PEPPER Magazine / August 2022

PEPPER AUGUST 2022

SA / TX / US

vast and brilliant.

August 6 Editor’s Note : Be Vast & Brilliant

arts.

8 The Architect : artist Isaac Renteria

15 POP GUY 20 Complex Histories : BARCODES 25 Only ONE ROME Azzaro

business.

31 LOVELY Co. by choreographer Josh Abenoja

fashion.

37 From the Recycled Sea 44 Hooray for Matty James!

51 Red HAUTE Summer

habitat.

58 CARAVAN • with Becky Witte-Marsh 67 Seafarer with Sarah Mills Bailey 70 The High Life / Highlight :

savor.

73 The Box Street Social 81 Otro

culture.

86 Unfettered with Oladimeji Odunsi

8

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99

113 Unbreakable 118 Mouth • lyricist A.Z.

passport.

123 Untarnished : Nature in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

PEPPER I S S U E

no.3 Rx.

134 Fit to a T.

psych.

138 The Great Divide 140 Exposure • Body Positivity

prodigy.

146 The Adventurers

186

154 Summer Vibes

lit.

158 The Sea • Sarah Hall Murphy

get involved.

168 Ukrainian San Antonio nonprofit

disquiet.

175 Elijah • Andrea Vocab Sanderson 177 Broken Villages 180 Union of the Impossible : Amnesia

directory.

183 Cover Artist : Jason POPGUY Ibarra 186 Icons : Andy Warhol’s INTERVIEW 188 You Can Go Home Again if You Run it Through the Garden 193 Staff Bios

PEPPER Magazine

Est. 2022 SA / TX / US arts • culture • business web directory msha.ke/peppermagazine website hellopepper.weebly.com email hello.pepper@outlook.com copyright K. Day Gomez San Antonio, Texas 78209 PEPPER Magazine

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PEPPER

Magazine

EDITOR’S NOTE

BE VAST & BRILLIANT

Editor in Chief K. Day Gomez San Antonio, Texas

“Don’t be delicate…be vast and brilliant.”

-Shinedown We’ve all heard the saying, “the truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.” As we‘re coming up on our third issue of PEPPER—still at the start-up phase of what is for now an outspoken independent magazine, those words are hitting home more than ever. At least for me.

In publishing images of happy children in Russia we received our first hate mail from a couple of activists. This, despite the fact that we speak openly against the war, we publish stories of survival and responsible activism from Ukrainians, and we are working directly with Ukrainian nonprofits in any capacity we can. We were publicly shamed for sharing dancing children. Let that sink in.

Mind you, our description boldly reads that we are “an INCLUSIVE global publication”. Being a neurodivegent individual with high social anxiety, I could have allowed this bullying to sway my decision and make a prejudice call to retract the story from the children solely on the basis of where they live. I could have let it crush me and decide I’m not cut out for journalism.

However, rationality entered and I decided if smiling children is considered controversial subject matter, there’s something wrong with public disclaimer: PEPPER Magazine in no way social consciousness—not me. supports war. Period. This is not a space for hate of any kind and never will be. We will not cower Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to to bullies and we will not make choices that wish others well and move forward with our encourage prejudice of any kind. THIS is me great big plans even in the face of social stepping into my own brilliance; regardless who it resistance. That said, allow me to make this pisses off in the process.

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THE ARCHITECT CONCEPTUAL ARTIST ISAAC RENTERIA CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Conceptual Artist Isaac Renteria • Mexico • journalist K. Day Gomez Isaac Renteria is one of the most intriguing creators of the 21st century. A bold statement, sure. However, a look through his portfolio and one can see why we make that claim. A top notch technical photographer, he sculpts, builds, paints and constructs the mixed media art pieces he captures. He also experiments with motion and liquids to create astonishing imagery.

density fibreboard, glass fiber and resin.

Medium to big formats are what I create most.

In painting, I enjoy making abstract and geometric compositions.”

Renteria takes a moment to tell us about his life and process as a creative. “From my very early years, I was exposed to art. My father who is also an artist led me to the fantastic world of creation. I remember I always liked to watch him work especially in his atelier where I learned much of what I do now.

As every kid does, I went to school. But at the age of 15, I decided to leave school and create my own way to become a self-taught artist.” A decision which has clearly served him well thus far.

Isaac’s gripping work has since been exhibited in Taiwan, Shenzhen, and Tokyo.

