Columbus, Share your Fashion and Style with TAI.....

We would like to hear from you. Tell us about your style, your likes and dislikes. Send in your pictures and descriptions of your favorite fashion finds to sypsa@sbcglobal.net , and we will be happy to post them.

OK, I will give it a try. Here is my favorite winter find, and funkiest item now own. It is a vintage 1970's coral-colored wool coat, in excellent condition. I can see this on many 'do-not' lists, in fact I can hear my sister saying I look like Strawberry Shortcake what with the red hair and all. But I sortof feel like a rock star...maybe a little Jim Henson Muppet-style but I could not resist, I love it.

I purchased on ebay from a shop maintained by: indiecultvintage , they have sold to over 5,000 with a 100% positive rating. They have some really fantastic vintage clothing in excellent condition, each item is professionally photgraphed and modeled.

Interview w/ Poet Lara Konesky:by Walter King

 

Lara Konesky is a poetess, writer, teacher, entrepreneur, baby’s little mommy, sweet eyed lover, pit-bull about to break her chain or cat in heat rubbing up against your leg depending on what day of the week it is and who she’s talking with. Lara and I met a couple years ago in German Village and began sharing and writing to each other on line. That sounds pretty platonic but it was a bit more than that. Essentially you can’t interact with Lara that distantly…or that distinctly and purely…she simply won’t let you. She tends to grab you by the short hairs, looks you in the eye and calls your bluff.

I kind of wanted to interview Lara along the lines of those Myspace and Facebook social interview apps. Partly because I’ve seen her have so much fun with them on line. She has a reputation as a poet who gets up in our face and challenges us to a sexually honest dual. It can be innervating, exhilarating and horrifying all at the same time. She has a very powerful voice in the sense that she rips away all our socially acceptable band-aids and then spits in the wound…which, in certain ancient societies would have been just what the medicine man ordered. And it would have cured the dying and healed the diseased.
W-Lara, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you named after?

L-Anyone my age was named after Lara from Dr. Zhivago...I mean, we have a theme song for Christ's sake.

W-Is your mother still alive?

L-Yes, and she has a facebook page. It's embarrassing.

W-She sounds like a romantic? What kind of mother is she? Will she be offended by your description of her?

L-No. I WAS named after a Russian mistress after all. My mom is not offended nor shocked by anything I do/say/am. She has dealt with me long enough.

W-Do you have children of your own?

L-Of course. I have two, four and fourteen. Both boys.

W-When did you start writing?

L-The first time I was confined to the mental institution at about thirteen or so. Or after I started my first period. What else am I going to do with the hormones?

W-Did you study writing in school and where?

L-I studied philosophy at a Catholic College.

W-You’ve got two books out at the moment and you’re editing another anthology due out beginning of the new year. All poetry? Tell us about them.

L-I have one book out on Grievous Jones Press based out of the UK, called Next to Guns, and it is basically a bunch of (deleted) poetry that was fun to write, not as much to live. And the anthology is something I created with Andrew Taylor, from Erbacce Press in Liverpool, and it is a collection of writers writing to other writers. Since the writing community is such a(deleted) orgy anymore, I figured this was necessary to air some dirty laundry and get it all out on the table. It's called Blood at the Chelsea, and will be out on Erbacce Press at the start of the new year. oh, and I have works at New Aesthetic (http://newaesthetic.in/), Word Riot, Opium 2.0, Silenced Press, etc.

W-I apologize. I thought I saw a second book. Maybe it was a promo or something for “Close to Guns”. But you are also interested in writing prose and scripts as well?

L-"Next to Guns, butthead. Not close to guns.” I write whatever I feel compelled to write. Maybe porn next. Who knows?

W-Some how I don’t see you reading Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emily Dickenson, Emily Bronte or Maya Angelou. Who inspires you?

L-I mean, of course I am going to say Plath and Bukowski, but right now I stick to the less known but no less amazing, Puma Perl, David Oprava, Rob Plath, Andrew Taylor, the list goes on...

W-What do you like about Bukowski besides total excess?

L-there is nothing else to like but the total excess.

W-Your voice is so honest in that it’s both self-effacing and castrating all at once? It is a voice full of love and hate, self doubt, a kind of female blood and guts sexuality and yet a kind of clarity and strength that is hard to describe. In fact I call it a 'voice' as opposed to a 'style' because I can’t find the difference between your actual voice and your poetic voice most of the time. Can you give us a hint of where that voice comes from?

L-Shock therapy? Date rape? Too much porn? Heart break? I can't tell you, really. But it seems to be working.

W-I don’t know many people as bright and courageous as you these days…. What are you doing for a living at the moment?

L-Living.

W-OK. The “what are you doing for a living” question was lame. When do you find time to write and where?

L-I sit at the kitchen table and ignore my family to write.

W-So who is your favorite philosopher and why?

L-My favorite philosopher is NOT Kant. It sounds trite, but Sartre, probably...probably more interested in his personal life.

W-Did I mention Kant? Ok, I'll bite, why Sartre? Sartre was certainly a funny looking fellow though. Picasso made him look the funniest with those big round glasses. If he was a dog I'm thinking one of those little hairless things. I have a book on his travels through Italy. Have you ever read his travelogues? They're actually great observations on society.
So why Sartre?

L-No, you didn't mention Kant. If you read my shit you know I have a weird Kant thing. Sartre. Existentialism.

W-The constipated existentialism or the leap of faith Nike brand 'just do it' kind? I’m a fan of Kierkegaard. I especially liked that he would write criticisms of his own work anonymously and get them published when no one else would pay attention to his ideas.
There was a time when the term 'dodgy' came to replace the older term 'edgy' which related to an even older term 'cutting edge'. Which of these ideas would you feel most connected to? And give us a few words from something you’ve written to give a sense of the voice I was describing earlier.

L-Dodgy, as in the dodgy end of town? I like dodgy. I want to be the neighborhood with the crack dealers on the corner where the kids aren't allowed to play.
And the constipated version. "like an opiate jerking off to a sugar buzz..."
hahahaha. the opiate line is from one of my poems and the constipation relates to existentialism.

W-Thanks for your time Lara. Good luck with the guns!

Next to Guns by Lara Konesky is published by Grievous Jones Press. http://www.grievousjonespress.com
Blood at the Chelsea an anthology from Erbacce edited by Lara Konesky and Andrew Taylor will be out after the New Year.
http://www.erbacce-press.com/
http://kanteatskids.blogspot.com/

Alissa Sorenson's Fiber Works, by Kate Bunge

Where are you from originally?

Oklahoma

Why are you an artist?
I can't help it. I need to express myself and make things. It's always been that way.

Have you always wanted to be an artist?
Yes, or rather I should say I've always wanted to create, and I have.

What is the medium in which you work the most?
fiber
Do you have formal training, or are you self-taught?
I have a BA in Visual Arts: Studio from University of California, San Diego. My emphasis was photography, however. The fiber skills are primarily self-taught.

Do you believe one is more important than the other? ie. formal training vs. being self-taught
I think formal training helped me learn how to think about art and art making, which was crucial for my development.

Tell us about the work that you do now.
I sculpt with stitches. I knit souls.

You have a 2 person show coming up at the Lindsay Gallery in Columbus, Ohio this spring. What pieces are you working on for that? Tell us a little about what you plan to exhibit.

I'm making a series of disembodied spirits- soul residues which have taken on physical characteristics of psychological traits. An energy taking on matter kind of thing.

How do you think your work stands out?
I haven't seen anyone bring together fiber and conceptual art in quite this way before.

Where does the idea from your work come from?
My bringing together of different interests and influences, adding my imagination to that, and then manifesting a new form using a medium which I master. I guess that's true for every artist, though. LOL!

When did you begin doing the type of art you do now?
Last year, although I've been making art for much longer.

What inspires your work?
Spirituality, media, mythology, psychology, nature.

