FREE MONTHLY Volume 1 // Issue 12 • December 2009
OKL AHOMA
Make Your Own Christmas
Kristina Morel
www.artbeatok.com
Hush Hush Commotion
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www.ArtBeatOK.com
ArtBeat Oklahoma
Volume 1 / Issue 12 / December 2009 ArtBeat is a monthly publication dedicated to encouraging and promoting creativity and the arts in Oklahoma. ArtBeat serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the individual artist and a foundation of unity and information within the art community as a whole. ArtBeat is a tool for promoting the work of local artists, both established and underground, and art-driven businesses through affordable advertising and a calendar of local events bringing awareness to the many opportunities in the Oklahoma arts scene. Oklahoma is rich with artists and great art; it is our desire to give these incredible Oklahoma artists visibility and connections both with one another and the thriving community of patrons here in our state.
Contents page 4 // Drawing Out The Enemy page 5 // Hush Hush Commotion page 6 // Keeping it Legal page 7 // Cover Artist Profile pages 8-9 // Raising Creative Kids page 10 // Chronicles of Caleb page 11 // Flows 'n' Prose page 12 // Creative License page 13 // Experience Contemporary Dance Oklahoma page 14 // So You Think You Can Dance pages 16-17 // ARTIST SHOWCASE pages 18-19 // Handmade Wonders A Holiday Shoppers Guide page 19 // What is Art? page 20 // Lawton Artist's Work at State Capitol page 21 // My Neck of the Woods page 22 // Call for Entries page 23 // Cory-o's Curiousities pages 24-25 // Kristina Morel page 26-27 // Make Your Own Christmas page 27 // Artist Crossword page 28 // Myths & Mysticisms About Artists page 29-30 // Calendar www.artbeatok.com www.myspace.com/artbeatok artbeatok.blogspot.com twitter.com/artbeatok
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Tessa Hancock Michael Mennes Holly McHargue Amelia Brewer Reese Brewer Leah Brewer Drew Brewer Michael J. Hanes Blair Waltman Audrey Eclectic Caleb Braudrick Ryan Strader Jeremy Green Wesley Clark Young Cory-o Castoe Kristina Morel
Joy Scoggin: Eastern OK District Director Ameila Brewer: Edmond Liaison
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A year ago, a small group of artloving, art-making, Oklahomabelieving friends, released our Premiere Issue of ArtBeat. Owner and visionary, Eric Templeton spun the "what if?" dream and a group of eager participants joined in the vision of creating a publication to celebrate and promote Oklahoma artists of all disciplines and genres, and to encourage and convince the professional artist and creative novice alike, that their creativity and art matters and that art does indeed change the world! In that year, we have grown in many ways, made new art loving friends, and seen the first fruits of that vision. ArtBeat has had the rare opportunity of promoting budding musicians just finding their voice, encouraging seasoned artists in their endeavors while helping to provide a forum for their wisdom to be shared with others, and we have witnessed fellow creatives who were beat down by the world come alive and learn to believe in their dreams. The other day, my husband and I had the pleasure of sitting down and visiting with a talented writer who told us he was just about to give up on writing when ArtBeat published his work. Throughout history, art has been the heartbeat of a culture. Creativity, the tide that brings revolution, hope, and change. At ArtBeat, we are committed to encouraging Oklahomans in their creativity and their art, and we look expectantly to the future of this "state of creativity!" Happy 1st Birthday, ArtBeat! Be Blessed and Make Art! Missy Hancock ArtBeat Managing Editor
December 2009 | page 3
Parents should pay attention if they find their child or adolescent drawing topics related to weapons, war or battles. The inspiration for these images may be coming from your wide-screen television strategically situated in the center of the living room. Mass media has a profound influence on the development of our children on a daily basis. For example, studies indicate that children watch as much as 20 – 25 hours of television each week. An average American child will see 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on television by the age of 18. Include violent imagery experienced while playing computer or video games and access to the internet, and the number of violent acts increases dramatically. Additionally, the national and local news brings images of conflict and war into our homes every night. Given this deluge of violent imagery, it is not surprising to discover a child or adolescent drawing acts of violence and images of war. However, should a child routinely draw violent imagery or draw extremely graphic violence, this could be an indicator of emotional and/or adjustment problems and parents should contact a mental health professional for consultation and assistance. As an art therapist, I have witnessed numerous war and battle scenes produced by children in psychiatric settings. Often these wars leave in their wake devastation, misery and despair. The battle may represent a conflict between two opposing forces. For example, a child whose parents are engaged in a bitter divorce and custody “battle” may draw clashes where opposing forces struggle for dominance and power. As in most wars and problematic divorces, it is often children who are caught in the middle and suffer the outfall and consequences of the conflict. War scenes can also represent an internal
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struggle. It is a conflict which the individual wages within him or herself during transition. For example, a child whose parents are engaged in a separation or divorce may have divided loyalties between his or her parental objects. The war scenes may represent his or her internal “battle” with feelings of unfaithfulness or disloyalty to one or both of the parental objects. Weapons are forged to fight an enemy or adversary. They are the means to absorb the shock of invasion or transgression and as the springboards for aggression. The ambivalence of weapons is that they may simultaneously symbolize the instruments of justice and of oppression, of defense, and of conquest. Whatever the circumstances, weapons provide the physical expression of will directed to a specific end or outcome. For example, a child whose boundaries
Drawing by Reese Brewer
Q: A:
My child is always drawing pictures of weapons and battles or war scenes. Should I be concerned?
have been transgressed by the assault of an abusive parent may draw weapons and battles with the intent to defend against the attacks and transgressions of the abusive parent. It may also be a means to act out aggression and retribution which he or she would otherwise suppress due to fears of retaliation or reprisal. To gain additional insight into the significance of your child’s art, take time to allow him/her to talk about their pictures. Ask your child to tell a story about the images and events that appear in their pictures. How did the conflict start? What
is the central conflict? How long has this battle raged? Is there a way to forge peace between the warring factions? If not, how could there be a peaceful coexistence? Lastly, always provide support, encouragement, and reassurance to your child. To have your questions answered by Art Therapist Michael J. Hanes, send them to submit@ artbeatok.com
Michael J Hanes, ATR-BC, LPC is a Registered Art Therapist-Board Certified and a Licensed Professional Counselor. He has been a faculty member at OU and OSUOKC. He is currently faculty at Phoenix University-OKC and is a guest lecturer at OU. Michael has 21 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. He has 12 years of experience working with co-occurring populations in the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Michael is a consultant to the Federal Public Defender Office, Habeas Corpus Division where he completes psychological evaluations on death row inmates. He is a respected author, having been published numerous times. He is author of the book, Roads to the Unconscious: A Manual for Understanding Road Drawings. Michael is a sought after lecturer across the US and around the world. He is currently the Director of Continuous Quality Improvement, Medical Records and Contracts at Red Rock Behavioral Health Services. In addition, he is a part-time psychotherapist for the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Michael has over 16 years of experience as a director, manager and group facilitator.
Hush Hush, Commotion By Blair Waltman
M
aybe you’ve heard of Hush Hush, Commotion. You might remember hearing them win the 94.7 The Buzz March Bandness contest in 2007. Maybe you’ve heard their two upbeat, sunny alt-pop flavored albums. More recently though, you might have heard the swords they’re rattling against generic music that can be found summed up on their Myspace page, succinctly describing the band and their battle: Attention music lovers...Hush Hush, Commotion is concerned with one thing, and one thing only — making music that is REAL. The foursome of brothers Andy and Dan Adamson, Chris Lusk and Scott Michael actually began playing together in late 2006, but like relationships, the band wasn’t official until they had it on a Myspace page in January of ’07. Two brief months later found the group standing in the winner’s circle of the March Bandness contest, a welcome boost. “I don’t think winning 'made us' by any means,” says Lusk, keyboard player. “But, we definitely recognize that the contest was a big boost for us. It really gave us a lot of exposure. We had our song playing on the radio two or three times a day, we got to play a bunch of big shows, and most importantly, we got a bunch of cash that we used to help fund our debut album.” In five tracks, the album “It Could Happen” gave fans and music-lovin’ Okies a take-home version of their energetic, sugar pop tones akin to Hot Hot Heat and Phantom Planet, or as Lusk describes it, “energetic indie pop with a southern swagger.” Just after the summer release, drummer Dylan Depel dropped out and in stepped Adam Wilkey, bringing HHC to its current incarnation. That initial burst of success has gelled well with the group’s intense work ethic and had them
putting a lot of miles on their van. They’ve done the touring circuit and have frequented DFest in Tulsa and the Norman Music Festival. Despite their apparent good fortune, touring hasn’t been extremely kind to HHC. “We — and by 'we' I mean me — seem to have a lot of problems with thieves while we’re on tour.” says Lusk. The guy has had his keyboard stolen twice (once in Tulsa and again in Pennsylvania) and his backpack was jacked in Miami, with said bag inconveniently holding their tour cash. “It sucks, but we have such great fans that they have always come to our support by donating money or buying extra merchandise to help us shoulder the burden.” With a replacement keyboard and hopefully better locks on their stuff, HHC dropped their sophomore effort August 11, titled “In Control.” And inside is something all bands vie for and some completely lack in album No. 2: growth. Still sticking to their good vibrations style but with a bit more grit, the new album audibly holds the sum of their experiences touring. “We’re upbeat guys and we like to play music that reflects our personalities,” Lusk explained. “While we definitely draw some influence from bands we like, being out on the road really put things into perspective. Playing for different crowds in different regions really helps a band get a better idea of who they are and what their identity is. The attitude change we received from touring helped us go back to the drawing board and make some adjustments that better suited us. And I think the payoff — the new album — was huge.” Listeners can attribute this strong second effort to practice, experience, voodoo, what have you, but a lot of it can be chalked up to HHC’s unyielding effort to not sound generic.
