Abril Alvidrez

Photography by Jose Francisco Ponce Rodriguez

JOSE FRANCISCO PONCE RODRIQUEZ:  I started photography as a hobby , I met a great photographer I admire too and was his assistant in meetings , weddings and social events, he is Alex Mendoza. There my taste grew and I started becomin part of  a good team, workshops taught by the same Alex made  it grow more and were gaining the pupils of the camarguense society then be called in various cities like Parral, Chihuahua and delight , both in the state of Chihuahua where I am currently based in the city of Camargo .

I was born in the city of Chihuahua Camargo 24 January 1994.

Photographer Pako Lazarevic is my business. I love photography but I generally based more on fashion photography I love working with women is my strong suit !!!

JOSE FRANCISCO PONCE RODRIQUEZ: Comencé la fotografía por hobby, conocí a un gran fotógrafo que admiro demasiado y fui su asistente en sesiones, bodas y eventos sociales, el es Alex Mendoza. Ahí fue creciendo más mi gusto y empecé a hacerme de un buen equipo, talleres impartidos por el mismo Alex hicieron que creciera más y fuera ganando las pupilas de la sociedad camarguensepara luego ser llamado en diversas ciudades como parral, chihuahua y delicias, ambas en el estado de chihuahua hasta donde actualmente estoy de base en la CD de camargo.

Nací en la ciudad de Carmargo Chihuahua un 24 de enero del año 1994.

Pako Lazarevic Fotógrafo es mi Negocio.

Me encanta la fotografía en general pero me basó más en la fotografía de moda me encanta trabajar con mujeres es mi fuerte!!!

Torrejon & Pascual Model: Monica Camacho

VIM: Greetings Yolanda. You and Pablo Pascual do fashion photography in Spain. How did you get your start in fashion photography? How do you both work together?

YOLANDA TORREJON: Hiya! Pablo and I met each other in a photography school in Madrid, where we started to specialize in fashion photography. After a while, our relationship became more closer and then we became a couple. We work very well together and also we complement each other. There is nothing better in life than love and passion for fashion together.

VIM: What were your earliest influences and who are some of your current favorite photographers?

YOLANDA TORREJON: There are three photographers that influence us quickly in world of fashion like Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon and Guy Bourdin. Their photographs are beautiful as well as they give us the energy to keep working and improving every day. In current photographers we can not miss Peter Lindbergh, he is a great fashion photographer. Also, we love Mario Testino, he has a grand work. In Spain for example, we really love Mario Sierra, Sergi Jasanda, Miguel Reveriego and many more haha we don’t know if people know them abroad of Spain but their work is amazing and we highly recommend you to know them, they will not disappoint you.

VIM: Your work has been featured in a number of magazines including La Palme Magazine, Hacid Magazine, Lucitisima, and Zurda Magazine. What has been some of your favorite photo shoots?

YOLANDA TORREJON: In our work in general we always like the last thing we have done and to our older works we have same affection to them, but I suppose that is good, I think it is part of the evolution in our work. One of the last works that we really like is the one with model Sasha Swan, because of the stiling and for the light that we achieved. In a while, probably will be a recent work haha! Always happens the same to us.

VIM: How is the fashion scene in Spain and how has it been working with the current fashion houses? 

TORREJON: Fashion in Spain is very inscrutable and very difficult to make a space for yourself in it. This work is like a rollercoaster because sometimes you are up and other times you are down. It is extremelly laborious to earn a living as a fashion photographer. Other times they pay better than now a days and also they protect themselves saying that they are going to promote you or even they say that only have a limited budget for the photography team, but after that they want a high quality, they should pay better or have a better budget. It is quite difficult but step by step we are making a name for ourselves, because we are working hard and we are very determined too.

VIM: Any plans to bring your work stateside to the United States?

TORREJON: Yes, absolutely, although we live in Spain our idea is to expand our work around the world and United States is one of our goals. In fact, not long ago, we featured in La Palme Magazine, which is a magazine from Orlando, so little by little we want to post in more magazines and then more people will know us.

Credits:
 

Cameron Calloway

PHOTO CREDIT: CORLENE BYRD

VIMMAG: Greetings Cameron, 2016 is looking to be your year, with your self-titled debut album releasing this summer. Can you give us a teaser of what to expect from your forthcoming debut?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: Yes! well, what to expect from my 1st album are songs that are truly me. Songs that are about love, love loss, self love, & essentially my take on the world we live in. I'm really looking forward to showing everyone these tunes so get ready! Haha

VIMMAG: You are a self-taught singer/songwriter and guitarist. I remember first seeing you perform at the Beat Coffeehouse, since then you have graced the stage with the likes of Allen Stone, grammy nominees The Internet, and Emily King. To this date, what has been your most memorable favorite performance?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: My most memorable performance? man, all of those ones were memorable ones for me because each one had its specialty about it ya know? again, I've only been performing since early 2014 so to be able to play on the same stage as the Internet, Emily King & Allen Stone within that time span has been such a blessing! Especially since I never thought in my wildest dreams that those situations would happen so soon

VIMMAG: Tell us about your latest song “Extraordinary.” How did it come about and what message did you want to bring across?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: Extraordinary was inspired by a few things. Over the last few years I've finally woken up to the fact that what we are exposed to really does affect the subconscious mind & ultimately how you feel about yourself. I can only fathom how it feels, as a young lady, growing up in this society where the media's message is buy this or buy that to be beautiful, get surgery to enhance your beauty , get bigger lips, etc I have 4 lovely little nieces and I don't want them growing up feeling like they're inadequate because of what society is pushing. I've even met older women who don't think too highly of themselves and that's bothersome, so I wrote a song about embracing what you have & knowing that you're completely perfect the way you are, you're extraordinary. There's a line that says "never let no one kill your pride, embrace who you are from your lips, hips, thighs & cup size" and I mean every word in that song & I hope it can really help change each individual's perspective on self love.

VIMMAG: You’ll be visiting Sacramento in April performing at the Dive Bar. What can people expect from your return visit to that city? Any new songs you plan on debuting?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: What people can expect from my return visit is getting a chance to be familiar with me again. Last time I was there I was with my good friend Rasar from The Lique. We have our side project as duo called CAMRA. My 1st time there we did a mix of original music from us individually & some collab but this time around it'll be music from just me & some favorite cover music so I'm looking forward to it.

VIMMAG: You along with your partner Sonia Seelinger started a songwriting group called “Songwriting with Neighbors.” How did it come about and what has been your experiences with the members?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: "Songwriting with Neighbors" haha 1st off it was actually inspired by Mr. Rogers who is a personal hero of mine. We wanted to get a group of people/musicians together who wanted to become better writers. We gave each other critiques and strategies that are helpful when writing music. It's been a wonderful experience of unity within this community. It's currently on hold because we're moving locations but we will keep everyone posted.

VIMMAG: You sang the National Anthem at the UNLV Women’s Basketball Game? That must have felt like a once in a lifetime experience or milestone. How was it to perform to such a wide audience and how was that experience to performing such a phenomenal song?

CAMERON CALLOWAY: Singing the National Anthem at the UNLV Women's Basketball game was a humbling experience. I love sports especially basketball, and I've always dreamed of singing the national anthem at sports events! I was nervous about forgetting the words but everything went well so I hope to be doing that more in the future!

MORE CAMERON CALLOWAY

www.cameroncalloway.com

www.facebook.com/cameroncallowaymusic

Hollie Winnard

VIMMAG: Greetings Hollie Winnard, how are you? You grew up in the the New England area where you studied Theater and Art. How did that experience get you ready for your career in television and movies?

HOLLIE WINNARD: Well, you went straight to the childhood question. Honestly, I can't fathom how I would have turned out if I had grown up anywhere but Rhode Island. New England has a romanticism about it; There is a strange ethereal energy that surrounds the gloomy historic towns. Providence is an embodiment of this. It's no wonder it happens to be the birthplace of H.P. Lovecraft and was a favourite place for Edgar Allan Poe to visit. It is rich in Gothic architecture, and centers itself as a hubbub for the arts. It’s home to RISD, the country's top Art and Design University. So, it was really no surprise that I’d always wanted to be an artist. My passion is a result of an unconventional upbringing mixed with the haunting imagery in Providence.

VIMMAG: In the past you have starred in such shows as Rules of Engagement, Beauty and the Geek and How I Met Your Mother. What has been one of your personal highlights and what would you consider your dream role to be?

HOLLIE WINNARD: As for my “dream role"?  Pretty much anything in the Scifi/Fantasy genre. A Captain or first officer in the new "Star Trek" series. River's role in "Firefly", Buffy's role in "Buffy the Vampire” series, "Jessica Jones”, Rey in "Star Wars”, a "Doctor Who” companion… I'm obsessed with Doctor Who… So much so I have a giant Tardis in my house.

So how did that work out? Let’s start with the roles I've actually played. In "How I Met Your Mother" I was a Ditzy Blonde. In "Rules of Engagement" I was a Ditzy Blonde. In "GCB" I was a Ditzy Blonde. In "Beauty and the Geek" I was a rocket scientist! Just kidding...I was yet ANOTHER Ditzy Blonde. Sigh.

You can probably understand why I felt frustrated in the sexist, cliche, stereotyping bullshit that runs rampant in Hollywood. My web-series "Hollie's Law” is a direct response to that narrow mindedness. It's an educational show that focuses finding facts in famous works of fiction. Our core message is that science is cool and INTELLIGENCE is what we should consider sexy.

VIMMAG: Lets ponder a bit into politics. What is your view on this election season and what do you think Bernie Sanders chances are come this November? What do you think is needed to really bring change to the current climate of it all?

HOLLIE WINNARD: Oh no, you asked me a question about politics... I try not to bring up the subjects of Politics and Religion (or lack there of, in my case) because you always end up pissing someone off. This is going to end badly, because I lack a filter, Haha. This election cycle has paved the way for major changes. The fact that someone like Trump has so many followers is a clear indication that the establishment is failing. People would rather trust a hotheaded, reality star than a politician. This also proves why so many of us (Yes, I said us) LOVE Bernie Sanders, He has been saying for years, that the establishment is corrupt, and that we deserve better. Bernie invokes the change we so desperately need. However, the media constantly blacks him out and the DNC has made it obvious that they are sabotaging his path to the White House. They can't control him, and that scares a lot of people in Washington.  The two party system is splitting, and that's a good thing. The government needs to evolve. Candidates like Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein are part of the progressive revolution. The Republicans are still trying to overturn marriage equality and Pro-Choice laws. The younger generations want no part in these archaic ideologies. It’s time to focus on a brighter future: clean energy, affordable education, responsible farming, etc. Kind of like what we see in "Star Trek". Ha...I had to get one more Trekkie reference in there.

So that's pretty much it. I'm mostly focused on traveling, on this election, and how to constantly improve myself, my art, and my show.  Thanks again for the interview, LLAP !

From The Archives: Ryan Reason, Photographer

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara Santiago

VIMMAG: First off, How are you? And how did you spend your New Years?

RYAN REASON: I'm doing great man, thanks for asking. I can't remember the last time I had a bad day, my life is really blessed. 

My New Years celebration was a little different than I expected this year. We had a big party here at the Arts Factory for NYE, but the production company who threw the event has a clientele that I usually try to avoid. Our studio was filled with 300+ people who probably have the first season of Jersey Shore on DVD. I stayed in Wes' apartment most of the evening enjoying conversation and cocktails with a few close friends. Memorable evening, but mostly because of how surreal it was.

VIMMAG: Thank you once again for letting me interview you for VIM. One of my biggest inspirations for starting VIM is Andy Warhol. He started Interview Magazine which featured intimate conversations between artists musicians, and creative thinkers in late 60's New York. Is there a photographer or artist who has inspired you?

RYAN REASON: I'm honored you asked me to be a part of VIM, thanks for including me. I would say the artist that I first noticed at a young age and inspired me was the work of Keith Harring. His street sensibility and drive, as well as his very distinct aesthetic and ability to communicate his message in simple characters was something that really resonated with me. Later, the gorilla tactics of Shepard Fairey's OBEY campaign really opened my eyes to how art can used to force people to pay attention, and that you don't need permission from anyone to do it. As far as photographers, the portrait work of Annie Leibovitz is a huge influence in my work and her mastery of light and subject still keeps me in awe. As a kid, I would flip through Rolling Stone issues studying the portraits and I was quickly able to recognize her work instantly. 

VIMMAG: Being a native Las Vegas resident, what do you think has changed most about this city? Anything that has caught you particularly by surprise?

RYAN REASON: The fact that we have an Arts District and a thriving, growing, cultural community Downtown is not only the thing that has changed the most about this city, but it's also what still catches me by surprise nearly every day. As a kid growing up here, I believed I would have to move away to another city like San Francisco or LA or Seattle to find the things I was looking for in my life. Fate being what it is, I never moved away, and then began to notice things starting to develop here. I remember coming to the first Gobbledegook event here at the Arts Factory in 98-ish (which was a precursor to the First Friday festivals) and thinking it was amazing that art and music and poetry had taken over a street in Las Vegas. Slowly but constantly, I've watched this cultural movement take hold and grow in a city that still has a reputation as being completely devoid of culture. And in the last three years it has exploded in way I never dreamed of, I'm blessed to be a part of helping the movement along. Now a days I would say I'm surprised to run into people who still don't know or haven't been to First Friday or even to Downtown. I mean, I know I'm surrounded by it constantly, so my perception is biased, but man people, leave your house once in a while! Get out and explore what your city has to offer you. There are so many talented people working so very hard to battle the misconception of what Las Vegas actually is at it's core. I believe out artistic community will have the national attention it deserves long before the masses of our valley actually understand what is happening here. But that's okay, we'll be around to show them all the good stuff they've been missing.

VIMMAG: You discovered photography at age 10, do you still remember the first photograph you took and what was that experience like?