What artists, if any, have inspired your work?
Spiritually - early Chris Reilly, Santjes Oomen, and Joseph Chilton Pearce (author)
Psychologically - Andrea Zuill, Cindy Sherman, and Philip Seymour Hoffman
Visually - Wolfgang Laib, Eva Hesse

What artists do you admire?
Those listed above plus local artists I know who amaze me daily with their genius and perseverance, including the artists in Mother Artists at Work! And honestly, I admire all artists on some level. It takes courage to put yourself out there like that.

How do you stay motivated?
Goals with deadlines are good for me. I need a structure to work within.

Do you have a daily routine?
Yes, in the studio by 9 a.m., work through to lunch, and then take the dog for a walk. Then back to work for a couple more hours in the afternoon. I don't always do this, but I try. I often watch a movie to keep me sitting down for an extended period while I work. Otherwise, I wander around and gravitate towards the internet.

How do you handle the business side of being an artist?
Not very well. I need someone to do that for me.

What are your immediate and long term plans for your art?
I would like to be represented so I can concentrate on making art, developing new forms for my art, and continue to be exhibited.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Keep working. Keep learning. Keep experimenting. If you need support, join or start a group. Get involved in your local art community. Believe in yourself. And don't ever give up!
-Alissa  http://alissasorenson.com/

Winter Issue

Welcome new TAI staff:

Ruby Classen, Columbus Managing Editor

Esther Chung, Fashion Editor

William Evans, Performing Arts Editor

Pam Spence, Fashion Writer

An Adventitious Walter King, interview by Stephanie Sypsa

Artists Opportunities

Top Notch Book Arts of John Luc Hargis, by Stephanie Sypsa

Substance 2nd annual Aspiring Designer Competition, by Esther Chung

Leah Wong-an International Artist, Barbra Vogel

New Columbus Managing Editor: Ruby Classen

 

Ruby is a long time arts participant and supporter. Transplanted from California in 1998, she worked as a dance teacher for 7 years, performed in community theater and choreographed for local high schools. Having re-established herself in Columbus, she has performed in numerous community theatre productions, has competed at the state and regional level and has won awards for her performances and choreographic work for several community theaters. She works for the Greater Columbus Arts Council as their Grants & Services Coordinator. She currently sits on the national Emering Leaders Council for the Americans for the Arts and is the Regional Representative Coordinator for the Ohio Community Theater Association. She resides in Columbus with her family - Colin, husband (also an artist); Graeme, Quinn and Liam, sons (also artists) and her dog, Peaches (inspiration).

New Fashion Editor: Esther Chung

Esther Chung is a Local fashion designer who also teaches for the Continuing Education department at Columbus College of Art and Design. She teaches pattern making and construction as well as the High School, Introduction to Fashion and College Preview courses.


Originally hailing from Upper Arlington she graduated with a BFA focus in Fashion and Sculpture at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. During her time at school she was the recipient of the Emmanuel Ungaro Marshall Fields Scholarship in 2002 and in 2003 was the Styles Scotland International design competition grand prize winner.

As an artist and designer she focuses on the use of knitwear in unusual forms and shapes as well as other fiber related arts. Keeping current she enjoys participation in the Local art Venues such as the Ohio Art League and Junctionview Studios as well as a variety of craft shows. Her clothing can be found on “etsy” and locally at Undone Lingerie and Shoe Boutique.

An Adventitious Walter King, by Stephanie Sypsa

First I would like to ask, how long have you been working in art?
WK-More than 40 years...since about the time JFK was assassinated. In fact one of the first pieces I accomplished was a drawing from a photo of JFK. My mother taught me how to graph up a photo. First I practiced the technique on the back of one of my father's green office forms. Then I did a final version, a little larger, on a nice piece of charcoal paper. That piece was exhibited in my grade school arts and science fair where a curator for the Museum of the Great Plains saw it and included it in an local amateur exhibition at the museum. They had a large steam engine out front of the museum there in Lawton Oklahoma.

How long have you been an arts educator?
WK-I actually began teaching young kids in the early 70's through my parents arts and crafts and framing shop in Tulsa Oklahoma where I was raised. I had a teaching fellowship at Wichita State University for a semester in 1981. And I had three different assistantships at Boston University between 83 and 85 where I received my MFA in painting. I've been full-time at the Columbus College of Art and Design since August of 1985.

I hear you had quite an adventure recently during your sabbatical. Can you tell us about it?
WK-It really wasn't a sabbatical. I had an exhibition with my brother Tim in Cordoba Argentina in 07. I'd received a faculty enrichment grant to do watercolors in the Andes and to investigate the possibility of student exchanges with the provincial art college in Cordoba. I was just thrown in with Carol Griffith and Carl Garant who actually were on sabbatical at the time. On my way home from my month long stay in Cordoba I hailed a cab and on the way to the airport he feigned engine trouble.

Even though I realized he was probably going to drive off with my luggage I didn't see how to get around it when he asked me to help push start the car. I didn't want to get into a physical altercation with the guy because he was younger and much more athletic than me and who knows...maybe he had a knife. So I took the chance that maybe he was really having trouble and after push starting him I watched him drive away with all my artwork, my brother's artwork, my cameras and clothes and souvenirs. Luckily I still had my passport, credit cards and money hidden on my person.

There was a young girl across the street at one of the only houses on the block who saw the whole thing. I asked her in Spanish to call the police. She ran inside. A few minutes later an older woman appeared. My Spanish only functions at about a 1st grade level, you know, “me Tarzan, tu Jaunita!” so it took me a bit to understand that she’d called the police and they were on the way. Meanwhile it became quite an ordeal as people began to come out of the house and appeared apparently from now where in some instances. Soon there were about 12 or 15 people standing on what was originally a deserted street all talking and gesturing. Argentines are largely from Italian descent, so they speak Spanish as I describe it with an Italian accent…lots of hand signals!

When the two young policemen arrived and began asking questions there was no one to actually help me as no one spoke English. Finally, after trying to explain what happened I looked down at the little girl who had been standing dutifully at my side the whole time I said, “como se dice en Espaneol ‘robber’?” She looked at me like I was an idiot and said “robero”. Then she’d realized what it was she saw and she became my savior by telling the police how I got out and helped push start the car and it drove away…of course they all laughed.

Are you happy with the work you were able to achieve (during your sabbatical)?
WK-I would like to continue to re-create a number of images I haven’t had time to do yet…and I’d also like to do some of the images from memory I didn’t get to do even when I was in Argentina. Then I’d like to do some larger more extended ideas based on my experiences there. I have a number of ideas that seem worth doing. Otherwise, yes. I am pleased with the work in the exhibition. The work is not exactly the same as the original work that was stolen…it can’t be. There has been time to digest some of what I saw and see in it a deeper meaning. Hence the new ideas. For instance I began to see some patterns in the work done in the mountains that I have noticed shows in some of the native decorations from that area. Didn’t see it at the time. I’d like to play with that kind of patterning a bit…not so much as decoration but as abstraction.

Where do you find your greatest inspiration for art?
WK-I draw from life a lot…I don’t mean in a class but from the life that walks and talks all around me. I take inspiration from all aspects of my life from what I see on the news, read in magazines, from the things that happen to me as I walk down the street…even from my dreams and day dreams.

Are there any historical artists that you admire? Have they affected your work?
WK-Sure. Matisse, Richard Diebenkorn, Phillip Guston, my old painting professor Nathaniel Larrabee…. I’m fascinated by the work of certain filmmakers as well like John Huston, Robert Redford and even Terry Gilliam, and poets and musicians such as Bob Dylan .. . anyone who deals in metaphor. But while those things inspire me as does a lot of the art of the early and mid-Renaissance, the Symbolist’s, early modernism and 1950’s abstraction , at my age I’m as much inspired by my world view on life in general.