“When we started writing the new album, we sat down and told each other that we wanted to write music that was pure and honest,” Lusk explains. “As cheesy as it sounds, we decided we needed to write music for ourselves and not for mass appeal. That’s not to say we don’t want people to like our music, but we felt we had to be honest to ourselves first and then, hopefully, the music would be well received.” It’s a sentiment that’s become a credo pasted on their myspace and facebook pages, a manifesto of five guys dedicated to making something original. When asked about it, Lusk explained HHC’s reasoning. “We enjoy playing upbeat, energetic music. But nowadays, most music that is upbeat is a generic rip-off of whatever buzz band is featured on MTV.” Lusk says. HHC witnessed many a local band while on tour being more concerned with stage antics and bright colors and not quality music. “I can’t tell you how many pop bands I’ve heard sing about 'dancing,' 'shaking it to the rhythm,' and 'feeling the beat of the drums.' I feel like it is cliché and just lazy writing,” says Lusk. That frustration led to motivation to step away from the cookie cutter and try to sound original, an effort that’s paid off. The group’s been met with rave reviews and support from fans and other local OKC bands. The effort to stand out from the pack is one any band struggles with, but for Hush Hush, Commotion, it’s part of their identity. And they don’t sound like they’ll be going quietly into the night anytime soon. Not without some commotion. Find Hush Hush, Commotion on Facebook or check them out at www.myspace.com/ hushhushcommotion
December 2009 | page 5
“Keeping it Legal� Books to Aid the Visual Artist by Amanda Hall
A
friend of mine with two art degrees once told me he felt that he did not get enough assistance with finding jobs and managing his art legally when he was at college. This can be a daunting task, whether you have a formal education or not, as there are so many aspects of your upcoming exhibition or sale to be aware of. Then there comes a time when you want to sell yourself to the world, not just your neighborhood coffee shop or gallery. In a world that is not as pretty as we often want it to be, there is much to consider. Many know how to handle themselves, but many are left wondering about the next steps when it comes to pricing, copyrighting, and dealing with professional conflict. Sometimes it even seems like this part of the industry is a secret that only a few have manifested into self-run profitable business. Thankfully, there are many resources out there that offer aid, once you know where to look. I offer up to you a few of the books that will be a substantial help and will guide you through the legal swamps of the art world. The first is one that many of you may already know, Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines. This is a valuable resource for anyone who needs assistance pricing his or her work, or anyone who is doing contracted art work for a client. It is a primer for the graphic arts world, and well worth the cost to either buy it in the store or join the Graphic Arts Guild for even more networking opportunities and assistance. It is a thick, concise volume of information that would otherwise take weeks of researching to find. The second is the Legal Guide for the Visual Artist by Tad Crawford. If legal writing and
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contracts are gibberish to you, this is your book! It not only explains the most current copyright law, but it also offers up model contracts for many common situations you will encounter as a professional visual artist, including gallery agreements, commission agreements, rental agreements, bills of sale, and so much more. I cannot tell you how many times I have encountered people who have struggled with a business that did not treat them or their art fairly due to lack of contract. Paintings have been ruined, rights have been signed away, and commissions have turned into drudgery because there was never an initial formal agreement setting the tone for these projects. How do you handle your work in a place where it may be damaged? Who takes responsibility? What if someone wants to repeatedly use your image? What must you consider when using other found images in a larger work? This guide answers all of these questions and more. You can even get the model contracts on a disk where fitting them to your situation is as easy as filling in the blanks! So you have read the two previous books and know everything there is to know about copyrights, contracts, and pricing - now what? You can handle any local show with ease, but seek to market yourself to the rest of the world, the magazines, the greeting card companies, the toymakers, and so on. A good place to get started in this area is with the Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market book, printed annually. This book contains listings and submission requirements for companies that take unsolicited and freelance work, including magazines, greeting card companies, comic book distributors, book publishers seeking illustrators,
and news syndicates taking cartoonists. Want to know how to submit your cartoon to The New Yorker, or how to illustrate for Cat Fancy? Maybe you want to illustrate for children’s books, or do cover art for novels? Where do you go to turn your killer story and sequential art into a graphic novel? The answers are in the Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market book! Under each listing information is also included as to how many new artists they hire in a given year, and how many freelancers usually submit to them, so you will even know what you are in for when it comes to competition. Success stories of freelance artists are scattered throughout the volume, giving inspiration and tips. This is a huge market, and this book will give you an idea of where to start. When I meet an upcoming artist who voices concern about the "legal stuff", these are the books I recommend. You can find many books on the subject, but even trying to find them among all the art guideline books out there can be a bit tedious. If you are emerging with questions about marketing your product, pricing your product, or protecting your art's integrity, these are priceless reading materials that can truly help you succeed. They can be purchased or ordered from any major bookstore, and are also available on Amazon and eBay (be mindful, though, the content of the Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market changes every year so look for the current volume). In time you may form your own strategies and legal documentation, and then be able to pass on your info to newer artists!
COVER ARTIST PROFILE
Audrey EclecTic Heather Sleightholm
by to Pho
Au dre yE clec tic
What are all the artistic disciplines you work in? I am a painter, although I use several different media in my work. I love to do collage folk art paintings, where I use everything from decorative papers, old photos, typography, ink and charcoal to create a depth to my painting, which is done in acrylic. However, I’ve started playing around with water color and ink again, which was my medium of choice before I started mixing things up.
www.audreyeclectic.com audreyeclectic@gmail.com
Cover Art: “Christmas Angel”
What is the most important lesson you have learned in the business of selling your art? That the possibilities are endless. I started my little business in 2007 when I left my job as a newspaper writer to be home with my daughter, Audrey. I was just painting at the kitchen table to entertain myself and have some ‘me’ time. In the time since then, I’ve done several indie craft shows, participated in both solo and group gallery exhibitions, been published in Somerset Studio Magazine, and was asked to participate in an art book that will be coming out next fall. I am pretty amazed and thankful, so much has happened and most of it came from just putting myself and my art out there and seeing what happens. How would you describe you art? I like to say it’s a unique blend of early American folk art with modern techniques. I try to be versatile in my style because I do a fair amount of commissions. I can do sweet and lovely portraits, with themes of love and family. But I also like to do paintings that balance a little bit of sweet with dark. Those are the ones I enjoy most. Sort of “prairie goodness meets Victorian gothic.” When did you first realize you were an artist? I identified myself as an artistic person early in life. I realized that drawing was one of my strengths and I got a lot of positive feedback from my family and my teachers because of it. It wasn’t until really this past year though that I had the confidence to label myself as an artist to others without feeling like I was overstepping myself. However, I feel like if you make art and people buy it, well, you are a working artist! Where do you get inspiration? All sorts of places! I am a lover of history and stories, so books and old illustrations and paintings are very inspiring to me. I am an ‘old timey girl.’ I collect vintage photographs and vintage fashion illustrations. I love old magazines (especially the advertisements!) fairytales, American history—I would love to travel to Williamsburg or Salem some day. I also have a soft spot for the Ozarks and of course the Oklahoma prairie. Also, I love music and artists such as Neko Case, Gillian Welch and Tori Amos really inspire me.
“Call of the Sea”
What advice do you have for artists just getting started? Give yourself time to learn and grow and experiment. The most important thing is to follow your heart and create something that interests you. Don’t worry about what’s popular or what you think sells. If you create from the heart, others will see that and respond to it. What is the most encouragement you’ve received as an artist? The most touching thing for me is when I do a show such as Indie Emporium in Tulsa or Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar in Oklahoma City and I get to watch people fall in love with something I’ve created. It is amazing to see that something that started out as a vague notion in my head became a piece of art that spoke so strongly to the heart of someone else that they immediately fell in love and had to take the piece home with them. It’s a pretty wonderful and humbling thing to witness, and I love it! Where can we see your work / What upcoming shows or events are you in? At my website: www.audreyeclectic.com - I sell prints, postcards, original pieces, and take commissions as my schedule permits. My blog: www.reverieart.blogspot.com - I ramble on about art, life and what inspires me at the moment. This month at the Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar at the fairgrounds in Oklahoma City on December 12. In March 2010 I will be the featured gallery artist at Heller Theatre in Tulsa and plan on doing several other local craft shows. I am also very pleased to be among a group of artists featured in a new art book focusing on fabric mixed media art called “Sharing Stitches” by Chrissie Grace. That book will be out in the autumn of 2010.