RYAN REASON: I do. It sounds silly now, but my parents gave me a basic Pentax 35mm camera and bunch of black and white film for my birthday. I took it around my house and just clicked things and shapes that I thought were interesting because I wanted to see what it looked like in black and white. When I got the film back, the image from this experiment that really struck me was a birds-eye-view close-up of a sprinkler head that was in the middle of my front yard. You have to remember, this was back in the day when sprinklers were made of metal, and the name brand was in raised letters around the top of the fixture. The way the shadows of those letters fell, and the interweaving blades of grass around it, completely reduced to levels of gray, made this common object seem like art to me. For years after, I would only shoot in black and white film because I believed that you could shoot anything that way and it would be far more meaningful and artistic. 

VIMMAG: You created images for the popular Suicide Girls. How was that venture like? 

RYAN REASON: When I first started to take my aptitude for photography really seriously, I serendipitously ran into an SG model who was new to town and was looking for a photographer for her next series on the website. I'm a big believer in grasping on to opportunities that fall in your lap, so I took our encounter as a sign I was moving in the right direction. The thing about SG is that you have to provide a series of 40 - 50 images that tell a story along the way. This really forced me to be creative in finding poses and story telling in a single scene to deliver that many images of a quality that is going to be compared to other photographers across the country who are doing the same thing. I was really proud of that first series and considered having my work featured on the SG site to be a huge accomplishment. That first one led to another four models who wanted me to put together series for them as well that year. I learned so much about perspective, lighting, and story telling by doing these series and the experiences really helped shape my aesthetic. Plus, really, what's better than having really beautiful ladies taking off their clothes for you? 

VIMMAG: You've been featured in 944, Vegas, and Seven Magazine. What is the question you seem to be asked the most? 

RYAN REASON: This might be a little misleading. I actually haven't been featured in any publications yet, but my photography work has. When magazines call, the only thing they ask me is 'are you available to shoot this dude at this place on this date?' The answer is always yes.

VIMMAG: In 2011, you completed three different art shows, any plans yet for 2012? 

RYAN REASON: Those three art shows that I did last year with my 'sister' and fellow photographer Jenn Maupin-Burkart were really the highlights of my year, especially our first one 'Pinfluence'. That was really the fruition of a life long dream: to have an art show, with a great opening party, of work that I created simply because it made me happy to create it in the first place. 

At the moment, I'm putting the finishing touches on my heart for the St. Jude's Children Research Hospital. This is the second year they have delivered a blank four foot by five foot ceramic heart to local artists for them to create on. Once the hearts are completed, they are put on display around the valley as public art to raise awareness and money for St. Jude's. I am completely honored that they asked me to be a part of the event this year, and I've enjoy the very puzzling task of figuring how to apply what I do on this giant, and awkwardly shaped, canvas. The unveiling event will take place at The Smith Center's Symphony Park on March 30. 

Other than that, James Henninger and I have been playing with the idea of doing a collaboration project together this year, which I think will really be incredible. I am a huge fan of his work and can't wait to see how he can take my portraits as inspiration for his unbelievable painting style. Keep an eye out for this show later this summer.

VIMMAG: The poetry scene this past year in Vegas has seen a tremendous growth. There is almost a poetry venue for each day of the week. I would have to say one of my favorites is Painters and Poets at The Arts Factory. As the Creative Director at the Art Factory, what has been your reaction to seeing all these poets performing at the patio at Bar + Bistro? 

RYAN REASON:  Again, like all of the artistic and creative elements that have really take off in the last three years around Las Vegas, the poetry scene here is exploding. I love personal, creative expression in all of it's forms and nothing is more personal than poetry. The people who are leading this specific movement, yourself included, are some of the most determined individuals I have met in the Las Vegas culture scene. I love the Painters and Poets Jam, as well as the monthly Talky Trees events we hold here at the Arts Factory and believe they are quintessential in what the Arts Factory contributes to the Las Vegas public. Every time I attend one of these events, I witness a magical moment take place on that stage. Be it a performance that moved me personally, or seeing someone in the audience who would never think of reciting a poem or painting suddenly get up and become a part of the evening's entertainment. Where I'm from, that's magical.

VIMMAG: What are you currently listening to? 

RYAN REASON: I love music, it's been a passion I've had for as long as I can remember and I'm constantly looking for something new I've never heard before. My newest obsession is a group called 'Listener', which I would highly recommend, to poets especially. Their music has been described as Talk Music and the unique quality is the spastic and twitchy lead vocalist who stumbles his poetry over a bed of music that some how fits and collides all at the same time. They have been out for a while, but I just discovered them in the past few months, and I can't get enough of their work. Really next level stuff.

VIMMAG: You are married to Kathryn Bruce-Reason, owner of The Enchanted Florist floral boutique. How did the two of you meet?

RYAN REASON: We met just after high school. which I can assure you was quite a long time ago now. I literally saw her across a room and made my way over to introduce myself, to which she quickly told me to fuck off. I found out later it wasn't me, but she was having a really bad day and if not for my timing, she would never have been so rude. Luckily, we had a few friends in common, so we kept running into each other over that summer, and by October I had charmed her enough to get her to agree to a date. We've been together ever since.

She is an truly amazing woman. Her tireless hustle and determination in her life and business is a constant fountain of inspiration for me. And honestly, everything I do is just to avoid looking like some lazy dude she was unlucky enough to marry. I've spent more than half my life with her at this point, and would be completely lost without her.

How's that for a sappy hopeless romantic answer?

VIMMAG: I use to love reading Rolling Stone as a kid, the magazine has changed a lot since then, including its current smaller size. Any other magazines  that you have enjoyed? I use to love this 90's magazine called Ray Gun. It morphed print with photography in a way that no other magazine had before, making the layouts themselves an art form.

RYAN REASON: I remember Ray Gun as well, great stuff.  Rolling Stone was big for me as a kid, and I would say I flipped through a lot of National Geographic and Thrasher Magazine at that time as well. Now, I've been hooked on Juxtapoz and Hi-Fructose for a few years, which are really great publications featuring this-minute contemporary art and artists. I guess my taste in magazines is really all about the pictures, now that I think about it.


 

VIMMAG: Having volunteered recently for First Friday and in the past having helped with the 18B Music Festival, I've seen the behind the scenes work it takes to organize and bring to fruition such events. It takes a lot of passion to do what has to be done. What would you like to see in the years to come at the Arts Factory? Where do you see it in the next 10, 15 years?

RYAN REASON: It's a lot of work to put on the events we have here at the Arts Factory. A lot. I'm not sure if most people realize it's usually just Wes and myself who run around getting everything ready for these things. We both do it because we love it. I know I do it out of a feeling that I am helping to make Las Vegas a better place by hosting events that you can't really find anyplace else in our valley.
 

VIMMAG: What does the future hold for the Arts Factory?

RYAN REASON: I imagine ten years from now the building will be a recognized institution in Las Vegas, not only for locals, but for tourists looking for something different out of their vacation. To get there, we will need a bigger staff capable of handling the marketing, promotional and planning needs

required of a unique facility like this one. Wes and I do our best, but to live up to it's full potential, it simply will take more man hours to make it possible. I'm a big fan of Burgmont Station in Santa Monica, and I see the Arts Factory and the other business in our neighborhood becoming an attraction of the same scale and interest.


 

VIMMAG: Shooting in black and white does give things an avant-garde look. Sort of reminiscent of Anton Corbin and the early videos he did for Depeche Mode. Is there anyone that you have been wanting to photograph? If you had a wishlist, who would be the top five?

RYAN REASON: You know, I'm not much into pop culture, so I don't know if my wishlist would really be recognizable to most people. All my heroes are local cultural icons, underground hip hop artists and professional wrestlers. Although, that being said, Scarlett Johansson is pretty damn hot. I could make some serious pretty with that.

 

VIMMAG: I do appreciate photos that seem to tell a story. Each photo being a representation or another chapter in the life of an individual. The possibilities are endless in what you can dream and produce. If you had to shoot Las Vegas from that perspective, where would you start?

RYAN REASON: It's funny you should mention shooting Las Vegas, because that's exactly what I did for my St. Jude's Children Research Hospital. My title of the piece is "You Can't Spell Love Without L.V.", and my objective was to highlight the unique characteristics of this beautiful city, both the well known symbols and little know gems. I'm proud of the way it turned out, and the wide variety of icons and structures I captured that make up who we are as a community.



 

VIMMAG: So when people actually meet you and then realize what you photograph, they put one and one together, at least that is what I did, having never realized that it was you taking those photographs for the magazines, I was like wow, he's the one who took that. It kind of adds a different layer to a photograph knowing who is behind the lens, but in a way it also takes away from the mystery of it all.
 

RYAN REASON: You're right, most people who know me probably only think of me as that guy at the Arts Factory', but I'm sure most of them don't realize that my work around here is more of a labor of love than a job. My real profession is a commercial photographer, which is how I actually pay my bills, and is a real blessing in my life.

But I like those moments when you see someone's name that you know in print. I always have to read the full article when I see a name I recognize as the subject, or writer or photo credit. I think it's like cheering on the accomplishments of your friends and neighbors, that's fun. I disagree with Morrissey, I like when my friends becomes successful. And I would hope my friends like the same for me.



 

VIMMAG: I am looking forward to your collaboration with James Henninger. He is always a delight to see at Painters and Poets,  where you can usually find him live painting and creating his next work of art. It is amazing to see that process live. What other Las Vegas painters are you fond of?
 

RYAN REASON: For me, I really like Jerry Misko's work. I think both his persona and his art really embody everything that Las Vegas is in a very literal way. He and his art are Mr. Vegas through and through; friendly and outgoing, as well as arrogant and flashy in some slightly off-putting way. I also am a big fan of Joseph Watson, well before I knew he was a Vegas based artist, let alone a tenant of the Arts Factory. His crowd scenes are so rich and detailed, and his portrayal of urban landscapes perfectly represents an original voice in art to me. Justin Favela and his ability to work in cardboard and paper mache really inspires me. Jennifer Henry and her cellophane dresses is really impressive in it's uniqueness and it's ability to creatively turn art into commerce. KD Matheson is always so visually stunning in both his canvas and sculpture creations. JW Caldwell, Gina Quaranto, Juan Muniz, 3 Baaad Sheep, Luis Varela-Rico; I could really do this all day, there are so many very talented creative people with really original voices working in our art scene now.  It's an amazing time in the history of Las Vegas.

VIMMAG: The Arts Factory houses one of Las Vegas' hidden gems I think in Hillary Salon. I remember visiting them at their previous location and Michael and Hillary have always been an enthusiastic couple who have always loved to express themselves through their location and work. What has their addition meant to the Arts Factory? And what do you think of the other art galleries inside of the Arts Factory?

RYAN REASON: You're right, Michael and Hillary are a great addition to the building. They are truly interested in Las Vegas and making Downtown a better place through promotion and involvement in the events that happen here.

The variety of people and galleries that make up the Arts Factory is what makes this building so great. Whether you are talking about those who have been around longer than I have, like Trifecta Gallery, Blue Sky Yoga, the CAC, or new places like Hellpop! Comics and Happy Panda Toys, this building really does have something to offer everyone. I'm really proud to just be a part of it.

VIMMAG: This past year was a great year for performance slam poetry and in the past I have served as a judge, grading the performance of the poets on a scale from 1 to 10. My dream has always been to invite local art enthusiasts and visionaries like yourself to come and be a guest judge at one of the local slams. There would be five judges, each one representing a different part of the local art scene. Who would be your dream judge panel?
 

RYAN REASON: Well, I would have to include myself on this panel, because that's the kind of egoist I am. So after that, if I'm creating a list of representatives from our local culture, I would choose Erik Amblad from the theater the community, RJ Reynolds for poetry, Alex Huerta from the painter world, and Kid Meets Cougar to represent our music scene.

RYAN REASON is General Manager / Creative Director of The Arts Factory and Photographer/Studio Manager of Studio West Photography

www.ryanreason.com

From The Archives: Alexander Sky

Interview by Jorge Lara Santiago

Photos: Courtesy

VIMMAG:  Greetings and how have you been?

ALEXANDER SKY: Shouts brotha, i've been nice. Thanks to thee creator and my new lovely family which he has blessed me with. Shouts to Zenifur my beautiful belly dancing babe, Spazzy - My 5 year old b-girl junglette daughter and last but not least new edition to the family, our 3 month year old Siberian husky.

VIMMAG:  Your are part of the Three Bad Sheep Art Collective with Alexander Huerta and Eddie Canumay. How did that come about?

ALEXANDER SKY: Organically is how it's best described. I was about to leave Las Vegas actually until I met Jennifer. She belly dances in a troupe called Dea which Nikki Marzula is a part of, who happens to be Eddie Canumay's girlfriend, which is a member of the now 3 BAAAD Sheep. At one of Dea's practices I met Eddie and he invited me to Painters on the Patio to meet Alexander P. Huerta, instantly I remembered his name strangely because I only met him once a year before then for a few hours. Sum it up, we made a few collaborations and the name came straight out of one of our first collab's.

VIMMAG: When did you first start painting? And what has been your influences?  

ALEXANDER SKY: I grew up drawing/sketching as a kid, my inspirations then were Marvel Comics, Capcom, game characters and Ninja Turtles. In high school I became infatuated with graffiti, even as a kid I would love when we were stopped by train tracks watchin each piece before we could pass, but after being arrested a few times in L.A. I felt my art was better than that.

VIMMAG: Brian Paco Alvarez mentioned you on Enculturate Las Vegas for one of your art shows with Three Bad Sheep, saying that " he is not just remembered by his awesome piercings but by the amazing works he has painted on his lovely partner Jennifer." Is there a story behind your piercings and tell us about your body painting work. 