The works in the watercolor show are primarily souvenirs. But the trips have already affected how I work and what I paint about. Painting for me is about life. I don’t care about reality or try to recreate reality so much as talk about what I see., think and feel. For me art is a dialog with the person next to you or with the artist’s who have come before and will come in the future…I sometimes talk to Rembrandt. I feel a kinship with certain artists like Rembrandt. I’m a storyteller. I’m not as interested in conceptualism as many are today…I often find it tedious, somewhat bullyish, often vapid and often times feel like it fails dramatically when it has to have a long explanation on the wall for anyone to get it. I like art that is its own language, one that is instantly universal. Especially when it seems like a new language that I’ve never studied before and yet I can read it immediately. I’ve only seen a little conceptual art that I feel accomplishes that.

What exhibit have you seen within the last year that has most influenced you?
WK-Nothing much in the last year has affected me whether here or New York. But there was an exhibition several years ago, at a museum in Berlin… I’m trying to remember the name of the museum…Oh, the Watler Gropious Bau.. it was a summary of the art of the last century…I was, as usual amazed by the variety and quality…sometimes the lack there of… but mostly the beauty of expression of the art that was presented.

What do you want people to walk away with when they see your work?
WK-I want them to walk away feeling like they don’t want to ask me what I meant. I want them to walk right up to me and tell me what they think or feel themselves. I want my work to inspire people to accept their own interpretations and quit being so politically correct about the art. Art is subjective and opinionated. Therefore it can’t be politically correct….politically correct art is propaganda! Doesn’t matter from which ever side, left or right, up or down, middle, front or back. All art is in sense propaganda…some is propaganda that represents an artist’s point of view and some is designed to represent a party’s point of view. I’m only interested in an artists individual point of view and understanding of the world. I don’t want a party’s talking points. Just an honest, sincere person’s interpretation of the world in which we live. Anything else seems to me to be group think. Group think always scares me.

New Performing Arts Editor- William Evans

William Evans is a writer, instructor and performer from Columbus, OH. As the founder of the Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam (September ’08), William has created the largest weekly poetry open mic currently operating in the city. William also founded the Upwords Youth Poetry Slam in Columbus, OH in addition to hosting the first ever Columbus All District High School Poetry Slam in April 2009.


As an artist, William is one the most successful performance poets to come from Columbus and the state of Ohio as a whole. He is currently the 11th ranked performance poet in the world according to Poetry Slam Inc as a Finalist at the 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam (IWPS). He has been a member of a Columbus National Poetry Slam team four consecutive years (winning the Grand Slam twice) as well as being a representative for the IWPS in Vancouver, 2007. He would finish 22nd out of 72 international competing poets during the competition. He has also shared the stage with iconic notables such as Chuck D, Cornell West and Sonia Sanchez.

William released his first full-length manuscript, In the Event You are Caught Behind Enemy Lines in August 2009 on Penmanship Books of Brooklyn, NY. Previous to that, he released a chapbook, Humble Shell Casings on JK Publishing in addition to two poetry CDs: Living in the Hour Glass (2006) and Measure (2007).

Currently, William Evans tours the country and facilitates writing workshops thru Projecting Murals LLC, a non-profit organization that connects facilities such as schools, community centers & correctional facilities to artists from the community. He founded the company in April 2009.

New Fashion Writer- Pam Spence

Pam Spence is the editor of the Ohio Jewish Chronicle where she writes on a wide variety of topics. She is also the upcoming membership chair for the Columbus chapter of Fashion Group International. Born in England, loyal to the Queen, she is a fool for hats and serves as hat judge for a number of competitions around town.

Pam has a master’s degree in Transformational Theater from Antioch University and sees "fashion" as prime opportunity to create art in a direct and personal way, on a daily basis. She is a fan of eco-fashion and ethnic style and loves nothing better than a day of "Goodwill hunting." and hanging out at a few favorite boutiques. Style is all about attitude.

Artists Opportunities

Sanctuary for The Arts
Sun-shining-on-snow-and-casting-long-shadows makes a rare day in Ohio . Perhaps yesterday was inspiring for photography or painting… or maybe a new venture in art? I’m looking forward to experimenting with encaustic and I was wondering if you’re delving into a new art experience this winter as well. If so, I’d love to hear about it.
If you send me a photo of your efforts at new art, your name will be entered in a drawing and the lucky winner(s) announced on opening day in April.

You’re probably wondering what “efforts at new art” means –
Any art qualifies as long as it’s exploratory. A new technique, a new vantage point, a new and different perspective. Visual, literary, or perhaps a new genre. Something you haven’t tried before.

And best efforts count – there are no judges… no judges…no judges. This is about discovery and sharing your finds. It’s not about perfection - it’s not even a first cousin to perfection.

So document your best efforts. Drop a jpeg in email, or snail mail a snapshot to the address below, and become eligible for the drawing. The lucky winner will receive art-related prizes suitable for their media/genre.
And while everyone is exploring new art, we’re gently lining up workshops and exhibits at the Sanctuary for the next season, officially opening on April 1, or when the trout lilies bloom…whichever comes first.

• The Healing Role of The Arts is scheduled for April 17 and CEUs have been approved for 5.25 hrs. Registration is open for that workshop (early bird deadline is April 2) so check the website, www.sanctuary-for-the-arts.com under Registration, for details.
•  Plan your exhibit for The Gallery in the Garden which will be held on July 25 with entry submission deadline of May 15. 
•  Also, you’re invited to join me next week in an exchange of cabin fever for writing fervor in an evening of writing games, mind-warming exercises and essay ‘starts’ – all in the spirit of literary creativity. Thursday, January 21 at the Writers Bloc meeting - 6:30p at the Thurber Center , 91 W. Jefferson .

But if you’re prone to sit back, enjoy the winter and not rush the season along, check out www.sanctuary-for-the-arts.com under the tab, …from Winter, for a different perspective on Sanctuary for The Arts, white instead of green.

Have a warm winter,
Sydney

OPPArt (Opportunities for Artists) Series


What is the OPPArt Series?
GCAC’s OPPArt Series is a way for local artists and creative people to connect with each other and further themselves and their work through professional workshops, roundtable discussions, social events and more. Join us for one, two or all of the events listed below. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
To pre-register for any event, call or e-mail Ruby Classen at rclassen@gcac.org or 614-221-8406.

Navigating a Career in Music presented by Kimberlee Goodman
This event has been postponed – watch for more news!

Inside the Lincoln Theatre presented by Suzan Bradford
March 11, 11:30a – 1:00p
Lincoln Theatre, 769 East Long Street
With its extensive renovation now complete the state of the art Lincoln Theatre will proudly serve as Ohio’s urban performing arts and education center. The Lincoln will be the bustling hub of activity 365 days a year with performances, rehearsals and classes in the performing arts as well as a wide variety of community events such as films festivals, meetings and weddings. We are excited about the Lincoln Theatre and invite you to learn about her history and discover the many opportunities she brings to Central Ohio during this lunch time tour.
Space is limited. RSVP by Mar 8 to attend this event.

Learn about OAPN (Ohio Arts Presenters Network) presented by Jodie Engle
March 25, 11:30a – 1:00p
Greater Columbus Arts Council; Large Conference Room; 100 East Broad Street, Ste. 2250
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, OAPN invites performing artists to learn more about the organization and how to apply to showcase at the Annual Conference, which will be held in Columbus this October. Hear first hand from a local performing artist, presenter, agent and arts consultant the importance of showcasing your work. This will be a hands-on workshop, so be sure to bring your lunch and marketing materials and OAPN will help you prepare for the OAPN Showcase Conference Artist application, due this spring!
RSVP by Mar 22 to attend this event.

