. I would advise someone considering art school that you absolutely must be self motivated and self driven, otherwise you are unlikely to get anything out of art school besides massive debt.

How have you been influenced by the art community? Who/ what inspires you?

There's a big difference between the art community and the crafts community. Both are a source of inspiration, but I have found the crafts community to be much more supportive. I love going to craft shows to see what other people are doing. I am also a little bit obsessed with street art- I love the color and the freedom of it. Most of my favorite art comes from people who haven't been corrupted by art school.

Do you have a career/ job (other than the art you create independently)?

I'm currently in graduate school at UArts, studying art education.

Have you had any careers not related to art?

I waited tables for several years, I worked at Whole Foods for a while, and a few other soul-sucking tedious and torturous jobs…

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

It's always hard to put a price tag on something that you put your heart and soul into. But I am learning as I go.

What are your goals? What are your plans for the future?

I'm not much of a planner. I can hardly see past this afternoon. If you're not stuck to a plan, the possibilities are endless and you'll never be disappointed.

Do you have side projects you work on? Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past?

Not so much. When I'm really involved with a project, I have tunnel vision until it's completed.

What was one of the most memorable projects you've worked on?

Recently, the crocheted giant squids, especially Big Al.

What are the biggest changes you've seen in the art world since you got involved?

I would have to say technology has had an enormous impact for artists, for both creating and marketing. I see the digital realm taking over more and more and I have to say I'm a little bit scared.

Favorite painter/ artist:

Definitely Frida Kahlo.

Is there a book that has strongly influenced you?

Ummmm… not really. If I had to pick one, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Nothing beats a really great epic novel.

What are you listening to?

I'm obsessed with the John Butler Trio right now. Other than that, I'm pretty much stuck in the 90s. Pearl Jam and Ani DiFranco will always be number one in my heart.

Website: AngDavidson.etsy.com

TreMundo: Traci Nelson Q&A

Tell us a little about your website(s).

Tremundo is a reflection of self and a little piece of my world. The site highlights a few of my creative outlets and vanguards I’ve met along the way. I try to continually update the site based upon latest work and new projects that I might be experimenting.
The power of the web is often underestimated and using a website not only helps to promote my own work, also helps to network and learn with other artists! There’s an amazing amount of talented artists in the world, networking has become so vital and also serves as a great tool to learn and inspire any artist.

I also have a book website, wakingtotears.., that promotes my book and as a tool for people to connect with similar situations. My book site is the side of me that uses words as art. A voice for myself as well as many people and opens the eyes to those who just might think they are invincible.

What are you currently reading?
ADORN magazine…great mag referred to by another artist and luckily enough to find in a craft store. Full of new ideas and great tips for various art and craft projects.

Tell us a little about yourself.
How much time do you have…this would take too long…basically I try to live a simple life while bombarded by a complex life. Truly appreciate the little things and keeping it simple all the while living life as a woman, mother, artist, author, activist and all around jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none!

I once read that not utilizing our creative outlets is like having perpetual PMS. I find myself seeing the world with what can I make with that? Did you see the color and form of the clouds? How did those sneakers end up on the phone wire? How did they make that? Can I try to transform that into something that works with what I’m doing? Curious to what surrounds me while utilizing that creative outlet as therapy!

Most important, I have amazing mini-me’s that are the jewels of my life. They are my greatest inspirations, trials and most rewarding part of my life. They are a part of everything I do and keep me busier than I ever imagined!

Describe your recent artwork.
Always working on some sort of project from textiles to recently experimenting with collage and printmaking at home, utilizing the falling leaves, oils and the joy of caran d’ ache crayons! I’ve noticed that I’ve had a trend of having some form of trees in my most recent works. Ever notice how leaves are like snowflakes…no two alike?

In addition to my personal art, currently working on a new community project with anti-violence efforts similar to Peaceful Vizion. New project is a voice for Philly youth and a remembrance of victims, witnesses and survivors of violence. There is more than one generation deeply affected by violence and their voice has been quiet for too long. Our future has been muffled by the violence and seek to be heard and will be through their art.