ALEXANDER SKY: The piercing came as a bet at first, being that I am a bit needlephobic and that I was too chicken to do it; meditation wine and some good green helped me along just fine. Later it grew on me - embracing my ancestral history and heritage (Aztec and Mayan), I wanted something more organic in my nose which required further stretching of the septum.  As far as body painting, it's ancient too, I absolutely love it, it is the collaboration between the artist and the model, and live..pfft, forget about it, phenomenal performance piece when it's done live. Now a day I won't get into a body painting gig unless the money is right, gotta pay the model and them supplies ain't cheap.

VIMMAG: Any plans for art shows in 2012? What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next 6 months?

ALEXANDER SKY:   I'm a positive pessimist, so I don't overly excite or overwhelm myself. I am certainly excited about works in motion now though, actually painting a mural in the Arts Factory outside of Laura Henkel's Sin City Gallery with the great K.D. Matheson. Opening up for Sin City Galleries, 12 Inches of Sin. In April K.D. and I are doing a show in Sin City Gallery titled Quantum visits. I'm currently working on a mural  in a lawyers office of the downtown Vegas Strip, when it comes to 3 Baaad Sheep there is a constant flow of work coming, keep your eyes peeled for our 3 Baaad Sheep Vintage furniture. So future murals, new art work, and commissioned pieces are before me.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

VIMMAG:  From time to time you do live painting in the patio at the Bar + Bistro at the Arts Factory. How is it working in that dynamic and what paintings have come out of it?

ALEXANDER SKY:  I love to paint out in the open, it's a sweet element especially sharing space with mutual artists is inspiring. It is great for networking. In the Las Vegas Arts District I have found community and family.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

VIMMAG:  I have interviewed Jennifer Machado and the women from Dea before for VIM. What do you think of their performances?

ALEXANDER SKY: Dea is dope, I dig the fusion of belly dance and urban hip-hop/experimental. They are wicked to watch live and they  are all pretty and talented, nice combo.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                       VIMMAG:  Besides painting, do you have any other ways you like to express yourself? I've heard that you have MC'd in the past?

ALEXANDER SKY: I do MC a bit, hymns chants and chats on the ragga, jungle stylee, actually Feb 10 I am MC'ing a jungle show in L.A. with some possee. Since I was 10 yrs old I learned to break dance in the streets of Pomona California. I learned how to break and what it was to be a B-Boywhich. I still practice today, actually entering a break dancing battle tonight at Hip Hop Roots. Shouts to my squad L.A. Breakers and my Walking Dead posse.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

VIMMAG: What are you currently listening to?

                                                                                                                                                                      ALEXANDER SKY: I would like to say i'm eclectic, enjoy a wide range of different genres complimenting my mode or mood at the time, but my absolute niche and scene is Ragga Jungle, consisting of speed breaks (D n' B) and Urban/ Reggae sample. Compiling a superb sound that one can take either slow or fast, it is the rhythm of my life.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

VIMMAG:  If you had to pick three words to describe you what would they be?

ALEXANDER SKY: #1 SPIRIT #2 SOUL #3 BODY.:

From The Archives: James "The Machine" Shahan

Interview by Jorge Lara Santiago, Photography by Katie Ashman

VIMMAG: Greetings James, I first saw you perform at Human Experience at The Beat Coffeehouse inside of Emergency Arts. What was your introduction to the poetry/open mic scene?


THE MACHINE:  I’ve been writing poetry ever since the 4th grade. My teacher at the time gave us poetry writing/creative writing assignments. While I enjoyed it, I didn’t think too much of it until about 6th grade. My teacher took to my writing right away and even put up one of my assignments on the class wall after blowing it up poster size. It was then I realized that I might have something. As far as poetry/open mics in Las Vegas, Human Experience was my introduction to the scene out here. It was the first event I ever attended in Vegas and it is still the one closest to my heart!

VIMMAG:  You set a release date for your album on 5/10/12. Can you give us any details on what is in store for us?

THE MACHINE:  Well, this project is very near and dear to me. When it is released, it will have been about 2 years since my last release. It’s my most personal release yet. Some might say too personal, actually. It talks a lot about the major depression/suicidal thoughts I endured a couple of years ago. I think people need to hear something like that though. I went through a lot and I felt alone during everything I went through so, if anything, I hope that listening to my experiences will let others know that they’re not the only ones going through their situations- no matter what they may be.

VIMMAG:  You've worked with URB Magazine as a reviewer, how did that come about?

JAMES THE MACHINE:  I went to recording school in Hollywood and we were required to get an internship. It just so happened that on myspace (yeah, it was back then hah) they posted a bulletin stating they needed interns. I’d been a fan of the magazine, so I replied to the bulletin, wrote something as a sample and sent it in. The editorial staff liked my writing and the rest is history.

VIMMAG:  In 2011, you were a part of the Las Vegas Slam Team, what do you think of the Slam scene here and what do you look forward to in 2012?

JAMES THE MACHINE:  I’m really proud of the scene right now and am eagerly waiting to see who will be on the new team. I think a lot of people have participated for this year’s slam team- way more than last year. It’s a pretty exciting time for Las Vegas slam if you ask me. 

VIMMAG: You have a trailer for your "Passing The Bar Mixtape." For those who haven't seen it, what is it about? (http://www.urb.com/2010/05/11/the-machine-passing-the-bar-mixtape-trailer)

JAMES THE MACHINE: Oh boy! Basically, it’s just a comical video about how I actually made the mixtape. You get to see how small the budget was for it and some of the struggles an indie artist like myself has to go through sometimes. But hopefully people watch it and get inspired to not let anything stop them.

VIMMAG: What has been your biggest poetic inspirations? Music?

THE MACHINE: Honestly, I haven’t considered myself a “poet” for years until I moved to Las Vegas. It was everyone else who gave that title to me. I consider everything I do to be music. When it’s called “spoken word,” it’s just me sharing lyrics without any music. Forgive the blasphemy when I say that I don’t really study up on or listen to/read material from poets unless I’m at an event or reading. Just about anyone I’ve heard read here inspires me though. And musically, I get inspired by everyone from Rakim to Sonic Youth. Josh T. Pearson is a country folk artist who has inspired me a lot lately. In my opinion, he had the best album of 2011.

VIMMAG. You made your debut in 2008 with your first EP "...is Awake." 
After that, you followed up with 4 mixtapes and EPs. Can you tell us a bit of how you came about with the songs for your first album?

THE MACHINE: For “…Is Awake,” I just wanted to introduce myself to people. I had been working on my beatmaking skills by remixing other songs and liked some of the beats I came up with, so just decided I should use’em for myself. That was a super personal project too- awkwardly so, I think. I still didn’t totally understand what I was doing hahaha. I’d been writing for awhile by then, but as far as being a musician who would be releasing music to the public, I was very green. It was just a bunch of ideas kind of thrown together on one cd.

VIMMAG: Do you still remember your very first time on the mic performing for an audience? What is different now from then?

THE MACHINE: Oh, definitely. I remember because it was a disaster hah! I was 15 or 16 and performed with a friend and his band. We did an original song and a cover of Rage Against The Machine. Irony, much? Back then I didn’t have a rap name though, so it wasn’t something cute like that- just what they wanted to do. My cousin was there in the crowd and said if he wasn’t my cousin, he would’ve thrown his drink at me. So yeah, good stuff. Very encouraging for a young artist hahah.

As far as what’s different from then to now, I’d say that I’m confident now. Back then, it was really hard for me to accept that this is who I am and what I do because people made fun of me for it. I didn’t fit into their idea of hip-hop. I still don’t, really. I still get the, ‘Oh, I would’ve never pegged you as a rapper’ comments all the time. The difference now though is that I don’t care about what other people think or say at all. Whether James or The Machine, it’s all me. It’s all who I really am. You’re just getting different sides of me at different times. That’s how life is anyways though. It wouldn’t be appropriate to be super aggressive and emotional all the time. Same goes for being laid back. I just am how I am when I need to be that. 

VIMMAG: What are you currently listening to?

THE MACHINE: Ummm…not a whole lot. I don’t listen to too much when I’m focused on making music. Quelle Chris is a super dope MC who put out his album last year (which I’m featured on, actually). The Roots’ new album is pretty brilliant too. Other than those, Josh T. Pearson is always good to go back to. Depends on my mood, really. Some days, it’s George Michael and other days, it’s obscure post-punk stuff.

VIMMAG: For those aspiring musicians out there, what do you recommend in terms of performance? What would be the one thing you would let them know?

THE MACHINE: Performance-wise, I would just remind people not to rely on the crowd to determine how you feel about a show. Don’t freak out if they don’t commend you or go super crazy when you think they should. If you are happy with how things go, within reason, that’s all that matters. I mean, if you’re wack, you’re wack but if no one is coming up to you saying you were awesome, it doesn’t make it true. Be confident in what’re doing no matter what because at the end of the day, people are fickle. And if the sound is bad or you forget some words, etc., don’t freak out either. When you mess up, the best thing you can do is to keep going like it didn’t happen. It’ll make the crowd feel the same way. 

If I had any advice for aspiring musicians, it would just be not to give up. Perseverance is the hardest thing about this life path but it’s also the most important. Why do you think there are so many horrible musicians out there who are super successful? Because they just didn’t stop. That’s most of the battle right there.

From The Archives: A.J. Moyer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERMIL (WWW.JERMIL.COM)

INTERVIEW BY JORGE LARA SANTIAGO

VIMMAG: Greetings A.J. You worked with me as an Advisory member on the Las Vegas Poets Organization, giving us access to your in depth knowledge of the Slam community and helping promote poetry throughout the city. What do you think is in store for poetry in Vegas in 2012?

A.J. MOYER: I think there’s a lot in store for poetry here in the next year. We have seen a lot of growth in the scene through the past year, from new open mic events starting up to performing for packed auditoriums at Western High School to featuring nationally touring poets at the slam and some of the open mics. With even more workshops coming and new poets emerging all the time, I think there’s still a lot of growth set to happen and I’m really excited to see it all happen.

VIMMAG: What would you say your poetry is about? And how has it changed since you first began to write?

A.J. MOYER: I don’t stick within any particular topic in my writing, but if I had to put a theme on it I’d say my poetry tends to focus on personal experiences we all share (even if we don’t readily acknowledge them), and exploring the truths that we sometimes don’t reach out for. I have grown really fond of shining light on the half-truths of history, whether it’s personal history or world history.

My writing is constantly changing and I’m always challenging myself to try new approaches and different styles, so it’s a whole different creature than when I started writing. I think the only steadfast element from then to now is my tendency toward “we” language. Because I mostly write with the intention of performing my work, I try to keep the audience engaged and involved by including them as part of the experience. I’m definitely more willing to try new things and test different styles and voices than I ever was before, and teaching workshops has pushed me to be a lot more analytical with my own material.

VIMMAG: As Slammaster and a member of the 2011 Las Vegas Slam team, you got to venture out to the National Poetry Slam? How did that turn out? Did people ask you about the poetry scene in Vegas?

A.J. MOYER: This was my third time being at Nationals, and it’s an incredible experience every time. R.J. Reynolds and I traveled out to Boston for the whole week-long experience, and we not only got to see a lot of incredible performances but also got to learn a lot from workshops and theme events that we could bring back and apply here within our home scene in Las Vegas. We were surrounded by incredible poets all week, which meant a lot of opportunities to talk to people about the strength of the poetry scene out here and invite them to come be a part of it on their tours. Most of the poets we talked to about it were psyched, and as a result we’ve already hosted four former Individual World Poetry Slam finalists (Jesse Parent, Brian “Omni” Dillon, “G” Yamazawa, and NovaKane), a National champion (Jovan Mays), and we’ve got even more coming in the future.

VIMMAG: You co-host Talky Trees with R.J. Reynolds at The Arts Factory.
How has that been working out for you? 

A.J. MOYER: It’s been fantastic. Talky Trees is really an incredible experience each and every month, and it’s especially exciting to know it’s one of the youngest crowds of any open mic in town. I love getting to see so much youthful talent come through and blow everyone’s socks off month after month. We have great features every month, and the community canvas is always a thrill to watch come together. Every month, I get jealous of whoever wins the community canvas.

VIMMAG: Who have been your poetic inspirations? 

A.J. MOYER: Taylor Mali inspired me to start writing (and teaching) first and foremost, and since then I have practically been collecting inspirations like I collected Pokemon cards. Probably my biggest and most direct inspirations have been Mike McGee, Aaron Johnson, and David Perez. Christopher Lane from Sedona is my biggest inspiration on the organizational side, and I’ve strived to build the feeling of family and community that he cultivated in northern Arizona everywhere I have been. Recently, I’d have to say the whole Las Vegas poetry scene is an inspiration, and the open mics as a whole. Seeing the variety and the talent each and every week all around town builds this energy and reminds me I need to stay on my toes and keep working to improve my writing.

VIMMAG: If you were given the chance to feature at an open mic and were given the opportunity to read from a local poets poetry, who would you pick and why?

A.J. MOYER: It’s almost impossible to choose just one, but I think I’d have a lot of fun reading Jesse Ranon’s work. He hasn’t been reading much lately, but I’m a big fan of his imagery. Ideally, I’d want to put together a set that would let me read as many people as possible, but if I had to pick one it would be Jesse.

VIMMAG: In your non-poetry life, you tutor autistic children. Could you share how that has impacted your life? 

A.J. MOYER: From day one, it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It’s a lot of responsibility, especially knowing that how I react to situations can have a significant impact on the kids. Thankfully, I have great co-workers and our company has an outstanding consulting staff. They’re a great safety net to have, but it still keeps me on my toes and forces me to always be aware of the effect my actions might have. Seeing the kids that I work with fight so hard through their own struggles is a source of constant inspiration too.

VIMMAG: You have performed for VegasOntheMic.com and I've recently been invited by Mike Ziethlow to attend and perform. Could you tell us about it and how it went?