COMING SOON!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

April 22 – “Engaging interns” presented by Dave Cofer, Cofer Consulting Solutions
May 13 – “Gathering of Playwrights” roundtable discussion

SEEKING SESSION PROPOSALS! We want to hear from you!
As GCAC continues to evolve the OPPArt series, we are continuing the monthly roundtable discussion sessions on the third Thursday of every month in 2010. The sessions are open to be led by local artists on any topic of interest. Submissions are being accepted on an ongoing basis.
Please include your contact information, topic heading and description, speaker(s) or activity outline and 2 choices of month for scheduling.
For more information or questions, call or e-mail Ruby Classen at rclassen@gcac.org or 614-221-8406.

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
and partners present...

"Telling Your Story"
a Careers in the Arts Workshop
DATE: Saturday, February 20, 2010
TIME: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
WHERE: Westerville Community Center
350 N. Cleveland Ave.
Westerville, OH 43082
WHO: ARTISTS, service providers, family members
This FREE workshop will include a panel discussion in which artists share personal stories about what it means to be an artist and the paths they have taken. Artists will learn methods for writing personal narratives and artist biographies to strengthen entries for exhibitions and build confidence when talking about their work at exhibitions or in public. Participants will have the opportunity to develop and write biographies using computers and prepare materials for submission to online galleries. Service providers and family members are invited to attend, gain information, and learn about resources and opportunities to support artists.

Workshop Resources and Benefits
VSA arts of Ohio Careers in the Arts Workbook
VSA arts of Ohio and Ohio Arts Council Artists Resources
Flash Drive loaded with handouts and artist resources to create your story, artist biography and resume
Network and share ideas in small groups with other artists
Prepare materials for submission to online galleries
Participating artists are eligible for a small professional development stipend
Workshop Schedule
12:30 Registration
1:00 Introductions
1:15 "Telling Your Story" - Patty Mitchell and Chris Mohler
2:00 Question and Answer discussion
2:15 Working Groups - Tell your story and create artist statements and resumes
3:20 Evaluation
3:30 Adjourn
To Register Call or email Derek Mortland, VSA arts of Ohio Artist Services Coordinator, at 614-241-5325 or dmortland@vsao.org.

Grant Opportunity – PEPSI
Pepsi is giving away millions in grants each month to fund your great ideas.
http://refresheverything.com/ – to learn more

SEEKING NOMINATIONS – Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) – Forte Award
For the second consecutive year, CGMC will present the Forte Award at the event. This is a special award that will be given to an individual who represents CGMC's vision from both an artistic and social awareness perspective. CGMC sees itself as 50% artistic and 50% social justice/awareness, and we'd like to give the award to an individual who directly reflects those values and this vision. Last year, we honored Jim Arter with this prestigious award.
This person does not need to be involved with CGMC, nor does this person need to be gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender. This person only needs to incorporate those two important values into his/her life, both professionally and personally. The social awareness aspect need not be GLBT-related either.
We are currently seeking nominations from our supporters and sponsors, as well as the arts and GLBT communities. If you know of someone who should be considered as a recipient, please send us an email and tell us why. We are accepting nominations until February 15, 2010.
The recipient will receive complimentary tickets to Forte for themselves and their guests. They will be honored at the event and given an award publicly. The recipient will be announced once we receive all nominations and the Forte committee chooses a winner.
Please help us to recognize the most deserving person in the community. Please email your nominations to matthew@cgmc.com.

Annual Awards Nominations OPEN!!
Each year, Americans for the Arts presents awards to honor those who are committed to building communities through the arts. Presented each year in conjunction with Americans for the Arts Annual Convention, Americans for the Arts Annual Awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching their communities through the arts.
Awards are presented in the following areas:
Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award
Arts Education Award
Emerging Leader Award
Michael Newton Award for United Arts Funds Leadership
Selina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership
Public Art Network Award*
To nominate yourself or a colleague, please visit the Americans for the Arts awards page at http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org/awards; view the different award pages; and download, full out, and submit the nomination form. Nomination materials must be received by Friday, March 5, 2010.

Participate (McColl Center for Visual Arts)
If you are looking for a unique workshop experience, look no further. The Contemporaries are presenting a three hour intensive performance workshop facilitated by Artist-in-Residence, Shaun Leonardo. On Saturday, March 6 from 2 to 5 PM participants will be discussing and demonstrating through different exercises, both physical and mental, the difficulty in expressing our identities, energies and personalities within a group dynamic. The performance tasks will work to resolve the discomfort with projecting oneself and the final product will be a group performance piece.
In addition, the Center is also looking for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community to share their perception of gay culture. Facilitated by Artist-in-Residence Abdi Obsman, participants of The Queer Reclamation of the Queen City Project will be provided a disposable camera that they will use to photograph iconic gay culture in Charlotte.

And Diane Hughes, 11-Month Affiliate Artist is looking for children to photograph for an upcoming book titled Blankets and Bippies on February 27 and 28. Interested participants are asked to bring their favorite stuffed animal or blanket for the photograph and plan to spend approximately 20 minutes for the shoot.
If you would like more information or are interested in participating in the performance workshop, The Queer Reclamation of the Queen City Project or "Blankets and Bippies," please contact Devlin McNeil, Director of Education and Outreach at 704.332.5535 or dmcneil@mccollcenter.org

CALL FOR ARTISTS!!
The Museum of ImaJewnation in partnership with the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur is looking for artists to create for display and sale, groggers for its Purim 2010 exhibit
“Listening for Haman, Sounding Out the Grogger.”
Groggers for War and Peace
Have you ever heard a sound that could ease an angry heart?
This exhibit explores the grogger and the different sounds it can make in response to an enemy.
For entry guidelines and requirements, please visit the website:
http://www.jccstl.com/index.php/programs/detail/the-museum-of-imajewnation/

:art INFOrmal:
When: Sunday, February 13, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: OAL Gallery
Art Informal brings together artists and art lovers for a friendly discussion about the making of work and opportunities to be involved in the art community. Formerly called Community Critiques, Art Informal hopes to continue to provide a resource for artists looking for feedback on their work. Bringing work is not necessary to take part in the conversation.
More information about :art INFOrmal: http://www.oal.org/critiques.html.

Auditions for Dancing Alone
Columbus Dance Theatre will produce an evening of solo dances, Dancing Alone, at it’s performance space, the Fisher Theatre, Friday, March 26th at 8:00 and Sat. March 27th at 3:00 and 8:00. Up to eight solo performers will be chosen for this unique performance event. Performance pieces may be the work of the artist performing or the work of a different choreographer.
Audition Times: Saturday, February 20th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at CDT, 592 E. Main St. Columbus, OH. Please call 849-0227 to reserve an audition time or e-mail: kessler.cdt@gmail.com
Stipend and Support: All performers will receive an honorarium of no less than $200. If chosen, performers will be granted no less than four hours of non-technical rehearsal time at Columbus Dance Theatre to prepare their work. All dances will be give full technical support based on a schedule determined by the Artistic Director.
Criteria: Dances will be chosen based on their artistic merits and for their ability to compliment the other dances performed on the program. Performers are encouraged to show the dance that they intend to have produced, rather than samples of other works. All artists involved must be Ohio residents. Special consideration will be given to residents from metro-Columbus. Dances should be at least 4 minutes in length and no more than 10 minutes long.
For further information on Columbus Dance Theatre go to: http://www.coldancetheatre.org/