“Celestine” December 2009 | page 7
Learning fromthe theMasters Masters Learning from from the Masters Learning By Amelia Brewer By Amelia
Throughout history, great artists have learned from other artists. Some very famous painters got their start by apprenticing with a parent who was an artist, or with a successful artist that needed an assistant. They could glean from these artists how to mix colors, and familiarize themselves with terms and techniques. A lot of times, these apprentices went on to become great artists in their own rite. Artists that actually got their start in an art school spent hours in museums, copying the works of the great artists of the time. As a part of their training, they were assigned different famous pieces to imitate, building their confidence while learning different styles and experimenting with different media. In this way, they developed important skills, and also acquired their own style, by learning what they liked and didn’t like doing. Though the great masters of the past are gone from this world, their fine art and stories are still here to inspire us and spark our creativity. By exposing your children to works of fine art, they too can be pint sized apprentices! Whether you know a lot about the great artists of the ages, or can’t even begin to pronounce their names, you will quickly see that your child will love any effort you make in the name of art! I volunteered in the Edmond Public Schools, and taught students art appreciation through a program called Meet the Masters. This is how I first learned how excited kids will get about art
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and artists. Every month, I would take to the class one or two pieces of fine art by a famous artist. We would look at the art together and then have a discussion about the pieces as well as the artist. We would end each session by letting the students try their hand at the style they learned about and with a different media each time. In no time, these young students learned that they could talk
^Leah age 10, pencils Inspired by Van Gogh >
about art, and that it was OK to have their own opinions about the art. It always amazed me how much they anticipated seeing what I brought for them to view and discuss each time. I have even had some great discussions about artists such as Mary Cassatt with kindergartners! So, how do you start on your journey to meet the masters? What information is important to
Brewer
pass along to your children? It’s always good to use things that will capture their attention. Find things about the artist that are interesting, such as a story about how he/she became an artist, or the story behind a piece of his/her art. For instance, did you know that the artist Grant Wood, who painted American Gothic, used his dentist and his sister as his models to stand in front of the house with the pitch fork? Another way to go when looking at a piece of art together is to ask your child questions about the piece. What do you think is happening in the picture? How do the colors make you feel? Together pick out lines, colors, people, shapes, or whatever the picture happens to have in it. What media do you think they used in the piece (paint, pastels, pencil)? Have a conversation about it, geared to your child’s age. And the beauty of it is, there are NO wrong answers! It’s great for children to learn that everyone might have a different opinion about a piece of art, and they are ALL right! If they discover that what they think won’t be shot down, they will soon have the confidence to talk about and later experiment with their own art. After learning about the artist and his/her works, it’s time to break out the supplies and try your hand at the style of art or with that media used. For example, learn about Georgia ‘O Keefe, then go find some flowers and draw them close up. Show them pictures of mosaic works by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Then, make your own art with little colored squares
and glue. Look at a piece by Henri Matisse, and then make collage pictures together. This doesn’t have to be a costly process. Construction paper, crayons, magazine cuttings will work. It’s all about exposing them to art, and boosting their confidence about their own art pieces. So where do you find pieces of art to look at and where do you find stories about the artists? Fortunately, we live in an age where information is at our fingertips. The internet is a great way to start. Websites like www.artlex.com and www. artcyclopedia.com are free information sites with easy to understand information. Some websites will even give you a pronunciation guide to saying some of these artist’s names! If you want to purchase books about artists to keep around the house, www.kidsart.com is a good place to look. Hitting the library books is another great way to go. My personal favorite is a series of books by Mike Venezia called Getting to know the World’s Famous Artists. I have seen this series in the children section of the libraries around the metro.
^Reese age 8, pastels Inspired by O'Keefe >
These books have funny illustrations and tell about the artists in a way that will hold a child’s attention. Other fun ways to incorporate artists and art terms into your child’s vocabulary is to play! There are card games such as Van Gogh and friends “Go Fish for Art” and “Concentration” on the market and easy to find. You and your child can always create your own games as well. Through repeated play, art terms become second nature to children and this of course helps them talk about art! So, jump on that road of discovery with your child and have a blast meeting the masters!
^Drew age 10, collage Inspired by Matisse >
Another great series of picture books that introduce very young children to the masters are You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Museum of Fine Arts, You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Metropolitan Museum, and You Can't Take a Balloon Into The National Gallery by Jacqueline P. Weitzman and Robin P. Glasser. These stories are told entirely without words and capture the imagination as you become swept away into the beautiful art of each museum along with a balloon chase showcasing how life truly imitates art. Each book is filled with eye catching illustrations along with images of the master works showcased in these museums. For the older kids who enjoy a good tale, as well as a juicy scoop, Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) , Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought), and Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) Written by Kathleen Krull and Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt will leave you and your children giggling and gasping as each book presents the humor and the tragedy in twenty artists’, twenty writer's, and twenty musician's lives "as no biography has done before."
December 2009 | page 9
Chronicles of Caleb “To Scrooge, or Not To Scrooge�
By Caleb Braudrick
I
t happens every year. It's so predictable. Halloween wraps up and the latex masks and candy are stored and eaten, respectively. It's at this point that this humble writer reaches for that divisive, guilty pleasure that puts my sentimental soul at easy. I'm speaking of course, of Christmas music. I start on November 1st and deck the halls well on into the New Year. I sing along to Willie Nelson's "Frosty the Snowman." I count down the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with Mickey and Goofy. I get goosebumps when Pavarotti hits the high note on "O, Holy Night." I am a full on, card carrying, government inspected Christmas child. I have no apologies nor any regrets in regards to my addiction, either. It's as much a part of me as my love for cheap horror films and eating cereal at midnight. I described this obsession as "divisive" earlier with intention. People either love or despise Christmas music. I'm not sure why, but some people are so annoyed by the holly, jolly tunes. As with most things in life, I have a theory on this. Christmas music taps into our sentimentality. It nurtures that cheesy side of us that still gets teary eyed whenever George Bailey realizes he's the richest man in town. In short, it makes us feel good; and some people just don't like to feel that way. I was that person for years. Maybe it was because any kind of holiday that encouraged families to get together and love one another just made me sick. I had seen what happened when my family would get together, and it never ended with the Braudrick's sitting around Grandpa reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas." No, our festivities usually ended with my brothers and I trying to figure out who all the new husbands
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and wives were and what had happened to all the other aunts and uncles. It never fails: just when you finally learn the name of Uncle Mort's wife, he shows up a year later with a newer model. I saw what TV and movies portrayed as family togetherness, and it was nothing like my life. When I met Amber in 2004, I discovered a human being who was as genuine and innocent as anyone I had ever met. Amber not only tolerated things like Christmas music, the Thanksgiving Day parade and movies about children and their pets, she embraced them like family. She loved the smell of a real Christmas tree and the sound of Nat King Cole singing "Silent Night." She also loved punk rock, Val Kilmer and Jesus. I had never met anyone like her before. She was so sure of herself and the things she loved, she felt no desire to put on a tough face when encountering things the world labeled as silly. She was real and whole. She loved me, too. That was the most vexing part of it all. Since falling in love with Amber and eventually marrying her, I started to realize that I too enjoyed feeling nostalgic and sentimental. I love getting that Christmas tree and decorating our house; I even started collecting Santas. She prodded something awake in me I didn't even know existed. She made it easy for me to feel good. Am I saying that all the world needs is Bing Crosby and a wreath? No, not at all. What I am saying is this: give yourself a chance to feel good this holiday season. Allow that warm feeling that starts in the pit of your stomach whenever you hear Linus read the Christmas story to overtake you, if only for a moment. Enjoy the cheesiness of it all. While you're discovering your new found freedom to be a kid again, try taking it a step
further. Find some way you can make life a little better for those less fortunate hearts and souls in our community. Donate a coat, read a story, bake a pie or just listen to their broken stories. Poverty has stolen the joy from so many people, and we start to think that the only way to combat this epidemic is through cold hard cash. While currency can do a world of good, what people need more than anything is a friend. I know that is not earth shattering or even thoughtful, but it is the truth. Seeing one act of kindness on such a dark landscape can literally mean life or death to some people. Believe me, I've heard enough stories from the ones I call "survivors" to know that this is true. If I may, I'd like to add one last, personal note. I believe in God, as many of you have no doubt deduced from my previous entries. I believe that He is as real on Labor Day as He is on Christmas. I also believe that, much like everything else, the Lord has become a commercial commodity during the holiday season. If I might offer any advice, as if I've ever been in the position to do so, it would be this: do not let the commercialization of something as pure as the love of God deter you from seeking Him. When God made himself known to me in the pits of my despair, it was so real and so life changing. Since then, from time to time, I have felt myself becoming jaded about my relationship with Christ during Christmas. It just seems like such an act for some people. Sitting at this computer screen with 30 years under my ever-widening belt, I now know the difference between a sales pitch and the truly awesome power of the Creator. He loves you, no matter the season. God bless us, everyone.
Riches and fame untold await those who submit any style of poem to poetry@artbeatok.com.