A.J. MOYER: Vegas on the Mic happens every Thursday at Money Plays, and it’s a really cool event. Mike comes from a street performance background, and I think he naturally draws street performer types – folks with immediacy to their work that makes it a visceral “I have to share this with you now” kind of experience when folks perform there. The venue is fantastic, the performers are spirited and talented, and Mike steers the ship masterfully. The performance order is all random and all the performances are recorded so the artists can use them to create their own CDs and merch, which both provide an extra unique twist to the show. It’s just a shame it falls on the same night as the slam twice a month so I can’t be there every week.

VIMMAG: You've reached out to touring poets who have come out to perform in Vegas. What poets have you brought here and are there any poets that are on your wish list?

A.J. MOYER: So far we’ve had Aaron Johnson, John Survivor Blake, George “G” Yamazawa and Kane “NovaKane” Smego, Jesse Parent, Jovan Mays, Darnell Davenport Jr. a.k.a. Mr. Poetic, and Brian “Omni” Dillon. We’ve still got Nathan Say, Christian Drake, Seth Walker, Leslie D, Joshua Ballard & Chris Rockwell, Marc Marcel, and Sierra Demulder lined up in the near future.

My wishlist would have to be: Taylor Mali, Mike McGee, David Perez, Sam Sax, Rudy Francisco, Amy Everhart, Anis Mojgani, Kim Johnson, Rachel McKibbens, Jon Sands, Jeanann Verlee, Jamie Dewolf, Jaylee Alde, Jason Bayani… really, to list everyone I’d love to have here would take forever. Like I said on the back of one of my previous chapbooks, I loves me some poets! More so than any specific names, I really want to keep bringing in folks who have a lot to teach through workshops and who can help contribute to the sense of community here and do inspiring work. Whether it’s a multiple time national champion or just a really dedicated veteran writer, the most important thing is that we bring in people who help invigorate the poets around them and drive others to step outside of their comfort zones and step up their writing.

VIMMAG: What do you think it would take for Vegas to one day host the National Poetry Slam here?

A.J. MOYER: It’ll take a lot of organization and support, and a good reputation among touring poets. A bid for Nationals won’t go over if the reaction from other folks who’ve been here is lukewarm or disappointed, and we’re certainly doing well in that respect. We’ll need a lot of sponsor and venue support as well, because hosting Nationals is not only expensive but requires a lot of venues clearing several nights on their calendar, getting hotels involved to give special rates for attendees, and managing to get this all together in a small enough space that those who can’t bring a vehicle can get around easily on a bus pass or simply by walking from venue to venue. It’ll be a lot of work to get Nationals here, and I think our first step is hosting a regional event. I’m hoping to have us hosting a regional here in Las Vegas in the next couple of years, and assuming that works out we’ll have a good foundation to build more from in hopes of putting in a bid to host Nationals sometime down the line.

Marisa Johnson: Her Own Way

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIMMAG: Greetings Marisa, you've had an incredible time this month, you recently released your first album of classical crossover genre music "My Own Way" and had a sell out concert. You've also been a bit of a media darling this past couple of days, having featured in the Review-Journal and other media outlets. How has it been for you? 

MARISA JOHNSON: It has been a dream come true. I am so glad that people are really receptive to me and my music. This bodes well for the Classical Crossover genre!

VIMMAG:  You wrote a song with Jay DIllen for your album. How has the writing process been for this album and how has it differentiated from your past work? How did the song come about?

Jay was the solo songwriter for “Your Time.” I just had the honor of singing it. I love working with songwriters, and co-wrote the title track of my album, “My Own Way,” with my good friend and amazing songwriter, Austen Courter.  I feel very strongly about writing my own music, but that doesn’t mean I am not willing to collaborate!

VIMMAG: You've enlisted the help of David Blaze as your cellist and Joan Zajac as your vocal coach. How has it been like working with them? 

MARISA JOHNSON: David Blaze is a star. He is incredible and original, and the best and most unique cellist I have ever worked with. Joan Zajac is a wonderful teacher and has sang at the Met and so she is a great inspiration to me and I am so blessed to have a great “guardian of my voice.”

VIMMAG:  Tell us a bit about your band. How did you all form? Have you worked with different musicians in the past?

MARISA JOHNSON: Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a “band,” haha. It’s more like a rock chamber orchestra. I like working with different musicians, but a solid ensemble of loyal players is definitely in the works right now for my future gigs.

VIMMAG:  I  had the opportunity to see you perform at the Viva Las Vegas Event Center which was lived streamed to all your fans worldwide. You have also performed at the Fremont Country Club and have opened for artists such as Enrique Iglesias and sang with Andrea Bocelli. How do you like that artists can now stream their performances to all over the world?  How was it like opening for Enrique and singing with Bocelli?

MARISA JOHNSON: I love live stream. I think it’s a great way to get my fans involved in my music and I am so glad that TuneGO  and was able to help me with the live stream production of my concert. Log on to www.tunego.com/live to watch the concert! Opening for Enrique Iglesias was a great experience because I got to sing my classical crossover music to young people who may have never been exposed to that sort of music. I was very happy that they responded so positively to it because that bodes well for the future of classical crossover.

VIMMAG: You moved to Las Vegas after getting a gig singing opera at The Venetian. What was that experience like? 

MARISA JOHNSON: Since moving to Las Vegas I’ve been very fortunate to have a variety of singing gigs. I’ve sang everywhere from opera at the Venetian, pop music in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and headlined several different hotels on the strip.  Las Vegas has been a great town for me to hone my skills, which is why I chose to have my very special album release concert in this city.

VIMMAG: Your gown designer is Dayana Rueda Soto. Tell us a bit about the fashion designer and the dress that you wore for your concert. 

MARISA JOHNSON: Dayana is a wonderful designer in town and I’m so lucky I had the opportunity to work with her. We went with a royal blue dress with gold trimming because I wanted a bold and regal look.  I love collaborating with different artists- be it musicians, orchestrators, or fashion designers. Megan of Mina Olive designed the dress on my album cover and my gown that I wore to the GRAMMYs was designed by Teodora Atanasov of Fashion A’Studio.

VIMMAG: You are a native Californian. How was it growing up in California? Do you remember your earliest musical influences? 

MARISA JOHNSON: My first experience with classical crossover/opera was when I was 11. Charlotte Church on the PBS station and I thought it was the most beautiful singing I had ever heard and from that moment I knew I wanted to sing like that for the rest of my life. That is why classical crossover means so much to me -it opened the door to classical music and opera, two things I never would have been exposed to otherwise.

VIMMAG:  What are your plans now that your album has been released? Are you planning on going on tour? Do you already have ideas for your follow-up album?

MARISA JOHNSON: Even though I just finished my album, I’m already working on several new and exciting projects. I have four new songs already written and I am currently working with a producer on a song with a brand new sound which I’m very excited about. Music video to come this summer! I’m planning some concerts in L.A. right now and there are lots of great opportunities that are now opening up to me. I‘m very excited to see what the future brings! Stay tuned!

Irena "Inks" Tatevosyan

Irena "Inks" Tatevosyan was born and raised in Europe. Since then she has found herself surrounded by the most incredible art you could lay your eyes on. In 2013 she was awarded Las Vegas RAW Visual Artist of The Year. 

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIM: Hello, Irena, how have you been? I had a great time at our photoshoot in the Arts District for your interview. What have you been up to since your award win at RAW Las Vegas?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: Hello. I've been doing great since the last Raw Show I did. The Semi finals were a blast, and winning Visual Artist of the Year was even a bigger surprise. I'm definitely beyond excited still. Since the show I have been getting into all kind of various art projects, trying out different things and techniques. Been participating in lots of local art shows, even became a resident artist at The Artistic Armory. Next step will be First Friday event.

VIM: You are originally from Yerevan, Armenia. How was it growing up there? Do you remember your earliest artistic influence? What has influenced you since then? You've listed designer HR Giger as one of your influences. What is it about him that most inspired you?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: Armenian nature and the country in itself is very old so there was definitelly a lot of inspiration all around me growing up. Starting with famous Armenian and Russian painters, and ending with the beauty of the nature in the country where I grew up. However, I have always been drawn to a bit of a macabre/nontraditional style of art, and H.R. Giger was one of the first painters who's work has had a huge influence on me growing up and as I became an artist I see myself following his open mindedness. 

VIM: You studied Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute and Film and Fine Arts at UNLV. That is quite a span of knowledge to mine from. What do you see yourself doing with all the knowledge you have accumulated?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: I've never wanted to be stuck doing just one thing for the rest of my life. Therefore I've always tried to be versatile in all kinds of art forms. From traditional to modern and computerized. Let's just say I definitely don't discriminate when it comes to picking what media to work with, paper, canvas, or digitally. In the future my goal is to try everything I do in the art world, at least once. However, my biggest goal is to make it as far as working on a big feature film whether in Hollywood or elsewhere, because I think it would be such an amazing experience and honor to be part of something big like that.  

VIM: Tell us a bit about your work process. How do you go about doing the graphic work that you do?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: Well, just like mostly every [professional artist you need to come up with a cool original idea. Then comes the sketching, multiple different renders of course. When I have finally chose the one that fits me the most, depending on whether I'm working on paper or the computer, I rough draft it out. Details and finalization comes afterwards. Same goes with any sort of 3D modeling I do, it's an ongoing process, sometimes taking not hours, but days to finish. In the end, when I believe that it's pretty much ready to be hung or displayed or in case of an outside project I hamd it off to the client only when they/ or myself are happy with the final result. Of course, us as artists most of us being perfectionists, we are never really a 100% fully satisfied with the final piece, but as long as it between 95-99%, then it's sufficient.

VIM: Your art was recently featured at the Artistic Armory, how did it go? Are there any local artists that you admire? 

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: Yes, there are a handful of artists who's work I deeply like, but in the long run I believe that every single of our local Las Vegas artists has something different to offer, so It's not that easy to pick a favorite. I like appreciate them all.

VIM:  You exhibited your artwork at the First Annual Art4NF Charity Art Show in May which was announced by Jeff Leibow of Jersey Boys. The nonprofit serves families and individuals with neurofibromatosis. The show also featured artists Julie Bergonz, Erika Reynolds, Priscilla Daniels. How was it being able to be part of that experience?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN:Being part of a nonprofit charity event such as Art4NF was an amazing experience. It shows many that money is not always the object that artists are after. Plus being able to support such a great cause was very fulfilling. I admire Jeff Leibow for putting on such an event to raise awareness about NF and tell those who my not know about it what it is and how we are all doing out part to fight it. 

Video footage shot by: Eugene Dela Cruz + Chris Dunnam For more information about RAW: www.rawartists.org We Dig the Underground!

VIM: I love the great detail in your tattoos. Tell us a bit about them, how many do you have and what inspired each one?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: I don't have a count to my tattoos. I guess you could call them big pieces. There were all inspired by things, stories, and beliefs that I admire and stand by. I also like to pay tribute to my favorite artists, and I definitely wasn't afraid to put some of their pieces onto my skin as well. Including a whole leg piece that is dedicated solely to H.R. Giger. I call myself "A walking gallery". And unlike most people nowadays who get tattoos for decoration and most later regret them, I can prudly say, I've never regretted a single piece that I have had done.

VIM: From all the art work that you have accumulated in your portfolio, are there any that have stood out the most? 

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: I look at my own art in very different way and I judge differently than how others may judge while looking at it. But from people paying attention, I have had different people liking different pieces. However, i will have to admit that my "Sea Maiden" piece is definitely a winner among the general population. I'm glad it appeals to so many men and women alike. The best reward for an artist is when someone sincerely likes their work, and even better when they are willing to hang it on their walls.

VIM:  If you had the opportunity to have your dream art exhibition, what would you feature in it?

IRENA "INKS" TATEVOSYAN: Along with Art I also love Sculpture. If I was able to have a gallery opening/exhibition somewhere I would definitely love to have it be 50% different types of painting and 50% Sculpture. Preferable somewhere in California or the East Coast, such as Boston, or New York.

Links:                                                                                                                                                                      www.irenainks.com

Jesse Pino

Photo by Scott Scmidt of Third Eye Wide Photography

Singer/songwriter Jesse Pino is no stranger to the music scene. The Vegas native musician/martial arts instructor first started making music seriously in 1998-99. In 2013, he won Las Vegas RAW Artist Musician of The Year.

Interview by Jorge Lara                                                                                                                                       Photography by Scott Scmidt and Danielle Debruno

'

VIM: Greetings Jesse, first of all, congratulations on your RAW award, what have you been up to since winning the award back in 2013?

JESSE PINO: Hey Jorge! thanks for featuring me in VIM Magazine. It's a huge honor and I'm humbled. Yeah winning the award was a surprising experience. I was not expecting it at all, but I'm honored that RAW thought I was worthy. Well I've been busy writing new songs to release my first full length record. It's a slow process but it's worth the wait.

Photo by Scott Scmidt of Third Eye Wide Photography

VIM: At age 15 you formed the melodic punk band Nadaclue. How was that experience like and what was your inspiration for starting the band?

JESSE PINO: Music was in my family thanks to my dad, so I grew up with it. I started singing and messing around with the guitar when I was 10 and by the time I was 15 I decided to start a band with some friends. In my teens I listened to a lot of 80's and 90's punk rock and that is what led to my first band Nadaclue. We loved to play melodic fast punk with cool hooks & harmonies. I think we were pretty good for the time and age haha, you would have to ask some old friends about that one though. I have some VHS tapes of our shows and there was one demo song we recorded but I have no idea who has it. I fell out of touch with those bandmates a long time ago.

VIM: For ten years you did guitar and backup vocals for Left Standing with your two older brothers Chris and Danny. How was it working with that family dynamic?