Auditions for Male and Female Dancers
Columbus Dance Theatre, a contemporary ballet company, professional training school, and arts presenter located in Columbus, Ohio announces auditions for Company and Apprentices positions for the 2010-2011 Season. CDT will enter its 13th season in 2010 as it completes its most ambitious year to date. Columbus Dance Theatre performs in its home theatre, The Fisher Theatre as well as other venues throughout central Ohio and the U.S. CDT produces the work of its Artistic Director and resident choreographer Tim Veach as well as the works of other contemporary choreographers. CDT performances have included the works of: Kennet Oberly, Alan Hineline, Kristina Isabelle, Stella Kane, Susan Hadley, Melanie Bales, Rebecca Fiol, Maria Glimcher, Myvonwynn Hopton, and Barbara Thatcher among others. CDT also collaborates with various arts organizations including Opera Columbus and maintains live music for its performances through collaborations with Carpe Diem String Quartet.
The CDT Season begins in September and continues through May. Contract offerings are based on experience and ability and include unpaid Apprentice positions as well as paid Company positions. Dancers work 5 days each week with 3-4 hours of rehearsal daily as well as Company ballet class each day. Apprentices perform in the Company repertoire and also present their own mixed repertoire performance each spring. Entry level contracts are 28 weeks at $300 per week. Apprentice positions are unpaid.
Audition Requirements:
Minimum Age: 18yrs. for Company and Apprentice consideration
Strong Ballet Technique required - Women should have strong pointe background -
Ability to move in a variety of contemporary styles is also important.
Columbus Audition Date: Saturday, March 13th 2010, 12:30 p.m. at Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43215. Please call ahead to register for the audition. There is no audition fee. Dancers will be considered by video audition. However, video auditions are discouraged.
Provide a head shot and/or full body shot as well as a detailed resume
Please call: 614-849-0227 or contact Managing Director Sean Kessler at kessler.cdt@gmail.com.
Goto www.coldancetheatre.org to learn more about CDT
Columbus Dance Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate for reasons of: race, gender, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.

Chairman Rocco Landesman Announced a Request for Proposals for a New "Art Works" Logo for the National Endowment for the Arts
Chairman Rocco Landesman announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a new "Art Works" logo; the RFP is available at www.arts.gov/artworksdesign
When used by the Chairman, the phrase "art works" has three meanings: "artworks" are the plays, paintings, dances, films and the other works of art that are the creation of artists; "art works" describes the effect of art on audiences and viewers, art works to transport, transform, inspire, and challenge us; and "art works' is a reminder that arts workers are real workers with real jobs who are part of this country's real economy. The proposed logos should incorporate all three of the meanings of "Art Works" and tie them to the NEA in such a way that the proposed logo might be used alone or in conjunction with the NEA's current logo. Chairman Landesman said, "Those two words – "art works" – pretty much sum up everything we are about at the NEA, and I hope you will see them everywhere. Art, artists, and arts professionals work to change the communities they inhabit: they are placemakers and help create livable, sustainable, complete communities. I look forward to having a logo that conveys that."
Complete information about the RFP requirements and instructions for submitting may be found at www.arts.gov/artsworksdesign
Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February, 26, 2010. Potential proposers must direct all inquiries to Latonca Harris at harrisl@arts.gov or (202) 682-5476.

The Film Council of Greater Columbus seeks board candidates
The Film Council of Greater Columbus, an arts nonprofit 501c3 which presents the Columbus International Film + Video Festival, is currently seeking candidates for its Board of Directors. The CIF+VF is the longest running Film Festival in North America. Held annually in November in downtown Columbus the CIF+VF shows work that you can’t see anywhere else in Columbus. The appropriate candidates should have a strong interest in film, film festivals, filmmakers, and be willing to make a commitment to a strong and aggressive fundraising program.
For more information about the organization: www.chrisawards.org
To contact the Film Council: info@chrisawards.org

Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC) are four of the oldest early childhood education centers in Central Ohio. Since 1887 – Eastside, Westside, Northside and the Broad Street Infant and Toddler Center (BIT-C) – have helped prepare low-income children for success in kindergarten and first grade.
Our nationally accredited centers have been recognized by the State of Ohio for excellence in curriculum and staff development. Through the 4 centers we provide care and high-quality early education to 300 children.
We try to educate the whole child - developing cognitive, social/emotional and physical skills. We do this through classroom activities designed to meet the learning needs of each child; offering many opportunities for parent involvement and through enrichment activities like visual and performing arts.
What We Need:
Artists of all types who enjoy interacting with young children, ages 2-5.
Projects can be short or long-term
Individuals or groups are welcome
For more information contact, Stephanie W. Harris at 614-224-9284 or sharris@columbusearlylearning.org. Learn more about our centers at http://www.columbusearlylearning.org/

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Space for Rent
Who: Columbus Children's Choir has space available for rent.
What: 4 large rooms - $12 - $15 per hour
Where: 760 E. Broad St. Broad Street Presbyterian Church
When: mornings, afternoon, evenings
How: Contact: Sandy Mathias at jmath27@sbcglobal.net
Perks: Free Parking, Great downtown location - 2 blocks east of 71

Who: Columbus Dance Theatre has space available for rent.
What: 2 large rooms (1 studio and/or 1 theatre) - $20-$30 per hour / theatre rates vary
Where: 592 E. Main St.
When: mornings, afternoon, evenings
How: Contact: Sean Kessler at kessler.cdt@gmail.com
Perks: Convenient location (at intersection of Main St and I-71) & affordable theatre space.

Top Notch Book-Arts of of John Luc Hargis

As TAI is growing quickly, I have to say it is hard to keep up even with the talent of all our contributors, who are also working artists. I thought it would be important to start interviewing some of our very own staff who have bravely stepped up to contribute in not only writing about the arts in our community, but who also have exceptional talent in various fields of art. I am embarrassed to say, that for some of them I am viewing their work for the first time, whereas others, I have been aware of for years. As TAI readers, I hope you enjoy becoming more acquainted with their work as we continue to cover the arts in Ohio.

I personally work in printmaking and come across a lot of artists that work in altered books. I even took a few bookmaking classes in college but never really did anything exceptional with it. In reviewing John’s work, I honestly have to say that he quickly became one of my new favorite local artists. I don’t know how I haven’t been acquainted with his work before. His work is crisp, pristinely executed and ultra thought provoking. He literally uses recycled books, which in elementary terms are full of verbal information. But this fact takes a backseat role, as the books at times are used as a canvas displaying layers of visual information. His work shows an entertaining play between the concept of written information and that of visual storytelling.


Conceptually, I found his work to have an interesting weight dynamic as my thoughts were in a constant seesaw of comparison reflecting on content between title and that of visual dialogue. His work questions how various types of information are presented as language-verbal, auditory, visual and (by using recycled found objects) even the relevance history having lingual weight. In my view, he certainly accomplishes the saying of ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. I hope you enjoy the interview below and I will certainly be following John’s work as it progresses.

For all you art collectors out there John is my Collectors Pick suggestion for this month.

-Stephanie Sypsa
TAI Executive Director


Interview with John Luc Hargis

You recently exhibited your work? What was the gallery?
JLH-My 'Altered Library' was on display at Kenosis Gallery for Experimental Art at 14 Park Ave South in Mansfield. It is located on the south side of the Square right next to Park Street Pottery.

How were you able to get into this show?
JHL-Kenosis is a brand-new gallery opened up by my good friends Jason Kaufman & Jenny Lucas. They concerted a downtown storefront into a combined gallery / living space. Jason & I are both heavily involved in the YelloWall Collective - a group of artists, writers, musicians & random creative folk who actively engage the community with cutting-edge art & artistic living. When Jason & Jenny opened the gallery in November, I was honored to be the first artist to display. They are actively searching for other artists specializing in non-traditional media, performance art, highly conceptualized work and anyone who is hovering at the edge of 'art', pushing beyond the established boundaries & has the technical ability to pull it off. Anyone interested can contact Jason 567.203.8018 567.203.8018 or Jenny 440.315.7492 440.315.7492

(top first image)Journey Into Darkness, Spine Title: Journey Into Darkness, Altered Book, Acrylic, Pigment, Metal, Paper.
 (top left) Entrails; Spine Title: Intensity, Altered Book, Transparencies. (top right) Theater of Sound; Spine Title: The Trio
Altered Book, CB, Clock hand, Collage (botton left) Fragile, Spine Title: Thimble Summer
Altered Book, Collage, Scrabble Letters, Egg, Utensil, Hemp (bottom right) Dynamo Electric Machinery, Spine Title: Dynamo Electric Machinery, Altered Book, Collage, Telescopic Antenna.