“I could describe my works as reflecting freedom, love, and dreams. I'm always interested in experimental techniques and the use of different materials. In addition, my distinctive still-life scenes are imbued with symbolism. While some aspects are intentional, others originate from the subconscious.

Due to my experience with different materials, I create almost all of the objects featured in my digital photographs.”

What sets him apart is his organic process and the fact that the objects and sets he creates are intended primarily to be photographed, rather than to be exhibited in their physical form. “When talking about my sculptures, I usually use wood, medium10

This established artist maintains a client following in the United States, Spain, Germany and Mexico. He’s frequently featured in the media and is often purchased by art connoisseurs to decorate hotels, and by private collectors for some very exclusive homes.

14

GUY

pop

ON THE RAZORS EDGE WITH OUR COVER ARTIST. HIS PROCESS, HIS ART & HIS VISION FOR THE FUTURE.

Jason ‘POPGUY’ Ibarra photojournalist K. Day Gomez

SA / TX 17

ASON IBARRA is a native 3rd generation San Antonio Chicano, and an exceptional pop visual artist. Well known in the local scene, his work often reflects iconic American figures and cult influences from the late 80’s forward. This makes him marketable on a much larger scale.

“My style is highly influenced by the world of pop culture. Music, TV shows, movies, street art, visual art & fashion. Those are all big factors in my work. Especially the 80s & 90s. My style started with paintings & stencils of iconic superstars (Andy Warhol, Freddy Mercury, Morrissey, Edward Norton, Siouxee Sioux, Kate Moss). It evolved more as I started studying different technical ways to layer paint.

My collage work ranges from dark & heavy at times, to light & playful other times. The look of my work is (as I say) a bit glam, goth & grimy (by that I mean it's beautiful but raw). If in the process, images tear, I go with it. Like in fashion, sometimes styles work for some people, but no matter who you are if you can 18

pull off the look, you rock that look.

I always try to find a balance in my work. From the background painting to the layout of my image. The balance, to me, helps you focus on everything.”

He found his passion for art early on. “I got started as a kid. From tracing comics, drawing cartoons, to trying to re-draw movie posters.

Then I got introduced to street art and graffiti as a teen in those early years, as I grew as an artist.

I really started studying American pop art.

I first started to go to art shows in high school.

Started meeting amazing talent, people who encouraged me to create. It was such a good feeling. When I started to participate in art shows and getting accepted and applauded by strangers, peers and family....there was no other word for it....but DOPE. Just an amazing happy feeling to see you bring joy with a vision you make.”

He had an uncommon support system in place and parents who took his passions seriously. “My family has always been accepting

of me doing art. They have truly supported me. My dad was a talented drummer in San Antonio and was involved with what people know today as the ‘San Anto Sound’. So I think he really gave me the room to be creative. I really had an imagination.

Now a days, I sill include my family in my projects. Right now, I host Second Saturday artist market at the Southtown Culture art warehouse, on 1906 S. Flores. My market and new project is under the name The Rose-Wolf Handmade Sellers Club.

“Rose-Wolf" comes from my son & daughter’s middle names.

I think the biggest obstacle is to try and find BALANCE. My kids, my job, my art.

In my art, I try not to start to change my work, my style.

I try to evolve it.

Always stay true to who you are.”

Ibarra has made impostant strides along the way, learning and applying new techniques that serve to further accent his original style.

“Early on I was focusing on always trying to be to clean with my approach and presentation. Once I let that go, more of my personal style was being presented in my work. I've learned patience, not to rush. Let things play out. It will come together in the end. Those are also things I use in my personal life as well.”

San Antonio is a unique place. Like anywhere, it comes with its own struggles

and biases. But it’s got a kind of magic that can’t be replicated any place else. “I'm lucky to have been around San Antonio when I was. Growing up here in the arts, in the 90s early 2000s, pre-social media, you would see so much culture out there. I was introduced to so many mentors, not just in art but just amazing people along the way. When I was younger, still starting off with art, I was heavily involved with the popping / b-boying scene.

And that's where PopGuy came from. I became a member of a crew by the name of Freak Show. We were definitely outsiders at b-boy events, with our goth / punk looks, skinny jeans & new wave t-shirts. In the 2000s, in that time, we had no boundaries of fashion, It wasn't that accepted in different scenes. So I learned to be original. Be you. Being involved with that culture was a gateway to the introduction of some people who inspired me a lot.