JESSE PINO: When Nadaclue disbanded I went to trying only being lead vocals with no guitar in a different band, but I missed playing guitar. Left Standing was already around for a while and everyone in that band, including my older brothers, I admired a lot. When I received the phone call to join the band it was like a dream come true. We released a few Ep's and 3 full length albums during my time with those guys. The Dynamic had some great highs and some crappy lows as most bands do, but it was different because LS was a family - we ran that band like a family, and those guys will always be family.

Photo by Scott Scmidt of Third Eye Wide Photography

VIM: Your music idol is Joey Cape. What local bands do you enjoy and admire?

JESSE PINO: Yeah Joey Cape is rad dude, seriously. Its more nostalgia now than anything. I have been a fan of Lagwagon since I was a kid, and every project Joey has been a part of I have enjoyed. There is just something about his melodies, lyrics, and arrangements that have always connected with me. A few summers back when I was on my first solo tour I had the pleasure of having breakfast with him and he showed us his home - that was surreal. Wow there are a lot of great local bands and artists in town now. Some of my favorites that come to mind are Mercy Music, No Red Alice, Almost Normal, A Crowd of Small Adventures, The Dirty Hooks and Shayna Rain.

Photo by Danielle Debruno

VIM: In 2011 you released the Burn EP, how was that experience like?

JESSE PINO: That was a great experience actually. The Burn EP to me is like my training wheels on my first bike. Those collection of songs were my first batch and I'm proud of them. I'm stoked that many people enjoy the EP because when you release your first songs you never know what people are going to think...and I'm glad there's a group of listeners out there that enjoy my music.

VIM: What would you say were your artistic inspirations while growing up?

JESSE PINO: Hmm, that is a tough one. Musically there's too many, but to highlight some important ones, I would say The Beatles because they taught me how to write a song - Bob Dylan because he taught me how to be punk rock, and the Gipsy Kings because they are the reason I ever became aware of music in the first place. For non music related inspirations I would include Bruce Lee, M.C. Escher, Ray Bradbury, Norman Rockwell & George Lucas.

VIM: Among your many talents, you are a black belt instructor. What has that discipline taught you?

JESSE PINO: Yes it's true. I'm currently a 5th degree Black Belt under the ATA(American Taekwondo Association). I've been training in martial arts since I was 8. I'm pretty humble about it, I don't mention it much, but I can say one of the best things that the martial arts has taught me is how to be a good human being. Something I work on everyday.

Photo by Danielle Debruno

VIM:  You had a solo acoustic show at Downtown Container Park and have performed at the M resort, how were those venues for you? What has been your favorite venue to perform? Any venue that is on your wish list?

JESSE PINO:  Yeah those venues have been so much fun. Container Park is a great place to play. It's nice and wide and for an outdoor venue it's actually pretty good. Sometimes outdoor venues can be very challenging. I don't think I necessarily have a favorite place. I've played every venue big or small in this town. Some of those venues are now relics or are no longer around. Honestly I don’t think any musician or artist is going to complain if they have a great sounding room with a kick ass front of house guy or gal. We all want that, but if I can connect with my audience and we can have a good time plus a moving experience than I think I did my job. It could be the Ryman Auditorium or the footsteps of your front porch. Lets just enjoy some tunes and have fun. There’s a ton of venues out there I would love to play. Locally the Cosmo & Brooklyn Bowl are two venues I definitely want to play.

VIM:  You performed at the Kurt Cobain tribute show in April, what song did you perform?

JESSE PINO: Yes that was a fun show! I played two songs. I did my own acoustic renditions of All Apologies & Something in the Way.

Photo by Danielle Debruno

VIM: What next on your plate? Any wish fulfillments? What would you say is your decree for life?

JESSE PINO: Next task is to release this new record. I'm wrapping up the final touches of the first single "Love Pyre." I'm very excited to see this record realized and actually completed and I can't wait to share it. It’s definitely going to have more of a full band sound but I’ll still have those acoustic driven songs. Ha my decree for life? Just live it I suppose. Some may perceive me as a super confident person, but I’m human just like everyone else. I have doubts and fears all the time, but every time you push forward and get over one of those fears it makes you that much stronger. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t give up – Persevere.

Links:                                                                                                                                                                      www.jessepino.com                                                                                                                                              www.facebook.com/jessepinomusic

Jules Manning

"The Doctor" Jules Livewire singer songwriter of the band Hey Zeus! And former bassist of Vegas notables such as GoldBoot and Marsana uses the sounds capes of all these different types of music to create his own unique sound. In 2013 he released his debut solo album “Native American Wasteland” (progressive jazz) and joined up with the newly reformed Astaires. The follow up album Native American Wasteland 2 is expected 2014; The Astaires have a highly anticipated EP coming in 2014 as well. Be on the look out for more great things from this exciting young artist.

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara Santiago

VIM: Greetings Jules, how have you been? You have a long history here in Las Vegas. Your band The Astaires has a great dynamic sound. It was great watching you guys perform recently at Artifice. How would you describe it?

JULES MANNING: Thank You! I’m really glad you dug it! I believe I would describe The Astaires overall sound as Indie rock with Mod Rock and Psychedelic influences.

VIM:  I had the opportunity to see you perform at the Cosmopolitan with your previous band. What has been your take on all the bands you have been in and what do you think is the biggest lesson you have learned from the experience of being in a variety of bands?

JULES MANNING: My take on all the bands that I have been in and what I’ve learned goes hand and hand actually, without the mix of the right people, work ethic as a unit, and talent the band will usually fall apart. Those three are probably the most important things you can have in a band; even without one of them your band will usually fail.

VIM: Tell us about your musical history. Where did your love for music originate and what has changed since then?

JULES MANNING: My love for music actually originated from my mother and father, my father is a jazz musician and my mother was a singer, and early on they introduced me to jazz and soul music, and honestly not much has changed, I’m still heavily influenced by jazz and soul music I just try to blend them with the other genres that I play now.

VIM: Were you born and raised here? What local bands are you a fan of?

JULES MANNING: Nah I moved to Las Vegas when I was seven years old, Actually I was born in Calgary Alberta Canada, and I have a lot of favorites in town right now but just to name a few, I’m really big on Strange Mistress, The Pax Trend, and Wax Pig Melting at the moment.

VIM: You have a couple musical side projects. Can you tell us about them and what songs have stood out to you the most?

JULES MANNING: Aside from The Astaires I do have quite a few side projects. My solo project which is kind of like my baby its called “The Doctor” Jules Livewire, and that project is basically anything that comes to mind all my creative jones just comes out in that project and I think my favorite doctor song that I’ve ever written would have to be Native American Wasteland, that song/ album I still consider in a way to be my masterpiece. Also I also recently wrote an album with a local comedian/ musician named Kyle Jones and we were called Wantco. The song that really stuck with me the most off of our one off ep together would probably have to be our single NightBright, I really enjoyed and I still to this day enjoy the overall expression and emotion of that song. I’m currently working on an ep with William Davenport of The Bounty Hunter Brothers and that project is called Arch Enemies. All these songs and projects can be found on my soundcloud(http://www.soundcloud.com/doctorlivewire).

VIM: . As an artist I love to collaborate. Who have you collaborated in the past? Anyone that you would like to Collaborate with again?

JULES MANNING: I love collaborations as well, I believe they’re one of the most beautiful things about music, and in the past I’ve collaborated with Kyle Jones, Ang Kerfoot, and Willaim Davenport. I would love and jump at the chance to collab with any of these amazing artists again. In the future I will be doing more songs with a lot more local artists as well.

VIM: Pop culture has a big part in what music is and there is always the term "selling out." It's gotten a bad Connotation in the past, but do you think that in order for a band to succeed that a band has to "sell out" on some level?

JULES MANNING: Music is a business and depending on your genre and your ideology to the whole thing your going to do what’s best for you as an artist to make a living for yourself and to keep getting your records out there, I don’t fault a band or an artist for “selling out” and I don’t have any more respect for the ones that don’t sell out and never seem to make it. A wise man once said “ Different strokes for different folks.” Every artist goes their own way.

VIM: If you were able to create a rock super group with members from other local bands, who would they be and what would the band be called?

JULES MANNING: Oh gosh this one is a tough one, hmmmm well id probably first and foremost have to have A.J. Gerst (Rooftop Ridicule) on bass, Cromm Fallon (The Astaires) on guitar/vocals, Charlie Arnold (The Pax Trend) on guitar/vocals, Jules Pedregon (Strange Mistress) on drums, and lastly myself on lead vocals, kind of an eclectic bunch we would be but that would probably be my favorite locals to be all in a band with.

VIM: What next for The Doctor Jules Livewire?

JULES MANNING: Quite a bit actually, I’m apart of this new collective in town called Brain Jelly Music, and I’m released my first solo album through Brain Jelly in mid June. The album will be called “The Headcase Trapped In Outer Space” and it’ll be a Doctor Livewire release. The Arch Enemies EP will be finished soon as well, and also The Astaires are currently working on a new record and we also have a summer tour coming up so I have lots of good stuff upcoming.

Sarah Jane Woodall

Photoshoot with Sarah Jane Woodall (aka Wonderhussy). www.wonderhussy.com 

Photos by Jorge Lara Santiago

Jorge Lara

Photography Self-Shot by Jorge Lara for VIM

On Origins....

I am not one for looking back, but I realize now that what got me here was the realization that I wanted to reach my potential. As an artist who creates art, I wanted to create the perfect poem, I wanted to overcome my fears and reach out the only way I knew possible.

Back in 2002 I found myself going to college at UNLV, working graveyard as a dishwasher at the Tropicana Hotel and writing poetry whenever I had any free time. It kept me balanced, focused, as much as I could wish possible. I was going to school to major in Mass Media / Journalism. It was my junior year and I wore myself out, not sleeping well, working 16 hour days at times and pushing myself at school till I reached the point where I had gotten so weak that my body gave out and I spent a week in the hospital recuperating from pneumonia. It was a hellish week at Sunrise Hospital. A week with no visitors except for my mother, stepfather, and brother. A week that gave me the time to reevaluate my life. I wanted to give meaning to what I was doing. I wanted to focus on the bigger picture. Realize my dreams, however small the incentive, I wanted to make my life matter. I could either kill myself trying to finish school or I could use the knowledge I had to make a difference in my life and of others. That week I had reached a realization ( and a-ha moment if you wish). I would give back to the community of poets that had given me so much. So I made the decision to start a website, I had purchased the domain “LasVegasPoets.org” and started teaching myself the basics of html. I would use the website to highlight the poetry venues and the poets in the poetry scene. What started as a small personal project became a journey of expression and of bridging gaps that existed in the poetry scene back then.

Having arrived in Las Vegas in 1996, I came to find comfort in the family and small circle of acquaintances I had made while attending the local poetry readings around town. And back then, it seemed so difficult to find a poetry reading. I have always been an observer of people. Seeing the best and worst in myself and in others. Having purchased the domain for LasVegasPoets.org I had started unbeknownst to me on a path that would lead me to creating a non-profit that would garner the attention of people equally as passionate as I was to make a difference, to give back.

In 2005 the Las Vegas Poets Organization was formed. With guidance by a fellow poet and attorney, Erika Wright, I started the search for what would be the first officers of the organization. An executive board would be created with luminaries from the local poetry scene and from that work and forward on an advisory board would be formed. For two years the boards would work together along side a volunteer board to bring about changes in the poetry community. We would focus on reaching out to the community and collaborating with other art non-profit entities and organizations, assisting in the creation of poetry venues that we all dreamt we could be a part of. With the advisory board the organization was able to broaden its scope and reach. Ultimately, our work would culminate in helping to bring the 18B Music Festival, having a fundraiser at the Green Valley Ranch Casino, featuring at the UNLV Festival of Communities, and helping to spotlight poetry at the Vegas Valley Book Festival with Nevada Humanities.

On Living The Dream...

I have always lived by the adage that if you want to make change, you must start your own art movement, learn from the past but create your own future, for a modern art collective to exist there must be a motive beyond passion. Tried and tested ideas can always be infused with a broader scope of hope being the fundamental instinct to a better society. No project is too big, no dream is too small. But realize that you will have to live with that dream.

VIM Magazine was born from the Las Vegas Poets Organization and my passion of magazines, of Andy Warhol and giving everyone their 15 minutes. Back in high school I always imagined myself being the editor of a magazine. And so twenty years later, the dream lives on.

The magazine started online, as a way to feature and interview poets, to give them the spotlight and to converse with artists and learn from their vision, their hopes, and their dreams. It is an honor to have the opportunity to be able to connect with an individual, to be able to grasp with what they are feeling and going through.

The magazine at its infancy would consist of only a selection of photographers who would assist me in capturing the individual I was interviewing. They would provide the photos and I would provide the questions and conversations. It was a mutually amicable union that worked simple as it was. There was an intimacy to it, of knowing the person you were interviewing that allowed for a  broader outlook beyond the normal Q and A. I was having earnest conversations with artists and visionaries who working with their own potential and passion would spotlight every minute detail of their lives. I love being able to focus in on an individual being interviewed and providing them a vehicle for self-expression. They have reached a point where they have found their identity and with good reason, there is never an interview that disappoints. I’ve come to learn to trust in my instincts.

In 2012 VIM magazine would be “relaunched.” After a couple weeks of searching I had narrowed down the choices for the people who would ultimately serve as fellow editors of the magazine. The magazine would focus on entertainment, culture, and fashion. There would be a big celebration relaunch party at the Beauty Bar consisting of 7 local popular bands.  I had a managing editor and four other editors who each had an assistant editor. Throughout that year though it seemed that the magazine had lost its focus. The magazine was no longer just about the interview, it was about featuring music reviews and makeup tips and with having to edit other peoples work, the interviews that were coming out were not as polished as they could be. It was a good experiment and experience that I relished at times but ultimately I had decided that the magazine had to go back to its roots and so the format would revert back to how it had all started.