I am really impressed with your work. I mean I wanted to include your whole portfolio on here! What is your current artist statement for your current body of work?
JLH-Since I'm never at a shortage of words, which could take a few pages... The abbreviated version would be:
The main purpose of the Altered Library is to feed our desire for a quick story - an on-the-spot narrative. The pieces serve as a commentary on how our society has shifted from a slow/easy/taking-time-to-read-a-book-under-a-tree culture to one that snatches blurbs/sound bites/blogs/text messages/tweets on the fly.

With impatience, short attention spans & the desire to have what we want right now being undeniable realities of where we are as a culture, I want to create an appealing visual snack to satiate our bent towards immediacy. Perhaps the works are nothing more than another spineless offering to our flaws. Or, perhaps, they are providing the viewer an opportunity to quickly & bluntly experience the equivalent of drive-thru, hot and ready art.

Do you visualize your Art before creating? Do you know what it will look like before you begin? What's your process?
JLH-I would say that 90% of the time I know what 80% of the finished piece will look like. My basic concept behind book altering is to take a used or discarded hardcover book & transform it into something new, alive & different from the original stream of words. Yet, I still seek to retain a ghost of the original book somewhere in the final piece.

For this series, I decided to focus mainly on wall-hung altered books where the book itself serves at both the artwork & the frame. The inspiration can come from the physical aspects of the book's cover design, color, size or title. At other times, I begin the process with a specific concept I want to express. And then there are the times when an idea springs forth from a particular item or illustration I want to incorporate into the piece.

While individual books get uniquely altered based on the story I want to tell, my main techniques include carving niches & nooks in the books, adding 2-D & 3-D material to help the plot develop & finally sealing the pages shut - never to be opened.

Through this experimental process, the final 20% of each piece develops. Serendipity, necessity, chance & 'Eureka!' moments further polish the piece as it is created.

What are the most important influences that have moved you as an artist?
JLH-Always seeing the innate potential & undiscovered beauty in things: pine straw, mistakes, mud puddles, discarded things, overlooked people, dusty old books which smell of time & story & word craft.

You work is so intricate and very unique. Is there anything you consistently draw inspiration from?
JLH-Actually, I'm hard pressed to find something from which I do NOT draw inspiration! It flies at me and bombards me from every side: the sky, conversations, lyrics, thrift stores, literature, friends, emotions, waffles, bumper stickers... the list goes on & on & on...

"Free Love"

Spine Title: The Story of Mankind
Altered Book, Scrabble Letters, Paper, Metal

How is your work a reflection of you?
JLH-Man - I hope this doesn't end up sounding pompous...lol. It is an outflow of my inner life. It is intelligent. It wants to speak - to say something worth saying. It wants to be heard. It wants to move people to think & to change & to affect change around them. I hope my work reflects my burning passion for passionately living a passionate life.

John with 'Altered Library' works at Kenosis Gallery

Do you see any emerging local, national, or global art trends that interest you?
JLH-Honestly, other than Juxtapose and Art:21, I have very little knowledge of what's going on in the larger art realm. What I do see & know firsthand is that there are amazing artists all around me who inspire me, drive me to jealousy & push me to push my craft even harder. I am experiencing the trend in my own art community of dissolving the membranes between different genres: music, visual art, poetry, performance. That excites me! The creatives I am connected with are actually beginning to execute the crazy ideas we've been toying around with during special moments when our randomness brainstorming hits critical mass. I feel that our goal of intentional engagement of the community-at-large with the arts [whether they like it or not!] is being birthed right in front of my eyes.

Do you see anything exciting developing within your community that you feel will have and affect on the local art scene?
JLH-Oops! Seems as though I jumped ahead and hit on this one already... I can say that I have seen an increase in public awareness of 'other' art because of the direct actions of some creative folk... I don't know if a huge number of people have converted, but I definitely know that some eyebrows have been raised, some have found out they are not alone & others have decided to throw stones. At any rate, the artists have started to speak & some - indeed - do have ears to hear.

Your work seems very time consuming. How do you balance your personal life as a working artist?
JLH-First & foremost, I have an amazing partner-in-crime who gives me the space I need to do what I was created to do. My wife, Stacie, grants me the freedom & unalienable right to live life creatively. The rest is up to me. I've been pondering this question of 'balance' with both myself & other artists. What I have found is that if something is important to you - no matter what - you blaze a trail to make it happen. While I could go into specifics of calendars, scheduling, sacrifice & the like, I'd rather respond with a greater answer. My personal life is important to me so I make time for that aspect. My artistic life is important so I make time for that aspect. I put worth on each of these areas and try to marry them whenever I can. I'm not sure if I'm writing a book or just altering one I've already had around for awhile. But when it's all said and done I want it to say something worth saying. If that's not a good enough reason to find that balance, I don't know what is.

Collectors Pick: For you collectors out there, I would highly recommend viewing John's work in his facebook accout.

Substance 2nd annual Aspiring Designer Competition

The Substance Aspiring Designer Competition is hosted by the local boutique “Substance for the Fashion Conscious People”.

It is a bit different then most fashion contests as it has the environment in mind as well as it’s specific costumer base. I asked the Founder, Christina Getachew and Designers Emily Stockwell, Kevin Kerr including myself to answer a few questions to explain their view points and experience.

 

From Christina Getachew, founder of Substance for the Fashion Conscious People.

Q. What is the concept of the Aspiring designer Contest?

A. The concept for the Aspiring Designer Contest developed from our mission to open up the creative process and allow visitors to see, feel and appreciate all the work that goes into fashion design. We love the art behind fashion and have realized a great way to promote our passion is to share our appreciation for the process.

Q. How did you come up with the idea for doing this contest?
A. Every month since we opened in March of '06 we create a collection similar to the one our contest finalists are charged with creating. Since we work in the store front, the season for giving presents a challenge for us to get the December collection done in-house with higher foot traffic and more receipts of new inventory for all the shoppers. We've turned the challenge into an opportunity to showcase aspiring designers in our store front and website thru the contest.

Q. What materials are given to the contestants?
A. The materials given to the contestants this year were forty 100% cotton short sleeve tees. Last year the contestants were given an assortment of discontinued apparel and accessories. They were asked to repurpose the material in creating their own 4 piece collection.

Q. On average how many people do you get to apply for this, and do you want it to be more localized or national?
A. We opened up the application to artists nationwide and will continue to do so every year. This year we had approximately 20 qualified applicants from across the country. We selected the best of the bunch and it just so happens that all three finalists reside here. Our winner last year was from Boston so we're not tied to making this a local talent competition.

Q. What criteria are you looking for from the designers that helps you select them as a finalist?
A. Skill in pattern making and garment construction are very important because all three finalists designs will be made available for sale in our store front. They must show proof that they are able to produce high quality, wearable designs. The finalists also communicate a shared desire to produce compelling fashion design with an environmentally approach. They write a few words about this desire in their applications. We require that at least 80% of their designs produced for the competition be made from repurposing existing material and not from newly purchased fabric.

Q. What are some of your goals for the contest?
A. We know the contestants work very hard to produce the winning garments so first and foremost, we want to see them garner recognition for their efforts. We'd also like to gain more recognition for being a business that sells fabulous sustainable fashion design and supports talented new designers.

Q. Are there any last words for our readers?
A. Columbus clearly is becoming a fashion hub. It's no coincidence that all three finalists this year are local talent from a pool of applicants including from designers trained at Parsons and FIT in NYC.

From the Designers
Kevin Kerr, Esther Chung and Emily Stockwell

Where did you hear about the contest?
KK. A friend of mine that is a customer of Substance told me about it. She was also the one that told me about Highball Halloween.