What type of planning and preparation do you engage in before starting on a new project?
More than anything, there is something that inspires me to do a new piece of work, be it a person, place or thing…something that has evoked an emotion that needs to be put into art. I play around with image and tools until I find what is working with what I am feeling. Must have music on, great lighting and escape into that little place I go to when I create!

What interests do you have other than art?
Have a bad habit of this incredible need to pick up that lonely piece of furniture along the curb, take it home, nourish it, refurnish it and create a new piece from someone’s trash. I’m always amazed at what you can find and how disposable we really are in this society!

Love the outdoors, be it the woods or the sand between my toes. There is something serene about the ocean that seems to put me in my place and remind me how small we really are in this world. Spend time near the ocean all year round, the air is refreshing, always find something to inspire the creative part of me and cleanses the soul.

Favorite short story or poem: to be nobody but yourself e.e. cummings

Favorite lyrics to a song: It's a toss-up between:

“Let me take you on a trip, Around the world and back …” ”World in My Eyes” Depeche Mode
“Then you really might know what it's like...” “What It’s Like” Everlast

Q&A with Sierra Brown

Sierra Brown, a Cal State Long Beach student, swam 11 miles through the ports to her campus as part of an art project. Brown thought up the "Port To Class Supercommute" as a way of encouraging people to get out of their cars and take alternative forms of transportation.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a 28-year old MFA student at CSULB and I live in San Pedro, Ca. I was raised in Flagstaff, AZ and Albuquerque, NM but fell in love with surfing at 16 when I moved to Perth Australia. Since then I’ve lived and travelled around the world. For the last 4 years I have supported myself as a graduate student by working 6 months per year as a wildland firefighter on the El Cariso Hotshots along with intermittent work on sport fishing and dive boats. Last year I obtained my 100-ton captain’s license, quit working for the forest service, and I continue to work on boats. I prefer water over fire.

Describe your recent artwork.
Most of my recent work revolves around concerns related to global consumerism and the transportation not only of goods, but of ourselves. I’ve been working on a video series called Import that includes numerous 3 to 5 minute clips of cargo ships, cruise ships, and oil tankers moving through the Ports of LA and Tokyo. The Port-to-Class Supercommute is a sort of reaction to Import, where starting from San Pedro I will navigate through the Ports of LA and Long Beach in 8 different human powered methods as I commute to my Monday night class at CSULB. I had an intimate encounter with the busiest port in the western hemisphere on October 1st when I crossed its 11 mile span by swimming for 6 hours and 37 minutes.

What type of planning and preparation do you engage in before starting on a new project?
In the case of the Port-to-Class Supercommute it took me about 6 months of brain storming and research to come up with the design of the project. There were many small, but important details than I needed to cover, such as the legalities of swimming through the port. I had to prepare by researching long distance swimming and then doing the right kinds of training swims to feel confident in the project. It seems like I’ve been on the phone for the last two month just trying to plan out the logistics for Port-to-Class.

What steps do you take to minimize the risks involved in a project?
Take vitamins, and notify the port police. I forgot to do the latter last time.

What are you currently reading?
Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox. It’s been a refreshing break from academia, and she makes me feel like a wimp! She swam across the Bering Strait in 1987, easing cold war tensions in an area where borders were closed, and swam across the Ohio River in Cincinnati when water quality standards were going to be decreased. I discovered Cox and her book after I came up with the idea of swimming through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and it may have been the determining factor in my finish. I never knew the act of swimming could have such social and political power.

Favorite short story or poem:
The Big Orange Splot, by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

Tell us a little about your website.
My friend, Rick Logan, helped me tremendously with my website. I wanted a nebula, outer-space kind of theme to go with the concept of long-distance endurance travel in the Port-to-Class Supercommute project. The website also contains a blog where I’ll be posting the aftermath of each week’s commute from San Pedro to CSULB, as well as a survey of videos and art from undergrad and graduate school.