So in 2013 I find myself working alongside some great photographers and I started to photograph the people being interviewed as well. There is something about creating a whole package. I think of an interview as a piece of art and that is why I sometimes give the person being interviewed no deadline to submit their responses. They have full control of what that they want published, they can be as thorough as they like. It gives the pieces a richer depth in the process, having little restrictions to fall upon, the mind and heart are free to express themselves.

On wishing others well...

I have come to appreciate the people in my life. I realize now that people will come and go in our lives. We must be able to adapt to change and we must be open to being able to reach out, even in the darkest of times. It seems it has taken me awhile to learn how to stay focused, to give my attention to the matters at hand (a good night of sleep helps as well) and to make things work with what you are given. That week I spent in the hospital changed me in more ways than one. Yes I will admit I was scared, before then I thought of myself as immortal, as any young guy imagines himself to be in their youth, without restraints. My life is full of untapped potentials.

I live to challenge myself, to see what I can create, to visualize and project a passion and to make it a reality. There was a time when I was at UNLV that I was planning on majoring in architecture. I had the key to the Architectural library, everything was set in stone, but things always change, passions always differ from one point in time to the next, and so it evolves from there. But even then I find myself to be an architect of my life, I create my walls, my limitations, my resolves. I like to believe that at some points in my life I have reached enlightenment. Self-realization of what I can make possible. And still, I live for the moment. And yet there are still levels of enlightenment to be reached.

I want to take this time to congratulate Michael Martin Humel on realizing his dream. As Past Entertainment Editor of VIM he brought a passion that would remain undeterred. He always talked about starting his own magazine, 'Culture Of The Senses,' and I am glad he has followed through with his vision. Past Art Editor Frankie Darkstar now has his own art gallery. Past Fashion Editor Normangelica Gonzalez now features in two great bands Prisma Royal and Radiant Kind. Our past Cultural Editor Mayra Padilla has always had a hand in helping out with non profits and with her help we were able to assist local non-profit Project 150.

I want to thank the individuals that served with me for two years on the Executive, Advisory, and Volunteer Boards of The Las Vegas Poets Organization. Their work has seen many returns and even now their hard work echoes in the community we have all helped built.

I want to thank Shannon Dorn for working with me on VIM throughout 2013. She has been the principal photographer on most of the interviews we have had these two past seasons on VIM Magazine and I am honored to be able to share her work with the world.  She has left a wonderful imprint on Vegas culture with her own work. A remarkable talent that with determination, started her own art movement.

I want to thank all the poets for entrusting me with all their hopes and dreams. I like to think that I work with them to bring about new avenues and channels for their self-expression. They bestow upon me an opportunity for me to cultivate and create a foundation from which we can all benefit from.

Thank you to Torrey Cole whose friendship and feedback has helped me to realize that our job is far from complete. Working with her, we have discussed planning an art festival that will bring art, dance, and poetry to the forefront. I attended a dance recital that Torrey curated and have seen the talent she can put together, it is a talent that deserves a bigger stage. It will be great to see this mixture of poetic words, and dance, and art all come to fruition.

On matters of circumstance...

These past couple of years have been filled with accolades and privileges that I cannot help but cherish. I was given the opportunity to be a State Judge for Poetry Out Loud by the Nevada Arts Council. I was named a Top Poet by CBS Local Las Vegas, I was selected to speak at the 18 by 18 Speaker Series that featured the ‘Visionaries of the Arts District.’  It is good to be recognized for the work that I do. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented individuals on passion projects.

VIM Magazine is going to broaden its horizons this fall, reaching out to artists in other parts of the world with interviews with artists and visionaries across a multitude of countries. Artists have been reaching out from different parts of the world wanting to be featured. Till now we had only been a Las Vegas centric magazine. We will still focus on the local art and culture scene, this will only help to elevate the interviews to another level.

The Las Vegas Poets Organization has always focused on helping people to Discover Vegas Poetry and this year is no different. National Poetry Month is upon us and with this month we will be re-releasing volume one of the ViVa Vegas Poets Anthology and doing an open call for the second volume of local poetry, unveiling films of poetry performances from local Las Vegas poets, and continuing to spotlight poets at the Pop-Up Poetry Feature Series. We will be donating the proclamation we received from Mayor Carolyn Goodman for National Poetry Month to the Las Vegas County Library District at the Nevada Humanities offices and planning our fourth year of presenting poetry at the next Vegas Valley Book Festival in October.

On the future....

The future is not set in stone. Things as remarkable as they are always fluctuate and change. The only constant that we have in our lives is the opportunity to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others. To truly have empathy toward others, to realize what they feel and what they can amount to, to know just how certain things can be with all that life can bring to us.

It all amounts to how we reach out the world. Our world that we make for ourselves. To enjoy what the days bring, the places, the people, the circumstances from which we can really learn

from. Being a poet, I don’t think I have ever really poured my heart out. I never given myself the opportunity to. Yet, the opportunity is there, it has always been there. They say to love others, you must love yourself, my mother has constantly reminded of this and it seems as though I can see that reasoning through different eyes now. I can realize the strengths it takes to bring the joy that is necessary in my life in order to progress.

For what the future holds, I am planning and producing a 10 minute cultural and arts broadcast that will air this fall on Futuresound Radio on KUNV 91.5. With the help of Gina Quaranto and Blackbird Studios, VIM Magazine will be holding a retrospective next year of all the photography that has been featured on the magazine website since its inception. I am learning to write poetry and music again by learning to let go and just writing what feels real in my heart.

I am always looking for new ways of reaching out. I want to thank everyone for being part of my journey. Let’s see what we can create next.

Vogue Robinson

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIM: Greetings Vogue! Your newly published book of poems "Vogue 3:16" is out now. Tell us how you came up with the title and how did you select the poems for your book. How has it been performing those poems?
 

VOGUE ROBINSON: Hey Jorge! Yes, my book is finished and in circulation! Whoo hoooo!!!! Funny you ask about the title. I have a list of potential book titles in a notebook. This one felt the most fitting. Simply put, my birthday is 3/16. However, the book is also about my own spiritual journey. The rest of the details on the title can be found in the book itself :)
 

VIM: You are a member of the Battleborn Slam community. For those poets out there interested in performance poetry, what advice would you give them if they wanted to take reading on the mic to the next level? Do you still remember your first performance on the mic?

VOGUE ROBINSON: Perform as often as possible to as many audiences as possible.

B: "comparison is the thief of joy" - Teddy Roosevelt

What makes performance poetry so fun is the diversity. Your job is to be yourself. All you should ever ask yourself is "Did I say what I needed to say?"  And it's hard. But working with that perspective will help you grow.

C: (laughs) yes, I remember my first time onstage. It was at "Elevated!" San Diego's Premiere spot for spoken word (Hella HBO Def Poets have touched that stage). I asked the host, Chris Wilson, to stay up there with me. Bright lights beaming in my face. Paper in hand, shaking. Me, reading a poem about how short guys get underestimated. It was a cute poem. I think I sang in it too.
 

VIM: You are a transplant from San Diego. How has it been for you here in Vegas? What do you think of the local poetry scene?

VOGUE ROBINSON: Dang, now I feel like a surgical procedure! (Laughs)  I love Vegas culture. Honestly, I feel like y'all work really hard to prove you have culture and debunk myths about the city, but the scene speaks for itself! I feel like I was welcomed with open ears and hearts immediately. I still remember the storing silence the first night I performed at Human Experience. Vegas is good for my general self esteem. And obviously, I connected to a man I truly love in this city. I owe ya one, Vegas!

 

VIM: You host your own reading as well. Tell us about it? I have not had a chance to attend yet, but I am looking forward to the next one.

VOGUE ROBINSON: I co-host Words In Motion with Brandi "The Prince" Madison. She is a
fellow writer who just completed her 1st Chapbook, "Poems About Her".

Our other partner is the manager of the venue/restaurant, WILD. She approached me about having spoken word in her restaurant and Brandi was already kinda looking for a new venue for "Words in Motion" so it worked out when we all came together.

The goal of "Words in Motion" is to create an inviting and kind atmosphere with love and respect. The seating kinda forces you to sit next to strangers and if you're a bit brave, you'll even share laughter and delicious food with them.

Wild is a vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free friendly restaurant. I highly recommend the lentil curry, ginger lemonade + liquor, and ANYTHING from the desserts! Anything.

THURS 4/17-- 7PM
WORDS IN MOTION @WILD
(Ground level of the Ogden)
150 N. LAS VEGAS BLVD. STE 100
LAS VEGAS, NV 89101

 

VIM: Tell us a bit about your life growing up. What were your early inspirations, experiences in the world of art? What motivates you now?

VOGUE ROBINSON: My grandma majored in Art History and  taught every level of education
from collegiate down to 2nd grade. She also painted, mostly watercolors. I used to go with her to the county fairs to sell and display her work.

We also had a mini-farm, Pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, geese, etc. and a garden.

Anytime a school project called for an art aspect, she loved getting involved. That's probably why I love school supplies. All the possibilities!

I was also privileged to grow up in a home that had a full scale library. 3-4 set of encyclopedias, multiple dictionaries, and multiple books about faith.

My education, well-rounded-ness, and love of language has always been nurtured.

Life has always been my inspiration.

VIM: What can expect next from you? Working on another book of poems or
just concentrating on this one at the moment?

VOGUE ROBINSON: I have a trifecta of things in the works at the moment!

A: Tentatively Titled, the "Denture Love" Tour! (See attached flier)
B: A line of T-shirts based on my poetry
C: Recording a CD with DJ Rooter of subHOP

When I finished choosing poems for "Vogue 3:16" I made sure I titled it as vol. 1 to remind myself that there is so much more to come. I have at least 5 poems that I want to edit and put in the next collection. I need to figure out the theme, cover art, and subtitle. In the next 3-5 years, I'm sure the next book will be completed. I wanna focus on the first book and give it 100%.

VIM: I am looking forward to watching you and the Battleborn Slam team perform for Pop-Up Poetry this coming Friday. What are looking forward to this National Poetry Month. How will you be celebrating?

VOGUE ROBINSON: My life is always running on poetic fluid. LOL, by that I just mean, all year long, I am a poet. It is awesome to see so many other poets posting their writing on facebook for others to read. It gives poetry a lot more exposure.  I'm not one for posting unfinished work online, so I don't think I'll be posting poems I write in April online...but ya never know! I plan on celebrating by making my poems into a reality. I'll be going to more concerts, dancing in the moonlight, and travelling this wondrous world.

VIM: You last performed at Provoke Infusion, hosted by Paloma Solamente and Logan Writes. How was that?

VOGUE ROBINSON: Logan has become a close friend of mine and I am very happy to say, I
have super-supportive friends! She and Paloma have always been welcoming and kind to me. It's awesome to have an opportunity to perform in front of different audiences. You can perform in 3 different places in the same city on 3 different occasions, and you''ll begin to recognize the faces of open mic frequenters. That is what makes the city small. But what is also amazing, is to perform at a different venue almost every day in the same week and meet brand new people. You get to share your work to brand new ears! I love it. It reminds me that no matter how old a poem gets in my mind, it's always new to someone else, and thus, I should give it my all.

AND that audience reminded me how much I love my poem for Amy Winehouse. I never expect people to empathize with the piece because it's such a long poem. But they received it and I felt understood. It
reminded me why I perform.

Catherine Treu: Fashion to the Masses

VIM: Greetings Catherine, first off, I want to congratulate you on all that you have all accomplished this past year. You and Steven Strazzullo have a blog/magazine dedicated to spotlighting the fashion scene here in Las Vegas. What was your inspiration for starting Fashion Feed?

CATHERINE TREU: I took a cultural anthropology class at CSN last year and it had a profound affect on me. I sort of became a hermit for the semester, crouched over my textbook way more than I should admit.  I had become obsessed with how people in communities contributed to culture particularly in the form of fashion, and decided after receiving a lot of positive feedback from my professor, to start a blog. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the fashion scene here and provide a place where these individuals could be featured. There are a lot of amazingly talented people here that design clothing, hats, accessories, and costumes. There are also those that are continuously making choices about what to provide in their spaces to their customers, and are in essence creating an entire aesthetic associated with their brand, like Caroline Aurora of Widow Den and Sarah Nisperos of Coterie. And there are those who express themselves beautifully through the clothes they put on their bodies. I consider them to be visual artists as well.  I have not seen a blog or a magazine here in Las Vegas that takes a comprehensive look at fashion as it is derived out of our city. Of course it will always have its outside influences, but I really wanted to take a closer look from the inside out, especially as to how it relates to the renaissance that is currently happening downtown.

VIM: Fashion Feed’s office is now at Reclaimed who recently had their own grand opening celebration. How has it been having your headquarters deep in the arts district?

CATHERINE TREU: It was a leap, undoubtedly, but one well worth taking. My partner Steven and I both felt strongly that having a physical presence would serve us, and so far it has not disappointed. When I turn the corner at E. Charleston onto Casino Center each day Reclaimed stands out like a fresh bloom. Then I walk through the doors with my children and we are greeted with an enormous amount of creative energy. It’s pretty saturated in there.  I was there the first night Reclaimed opened its doors in December, the day the owners Jen and Quency saged the entire place, and at their soft opening at the February First Friday. By the time the next one rolled around, we were moved in. It certainly feels like I was destined to be there. I fell in love instantly with the concept. It’s been lovely seeing how the space is progressing. There are all sorts of creatives that come through, and I spend a lot of my time just getting to know anyone who pops their head into our office. It’s a prime location for shoots. Stepping out into to the alley behind the building is a visual feast. The Arts Factory and Art Square are right across the street, and there are 6 locally owned boutiques within walking distance. It’s perfect.

VIM: I have been to Reclaimed, it is a wondrous place. You covered Fashion Week in Las Vegas. How was that experience for you?