MEASUREMENT BY LETTERS
The Truth in Three Parts Part One: Taking Inventory By Ryan Strader
My Head is a bowl A bowl of beans And laughter is a legume A butterbean I think Sometimes they soak for days Should they not sit and soak in me How difficult to eat And there are days there are days I know that I fall and spill the beans Once I wondered at them all there, lying in the street "Stay, stay, you heavy stones For my head does never rest" "I need to clean and shine my bowl to boil you the best"
I stole away to a secret place where healing waters run to know if I was born there to know if we were one Wild and Violent to my eyes It comes unceasing from dirtless earth smooth and timeless stone Rock that if I lose my step will break my every bone The air inside my lungs becomes at once diseased and I push it out to only find there is no air to breathe Knowing I am drowning plunge my face into the deep So cold my heart has stopped So hot it starts to beat
By Jeremy Green Thoughts claim innocence with questioning as its villain within this battle I pursue at manifesting the images of my mind. I designed the canvas woven thick with its linen, sketching in-depth shadows for every line. With the message existing subliminal, the whole concept existing sublime, I defined my element to adapt with ordinal contact. Touching mentality.. instilling the notion of fatality to fact. The impact, incised my vocabulary to a minimal selection, but words with more precise descriptions to invite a more precise direction. Blessed in aspects that I can never fit a flipping switch to abet separation from pits that are abject. With my mind refusing to be ad lib in this verbose game of mad-lib, my point of views have no points, for my heart this becomes havoc. 'Cause I reek with habits. This is an erosion of emotion, so my motions are becoming potent. The potion of media taints my weakened morals, propaganda is becoming cogent. I'm sewn in, double stitched onto this patchwork of art that'll never take flight at nourishing the warmth for the physicality of cold nights. Sight my block on the left side of this quilt because not one decision I have ever made seemed right… in the right state of mind..... Inevitably I reacted to the thoughts, infidelities that I have extracted. To top it off, I played the role of the soul who claims' has never acted. The fact is, when my goals become feasible I avoid to be dramatic. When my desires grow reachable, challenge is ceased and I am emphatic. Frantic, with skill and an inspired mind I trapeze vocabulary like acrobatics. My tactics lack persuasion and manipulation doesn't fit too well within this equation. I was written uninvited in love-celebration invitation. Now the heart becomes the minds' only defense for this invasion... "I feel" over rules "I think" but somehow "I know" is the most authentic response. My questions paint my perceptions like galaxies but my answers are rockets delayed from their launch. So in the meantime, f@#* social measurements that individually steed to categorize my ability. Cynically the only authority who can ever doubt me willingly is me... and the "Me’s and "I"s that I've dealt. I expelled myself from the school of thought and enrolled in the school of "felt." Felt by the ears that hear the words unspoken never left hoping for much and the open minds who grip behind my words, feel my emotion then endure coping to clutch. ‘Cause I've never.... claimed to know too much until I have claimed that I know enough.
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By Missy Hancock
A
lot of artists have this deep-seeded belief that they are called to do something "great". Most don't know what. But there is this compulsion to create-- to make art. Often these are the people who do indeed leave a lasting gift to mankind. They leave behind something truly "great," but quite often, these artists never taste fame. I have always been so outraged, so disappointed, so indignant for these individuals. I hear tales of Vincent Van Gogh only selling one painting in his lifetime, of Emily Dickinson having but one poem published while she was still living, and I shake my fist at God on their behalf, outraged at His lack of kindness towards these great artists. I mean, "Gees! Couldn't He just throw a little success their way? A little celebrity?" Until recently, this has been my stance. I have stomped my foot and declared the whole thing, "UNFAIR!" Much like I did as a child. Nothing would frustrate me more than when my mother would sigh and say, "Missy, no one ever said life was fair!" "Well, why not?!" I thought. If I ruled the universe, things would be different. Like, I said, until recently... Recently, I spent some time thinking about the life of a celebrity. While I do recognize that there are some who are able to reach celebrity status without becoming alcoholics, drug addicts, or ego-maniacal socially maladjusted individuals;
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many are not so lucky. And I began to wonder if "celebrity" wasn't just a grand distraction, ultimately limiting the artist. It seems to me that quite often "celebrity" soils "greatness". And quite frankly, distracts us from focusing on the task at hand-- our CALL! We are all born with varying degrees of talent and audacity. Sometimes, I think it is the audacity rather than the talent that dictates how far we go in our artistic calling. We've all heard the bitter musician bemoaning about the current Pop wonder. And yes, quite often, these Pop-stars are great examples of individuals with more audacity than talent. But I can never help thinking, "Well, at least they are doing it! They are making music, regardless of whether we all appreciate it!" To place our focus on other artists is a common way we block ourselves from moving forward in our creative calling. There comes a time when we must decide to make our art-period. Without concern for critics, or fans, or sales, or lack of sales, or any of the million other reasons we use to keep
ourselves from creating. Inside each of us is the potential to create. We are all born with it-- some embrace it and fall naturally into the creative life, others stand from the outside looking longingly in, desiring to pursue creative endeavors but not feeling "qualified" to do so, not knowing quite where to start. The birthright of creativity is for all of us. Some are simply able to embrace that truth, while others question it. Merriam-Webster defines "license" as "permission to act." For those who struggle to believe, those who used to dream of singing or acting or writing or painting or collaging or designing or decorating or sewing or puppeteering-For you, who have believed for some reason that the creative life was "not for you," I would like to give you a Christmas present. I would like to issue you a license--a CREATIVE LICENSE to be exact! Creativity is a part of humanity's heartbeat; whether you have it in you to paint chapel ceilings or do needlepoint-it IS in you! Whether you desire to write epic poems or take pretty pictures-- well, YOU MUST! And if until now, you have not believed that such endeavors would be a good use of your time--well, think again! Cut out this license, laminate it if you must, but please, decide this day to give yourself "permission to act". Give yourself the freedom to create!
W
ishing for an evening full of dance and culture? Contemporary Dance Oklahoma at the University of Oklahoma is hard at work putting the final preparations together for just such an evening. The Historic play host to the Holmberg Hall event. It will be an in Reynolds opportunity to see a unique Performing sampling of the art form, in Arts many varieties from the modern to Center the abstract. It’s also a chance to view will some exquisite works from several world renowned choreographers and performers. Contemporary Dance Oklahoma (CDO) is the resident dance company at OU, and is an ensemble of 20 dancers that perform a vast array of styles and selections of dance. Along with pieces performed by these young talented artists, OU will also showcase works from visiting guest artists and choreographers.
One of the most anticipated parts of the evening for the university and for dance aficionados is a presentation by the legendary teachers and choreographers Betty Jones and Fritz Ludin. The pair, who have been dancing and teaching together in Europe and the U.S. for decades, will be staging a work by José Limón entitled Reflections in D. Jones is a long time dancer who worked with Limón for many years and maybe best known to some through her work with him in the film The Moor’s Pavane which is based upon the tragedy Othello by Shakespeare. Ludin and Jones are this year’s Susan E. Brackett Distinguished Visiting Artist Chairs. Whether these are names you recognize or ones you are hearing for the first time, this show promises to be captivating and inspiring to its audience. Contemporary Dance Oklahoma will be performing December 9-12 at 8:00 p.m., and December 13 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101 Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 5:30pm.
This fall, CDO welcomed teachers and choreographers Kathleen Ridlon and Helen Simoneau, who have been in residence with the company this semester. They will perform Ridlon’s new dramatic production Dives and Lazarus, which tells the story of a beggar and a wealthy man and their hard life lessons. Simoneau, who is a native of Canada, has worked with the dancers on her modern piece, Four Sonatas which they will be performing. Also among guest dancers will be Julliard graduate Amy Hall, who will premiere In the Zone, which was choreographed by local guest artist Darrell Moultrie and CDO artistic director Austin Hartel will perform the solo piece The Man That Fell From the Moon.
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I
've alluded to this before, but now I'll just come out and admit: I am a So You Think You Can Dance FANATIC! I love it, mostly because this is not my art, but it makes me feel, react and want to dance. Dance is such a connection between many forms of art. Dance brings together costume design, set design, music, acting, mime, and choreography, creating an organic work shared between artists. If any of these artists act on their own without the input of each other, the result can be disastrous. On this particular show, the dancers compete to be "America's Favorite Dancer" over 10 weeks, memorizing one or two routines with their assigned partner, plus a group routine and they also have to be ready to "dance for their lives" if America has voted them in the bottom four. I mean, really? That's a lot of dance steps! It's grueling, but what most of these dancers will say is that dance is who they are. They'd be dancing whether they were on this show or not. Isn't that what an artist is? I would be writing even if I didn't have ArtBeat. You would paint even if no one ever looked at your painting. Wouldn't you? If you are not exercising your art right now, do you feel a little empty inside? Are you grumpy? Take a moment, put youtube.com in your web browser and let these artists inspire you to create! Most of my faves will be from Season 4, I can't help it, they were definitely the best group so far. I do have to say that I didn't start watching this show until the end of Season 3, so if you are a hardcore Benji fan or Lacey fan or Travis Wall fan, put your own list together (send it to me and we can compare notes). You'll also notice that I list no traditional ballroom, either latin or waltzes, fox trots, the dreaded quick step. For the most part, for me, compared to hip hop and contemporary, ballroom is just boring (and quite the vote-killer, too). 5. Dancers: Twitch & Kerrington Choreographers: Tabitha & Napoleon (Nappy Tabs for short) Song: Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water On 'Em) by Busta Rhymes Hip hop is my absolute favorite type of dance! I grew up with Kid N Play, Black Sheep, Bobby Brown (haha) and Beastie Boys. In this routine, Twitch and Kerrington (of Fame, uh, fame) have just escaped from prison, complete with orange jumpsuits. It's enough
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to make anyone smile. Kerrington is a contemporary dancer and she looks totally comfortable performing hip hop. Twitch is just, well, Twitch. You'll enjoy watching him. (To find on youtube.com, "SYTYCD Season 4 Twitch & Kerrington hip hop") 4. Dancers: Joshua & Katee Choreographer: Mia Michaels Song: Hometown Glory by Adele This couple is THE dream-team, never once did either of them miss a step. Joshua won Season 4, but this same season, they "added" a female winner just so they could name Katee the winner, too. Both of them are that good! Joshua is a popper (like hip hop, but he can control and pop parts of his body without moving the other parts) and Katee is a contemporary dancer. Together they play out this routine, two people living their lives selfishly side by side. These dancers play that out with trust and detachment, an interesting combination. At one point, they run side by side and it's almost like as they lean on each other, they are also in competition, a portrait of what it must be like to compete on this show. Another routine worth mentioning here, is Season 5's Chain Dance. Napoleon and Tabitha had Jeanine (season 5 winner) and Philip dance connected the entire time by a 10 foot chain! They wanted to show the grueling process and magnetic experience of So You Think You Can Dance. (youtube.com, "Katee & Joshua Hometown Glory") 3. Dancers: Ade & Melissa Choreographer: Tyce Diorio Song: Maxwell's cover of Kate Bush's This Woman's Work Okay, this dance will make you cry. Seriously. Most people know someone or may have themselves suffered through cancer. While in Season 5, Tyce Diorio, one of the main choreographers of Broadway, had a friend suffering with cancer. He created this dance to express what he and she and every couple must go through, at times "dancing" around the issue, at times she's beating his chest from the pain, at times she's running to him and at times running from him. It's a beautiful telling, but what makes this dance even more precious is that Melissa and Ade had been partners from the beginning and had come back together for this dance. Bring tissue. (youtube.