EC. My friend Jessica Page had sent me an e.mail which referred me to this opportunity.

ES. I heard about the contest through my friend and (boss at the time) Esther Chung
What inspired you to enter?

KK. I love to have the opportunity to design things with a challenge. It makes my brain work harder. I always end up with so many ideas that it improves my other design work.

EC. I’ve been struggling to put myself out there as a designer and as I read I guidelines I felt this was a perfect fit with my deconstruction abilities. How could I not enter it?

ES. My love of sewing and creating inspired me to enter. Also, I love the idea of recycled fashion...and not knowing ahead of time what we were going to be given to create our collection really intrigued me!

What did you put in your application for the ideas to make clothing more eco-friendly?
KK. I wrote about a small thing that is easy to implement for any company. Being a responsible company in the design development areas. Lots of resources are wasted in product development. Fabrics or samples contracted for before a direction is settled upon etc.. Shipping back and forth from design studio to contractor that might not be necessary. Lots of little thing that can add up to waste.

EC. In my essay I was very moved to talk about how major brands especially here in Columbus with Abercrombie, The Limited, and Express should take better care of being eco-friendly having their base operations in the midwest. Also since they have the budget they can afford to go the extra mile and spend the money on making more sustainable clothes with better quality to last rather then the next hot fast trend that won’t last the year. I also talked about my personal feelings how clothes should be from more natural materials and it’s ok for them to get worn out (not fall apart) because it all plays into the natural cycle of the environment.

ES. In my application, I stated that eco-friendly clothing can really be obtained by anyone by just making their old clothes into something new. For example, a skirt could be cut up the middle and hemmed on both sides to create a cape like wrap, or a company could take clothes that didn't sell from last season and add new buttons or extra fabric to make the piece something new that would sell.

Did you find it challenging to work with 40 black t-shirts as raw materials? Were you expecting other items to work with?
KK. I think the lack of color was the only thing that kind of threw me. I didn't have any idea what we were going to get so the tee shirts were fine.

EC. I was definitely thinking that we would receive some more random elements like some old leather purses or oddball colored garments that didn’t sell. It was a bit of a challenge for me to decide which direction to go because it was essentially a blank black canvas to use.

ES. At first, it was a bit challenging to work with the black t-shirts but once I found out that they bleached and dyed pretty decently things got easier to deal with. I wanted to create pieces that were comfortable, but didn't look like they had been made out of knit t-shirt material. I was expecting a variety of items to work with, but i think it was good we got plain t-shirts because all of the contestants seemed to interpret them in different ways.

Tell us a bit about your process, did you sketch first with a clear idea in mind? Did you cut it all up and work from the pieces? Did you have patterns you used at all?
KK. I did start with some vague ideas about what I wanted to do. Working with the raw materials is what I find the most compelling. They kind of inspire me as to what I can do or not. My design kept changing as I worked with the materials. I love all the little things to add to the eco friendliness of the project.

EC. I am personally not very good at 2D thinking so there was very little sketching involved. At first I just picked out a shirt and put it on the mannequin and stared for a good long time. Then I took scissors and went at it to see what I came up with, I tried bleaching out also but that didn’t suit me. Eventually it came to me and I got the base of all the outfits done in one day but the embellishments are what took the time. Every single disc was hand made and hand sewn together, at one point I took my mannequin off the stand and sat with her between my legs an entire day hand sewing each piece. I did use some home drafted patterns to get the fits for the sleeves.

ES. My process was sort of drawn out and a bit more lengthy than i would have liked. I started the whole process by collecting inspiration. The four elements of the world (earth, fire, water, and air) are what I chose for inspiration for each piece. I then sketched out some ideas using pictures of inspiration and keeping each element in mind. At first, I was afraid to cut the t-shirts so I did lots of experimenting with t-shirts of my own before I started with Substance's materials. I did not use patterns for any of my stuff....the shape of the t-shirts themselves guided me in the process so shaping everything was pretty easy for me to do.
Is there anything else you would like to add about the competition?

KK. I love that in Columbus Ohio we have a community retailers and clients that supports local designers and the idea that fashion does not have to start in Paris or New York.

EC. It was a wonderful experience and I commend Substance for taking such care into their clothing and it’s impact on the environment. If given the opportunity I would be happy to participate again.

ES. The black t-shirts were intimidating at first, but once I starting sewing and actually seeing my progress I got really excited.

In conclusion of the evening the winner was Mr. Kevin Kerr. Emily Stockwell also made the first sale from the garment unveiling to the owner Christina Getachew.

-Esther Chung
Fashion Arts Editor

Leah Wong-Local an International Artist

Leah Wong’s new body of work includes unique observations of people partaking of life activities within vibrantly colored landscapes and seascapes. Leah Wong’s new paintings and installation can be seen at the Sherrie Gallery, 694 N. High St., from Jan. 17 through Feb 28.

Local photographer and artist Barbara Vogel talks with Leah her perspectives and her new artistic direction.

Leah Wong working in her studio at Junctionview 

“You have to work yourself into your art. It takes time to organize, struggle, and change direction.” Leah Wong

Barb: I truly enjoyed your last exhibit at the Sherrie Gallery, and this show seems to be equally exciting. The paintings in this current exhibit, which have been referred to as “Peoplescapes,” seem to represent a bold departure from your last work. How or why has your art changed or, perhaps more correctly, evolved?

Leah: With the “Peoplescapes,” I was motivated to communicate through my art the bustling everyday life activity that I witnessed in my recent Asian travels, to bring together again realism to the human figures and explore landscapes. In 2008, I resided in Taiwan for eight months. I again traveled to China in 2009 to document Chinese artists from the 1960s and 70s in collaboration with art history professors from The Ohio State University. A National Endowment of Humanities grant funded this project.

Ocean of Memory

Barb: How do these current paintings differ from your past narrative that has been referred to as “Creature Cutouts?” Although both are figurative and contain colorful swirling energy fields, how do these two bodies of work differ?

Leah: While the previous “Creature Cutouts” interacted with each other, the “Peoplescapes” are realistically painted people that are a part of groups united by a similar activity and dress. Within the group, each person is uniquely individual with little interaction existing among them. In some of my previous work, there was a story; the creatures were imaginary and playful.

In my new work, the people are “waiting” for the main event. They are arrested in an everyday life moment. These seascapes are drawn from people watching and from my memory of the ocean resort city of Qingdao where I grew up.

A Moment

Barb: What is an Eastern perspective in painting and how is it shown in your work? In your vibrantly colored landscapes, there are many random groups, cultural symbols and icons, abstract marks and swirling energy fields existing within one picture plane.

Leah: You can see an Asian perspective in my landscapes and seascapes. This is commonly known as a “mist perspective” or “zigzag perspective.” It differs from the Western perspective, which employs a vanishing point and foreshortened figures, which creates an illusion of depth. My visual strategy keeps the picture plane filled with a realistic and abstract interplay.

  

Things I See (left) Another Season (right)

Barb: Certainly the placement of many different elements on the picture plane and interplay of the realistic and abstract contribute to your art’s ability to communicate with the viewer. Your “zigzag perspective” forces the viewer to continually look at you paintings. Your paintings are open-ended. Is this what you intended?

Leah: I never try to force people to draw conclusions, but rather ask them to stop, look at my work, and be patient.

Barb: Can you tell our readers a little about your background?

Leah: I received a B.F.A. from Zhejiang Fine Arts Academy, now the China Academy of Fine Arts, in Hangzhou, China in the 1980s. I was the only female accepted into the institution at the time. Since moving to the United States, I have received an M.F.A. in painting from Ohio University and have taken independent graduate studies in painting at Ohio State. I am currently an adjunct faculty member at the Columbus College of Art and Design.