To read or listen to 89.3 KPCC's interview with Sierra Brown: link

Sierra's website

Jessica Stafford

Your website(s): www.jessicastaffordsart.com
My website is constantly being updated with my art and a list of my current shows.

Favorite lyrics to a song:
"Soldiers come quickly, I feel the earth beneath my feet." from the Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley.

What are you currently reading?
"How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist" by Caroll Michels, and "Limbo" by A. Manette Ansay

Favorite movies:
I Heart Huckabees, Little Miss Sunshine, Amelie, Garden State, and Boondock Saints.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Petaluma, CA. I've always loved art, and started oil painting at 14. I went to San Diego State University and earned my BA in Painting and Printmaking with an Art History minor in May 2006. Since graduating I traveled to Costa Rica and Peru. I missed my family and moved back to Petaluma, where I work at Whole Foods Market as a chalkboard artist.

Tell us about your recent artwork.
I have been working on a new series called "Quarter Life Crisis." I've been creating more collages in birth control pill cases and painting on canvases.


Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us; do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
Right now I am working in my apartment. I generally like to listen to music or talk to my roommate if she is home. When I was in school I loved to talk while I created. I met great friends in schools by having conversations while painting like Suzanne and Adrienne.

What interests do you have other than art?
I like to do yoga, exercise and travel. I'm also very passionate about helping the environment. For Christmas last year I gave every one renewable choice energy wind power cards, and energy saving light bulbs in a reusable canvas bag.

Michael Ryan

Your website(s): http://www.michaelryanart.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born is Southern California in 1982, grew up there always knowing I wanted to be an artist.

Tell us about your recent artwork.
I have quite a few paintings and drawings I am working on that are a continuation of this series/theme thats been on going for a couple years. Its ever evolving, but there is an underlying world throughout. Using historical models contrasted with contemporary elements and environments to depict the replacement and direction we are going in regards to spiritualism, the physical world, industry, individually, many other societal elements. Also very much dealing with human condition, the physical effects of a corrupted heart. Everything is being corrupted and polluted, but there is always a glimmer of hope, maybe a chance for salvation. Im also very much in love with just beautiful portraiture and am working on a series of portraits as well. Theres still alot of beauty left in the world and the soul but it just seems like its in front of a really ugly and disturbing back drop, and that beauty cant help but be polluted alot of the time.

Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us; do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
Yeah I usually play music, either pretty heavy and fast music, or movie scores and classical. I usually prefer to be alone.

What interests do you have other than art?
I pretty much read when I'm not painting.

http://www.manufactured-dissent.blogspot.com/2007/06/michael-ryan.html

Yuko Adachi

Your website(s): http://www.superfineartist.com/ or www.YUKOADACHI.com

Tell us a little about yourself. I was born in Tokyo and was raised in Japan, Paris, London and the United States of America. I traveled extensively while I was young. I acknowledge cultural differences between countries and respect them as a historical legacy of humanity, but deep in my heart, I just feel that I am a person, just like anyone else, who just wants to connect with people from soul to soul. I am humbly fascinated with how every human being is born with a talent unique to themselves. The contributions of every one of us have the potential to make this world better. I just happen to be born to become an artist. I feel I am here to share and nurture my gift with others. I’ll rejoice the moment we are able to share in being alive through my works. Today, I live and work in Boston with my partner, Swiss artist Andreas Gmur.


Tell us about your recent artwork. My works reflect my genuine love for life, an appreciation of being alive and my interest in expressing the spiritual journey during the process of creating art. I find it my responsibility as an artist to stay genuine to what it means to create art works and to understand how art can be so important to support and foster the potential human spiritual evolution. To me, art is about exchanging the pure energy of love by staying true to my present self, and by giving the best of my purest present energy. I paint and draw in many different styles and I want to stay that way. I do not want to get imprisoned in my own creation as long as I can stay creative and free and to trust myself. Just like art, music and books have enriched my spiritual growth; I want my work to be a part of encouragement and discovery of beauty and strength for the growth of inner life within all of us.