com, "SYTYCD Season 5 This Woman's Work) 2. Dancers: Legacy & Kathryn Choreographer: Stacey Tookey Song: 2 Steps Away by Patti LaBelle (youtube.com, SYTYCD Season 6 Kathryn Legacy) Dancers: Kupono & Kayla, Choreographer: Mia Michaels, Song: Gravity by Sara Bareilles (youtube.com, SYTYCD Season 5 Gravity) These next two dances both portray the inner ache of struggling with a force outside yourself. In Season 6 (current season), Stacey Tookey paints the picture of fear. Legacy plays Fear and Kathryn clings to him and works to get away from him. In fact, I don't think I even need to tell you that. The choreography and dancers play this out with such abandon that you would know by watching. Legacy is a B-Boy, meaning he is an awesome break dancer and he can suspend, literally, in the air. At one point, he is suspended on Kathryn, holding onto her waist. It's ridiculously accurate and triumphant in the end! In Gravity, Kupono is Addiction, pawing and holding Kayla back as she struggles to get away from him. It's chilling, really, if you've ever struggled or know someone who has struggled with addiction. Or maybe you haven't. This routine gives you a perfect images of what that inner turmoil looks like on the inside. 1. Dancers: Mark & Chelsea, Choreographers: Nappy Tabs, Song: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis It's possible I relate mostly to this dance routine because I'm a stay at home mom, and I see my husband off to work everyday or perhaps I am remembering how much my dad worked in the armed forces, but this dance is exactly how dance can tell a story. Even if you don't know the technical terms or that this is a hip hop number, you know that he is putting work before her. It's amazing, at one point, he takes her heart and you can tell it's breaking. (youtube.com, SYTYCD Season 4 Bleeding Love) You can still catch Season 6 and become a FANATIC. Show airs on Fox, Tuesday performance and voting and Wednesday night results! It's getting to the really good stuff at this point and down to the Final Four!
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To submit your art, send us a picture of your work and your contact info to feature@artbeatok.com
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d a i l y o s H f y r p om p a H
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L AWTON ARTIST’S WORK EXHIBITED AT ST ATE CAPITO L
L
awton artist Jack Bryan begins each of his paintings not by using a paintbrush, but as many young children are first taught to paint – he fingerpaints. Through the use of his hands, fingers and rags, he manipulates the paint that has been squeezed from the tube directly onto the painting surface to achieve what he calls the “first state” of the painting. While the paint is still wet, Bryan thins out some areas, outlines other areas and creates patterns by scratching with his fingernails or blotting or wiping with rags. These changes to the paint’s surface create the structural foundation for the painting. Curated by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Bryan’s exhibit Fingers and Brushes: Improvisational Landscapes is on display in the East Gallery of the State Capitol through January 3, 2010. The East Gallery is open daily from 8:30-6:00. A complete painting may take as many as a dozen sessions of the artist’s hand. Bryan says he decides a work is complete when he feels he has accomplished an “inherent sense of dynamic tension and resolution.” His passion for art and nature are apparent in his work and expressed through dramatic colors, animated lines and dramatic compositions. “I strive to make art that reveals a personal and expressive touch,” he says. Bryan’s love of art began as a young boy during extended family vacations to Japan in the mid-1950s. There he was inspired by Japanese artists who worked in ceramics,
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woodblock printing and woodworking. His adventures during his high school years around the Quartz Mountain area and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton helped him develop a love of nature and understand the magnetic power of landscape. The works included in this exhibit express Bryan’s continued adoration of nature and the process of creating. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965 from the University of Oklahoma, and he completed a Master of Art History degree at the University of Tulsa in 1967. His principal university mentors were Eugene Bavinger, Alexandre Hogue and Montee Hoke. Bryan founded the Department of Art at Cameron University in Lawton in 1967 and served as chair of the department for 30 years. During a sabbatical from teaching, he had the opportunity to study with painter and University of Oklahoma Professor Emeritus of Art George Bogart. By the time Bryan retired from teaching in 2000, he had taught in all areas of the art curriculum. Since his retirement, he has continued to paint, draw, work in ceramics and teach workshops to groups that have little or no experience in creative expression. His artwork has been featured in statewide and regional exhibitions including at the Louis Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock, Texas; the Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton; and, the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Gallery at City Arts Center in Oklahoma City.
ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL The Oklahoma Arts Council is a state agency whose mission is to improve lives through the arts by promoting and sustaining the development of a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for all Oklahomans.
f o k c e N My s d o o W the le y C By Wes
W
hen I moved to Enid I initially felt as if some kind of culture-destroying black hole had somehow gotten a hold of me. For weeks I slept till noon, watched Wife Swap rerun marathons, and ordered delivery constantly. By the time I had been there two months, I had nearly forgotten what the world outside my living room walls looked like, and had memorized the Chinese restaurant’s entire menu. It wasn’t until I finally got bored enough of the good mom vs. bad mom thing that I even thought of exploring the wasteland beyond my door. I mean, of course I had gone out for groceries and gas before, but leaving the house for any reason that was not completely necessary terrified me. Never the less, I traded my flannel pajama pants for blue jeans and stepped out into the world. I was like a caveman emerging from his cave for the first time; my eyes were as big as a Precious Moments doll’s. The second I saw the word “gallery” downtown my heart started skipping beats in triplets. Art! And it wasn’t just any art it was high quality diverse art. I found a local theatre, a handmade boutique, a symphony hall, and lots of local jewelry makers. These days it seems like we artists all fall asleep at night thinking about these sprawling urban creative communities, fairy tale lands where we hope we might discover our true potential. I would like to offer up an alternative. The unique opportunities small towns can afford a creative professional are priceless. Outside cites you have the chance to really make a mark and
lark Yo
ung
get your work out of that dark closet and into the air. In small towns you can, as my friends here in the visual arts put it, “build the legend.” There is a space in these less-crowded communities for you to reveal your craft and let people love it. Publicity and exposure are constantly around the corner. Yes, there are always other painters, writers and photographers to connect with in major cities like OKC and Tulsa, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of them in other places. The creative class of somewhere like Enid is hiding just beneath the surface, perhaps not apparent at first but just waiting to burst out as part of a movement that is sweeping through Oklahoma. Local art is getting its groove back, and often-overlooked rural areas are no exception. We’re hitting a cultural boom, a minirenaissance that is hard to ignore. All this is not to say that making it in a small town is effortless by any means. It requires focus, persistence, and love for your art. Those factors are universal prerequisites for anyone aspiring to be a professional artist. So next time you see an event, a gallery, a store you might have over looked because it was in a town you had never heard of and whose name you couldn’t pronounce, don’t reject it out of hand. Go there, submit your work, and investigate! I know you’ll find that not all small town art is small. Wesley Clark Young is a writer living and working in Enid, OK. Check out his latest project at www. enidcreativecollective.blogspot.com
Here is a list of events going on in Enid in December: Holiday Gallery Show Scribner's Gallery 124 S. Independence Friday December 4th www.scribnersgallery.com Tacky Sweater Party The Felt Bird 124 E Broadway Ave Friday December 4th www.thefeltird.com A Christmas Carol Gaslight Theatre 221 N Independence December 4-5, 11-12 www.gaslighttheatre.org Annual Christmas Concert Chisholm Trail Expo Center Saturday December 19 580) 237-0238
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CALL FOR ENTRIES “Why enter a competition?” you may be asking yourself. You might wonder if it is worth the time, effort and expense. The benefits can be tangible as well as intangible. In addition to prize money, entering competitions can help build your biography, bring you national and international exposure, which can assist in building your reputation and often, I have found, can yield invitations to additional gallery or museum-related exposure. The Portrait Society of America is offering three competitions in 2009-2010 with a variety of prizes and benefits, and we invite you to enter.