CATHERINE TREU: It was thrilling and also a bit intimidating at times. It is an amazing feeling to click the shutter button along with a group of seasoned photographers and capture images that will ultimately hold meaning for not only the designers, but the models, the makeup artists, the directors, the agents, the buyers, and the audience. There were designers from all parts of the world , including Las Vegas, that showed at FWLV, and there were some stunning pieces that literally made my jaw drop. Sometimes I could not help myself from exclaiming loudly, and then I would have to remind myself that I was press and I should probably shut up before I embarrassed myself again.

But I should clarify,  fashion week here is much bigger than FWLV, it is also comprised of Magic Market Week and as of recent, the Vegas Fashion Project, which is a really exciting organization created to showcase Vegas designers to buyers from Magic. It was during that event that I was able to meet Derek Smoot of Dapper Industries, who not only designs unique men’s accessories but also has the capability to expand the manufacturing industry here, and is working towards that goal. As of now, designers are only able to produce in small quantities, but that is something that Derek is working to change.

So, Fashion Week ended up being a crazy week. I definitely could have used a bigger staff,  but we made it through thanks to Derek De La Luz, one of the photographers who works with us.  He was there every night shooting the runway at FWLV,  and when Mayor Carolyn Goodman visited the Vegas Fashion Project, he rushed down and took some great candid shots of her as well. I could not have done this without the support of people like Derek that believe in the project and continue to donate their time. And when they come through again and again like Derek has, I get a little emotional sometimes. It just vindicates the fact that we should push on through against all obstacles, which is what we did to get through that week and are continuing to do so here at the office.

In August, Fashion week will be here again, and  we will have a carefully thought out game plan, so we can provide better coverage of all three of the major fashion events that occur simultaneously and bi-annually.  A bigger staff and better organization would be a start, but at least we now we know the lay of the land. I cannot wait.

VIM: You plan on bringing Fashion Feed  to print. How are you all preparing for that and what do you wish to accomplish with a print version?

CATHERINE TREU: This is something that Steven and I go back and forth on a lot. Although we feel that the digital age is here, we also have a long-standing love affair with magazines in their original format. Case in point,  the Vogue Fall Fashion issue. Swoon. So yes,  it is definitely something we are exploring. Steven has been learning how to create an ebook from a rented textbook and when he is ready, we will implement that as an option. Then the magazine will have the capacity to be downloaded onto a Nook or Kindle.  Nevertheless, it would be great to have some printed issues floating around downtown that people can pick up, grasp and finger through. It is such an important part of the experience of reading, don’t you think? Touching, holding and turning the pages? The smell of the printed paper?  I have been a bookworm my whole life, preferring to stay inside and read over playing outdoors as a child, so there is a sentimental attachment there. I also really love trees, and want to save them, so it’s an issue I obviously struggle with. If and when we do print out, the copies will be limited.

I suppose the same issue applies to the office itself, do we really need a physical space or could we just exist online?  Could we in theory do all of this from our laptops at home and a few meetups with our contributors? Absolutely. However, there is much to be said for the human contact, spontaneous conversation, and connections we are able to make with a tangible piece of the infrastructure of downtown. We want the office to be a magnet for anyone who loves fashion. I am certain that these people are going to start coming out of the woodwork and will one day wander into the office. I want them to contribute, because that is the whole point. We want to help these people create their own blogs, feature them, and get to know them personally. It’s about real connection, and less about shiny pages, I guess.

VIM: Tell us a bit about yourself. Were you born and raised and Vegas? What has been your overall experience living here?

CATHERINE TREU: I was born on a small farm outside of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and moved into the city  when I was 3 years old. My father was an english professor and Mother was a nurse. On a family trip they took my sister and I to see the Milwaukee Ballet production of Swan Lake, and we both became obsessed. We begged them for ballet lessons, and we quickly rose through the ranks at the studio to join the other advanced dancers. Luckily, we both ended up being very talented, and shared a great passion for the art. My parents had no choice but to support us and continue with our lessons all the way through high school. Although we both attended college for a time, we ended up dropping out and pursuing dance as a career, which we were successful at for many years.

In 1998, I was working in a show in Atlantic City that got picked up by the Luxor in Las Vegas. I flew here from New Jersey and was put up in the hotel with some of the other performers for 6 months.  I didn’t have a car, so I had to take the bus and cabs everywhere. There weren’t that many places to go out back then.  I remember going to the Voodoo Lounge, The Hard Rock Center Bar, and The Drink, where someone slipped me a rufee one night.  My girlfriend realized what had happened and gave me a ride back to the hotel where I blacked out. I remember waking up the next morning lying on the cold marble in my hotel bathroom next to the toilet with a splitting headache.  Eventually I saved up enough money for a car, but was fired from the show shortly after for having a bad attitude. It was the quintessential Vegas crash and burn.

I remember getting up at dawn the day after I got fired, driving out to Red Rock, and contemplating my life. I knew I wanted to stay in Las Vegas and further my career as a professional  dancer. I was determined to make that happen, but it didn’t quite work out that way. I started auditioning for everything and after a few weeks I got hired for a show that was going on tour in Brazil. It was directed by Tiger Martina, an iconic choreographer. The rehearsal process was my first experience working with a group of seasoned Vegas dancers and I stuck out like a sore thumb in a bad way. I hadn’t quite grasped the essence of what it is to be a showgirl, because they certainly are a brand of their own. A Vegas dancer can wear a 6-foot tall headdress, a tiny costume made of more sequins and rhinestones than anything else,  and 3 inch heels without batting an eyelash. They can exude class, grace and sex all at the same time. They can perform with their eyes, and make getting in and out of a box look effortless and sensual. And they can dance. At this point, the only thing I could do was dance.  The rest I had to pick up from observing the other women during rehearsals without being too obvious and from being constantly ostracized by Tiger. I figured it out eventually.  It was my rite of passage.

After I got back from my tour, I felt like I had come home. I was ready to set down some roots,  but first I needed to find work. For a second time, it didn’t work out that way. I was offered a show in Berlin, and could not pass it up. My time in Germany was strange. I enjoyed the show and the choreography very much, but made some poor choices and found myself engaged to an abusive partner. It all got to be too much, and one morning after a bad episode, I grabbed my passport and flew home. I left all my belongings there, and never returned.

For the third time, I was ready to set down some roots and work as a dancer in Las Vegas, and I finally got my wish. I had nothing but my purse and the clothing I had worn home on the plane, but I was lucky enough to find work quickly, and could not have been happier. I have lived here ever since, and worked in over a dozen shows on the strip. I was here when the club scene blew up and when everybody was making money and not afraid to spend it. I was here for the crash, and lost my home like everybody else I knew. I fell in love and got married here, and retired from dancing to raise a family. It’s my home and I honestly don’t want to live anywhere else. My roots go deep now.

VIM: I want to thank you for being part of Our Art Talk Series at Mingos this past March. I think it's up to all of us to give back in some way to the richness of the culture being created here. Our series is usually a casual round table discussion where we discuss our vision and experiences in the 18b arts district. What has been your experience in bringing your vision to fruition?

CATHERINE TREU: Thank you, Jorge, I am so glad you invited me. I am new to the Arts District, and it was lovely getting to know the individuals that attended. I think it’s a great, non-stressful way to get your message out, and would recommend it to anybody who wants to learn a bit more about what’s going on in 18B.

My experience in bringing Fashion Feed to life has been an emotional one. I haven’t felt this passionate about anything since I retired from dancing. It certainly feels similar.  Like falling in love with someone new, it can be all-consuming. I realized I needed to act after about 6 months of constantly thinking about it, and I don’t regret any decision I have made yet, I think it’s all been a necessary  part of the journey.

The most rewarding thing for me has been all the people I have met along the way that have offered their support and ideas. It is really touching. Last week, a friend of mine was doing some carpentry work in our office, and I was there babbling on and on about the project to him. That evening, as I was driving back downtown to watch the Cube burn, I received a text from him saying he wanted to donate all the work and materials to the project. I burst into tears. Needless to say, my aspirations for Fashion Feed burned up inside the Cube that night and are now part of atmosphere.

And I could not do this without my partner, Steven. After months of reaching out to other bloggers, he was the one who stuck with me, and when I thought I was going to lose him too, he pushed back  the other way and said he wanted to go full-throttle. He shares my passion for this project and I think  this is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership. We have a lot of work to do, but we are on the right path.

VIM: There is a new app called Nomic that has served to help bridge and connect the local artist community. How did you get involved?

CATHERINE TREU: Caroline, the owner of  the Widow Den, urged me to join Nomic, so I did without fully understanding what it was. At that point it hadn’t quite evolved yet. A month or so later, I met up with Nate Boyd, one of the founders, and we realized that Fashion Feed and Nomic had a lot of similar objectives, so decided to join forces. We share a common goal of helping people get connected into scenes within the community, and the fashion portion of this is where I come in.

Right now there are a lot of people doing great things for fashion here, but they aren’t all connected, and I hope to change that with Fashion Feed. I want it to be the go-to place for Las Vegas fashion. Similarly, Nomic is quickly becoming the go-to directory for an inside look at the scenes that are developing here. It’s a great service to be on, especially if you like to engage in conversation with people that share your interests.

VIM: The arts district is filled with lots of wonderful personalities and efforts forged by the community. What movements or artists have served as an inspiration to you?

CATHERINE TREU: First off I have to give Hillary and Michael Welsh of Hillary Salon  the most credit for inviting me in. They are an 18B institution who not only own a salon in the Arts Factory, but play in a band together called My First Rodeo, along with other various artistic pursuits. Over the years, they have always kept their doors open for me, literally and figuratively, and it is because of them that I kept finding myself wandering into the Arts District.

Another inspiration is Caroline, the owner of Widow Den. I am so impressed at how far her shop has come since last summer. Her first space on the second floor of the Arts Factory was tiny, but it packed a punch. She really knew exactly what to do to create a complex story inside a tiny boutique.  It became an extension of Caroline herself, and her aesthetic. It is important for an artist to have a space, and I think seeing hers made me think about the potential a space for the magazine could have.

Lastly, I have to give a shout out to Alex Huerta. He is another artist who opened his arms to me. He gave me some words of wisdom that have stuck with me. “Let things happen organically”,  is his saying.  I try to keep that in mind when things get hectic and stressed. It will usually be a better outcome when you aren’t forcing the issue, and if you stop to look around and take stock of your surroundings, the answers you are searching for are usually right in front of your face.

VIM: What personal fashion tip or idea would you pass on or like to share? I want to commend you most of all on the fashion choices you picked for our shoot. It was great being able to capture you at your brightest and most vivid.

CATHERINE TREU: I had a blast at the shoot. 18B is a great place to dress for. I hope I did it justice. Most of what I wore was from Electric Lemonade, a boutique that is just steps away from the office. They have great pieces.

My advice would be to edit, edit, and edit some more. Fashion is all about the moment, so all things need to be considered and reconsidered:  weather, mood, hormones, lighting, comfort. The best possible outcome will be when you decide what to wear in the moment, not before. Like a blog, you can always add or change, keep it fluid.

VIM: I look forward to seeing how Fashion Feed LV evolves. What are some things you are looking forward to? Any other projects on the horizon?

CATHERINE TREU: I am looking forward to creating a strong blogging community here and integrating that as much as possible into the magazine. A group of dedicated bloggers with a large combined following can serve to promote local businesses in a unique, relatable way. I am very excited about the support that we will be able to offer the individuals that are contributing to the fashion culture here, and this will be another way we can all work together to promote one another.

Another project for Fashion Feed that I want to start working on would be to host a benefit fashion show to help hungry kids here in Clark County. It is an issue very close to my heart, and I know it is an ongoing problem, especially when school lets out in June. Come to think of it, it’s how I came up with the name Fashion Feed in the first place. Well I guess this was all meant to happen then. And it will. I am sure of it.

Stephen Campbell

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIM: How is it going? You recently exhibited your artwork at Randall Bruce's Fine Art Gallery and Custom Framing and Theatre 7. How did that go?

Stephen Campbell: I'm still showing at Randall Bruce's gallery with a portion of my best work on print to date. Theatre7 came to a close a few weeks ago after a two year run. Sales and commission work were good.

VIM: Tell us a bit about yourself. You said that you have been working at photography and music since 3 years old. How is that? 

Stephen Campbell: My great grandfather studied with Ansel Adams before I was born. I used to stay with him as a young lad and he started training me to see at 3 years old. Then he bought me my first camera about a year later and the rest is history. I'm retired now so I have the time to pursue my photography and musical passions without time restraints.

VIM: You worked as a studio/road musician for 27 years out of Detroit and have even had supper with the legendary Muddy Waters. How was that experience for you?

Stephen Campbell: After leaving the Army in 1969 I went after my musical passions with a vengeance. The last year of service I was stationed in Chicago and with a friend went to his families home on the South side for supper. His family of course was headed up by the great McKinley Morganfield or Mr. Muddy Waters. Muddy and I had a great visit once I got over that he was just a regular guy, a visit that would change my life and direction.

VIM:  You have been together with your wife Edna for 31 years. How has being married to her impacted your art life? How did the two of you meet?

Stephen Campbell: Edna my wife and I met while I was playing a gig in Detroit in 1982. It was love at first sight for both of us! Since I was working in a road band Edna came on the road with me for 3 years before I retired out of the business. She has always been supportive in whatever I choose to do and is actually my right hand in life, great lady!

VIM: You served as a sniper for the U.S Army in Vietnam for 2 years. There is only so much one can learn from history books and movies when it comes to that great war. What was your experience like during your campaign and were there any repercussions?

Stephen Campbell: I served as a sniper for two years traveling through Vietnam. Wars takes its toll on anyone involved and I wasn't any different. When you look into the abyss, it's looking back! I have always been a maverick so that work suited me. I stayed on the road playing music and working in recording studios for 27 years healing my mind I suppose. The experience was one of many that to this day there isn't really a sum total on my life, the juries still out on that one.