When did you first realize that you wanted to work w/ art? I told people I wanted to be an artist when I was 5.

Can you explain how you decide on the images you use in your work? I do not have any images I work with from the start till the very end. I have no idea what comes up next and that keeps me excited because the sky is my limit when I create art. The imageries will all come out naturally through the dialogue between the blank sheet of paper or canvas I start off and where it takes me is an unknown path, otherwise, why bother doing art? To me, art is about trusting human potential and opening myself to the higher ground that is yet to be awakened so I can be in touch with the universal energy of life. It is a way to be in the state of ultimate nothingness filled with everything about life.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music? I can never work with anybody around me. I can not even work well when I detect my own presence. It is hard to get there every time but when I am able to purely become one with the present moment to the point that I forget my identity and I am no longer bounded by my physical body, I feel as if I become a ball of energy. When I catch that later after I snap out of it, I feel that I was in the ultimate creative environment. Sometimes I play music when I make art but it all depends on my mood. I love music so it is always in me. I use music to get myself into a meditative state or when I try to bring out certain emotions that I need to get in touch with.

What interests do you have other than art? Food, music, singing, travel, books, yoga and nature. I love throwing parties with my own cooking. I have a tremendous joy in making delicious and creative food using ingredients I have never tried before and presenting them in such ways so that the guests enjoy the ambiance of the party. I love music and can not live without it. I play instruments but I am not proficient. If I were musically gifted, I would have loved to be a musician because I feel music is the most powerful form of art to reach the human hearts.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist? People react very well to my work and I am not too worried about my future as long as I keep creating the best works I can in the given moment, but the business side of art is hard especially for someone like me who will not trade the freedom of my creativity with commercial success. I used to think that I want to make a living with my art but learning the downside of it, selling art is secondary to me at this point and I try to bring money for living from other sources to pursue my true calling as an artist without any distraction of financial stress. I do not want to paint just to fill up the gallery walls to have a look of a coherent body of works like a factory without any artistic connection to the work. If it naturally happens, that is fine but I do not want to create art for any other reasons except for expressing my inner voices to connect with other souls. To me, that is real and I want to be true to my art. I see the importance of exposure so people will notice your work and your presence as an artist, so I try to show my works when I think the venue is right for me. I feel that fundamentally, true art and business, they should not interfere each other. Each stands on its own. I am learning to take time to find a gallery or art rep who understands what I am and encourages me to stay true to my path. I know it will happen.

Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past? Yes, 2 years ago, I was fortunate to be discovered by two talented musicians, Ai Isshiki and Sakiko Mori, who offered to create original music for my paintings and I also painted listening to their music and we put a show together. They performed a live music in front of my paintings and audiences and the energy of the show was beautiful. You can check the reviews at: http://www.meniscusmagazine.com/6_issue_site/6pages/vibes_i6_019.htm

Who and what are your influences? I am just one of the living entities in the universe, so everything around me influences me including physical and non physical matters. My most positive influences are spiritual connection to the energy of life, especially with people who are on the similar energy vibration as me and all the nature.

Looking back, how has your style changed? I don’t know if I can call it a change but I can definitely see the growth.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am unable to think about too much of a future given the fact that all I have is now. If I am still alive in 10 years, I will be excited to learn what I am at that moment. I shall see!

Have you had any other careers? How have these influenced your career as an artist? Once I worked for a big firm and I did not have time to make art. It made me realize that if I do not create art, I die. So here I am. I want to dedicate my energy to create art as much as possible.

What are the best and worst parts of your work? Best part is when I look at my work, although it came through me, I feel the art work has a life of its own and some of my own works moves me when I am feeling down and gives me much love. Worst parts? If I do not like my work, I let it sit for a while till the day I feel I know what to do with it, so I need lots of storage!