2009 Members Only Winner Kay Polk, Sunny Head & Shoulders Category
5th Annual Members Only Competition: Portraits by Medium Postmark Deadline: December 14, 2009 Exhibit Dates: April 22 - 25, 2010
12th Annual International Portrait Competition Postmark Deadline: March 1, 2010 Exhibit Dates: April 22-25, 2010
In its fifth year, the Annual Members Only Competition varies each year by subject or medium. This year members can choose their medium and enter in one or more categories: Drawing, Oil, Pastel, Sculpture and Watercolor. All winners will be recognized on the Portrait Society’s website, The Art of the Portrait Journal, featured in International Artist magazine and an image of their winning work will be shown at the annual conference. h t t p : / / w w w. p o r t r a i t s o c i e t y. o r g / membersonly-competitions.htm
This competition showcases the finest in portraiture and figurative art, today. Open to all artists, the top fifteen finalists are invited to exhibit their selected artwork at the prestigious The Art of the Portrait conference in Washington, D.C. Prizes total more than $50,000 and are presented at a Gala Banquet, Saturday, April 24, 2010. h t t p : / / w w w. p o r t r a i t s o c i e t y. o r g / conference/competition.htm
2009 Draper Grand Prize Joseph Todorovitch Antiques, Oil, 46’ x 34’
Upcoming Butler Exhibit Competition: Inspiring Figures: Celebrating Women’s Contribution to the American Figurative Tradition Postmark Deadline: April 30, 2010 Exhibit Dates: September 12 - October 31, 2010 Inspiring Figures explores the distinctive influence of female artists and their continued importance in the development of American figurative art and portraiture. Opening September 12, 2010 at the Butler Institute of American Art, selected works from a juried competition juxtapose a collection of figures by historic and invited artists. Selected works will be awarded over $15,000 in cash and prizes, included in the exhibit at the prestigious Butler Institute, and in the full color catalog. http://www.portraitsociety.org/ceciliabeaux/updates.htm Mary Beth McKenzie Paul, Oil, 37’ x 26’
For more information and copies of competition prospectus, please visit the Portrait Society of America website at www.portraitsociety.org. For questions regarding any of the three competitions, contact the Portrait Society toll-free at 1-877-772-4321.
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Kristina Morel: Feeling, Thinking, Creating H by Shawn Hancock
ave you ever wondered about a vein of gold hidden beneath the earth and how it had been hiding there for years before it was uncovered? It was just as amazing covered up as it was uncovered even though there wasn’t anyone there to see it. How long was the grand canyon majestic before the first Native American laid eyes on it? This is how I feel about Kristina Morel. She, like many talented artists, work silently in solitude, tucked away from the beaten path, creating amazing works of self expression. Kristina graduated from high school in 1996. She found a lot of support from her family but very little from her school. I asked her when she first knew that she was an artist. She told me about an experience in school when the art teacher had given the class an assignment to create a piece of art incorporating Coca-Cola and America. I guess the teacher was expecting an Americana, apple pie sort of thing. Kristina’s drawing, however, depicted the Iwo Jima Memorial of the soldiers raising the American flag. Except in place of an American flag she drew the American flag ripping open to reveal a Coca-Cola flag underneath. A simple statement that created quite an uproar. People were angry with her and wanted to know why she would rip the American flag. She was called into the principal's office on several occasions because of the subject of her work. She did a collage of Marilyn Manson surrounded by flowers. She said, “People asked ‘Why would you take something so ugly and surround it by something beautiful?’ I told them, 'He’s not ugly, he’s a person.'” Kristina isn’t a trouble maker or disruptive. She likes to keep to herself. “I didn't talk much when I was in school. My art was my way of talking. When you can’t talk, people misunderstand you.” She, however, found her voice in her art and spoke her mind which caused her to spend a lot of time either in the principal's or counselor's office. On one occasion she drew a portrait of Kurt Cobain holding a water gun. She was called into the
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counselors' office because a teacher was concerned that she might be crying out and actually want to kill herself. The art teacher once asked her why she couldn’t just draw pigs and cows, apparently a favorite subject of the teacher’s. Kristina played first base on the softball team and once colored her hair blue just before the first game of the year. She
was told to go back to the hairdresser and have it back to normal before the game. She showed up to the game with green hair and a note from the hair dresser saying that she did as much as she could without damaging her hair. They allowed her to play because they needed a first baseman, but they expelled her the next day. Once the superintendent tried to confiscate one of her works on display in the school library. She was able to hide her work
in the trash until it was safe to get it later. I asked her how all this made her feel. “It hurt my feelings. Strangers would look at my stuff and say ‘She needs help.’” I asked her what she thought the most frustrating thing about being an artist was. “Conservatism. I wish people would think with an open mind. They put limitations on viewing art. You don’t have the liberty to say what you want to say." One of her pieces depicts a blue nude woman with black electrical tape over one breast with the words “Please Don't Sin Sir.” “I love tape,” she said when asked what her favorite medium was. “I enjoy paint. I can move it around the canvas more freely than pencil. Tape is my favorite thing, though. I like putting it on everything.” She pointed out how it was ironic that a nude blue lady was exposing herself and at the same time telling the viewer not to sin, and yet it implies a request to not censor her nudity and yet again the message was written on the tape, the object of censorship. Unlike many people, Kristina enjoys thinking. We ended up on a conversation about multidimensions and how if we were two dimensional people like a drawing and a third dimensional person came along and pressed their finger on the paper, we would feel the pressure of the finger but wouldn’t comprehend what was going on. She also told me about her theory of a “white hole” the opposite of a "black hole". Like a positive and negative thing. “For every action there is a equal and opposite reaction.” So instead of sucking everything into itself like a black hole, a white hole would push everything out from itself, almost like a creation type of thing. She gave me a tour of her home revealing hundreds of paintings and drawings stashed in every corner and closet. Much of her work is an expression of her feelings or experiences using symbolism that only she understands and is unwilling to reveal. She had a conversation with a woman who really made a connection with one of her pieces titled “After the Storm.” The woman asked her the meaning behind
it. Kristina wanted to tell the story but was unable to because it was so personal. She has been able to do what I think many artist haven’t been able to do. She is able to actually express her emotions through her art. Many of her pieces depict body parts and women with their ribs exposed, symbolic of vulnerability. I suppose some might see her work and think she was trying to shock people, but when I look at it I don't get that impression. There is a deeper meaning here and if we are not careful we could miss it. As they say, “the message is in the medium.” It’s not just about the work, but it is about the artist herself. Kristina showed me another large painting with the image of an infinity symbol. She told me that when she was little her dad and her would say “I love you.” The other would reply, “I love you more.” Then they would race to say, “I love you infinity!” “It’s also a Mobius Strip,” she said about the infinity symbol in the painting, and went
on to explain how this guy Mobius was trying to prove that people could have a one sided point of view or something of that nature. She then went to work cutting a long strip of paper, giving it a twist and taping the ends together. Then she drew a line down the length of the paper and continued without lifting the pencil until she returned to where she had started, having drawn on both sides. “How important is technology to your art?” I asked her. “Very, if it weren’t for technology I wouldn’t have paint or canvas. I wish I knew more about electricity, I would incorporate that into my art.” “Do you have any artists you admire?” “God. We couldn’t be artists if it weren't for him. He created everything, atoms, quarks and stuff. If we tried to make an atom, we would have to use something He already made. Also Leonardo DaVinci, Marcel Duchamp, Egon Schiele, and Pablo Picasso. I feel like my life is parallel to that
quote by Picasso, ‘It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.’ When people look through my old drawings and they see the more technical, realistic, portrait drawings, they say, ‘Wow, you really are an artist!’” “What is success as an artist to you? “To be understood. That and if a person could identify my work when they look at it, like on the Antiques Road Show. My art is more about coping than it is about selling, when you put your brush on a paper all you think about is making money. When I put my problems on a piece of paper and someone buys it, it seems selfish. I miss my paintings when I sell them, it’s like selling babies.” Currently, she is working with mannequin parts and fitting them with speakers and tape, of course. “What is the greatest thing about being an artist?” I asked. “Being weird. People say, ‘It’s okay she’s weird; she’s an artist.’”
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M
ake Your Own Christmas!
A
I
e Christmas Miracl DIY By Missy Hancock
was DIY, when DIY wasn't cool. Needless to say, I am a big fan of making homemade Christmas presents. A month and a half ago, I got my idea for this year's gift making inspiration. A friend from out of town was going to be in the city, so we met him at Barnes & Noble to catch up. When we greeted him, he told me to hold out my hand and he handed me a little bit of magic. Seriously, I gasped with delight, as my eyes beheld a little bitty blank book, perfectly bound, with music for the cover paper, the spine covered in cloth, and the inside cover pages made of vintage paper with bird illustrations on it. "I made it!" he said. "What do you mean, 'You made it?'" I asked incredulously. Seriously, it looked that good. Now, I feel the need to explain that I am not talking about a little notebook, I am talking about a hand stitched, fabric bound book that looked every bit as professional as any of the books in the store in which we were meeting for coffee. He then proceeded to show us some larger books he had made and tell us about his pursuit to learn bookmaking and all the best youtube videos to show you how. It had never even occurred to me that it was possible to make my own book from scratch, but now that I know, I may never buy a journal again! Fast forward a month, our family took a trip to visit said friends and spend a long weekend resting in good friendship, conversation, and BOOK M A K I NG!