In my high school days, I had an art collective with my good friend Justin French. I met one of my best friends along the way who was and still is a big push when it's time to be creative—James Supa. Along with Joe DelaCruz, being a big part of my art career.

My work is heavily fashion driven, so Burgundy Woods turned me on to so many people, by having me nominated as a fashion artist of the year.

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Daercos and Kim of local band Calico Club have been by rock for years; always keeping me focused. So many friends and artists, like Shek Vega, Rigo Luna, Andy and Yvette Brenavides, Tatum and Rubio have all given me valuable pointers, not just in art, but life.

From painting techniques to dad advice.

I also get inspired by my Family; so many hard workers. My cousin Gino Rivera of Mariachi Azteca de America is one of the hardest working musicians I've ever met.

Look him up. That primo is crushing the mariachi scene! All of those people push me to grow. Push me to always improve myself.”

One thing is evident, Ibarra is grateful for the influence and the love that has been shown to him in his home town. “My grandparents and my folks are from the 210.

I have a huge connection with my city from the iconic company my grandfather worked at to my family’s cooking & parties. This city is my family’s stomping grounds. So many stories...And the Spurs— !Puro Spurs! San Antonio just has its own vibe. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”

As a final note, we asked Jason what he feels the public can do to become more involved in lifting one another up. “I would

only say be involved with our local art scene. Go to the shows at 1st Friday, post that picture, tag the artist, follow the artist, purchase if you can!!!

Go to the art walks on Second Saturday at 1906 Flores! Support local artists as much as possible!

Just a quick rundown of some of my favorite spots to follow and check out for yourself : NF4 Gallery, Creative Eye, Presa House, Territory, anything with the SASAI, The SMART program at 1906…”

When we begin to see artists for what they truly are—the keepers of our culture, the preserving element of our collective history, this advice can be taken as seriously as it should.

A final token of advice for our creatives out there, holding the torch and keeping the essence alive, “be aware of mental health issues.

These days are not always easy. You can make it work. Be open to change. Listen more. Love all.

Just be happy.”

Jason ‘POPGUY’ Ibarra may go a lot of places in his professional future. But one thing is certain; wherever he goes, he’ll carry San Antonio with him. And he’ll represent his city unabashedly with pride, flavor and always a pop of color.

COMPLEX HISTORIES :

BARCODES

The work of artist

Odinakachi Kingsley Okoroafor Enugu, Nigeria

journalist K. Day Gomez

Odinakachi Okoroafor (b. 1989, Abia, Nigeria) is a mixed media artist who lives and works in Enugu, Nigeria.

Using imagery from his childhood and community as a point of departure, Okoroafor examines the black figure through the lenses of daily life and sociopolitical struggle.

Barcode lines feature prominently in his compositions, appearing as clusters that comprise the figures of his paintings’ featured subjects. Akin to scars both physical and symbolic, these automated lines confront complex histories of the body as a commodity, both historically and in present-day contexts.

“My style started through experimentation in 2020. I was part of an art program organized by the Rele Arts Foundation. The program is supposed to be physical but due to COVID 19, it was held virtually.

In the program, master artists gave us lectures on how to develop our style. They encouraged us to experiment with the key elements that we can find in the previous works that we have produced prior to the program. One of the key elements that were prominent in the works I submitted is the “barcodes”. Through some fine tunings, I was able to develop the style I am known for today.”

Odinakachi’s reason for pursuing art is not what one might expect. “I started art out of jealousy in Primary 5. One of my classmates, Chizoba by name, was always mesmerizing us with his drawing skills. He was known by almost everyone in the school. I wanted to be like him. I started by borrowing his drawing books which I traced at home. Over a little period, I was able to develop my draughtsmanship skill. However, my decision to venture into art was during my secondary days.

I visited an art school that was close to my school and I immediately felt that this is what I am going to do.” His candor is refreshing. Most of us can relate to feeling the sting of envy toward our talented or popular peers growing up. To use this as motivation to become something great is an admirable thing.

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His beginnings were humble, and yet Kingsley made his way despite it. “My family supported me, even though they didn’t know what I would turn out to be.

My mum especially made a lot of sacrifices for me to start in technical school. The biggest challenge I had was finance. However, I created artworks from discarded materials.” This is commonly done in different parts of the country where materials are scarce. Imagination and inginuity cannot be extinguished.