Have you studied art in school? Besides taking other classes, I took some art classes at Georgetown University in Washington D.C, and I received my second bachelor's in painting in Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University and I also attended the School of Museum of Fine Arts as a selected exchange student. After graduating art school, I took continuing education classes at Mass College of Art.

Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them? They evolve.

People in your field whom you most admire: I admire any human beings who are genuine and passionate towards what they do, so there is no specific single person who I admire.

What has the reaction to your work been? Emotionally charged and positive. Some even cry.

Do you have the memory of a very special moment in you career? Yes, when I realized that my body is just a container for my soul when I am creating art and when people connect with my work and a total stranger came and hugged me and we understood each other’s energy.

Favorite songs/ favorite music: Songs I love are so personal and it does not mean a thing to anyone else so I will not list them here but I love acoustic music, Jazz, Bossanova, 80’s, soundtracks from movies and Classical music.

Favorite painter/ artist: I enjoy looking at Gauguin’s color palette and subject matters, Klimt’s design quality and handling of the paint, Magritte’s psychology behind the work, Francis Bacon’s composition and surface and energy, Picasso’s different stages in life, Sargent’s brush works and Van Gogh’s dedication and it goes on…

Magazines you read regularly: I don’t do anything on a regular basis except for making art…. But I sometimes read spiritual magazines if I feel like it and also look at fashion magazines to look at the photos.

Movies you love so much you've watched them more than twice: Sound of Music, E.T, Something Got To Give, Amelie, Waterloo Bridge, Roman Holidays.

Last concert/performance attended:
Concert: Gomez
Performance: Aoi and Komachi

Favorite authors, fiction: Osamu Dazai (Japanese author).

Favorite authors, nonfiction: There is a book I absolutely keep close to my heart which I would like to share with you. It is called “THE POWER OF NOW” by Eckhart Tolle. I connect very much with the contents of this book and it supports me to be who I really am when I feel lost and the world seems little overwhelming for me to handle.

Message from the artist:

Yuko would like to thank you for reading this Q&A, and she would like to wish you a wonderful day!

Joel Bergner

While growing up in Illinois, Joel took a few art classes in high school and college, such as figure drawing and photography, though he was mostly self-taught and developed a unique style of drawing and painting inspired by his experiences in life and the people he encountered along the way. He worked various jobs, from roof construction to restaurant work, but it was community-based work that became Joel's passion and direction in life. He worked closely with schizophrenic patients in a mental health facility and then went on to work with the homeless population in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood as a homeless center and shelter supervisor.


Despite a busy schedule, Joel always found time to paint, often staying up most of the night creating large-scale and extremely detailed works of art that were intense, emotionally powerful, and increasingly socially conscious. Joel eventually turned to painting murals, and spent the summer of 2001 working on the mural "The Storm" in a Taylor Street cafe called Jamoch's (now called Demitasse Cafe).

During this period Joel spent time in Honduras and later in rural Dominican Republic, where he worked for short periods of time as a volunteer doing construction work and teaching.
The mural, entitled "De Frontera a Frontera," featured social commentary on the relationship between wealthy tourists, Dominicans, and Haitians on the island, as well as everyday scenes of life in rural and urban areas of the country. The mural, located in San Francisco, made such an impact on the community that it was voted the "Best Public Mural" at the 2003 Precita Eyes mural award ceremony.

In the spring of 2004 Joel worked for an organization in El Salvador as a teacher, and he was also an International Election observer for the presidential elections that year.
In 2005 Joel painted "El Inmigrante" on the corner of 23rd Street and Shotwell (in San Francisco), which was recently featured in the New York Times.

In the fall of 2005 Joel went to Salvador da Bahia, in Brazil, to live with the family of some friends. During these months Joel taught English and art classes for children and learned Brazilian Portuguese. He lived in a community of Candomble, an Afro-Brazilian religion, and painted four paintings of the deities, known as Orixas, for the community.

Joel continues to live in San Francisco, where he has worked for more than three years in a treatment center for emotionally troubled teenagers who struggle with violence, suicide, drugs, and other issues. http://www.joelsmurals.com/