November 2009 Issue

Kojo Kamua, Interviewed by Barbara Vogel

Jessica Janos Interviewed by Walter King

Bob Patricy Interviewed by Sydney Schardt

Amanda Hope Cook Interviewed by Stephanie Sypsa

Daniel Baltzer interviewed by Stephanie Sypsa

REINIGUNGSGESELLSCHAFT - Photos by Mark Fohl

Barb Vogel interviewed by Elise Sanchez

Kojo Kamua, Interviewed by Barbara Vogel

Kojo Kamua: Photographer, Artist, Historan, Community Leader (photo left Kojo by B. Vogel)
 Barbara Vogel, local photographer and artist, talks with Kojo Kamua about his art and influence on our community’s culture on the occasion of his Columbus Museum of Art 50-year retrospective photography show.

Kojo has been instrumental in helping define and promote photographic art in our community and also in documenting the cultural changes in central Ohio over half a century. Kojo was a founder of ACE (Arts for Community Expression) that has helped the artistic and career development of Columbus black artists, provided new venues for artistic expression and created greater understanding within our community. This fall, shows at the King Arts Complex and Fort Hayes High School explore the important role ACE has played for three decades in shaping not only local art, but our community as well.

“I have always felt what I was doing was important. How can documenting history not be important? I now say, “Always remember that what you do today is tomorrow’s history.” Kojo Kamua

Barb: Kojo, you’ve certainly been a presence, more than that really – a force – in raising awareness of photography as art and the importance of giving voice to the black artist. But for 50 years? I can’t believe you are really 70!

Kojo: Yes. I was born in Columbus at University Hospital on Oct. 11, 1939.

(left: Flowered Living Room, Kojo's Home, Kojo)
Barb: Your work has impacted many people, especially in terms of how we all view the contributions of African-Americans. How did you get started in photography and did you always see your work as a vehicle for positive change?

Kojo: I returned home to Columbus in 1964, after my four years in the Air Force, stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina. I had just suffered four years of culture shock, having never been south before. I saw the need for change. The road to change did not start with President Barack Obama. It has been going on since the first slave ship arrived. Change does not happen by watching others work at it, everyone has to do their part. My contribution to change was to document what was going on in my community from a positive perspective. Having been educated in the Columbus Public School System in the 1950s, I knew of less than a dozen African Americans who were in all the history books.

Barb: Your photographs at the museum emphasized black musicians, poets, artists, and sports figures. How did you gain access to so many interesting people?

(left)Ray Charles, by Kojo
Kojo: Today I could not get many of the photographs, which I have taken in the past. You cannot get as close to people because of all the security. And maybe it was not as difficult for me because I often knew the organizers at local events and they knew me. Also, most of the time I was the only photographer shooting images and I was always welcomed. Most people understood why I was there and they wanted photographs taken.
My late wife, Mary Ann Williams, was producer and host of the TV program “Afromation” on WOSU. I photographed Muhammad Ali, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Tony Brown on the set. Many of my photographs were taken at The Ohio State University and in the community at gatherings at East High School and now the King Arts Complex. I met Mr. Elijah Pierce in 1974 and photographed him for 10 years until his death in 1984.
I photographed the Columbus Symphony Orchestra during the summer of 1970 at Franklin Park. The orchestra had an African-American guest conductor. As a freelance photographer, I sent proofs to the symphony office and told them I was available. They purchased some of my photographs and later called me in September to photograph the orchestra. I was the official photographer for the next 10 years. Because I was known at the different venues where the orchestra performed, when other groups played it was no problem for me to photograph. I am a jazz lover and I enjoyed photographing musicians because of all the action, whether it is slow and mellow or hot and lively. I do like all kinds of positive music.

Barb: When did you first discover the museum?

Kojo: About 60 years ago. That was my introduction to the Columbus Museum of Art. When I was nine years old my mom and her two sons moved to 550 Grove Street. It is now a part of Columbus State Community College.

We never had an automobile, therefore we walked or used public transportation. I would walk to the main library located on Grant Avenue and whenever I went to the library I would cut through the museum. The east and west doors where open then, and on the way to the library I would enter the east doors on the first floor and on my return trip home I would enter the west doors and check out the second floor. It never entered my mind that someday I would have artwork hanging on the walls. Shortly after graduating from East High School, I decided that I wanted to be a photographer, and one of the best in town.

We moved to the south side, close to Children’s Hospital, when I was fourteen. Then I began to go to the Parson’s Avenue Branch Library. I had only visited the museum a few times before I opened the Kojo Photo Art Studio on Washington Avenue in 1978. There I met Mrs. Ursel White Lewis. She convinced me to join the museum and told me about her involvement with the museum and the school galleries in Columbus and throughout Ohio. She had been a member since 1960. The museum exhibition was dedicated to Mrs. Ursel White Lewis.

Barb: You mention Mrs. Lewis as someone who influenced you in your early years. Who were some of your mentors?

Kojo: I was influenced by my Boy Scout Master. I have always admired the work of Gordon Parks, James Van der Zee, Walker Evans and Chester Higgins, Jr. Locally, George Pierce and Roosevelt Carter inspired me. Pierce had a studio on Mt. Vernon Avenue and then Long Street. Carter was a freelance photographer and cameraman for WBNS-TV.

(left: Grandpa William Hawkins, by Kojo Kamau)
Barb: How did ACE – Arts for Community Expression – get started?

Kojo: ACE was founded in 1979 with a board of trustees including Linda Fleming-Willis, Michael Gire, Dr. Mary Ann Williams, Patricia Williams and Ursel White Lewis. Some of the founding members were Elijah Pierce, Aminah, Pepper, Roman Johnson, Bob Stull, Bing Davis, Charles Dillard, Larry Collins, Henry Cade, Queen Brooks, Lynn Prillerman, Bill Agnew, Smoky Brown, T Graves and Martha Abbott. These are the artists we first exhibited.

ACE was located on the second floor of the Kojo Photo Art Studio, 90 North Washington Avenue, around the corner from the Elijah Pierce Barber Shop and later gallery. The Pierce Gallery was close to where his statute is now located on Long Street.

One of the things ACE did was sponsor a trip to Africa for artists – Aminah, Brenda Lynn Robinson, Larry Winston Collins and Charles Dillard. After we moved to the Short North in 1986, our operating budget increased and we concentrated on keeping the gallery open. Our intent was to give people a reason to create by offering them a place to show their artwork. And we also try to educate the public about the artists and the importance of the images they create.

ACE has many to thank for their role in keeping the organization alive including founding members and board presidents Patricia Williams and Linda Fleming-Willis. Also, long time board president and supporter Linda Lewis and gallery coordinator LaVerne Brown.

During the past 30 years, ACE has sponsored over 200 art exhibitions, 15 arts and crafts festivals and three artists trips to Africa. In 1986 Art for Community Expression, Inc. was the first gallery to move into the Body Shop building located at 772 North High Street. The ACE Gallery closed in 1999.

Barb: As one member of the local art community, I’d like to thank you for your contributions to art and the people of central Ohio. It’s been a privilege to work with you through the years at Ohio State and Columbus State. How does it feel for you to look back, to view the museum show?

Kojo: It was great…and it was one show that I didn’t have to hang!

Museum Opening Bamazi Talle, founder of Kiaca Gallery and Kojo

Museum opening toast, Kojo left, Catherine Evans Curator Center, Nanette Maciejunes Right

Biographical Information: Kojo studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design, The Ohio State University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a retired chief medical photographer at The Ohio State University and is currently a photography instructor at Columbus State Community College.
Kojo is the author of five books: Columbus Remembered, Pat Your Feet Clap Your Hands,On the Road to Change,Woman of the African Dispora, Lady Lewis, Her Hats, and Her Gloves
You can learn more about Kojo at: http://www.kojophotosusa.net/  kojophotos@ yahoo.com