“There are many things I have learned.

Experiment, experiment and experiment.

Don’t give up. There are so many ways to produce art.”

that is why the theme of my works revolves around some of the things learned from her. I will point out my teacher, sculptor Obiora Anidi as my mentor and inspiration. He was very inspirational to me during my Tertiary school days and to date. He has always encouraged me to work and work and experiment.

He’s always made time for me whenever I call.”

Kingsley’s biggest influences that come to

His work is always heavy with metaphors. “My themes are derived from life experiences. Most times, just like you mention through metaphors, I subtly send a message to the viewer through positioning. I have touched on the theme of love, friendship, global warming, scarcity and want, identity and modern influence.”

From those humble beginnings, Odinakachi has since spread his important message to many places. “I have exhibited in New York, Miami, Lugano and Goldau in Switzerland, and London. I would like to exhibit in Barcelona, Rome, and Paris.” These goals are entirely reasonable considering how he’s been received by the cultural art world thus far.

These opportunities have been a godsend for him, especially when considering the trials he’s faced in his life.

“I don’t have many good memories. I have to struggle to survive. That in turn has made me a better person and artist.

My paintings are derived from these experiences. I am very close to my mum which is why my subjects are usually females. I am always with her,

mind are “Kerry James Marshal, my mum, El Anatsui, Ayo Adewunmi, and Julia Cameron (the author of “The Artist Way”).”

What follows is an extremely sensitive question for me to have asked. In light of the more recent tragedies, massacres and shootings in your country, how is this affecting you and your loved ones?

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”I am attached to Life In My City Arts Festival (LIMCAF), which is a nonprofit organization that organizes an annual art competition for upcoming artists in Nigeria.” Encouraging other emerging artists in the area, he shares, ”this is their website.” lifeinmycityartsfestiva l.org

Do you have a message for the rest of the world about this? Any thoughts or feelings you would like to share to raise awareness or ways people can be of any help?

“Yes, it has been affecting me mentally. My plan is to establish myself in Nigeria. But recent happenings are not encouraging. Many people have lost their lives, while some have been rendered homeless. It is heartbreaking what my country is turning into.” The world is watching and those who are aware, mourn ever powerless to help.

And yet, Odinakachi’s work inspires hope, a stark contrast of vibrant possibility against the violence faced on the streets.

There is still fire of creation and life in his heart. We asked if there is any hidden talent most are unaware of, to which Kingsley joyfully responds, “Yeah! I can sing.” We would love to hear his voice someday. One can imagine it as strong as the voice of his artwork.

In a final sentiment, humanitarianism is very important to him.

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Art is a powerful thing. It can heal in places where hope is bleak. It can uplift those who feel downtrodden and low. It can give an impactful voice to those who seek to share their message and in doing so, empowers them to change the world.

Little by little, with more such artists coming into their own much like Odinakachi Kingsley Okoronafor, Nigeria still has a fighting chance.

And even in such dark times, it’s safe to say that the world is listening to their song.

ONE

Painter & Mixed Media Artist Rome Azzaro

San Antonio, Texas / photojournalist K. Day Gomez

ON LY

RO ME

exas artist Rome Azzaro is a ‘rare bird’. A lover of life, despite its hardships, a teller of tales and a hopeless romantic in regard to seeing the best in humanity.

Exactly the kind of disposition the world needs more of.

polo as well as folk influence from life in rural Texas. “When I would go play polo with them for the summer for instance, in Santa Barbara, California—I’d bring my art and be able to have a little booth at the Sunday matches. That was really great exposure.

I came upon Rome’s work by happenstance on an antiquing excursion at Broadway Antiques down the street from me, late Spring. His paintings stood out boldly against the vintage bric-a-brac. They were untamed, vibrant, like something out of Sesame Street mixed with Francis Bacon. I had to search the shop and photograph every piece I could find, like my own selfassigned scavenger hunt. The owners were too busy helping customers so I didn’t get to inquire about the artist.

A couple weeks later, the artist spotted his own work on my Instagram feed and applauded the photographs. I responded with, “there you are!” And proceeded to collect his story.

Upon our first meeting, I sat down with Rome and Cowboy Jake, his gentle rescue dog. He’d go on to tell me about his affinity for mixed media and painting. In particular, Rome likes to use found objects and turn them into things he imagines them to be. His imaginative quirky results are often derived from inside jokes and back-stories he concocts around real-life moments. This blend of fantasy and reality makes Rome Azzaro’s world a little whimsical.