Journals
handmad
e by the
Hancock
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family
We each made a journal/sketchbook using the backs of old spiral bound sketchbooks and random discarded game boards for our covers, scrap booking paper, random discarded clothes for fabric, paper, glue, large needles and string, a few pieces of cut plywood, some clamps, and a whole load of patience and diligence. We left our weekend get-a-way refreshed, excited, and with fresh handmade journals in hand. There are so many fun and fabulous ideas for making your own Christmas gifts that I've decided to compile a list of five of my favorites. Most of these, I have used over the years, and a few I have seen others do. I cheerfully challenge you to make your own Christmas gifts too!
#5 Bind Your Own Books!
Who could resist a handmade journal, a handmade watercolor journal with a sweet set of watercolors, or a sketchbook with pencils, art pens or charcoals??? There are even recipes for homemade art supplies if you are energetic enough to take that on.
#4 Make or Assemble Baskets & Kits!
Kits are simply the best. For the little ones, make up batches of homemade play-dough, homemade finger-paint,
and homemade goop! (The goop is unbelievably cool.) It is up to you how elaborate you get with it. You can even make labels with your own “logo” on them to place on the containers of dough, paint, and goop! Be sure to include recipes so they can make their own refills. For adults, assemble a spa kit with a loofah and a variety of homemade scrubs, soaps, and lotions. The basket or kit idea is endless; from art boxes/ kits and gardeners kits to spy kits and bakers baskets. Look at your loved ones' interests, and you can probably come up with a kit or basket to suit them.
#3 Sew Something Wonderful!
I don't sew much more than what I can do by hand, so my costume making skills are somewhat self limited, but even with my limited abilities I have discovered it is fantastically easy to make a kick-ass cape! Whether it is a super-hero or a hooded cloak for the young hobbit in your life (especially one made out of polar fleece, as it doesn't require a hem). Simply said, capes are super simple and super cool. Add a dollar store sword to your hobbit cape, and you can make some young Lord of the Rings fan crazy happy. If you can actually make a sewing machine do what you want it to, well the sky's the limit for you! Re-purpose thrift store prom dresses into princess gowns for the little girls in your life, used sweaters make great stuffed toys, turn socks into sock monkeys or make microwaveable rice or buckwheat filled flannel neck pillows to soothe sore muscles and tight necks. One year I made “postcard pillows”. These can be as elaborate as you want to make them. A skilled artist can paint a postcard image on the front and write a sincere message on the back, but the great thing about these is they are still super cute if you just address the front as you would an envelope and write a kind note on
the back. Seize the opportunity to let your loved one know how very much they mean to you on the back of the pillow.
#2 Use Your Home Computer To Create Personalized Wonders!
This one I saw years ago on the desk of a friend and coworker of my husband. The gift giver had taken a picture of the group of friends at lunch and then super imposed the image in front of the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Egyptian Pyramids and other world destinations. This creative gift giver then made a picture cube from these “around the world” adventure pics to give to each friend. It made it especially awesome that the friends were all holding the same take-out boxes in every picture! We've all seen the personalized calendars and tote bags at the local print shop. Our home computers put these kinds of personal gifts at our fingertips. I especially love the idea of business cards for kids. My children love, love, love to make their own business cards, with whatever title they are currently into: Spy Extraordinaire, Superhero, Chef...you name it. Personalized gifts are a super big hit with children and are considerably easier these days to make happen. I'll never forget the year my mom ordered me personalized pencils as a stocking stuffer. I pulled them out and read, Ma'am Missy the Marvelous, my super-hero name! I was ecstatic, they were like gold to me. I loved them! And last but not least, the age-old, tried and true, number one homemade gift idea....drum roll, please.
#1 Let Them Eat Cake!!!
...or cookies, or nine-bean soup, or pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls, or just regular rolls, or homemade toffee, or homemade taffy! The possibilities are truly endless. If you have a recipe you love, chances are your friends will too. Every year a childhood friend and neighbor of my brother-in-law gives them a big tin of homemade chocolate covered toffee and every year it finds it's way to our family Christmas celebration. I LOVE that toffee! You never know how your hand-made love will spread to others when you cook, make, or bake your loved ones a gift. Someday I want to learn to make wonderful home baked cheesecakes. I already have a plan for how I will cover the tops with curled white chocolate. Maybe next year! This list if far from exhaustive, but hopefully, it will get your creative juices flowing. The point is to think about those you love as you decide to make them a special gift from your heart. In doing so, you are giving them a part of yourself, your time, and your love as you create your own Christmas miracles. (And trust me, by the time you finish all your creations, it may feel like a Christmas miracle indeed! But isn't that part of the fun?) Here are some great websites for how to make almost anything! Recipes for food and playdough, gak, silly putty and more: www.bigoven.com, www.kaboose.com For everything else! www.wikihow.com, www.make-stuff.com
ARTIST CROSSWORD
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(See Page 30 for answers)
ACROSS 3 Oscar winning actor who had both Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall as roommates. 5 Author who’s book was said to have started the American Civil War. 6 Honored her grandmother by tugging her ear at the closing of her comedy show. 8 Belgium Bowler painter. 9 Creator of the style of journalism known as “Gonzo”. 10 Author of “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways”. 11 American cartoonist who hated the name of his strip to the day he died. 14 Surrealist who created Hitchcock’s Spellbound dream sequence. 15 He painted the ceiling of the Paris Opera House at the age of 77. 17 Author of graphic novel series The Sandman 18 American puppeteer who started his career with Sam and Friends.
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DOWN 1 World famous British graffiti artist who’s true identity is yet to be known. 2 Lifelong friends with fellow author Harper Lee. 4 Made them laugh as Gene Kelly’s co-star in Singing in the Rain. 15 7 The voice of Bart Simpson. 11 Eldest member of the Rat Pack. 12 SNL comedian who’s journal became a New York Times bestseller. 13 World Famous musician once told that he should go back to driving a truck. 14 Famous American singer-songwriter known to have visited Woody Guthrie in the hospital. 16 Jazz musician nicknamed “Prince of Darkness”.
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December 2009 | page 27
Myths and Mysticisms about Artists By Amanda Hall
“Artist” is an all-encompassing title that often evokes mixed feelings. We have all heard of the “starving artist,” or the “temperamental artist,” or even the “eccentric artist,” but many of these labels do not apply, and some are just plain insulting to the profession. One day I was speaking with another painter and another friend, and we were “talking shop,” when the third friend remarked about how funny we sounded when we spoke about work. I was slightly taken aback, as I have never thought accountants talking about tax season or lawyers talking about depositions were particularly humorous, nor writers talking about deadlines or nurses talking about their work. This month I offer up to you a few myths and stereotypes that are attributed to artists, and also a few facts.
1
Artists are either super-poor, or super-rich. My landlord raised an eyebrow to my lease application when it read “artist” for a job. Yes it is easier for artists to promote their work if they have money, but artists throughout history have had varied incomes from varied sources. However, not all successful artists had a trust fund. And not every artist has gone through poverty, in fact, many artists in Oklahoma are middle or working class and work as hard as the next person to make their dreams come true. Many also have other jobs that afford their ability to pursue their artistic career. “Artist” is not synonymous with any financial situation.
2
Artists have drug, alcohol, or mental problems. Once again, there is varied history on this, and many agree that you cannot have “painting” without “pain.” Yet many an artist creates out of sheer joy rather than to exorcise demons. At a gallery once, I
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heard a guest mumble, “You can tell this guy has done a lot of drugs.” How do they know that? An assumption about the lifestyle of the artist can distract from the meaning of the art, especially if it is not true, while an understanding of the artist can reveal much about the work. “Artist” is not synonymous with “crazy” or “junkie.”
3
Artists are conceited, egotistical, or absorbed in their work alone. Many artists are very humble, often to extremes. The creator is the worst critic. They appreciate the work of their peers and love to collaborate!
4
All artists have art degrees. This is one of my favorites, as I myself do not have an art degree. Many artists learn through mentors, private tutors, local programs, and through trial and error. This does not mean that it is not necessary to pursue formal education in the arts, merely that it is false to say one is not an artist until they have an art degree.
5
Graphic Designers and Fine Artists hate each other. I heard this from a painter who believed there was a rift between disciplines and the two would always disagree. Contrary to this, there are plenty of painters and sculptors who use graphic design jobs to pay the bills while they funnel much of their passion into their personal creations. Many also use skills from both disciplines to create works of art that would be lacking without analytical talent as well as creativity.
6
Artists are difficult to work with. This one needs some explaining. Artists run their own business, and when a
customer goes into Hobby Lobby and buys a piece of mass-produced décor, they did not see the behind-the-scenes steps that put the initial design in the store in the first place. Not all artists have million dollar sales, and we must be careful in our business practices. We must be sure that our hard work will not be treated with disrespect, and often we have to do our own legal homework. We have to balance our own books, make our own decisions when it comes to supplies and choosing jobs, and we also have to write contracts to cover ourselves in case venues do not handle our work with care. Original art works are hard to replace. Also, many artists are still learning how to hone their business skills, and we don’t always have our own accountants and lawyers to teach us.