VIM: We met a couple weeks ago at our friend's Frankie Darkstar grand opening of his new art gallery and we talked a bit about the finer points of photography and the proper tools necessary to work with. What has been your experience with photography and what would be the most important detail you would tell a novice just starting in the field?

Stephen Campbell: What I would tell a photographer just starting out would be to study light, contrast, and the framing of a subject. Buying a proper camera and lenses that are optically perfect if there is such a thing. Experiment with many subjects until you find what you love to shoot. Mine is landscape above all else as I'm an avid hiker, and love to explore places I've never been to before.

VIM: It's springtime in Las Vegas, any current art endeavors you are working on? What does the future hold for Mr. Stephen Campbell?

Stephen Campbell: As to my future I see more photography and exploring and recently bought my Warwick fretless bass. I'm studying from morning until night on this great instrument. It has the sound of an upright bass as you can hear the wood and minus frets to get in the way I'm working on techniques that will define further a style I started years ago.

Carina Arriaga

Photo by Maegan Gindi

Interview by Jorge Lara

Photography by Maegan Gindi

VIM:  Greetings Carina, how have you been? Last year's RAW Awards show was excellent. People seem to be liking the new venue downtown. How has the new venue worked out for RAW?

Carina Arriaga: Hello! I have been great and feel more fortunate than ever. RAWards was a great event to put together and happy to hear your feedback, The Fremont Country Club has been a great transition into the downtown community and we have been able to turn this private music venue into and amazing edgy, alternative pop-up gallery for local artists to showcase their work.

VIM: The show scheduled for February has been moved to April. What do you have in store for us at the next show? 

Carina Arriaga: Our April 10th showcase SPECTRUM has a great selection of new emerging, local, independent artists including a pyrography artist, a dance performance, an amazing group of visual artists and some special surprises in store for everyone that they will have to catch and experience in attending the show! Doors open at 7pm on April 10th. 

Photo by Maegan Gindi

VIM: Tell us a bit about your time with RAW. How has it been working with Amber Cajiao and what are your plans moving forward for this year? 

Carina Arriaga: I have had the biggest growing and learning expierence since I began with RAW in August 2012. I have learned so much from Amber and her passion has been nothing but inspiring and I have learned even more about my craft and love for events that will stay with me throughout my life and be able to applies those to all aspects of my life. 

Photo by Maegan Gindi

VIM: What RAW show from last year was your favorite? Do you have any moments that were a highlight from last year? I like how all the RAW shows have a theme and title. If you had the opportunity to pick a name for a show, what would it be?

Carina Arriaga: I have so many memories that stand out from all showcases RAW had last year, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite one, they were all so great for me. Although a highlight  i could mention would be from the first showcase, DISCOVERY, we did at The Act Nightclub. Having it be our first time at a new venue it was just such a rush and such a great showcase of amazing artists, that I really feel it was a great catalyst for remainder of the season. 

The titles are fun and I'm glad i'm not in charge of selecting the the names for the RAW showcases because I would just be so cheesy or goofy with them. I love making unique experiences, events that are one of a kind and unique to each group of artists so I would either title the first one LOVE because it can be interpreted into so many ways and can speak to everyone or I would want to speak with all the artists involved in the particular showcase and figure out a common ground between them all and create a name based from that. 

Photo by Maegan Gindi

RAW Las Vegas Presents Spectrum
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/593452724074491

Alexandria Lee: Inner Freedom

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIM: Greetings Alexandria, your recent show "Outer Space, Inner Freedom" premiered last First Friday at Blackbird Studios. How has these last couple of weeks been for you? What has been the overall impression you have received from guests viewing your show?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: It has been great! A lot of people have come to see it. I get so much different feedback from different people, which I find as a good sign. I want my work to be like a good movie- everyone will take some unique interpretation of it, depending on the own story of their lives. Everyone seems to relate to my message in their own way.

VIM: I was privileged enough to get a private viewing of your show when we had the photo shoot for VIM. It was great hearing your perspective on each art piece. How did this collection come about?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Thank you. I have been working with the theme of “the importance of freedom” since about 2007. I believe freedom is the most important thing in this world that all other good derives from. All my paintings come to me first as subject matter that intrigues me and that I find relevant to this day and age, and then it comes to me in visions. For example, one of my paintings comments on the freedom and captivity the extreme access we have to technological communication, while another is about the freedom of expression and where new ideas come from, while another is about the freedom of living out of you heart and letting go of the mind.

VIM: You mentioned how you use people in your life in your artwork at times. How much of an influence do they have on the finished pieces?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: I have always found painting portraits and figures to be very satisfying to me and my paintings are about humanity at their essence. The ideas I come up with in my head require a model to pose for me in the way I envision. I prefer to add a level of depth with the models I choose to add another personal layer to the painting. For example, one of my paintings in the show “One Dollar” is partially about the expression “two sides to one coin”. I have two older sisters, who can look and act very similar but at the same time, can be total opposites: I used them both as the models for that painting. I guess the people in my artwork become like characters in a play that I have written and directed... the painting isn’t about them; it’s more like that they fit the role.

VIM: In your artist statement you state that your artwork is about your "passion for freedom: freedom as it pertains to each individual in his or her own personal life as well as it pertains to people as a collective society." There is a certain piece in your collection that seems to reflect just that, the headless woman near the staircase, it's a powerful statement. How did that piece evolve?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Yes, I mentioned that painting before. That painting evolved a lot. I wanted to do a piece about the power of light overcoming darkness. The beautiful friend and model I used for the painting was struggling with exactly that same issue. I didn’t get the idea to make her headless until well into the painting. I had been reading about the importance of sometimes losing your “mind” and going into a state of “no-mind”, and that is where meditation begins. In my experience as a painter and performing artist, the point where I really stop thinking is where the magic or “meditation” steps in. It is a very freeing feeling.

VIM: Let's talk a bit about your past shows. After your third year in art school, you received one of the most prestigious awards for local artists, winning First Place in the Contemporary Arts Collective Annual Juried Exhibition in 2009 for your painting "Concentration." That year the show was judged by Shana Nys Dambrot, an art critic, curator, and author based in L.A. How was that experience for you? 

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Yes, that was a big surprise to me at the time. I had actually been a bit discouraged in my artwork, and I wasn’t initally going to enter into the show. I’m so glad I did. Shana is an amazing person who is so passionate and knowledgable about the art world. She curated a wonderful group show in Beverly Hills at Garboushian Gallery in late 2011 which I was apart of.

VIM: You were nominated for RAW Artists "Best Visual Artist in Los Angeles 2012" and then later invited to show at the RAW Artists National Show in 2012 as a Founder's Favorite artist of the year. I've been to the RAW shows here in Las Vegas and was nominated and each one is a gala event featuring lots of local great talent in art, fashion, and music. How was the show in L.A.?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: It was an honor to be apart of the shows and be chosen out of so many other artists. There is such a vast amount of talent at these shows and I had a great time being amongst and checking out all the other various artists! RAW is a very cool organization.

VIM: We have a mutual friend with local performance dancer Torrey Cole, she herself won RAW Las Vegas Performance Artist of The Year. I was actually up against her in the same category. Since then we have become the best of friends. You use her in one of your new paintings. How is it working with her?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Torrey and I have been friends for 13 years. We are both extremely passionate about the importance of arts of every kind and in being constantly involved in that. She has used me as a dancer in her choreography and I have used her in my paintings. We both grew up in Las Vegas, but had moved away- she to New York City and I to Los Angeles....we were brought back to Las Vegas at the same time for different reasons and now have a common goal to make a good cultural contribution to our hometown. We plan to continue to work closely together to bring more visual and performing arts to the Las Vegas community in any way we can.

VIM: You are also a performing artist and actress who has worked in film, commercials, and theater. Last year you starred as the first female character to perform with the Blue Man Group in their Las Vegas strip show, playing the robot character named "Showbot." It must have been an exciting opportunity. What other work have you been in?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Performing as Showbot for the Blue Man Group was one of my most favorite things I have ever done. I got to be a robot and play around with audience members and the Blue Men and be surrounded by such amazingly creative people. As an actress and dancer I have done just about every medium: short films, music videos, theater, commercials, industrials, hosting....I’ve performed as pretty much every Disney Princess for private events and I was even a photo double for Natalie Portman for a few weeks on a movie filmed in Nevada. A wide range of random and unique things! I guess it all comes down to my intense love of expression....that's how I wind up doing a range of different stuff.

VIM: We have talked about starting a local art collaborative in the same vein as Andy Warhol's The Factory, where artists of all genres come together to work on projects and create community. I am eager to restart again this year the "Art Talk" brunch shows we had Sunday's at Mingos with Torrey Cole and other artists. What's your ideal view of where things can go?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: Yes!!! Well, ideally, we would have a great venue to host art parties, performances, classes, and salons, with studio space for people to work on their craft near each other: to have that connection where feedback and ideas are being bounced around, a place to learn and a place to kickback. The goal would be to attract the most passionate people, and to become well-known as a hub for creativity and a cool place not just to check out, but to hang out, to collaborate, to create. Kind of like an arts college with zero discipline, zero homework and the only expectation is that you are contributing to the group on some level. In fact, I think the ultimate goal would be that people would become excited about contributing and sharing and would be inspired to do more art than ever before.

VIM: What is up next after this exhibition? Any collaborations in the works?

ALEXANDRIA LEE: At my current exhibition at Blackbird Studios I collaborated with Wolf189 and Christopher Kachurak to create an interactive art exhibition in the last room. We are all very happy with it and it was truly a collaborative work! Go check it out! I will continue to perform more with Showcreators productions as Showbot. There is a public art piece I am really looking forward to doing downtown on Fremont St which may be collaborative. Also I plan to be one of the artists to paint on the The Life Cube Project, an interactive community art installation created by Scott Cohen. The mission of The Life Cube Project is to get people to write down their goals, wishes, dreams, and aspirations with the belief that there is a better chance of achieving them. I plan on doing more with the Las Vegas Swing Dance community as well! And of course, if we do end up creating our own "Factory" that would be a great highlight!

Las Vegas Slam Poet Andrew Clark Hall

Interview and Photography by Jorge Lara

VIM:  Greetings Andy. How have you been? I've known you for perhaps close to 10 years and on March 7 you will be featuring along with the Nevada Arts Council 2013 Literary Arts Fellowship winner, Natalia Cortes-Chaffin at the next Pop-Up Poetry Feature Series. I am looking forward to filming your performance, what are you planning to read?

ANDREW CLARK HALL: During the reading I will read some new work and maybe a few slam/performance poems. A lot depends on the audience. I may do my favorite: Another Nautch In My Roodle which uses archaic language with lots of sexual innuendo. I wrote that using exercises by renown poet Richard Garcia. It's lots of fun to perform and Is think audiences dig it too.

VIM: You have a long history, performing here in Las Vegas. Which venues have been your favorite to perform? Any fond memories or recollections?

ANDREW CLARK HALL: Cafe Espresso Roma was our reliable venue fom the early nineties to 2003. It's also fun to say I shared the stage with the Killers. During the Rodney King riots, hearing Rodney J. Lee perform Gil Scott Heron's The Revolution Will Not Be Televised was a trip....Regular espresso denizens like myself, Keith Gandhi Jones Haubrich and William Vose provided some comic relief. It was a tight knit community with writers, singers, painters, and actors all hanging out...

VIM: You along with local poet Nathan Say are now co-hosting along with Megan Milligan at Word-Up at Grouchy John's. How was the inaugural first reading at the new venue?

ANDREW CLARK HALL: Our inaugural night at Grouchy Johns was a blast with long time hosts from the scene including Mike Kiewel, Mark Snyder, Nic Marco, Lana Hanson, Madeline Beckwith Rene Christy and Kari O'Connor to name a few.... It is nice to have such a diverse range of styles in our community. Grouchy Johns is a cozy little place with wild art, plenty of books, and great coffee and victuals...

VIM: Tell us a bit about your writing career? Do you recall your first writing experience? Walk us through some of your favorite pieces.

ANDREW CLARK HALL: In terms of writing, I really wanted to be a song writer.... I wrote lots of silly songs... The Sea Of Vomit... Was one I wrote in 1990 or 91. I started reading at Cafe Espresso Roma in 91 but didn't become a regular until 92. I had a long rant called The Fart of God.... I was trying to mimic William S. Burroughs.... I tried stand up comedy nights but bombed miserably.... Took the same material to poetry nights and got a positive response. I stopped writing songs because I wasn't a very good guitar player... And I ran out of chord progressions... Plus I wanted to put my attention to writing poetry and graduating college.

VIM: Slam poetry has come along way here in Las Vegas. How has it been performing throughout the years?

ANDREW CLARK HALL: Slam poetry has had difficulties taking off to the extent that it has in other cities... But last years team had great chemistry and broke through a lot of barriers. The scene has a loyal but small following. If people knew what fun these events were and how moving the art is, I think the slams would be packed...I pretty much didn't perform for five years since I was out of state attending grad school.... But being in front of an audience and knowing that I might make them laugh, think, cry or wretch.... Gives me an immense satisfaction.

VIM: As a teacher of English at UNLV, what would you most recommend to aspiring writers looking to compose their first poem?

ANDREW CLARK HALL: Aspiring writers should read a lot and write a lot. Don't worry about quality at first... You can revise later. Don't be afraid to suck or imitate.... Keep on writing and you'll discover your unique voice.... You have a whole lifetime, so get started.

VIM: What's next for Andrew Clark Hall?

Andrew Clark Hall:  I've been getting back into performing, hosting and slamming.... And I hope to continue teaching and studying... I plan to continue my eccentric habit of copiously using ellipses...