Michael Baker and Barbara Gettes, of the Spinning Leaves, met up with us at Fuji Mountain on Chestnut Street. They’ve been recording, and hope to have an album produced by this fall or winter. Michael says “We've gotten really enchanted lately with recording - hoots and hollers and wooden pump organs and whispers and sitars and horns and so many inspiring players and friends. It's exciting. And we're planning some excursions in the fall with Hoots and Hellmouth and Hezekiah Jones and Andrew Lipke which should all be very interesting.”
Michael and Barbara explained to us that their songs are mainly about love; they’re interested in societal change. They hope to enable people through mutual empowerment and community building, and they’ve been working on a grassroots media campaign to reduce gun violence in Philadelphia.
Barbara is currently bartending at a vegetarian Ethiopian restaurant in West Philly. She has a background working in education and the non-profit sector. Michael attended Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and was a history major. He moved to Philly one year ago to focus on music. He’s not the only musician/ artist in his family; his cousin is the Button King, who’s been featured on a number of television programs over the years (Johnny Carson, Geraldo, etc.) – you might want to check out this video: SCButtonKing.
Check out their website to watch videos and while you’re there, be sure to listen to “Promontory Wind” with its haunting melody and angelic vocals and the mellow “Transister Radio.” Upcoming shows (September and October) include NY, NH, VT and PA.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Karl Bielik
A little while back in June, we noticed the art of Karl Bielik and checked out his site. We wanted to know more, so we sent him a round of questions, which he replied to.
Your websites: http://www.karlbielik.com/ - paintings; http://www.terracestudios.co.uk/ - gallery: http://www.myspace.com/lark2006 - band.
Favorite short story or poem: The Bluebird - Charles Bukowski
Favorite lyrics to a song: "Rhodedendrum is a nice flower" from Do The Strand by Roxy Music
What are you currently reading? The Heart, edited by James Peto. It's a welcome trust exhibit based on the heart (factual and fictional) and before A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard - James Frey
Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a painter and musician and that's generally what i do.
Favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life
Tell us about your recent artwork. Large scale oil paintings, abstract with text and dealing with the idea of departure, failure, leaving and not using any black paint.
Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us. Do you generally work alone or with people? I work in both art and music in the studios/gallery that I run. I work alone when I paint, with other band members in Lark in two separate studios.
Is it quiet or do you play music? Music in both
What interests do you have other than art? Music, literature, film, second hand things, socializing.
Your websites: http://www.karlbielik.com/ - paintings; http://www.terracestudios.co.uk/ - gallery: http://www.myspace.com/lark2006 - band.
Favorite short story or poem: The Bluebird - Charles Bukowski
Favorite lyrics to a song: "Rhodedendrum is a nice flower" from Do The Strand by Roxy Music
What are you currently reading? The Heart, edited by James Peto. It's a welcome trust exhibit based on the heart (factual and fictional) and before A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard - James Frey
Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a painter and musician and that's generally what i do.
Favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life
Tell us about your recent artwork. Large scale oil paintings, abstract with text and dealing with the idea of departure, failure, leaving and not using any black paint.
Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us. Do you generally work alone or with people? I work in both art and music in the studios/gallery that I run. I work alone when I paint, with other band members in Lark in two separate studios.
Is it quiet or do you play music? Music in both
What interests do you have other than art? Music, literature, film, second hand things, socializing.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Jessica Stafford
Your website(s): www.jessicastaffordsart.comMy 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.
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