7
Artists are social. At my last show, I was very frightened by the crowd and the people. A companion remarked that when I responded to questions about paintings and style, I inadvertently covered part of my face with my hand when I was talking. Pride and confidence are blessings for artists, but some deal with shyness and self-consciousness more often than the former. Every time we are in public, we must govern ourselves with regard to our craft and its interpretation. How nice it would be if we all had agents and reps to speak for us! These are just a few of the comments I have heard about artists in general. You may have heard them as well, or heard different comments. For those of you who know artists but do not know them well, learn a little about them and you will discover their humanity. Artists are people too, and there is nothing intimidating or negative about the title.
DECEMBER 4 4
FRIDAY
• Paseo Art Walk/ shops are open late with snacks and wine 6-10pm/ free /Paseo District (OKC)/ thepaseo.com • Art Work Born from Mother Earth, Wind, Fire, Water 5-9pm/ Living Arts of Tulsa/ free/ www.livingarts.org • Juried Exhibition: Frost on Winter/ 6-9pm TAC Gallery (Tulsa)/ $0 • FILM: Untitled/ 5:30pm & 8pm/ OKC Museum of Art okcmoa.com • Chesapeake’s A Very Merry Pops!/ 8pm/ Civic Center (OKC)/ for tickets go to okcphilharmonic.org
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SATURDAY • Paseo Art Walk/ Saturday: Noon-6pm/ free Paseo District (OKC)/ thepaseo.com • Kevin Kelly & Audra Urquhart Exhibit/opening reception 6-9pm/ IAO Gallery/ free • FILM: Untitled/ 5:30pm & 8pm/ OKC Museum of Art okcmoa.com • Chesapeake’s A Very Merry Pops!/ 2&8pm Civic Center (OKC)/ okcphilharmonic.org • Christmas Croonin’/ 8&9:30pm/ UCO Jazz Lab tickets $12 - cash or check only/ ucojazzlab.com • Opening for Audra Urquhart & Kevin Kelly Exhibit/ 6pm-9pm IAO Gallery/ free/ iaogallery.org
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SUNDAY • Open Forum at the Mic + Karaoke/ 8pm-midnight Pita Pit (Norman)/ free • FILM: Untitled/ 2pm/ OKC Museum of Art/ okcmoa.com • Class: Landscape Painting (Ages 6-9)/ 2pm-4pm OKC Museum of Art/ $15, $10 members/ okcmoa.com
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MONDAY
• Free first-Monday-of-the-month at the Natural History Museum in Norman all year LAST ONE FOLKS! • Art Exhibitions Short Films &/or Live Drama&Music 8:30pm/ no cost/ The Venue/ thevenueokc@gmail.com • UCO Student Jazz Ensemble/ 7pm/ UCO Jazz Lab $7/ ucojazzlab.com 10 10
THURSDAY • FILM: The September Issue/ 7:30pm/ OKC Museum of Art/ okcmoa.com • Christmas Croonin’/ 8pm/ UCO jazz lab/ tickets $12 cash or check only/ ucojazzlab.com • Improv Workshop 101 with Tyler Bryce/ 7pm-10pm IAO Gallery/ iaogallery.org
Submit your event at www.artbeatok.com
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FRIDAY
• “LIVE on the Plaza”/ 7-11pm/ free/ Plaza District (OKC) plazadistrict.org • Circuit of Art/ 6-10pm/ Main Street in Norman/ free • Art “à la CART”/ 6-9pm/ Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman/ free • The Calamities present: “Syrup Monkey Music”/ 8-10pm Nightingale Theater (Tulsa)/ $10 at the door • Art Show: installation & videos by OU Students/ 7-10pm Sonder Music Dance&Art (225 E. Gray St, Norman)/ $0 • OKC Ballet The Nutcracker/ 7pm/ Civic Center (OKC) for tickets go to okcballet.com 12 12
SATURDAY • The Calamities present: “Syrup Monkey Music”/ 8-10pm Nightingale Theater (Tulsa)/ $10 at the door • Deadline for “smART”/ A Juried Exhibit/Mail or Drop Off Entries: 3022 Paseo, OKC, OK 73103 • FILM: The September Issue/ 5:30pm & 8pm/ OKC Museum of Art/ okcmoa.com • Christmas Croonin’/ 8pm/ UCO jazz lab/ tickets $12 cash or check only/ ucojazzlab.com • OKC Ballet The Nutcracker/ 2&7pm/ Civic Center (OKC) for tickets go to okcballet.com
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SUNDAY • Featured Poet/ 2pm/ Norman Train Depot (Norman)/ free • Open Forum at the Mic + Karaoke/ 8pm-midnight/ Pita Pit (Norman)/ free • Song Circle/ 5-10pm/ IAO Gallery (706 W. Sheridan)/ free • Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School/ 6-9pm/ Nightingale Theater (Tulsa)/ $7 at door/ mature audiences, bring sketchbook! • FILM: The September Issue/ 5:30pm & 8pm/ OKC Museum of Art/ okcmoa.com • OKC Ballet: The Nutcracker/ 2pm/ Civic Center (OKC) for tickets go to okcballet.com • Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School/ 6pm-10pm/ IAO Gallery (OKC) $10/ must be 21+/ iaogallery.org
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MONDAY • Art Exhibitions Short Films, Drama & Music/ 8:30pm free/ The Venue/ thevenueokc@gmail.com • FILM: The September Issue/ 2pm/ OKC Museum of Art okcmoa.com
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THURSDAY • Featured Poet/ 7pm/ Benedict Street Market Place (Shawnee)/ free
December 2009 | page 29
Submit your event at www.artbeatok.com or send an email to: calendar@artbeatok.com
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FRIDAY
• The Calamities present: “Syrup Monkey Music”/ 8-10pm Nightingale Theater (Tulsa)/ $10 at the door • OKC Ballet The Nutcracker/ 2&7pm/ Civic Center (OKC) for tickets go to okcballet.com
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SATURDAY
• The Calamities present: “Syrup Monkey Music”/ 8-10pm Nightingale Theater (Tulsa)/ $10 at the door • OKC Ballet The Nutcracker/ 2&7pm/ Civic Center (OKC) for tickets go to okcballet.com 20 20
SUNDAY
• Open Forum at the Mic + Karaoke/ 8pm-midnight Pita Pit (Norman)/ free • Class: Mosaic Ornaments/ 1pm-4pm/ OKC Museum of Art $25, $20 members/ materials provided/ okcmoa.com • Horseshoe Road/ 7pm/ UCO Jazz Lab/ tickets $20 cash only/ ucojazzlab.com • OKC Ballet The Nutcracker/ 2pm/ Civic Center Music Hall for tickets go to okcballet.com 21 21
MONDAY
• Art Exhibitions Short Films &/or Live Drama&Music 8:30pm/ free/ The Venue/ thevenueokc@gmail.com 24 24
THURSDAY
• Christmas Eve 25 FRIDAY 25 • Christmas Day (don’t forget) • Featured Poet + Open Mic./ 7:30pm/ IAO Gallery (706 W. Sheridan, OKC)/ free • Fourth Friday Poetry Reading/ 7:30pm/ IAO Gallery iaogallery.org 26 26
SATURDAY • Downtown D.I.Y./ 7-10pm/ OKC Coworking Collaborative (723 N. Hudson)/ $3, free for members • 2009 Sundance Short Films/ 5:30pm & 8pm/ OKC Museum of Art/ okcmoa.com
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SUNDAY • Open Forum at the Mic + Karaoke / 8pm-midnight / Pita Pit (Norman) / free • Featured Poet + Open Mic./ 2pm/ Full Circle Bookstore in 50 Penn Place (OKC)/ free
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MONDAY
• Art Exhibitions Short Films &/or Live Drama&Music 8:30pm/ free/ The Venue/ thevenueokc@gmail.com 31 31
THURSDAY
• ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW-Shortt Dogg/ 8&9:30pm UCO Jazz Lab/ Tickets $50/ ucojazzlab.com JANUARY 1 1
FRIDAY
• Paseo Art Walk/ shops are open late with snacks and wine 6-10pm/ free/ Paseo District (OKC)/ thepaseo.com
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SATURDAY • Paseo Art Walk/ Noon-6pm/ free/ Paseo District (OKC) thepaseo.com
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SUNDAY • Open Forum at the Mic + Karaoke/ 8pm-midnight/ Pita Pit (Norman)/ free
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MONDAY • Art Exhibitions Short Films &/or Live Drama&Music 8:30pm/ no cost/ The Venue/ thevenueokc@gmail.com
ACROSS 3. Hoffman 5. Stowe 6. Burnett 8. Magritte 9. Thompson 10. Browning 11. Schulz 14. Dali 15. Chagall 17. Gaiman 18. Henson
DOWN 1. Banksy 2. Capote 4. O’Connor 7. Cartwright 11. Sinatra 12. Radner 13. Elvis 14. Dylan 16. Davis
ArtBeat
Calling All Writers! Interested in writing for ArtBeat? ArtBeat is built on a foundation of reader-submitted work*, and we are looking to build our writer/ contributor base. If you are a writer interested in encouraging and promoting creativity and the arts in Oklahoma, and are looking for the opportunity to be published online and in print, check out our submission guidlines at www.artbeatok.com -under contact us. Then email managing editor, Missy Hancock at mhancock@artbeatok.com. Join the ArtBeat writing team! *ArtBeat does not currently pay for submissions.