I asked him how he’s been received by others as a result. “Well, I really have a lot of support. They don’t understand my type of art but every one of my family members have some kind of piece of my art. My brother has given me many opportunities.” His brother, Mike Azzaro, is a famous polo player.

Many of Rome’s pieces are centered around

My life has been pretty blessed— really blessed.

I’m not talking rich.

I'm not a rich person, but I've never really had to want for a lot.

God blessed me, my family blessed me as I was growing up.”

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work you either gravitate to or quite possibly are offended by. As an artist myself, I found it striking and intriguing.

“I'll just tell you, random people that inspire me. Definitely my brother, Mike inspires me.

His work ethic is incredible and he’s taught me a lot of things. My travels…another of my dear friends who always inspired me was one of the best polo players in the world, and just a wonderful person.

I have to say something about San Antonio for the people who truly believed in my art...My friends, the ladies at Broadway Antiques, Sharon and Sandra and Steve…

And Ted at Period Modern. These people believe in my art even more than my family.

They’re always pushing me, pushing my name and so on. They're wonderful and that right there inspires me. I mean, when I sell a painting I get so inspired. My friend Alan also really inspired me to go far with my art.”

I’d come to find out he’s led an interesting life, often in transit from one thing to another. “When I first started out, I became a model and an actor and moved to Los Angeles to pursue that out there. This is while I was playing Polo. I was also cleaning houses on the side. I got that from my mother who owned a cleaning service in San Antonio. I’d work for my mom's maid service from like November to December and then I’d be playing polo in Palm Beach from January to February or March or April. Then in between, I would get a modeling job here or in New York or LA. Nothing big, so I’d end up back home.”

For Rome, home truly is where the heart is. His most supportive friends are business owners who take special interest in looking out for him and doing what they can to facilitate his more eccentric work. It seems the public has mixed feelings about his paintings. He’s one of those artists whose 32

A humble soul, full of gratitude, it’s clear Rome has been through a lot. He opens up to me about how art became therapy over time for him, an integral part of his journey back to health and mental stability.

“The most important thing I've learned throughout the years is always stay close to the Lord.

Sitting at the table when I started to paint the Apple (one of his signature pieces), I was on a lot of heavy drugs. My mom had just died. I was trying to selfmedicate. I never really thought of art as a healing tool before in my life, until painting that day. I don't know if that brought it out for me, but I've been clean and sober for a while ever since.

Many artists and musicians can attest to the healing power of practicing their art. Rome’s depression is attributed to a host of things and it’s a battle he’ll face all his life. But with a creative outlet, he’s found more good days than bad. “I'm HIV positive, and I want people to know that AIDS is not a death sentence.

Honestly, that's what I thought when I was first diagnosed. I thought ‘I'm dead for sure’, and that's what sent me on this spiral of self destruction. But that’s not the answer. I want anybody out there who’s dealing with this to know that if you take care of yourself—eat well, drink plenty of water, get hooked up with a wonderful doctor, you can live a long time.

Remember in your life when things go bad, no matter what it is—you get a divorced,

your house burns down, you have an overdose, you lose everything, your mom gets cancer, you get AIDS…don't be bitter, don't be angry, don't stay sad. Try to be as positive as possible about it because you're going to see things around you or in others who are around you, it’s going to get better. And that positive outlook is going to affect anybody's life in a good way.”

This advice came from a profound source for him. “My mother who was dying of cancer for 15 years was always happy. She was always singing praises to God. She was just always in a good mood, and that's pretty much what inspired me to have that same outlook.”

At this point in his life, selling his art is how Rome supports himself and Cowboy Jake. Every bit of support from the community helps. “My work is shown and sold at a store in Alamo Heights called Antiques at Broadway. Also in Olmos Park at a place called Period Modern, and a place called Modern Glee. You can also buy from me on Facebook.

I would love to go back to selling in Santa Barbara. It’s one of the most spectacular places in the world. I was fortunate enough to be able to display and show my art at this wonderful club. I would also like to go to Miami and definitely Austin more.”

Personally, I hope all his wishes come true.

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geisahaus.com A FASHION PRODUCTION & MEDIA COMPANY

LOVELY The story of Filipino choreographer & designer Josh Abenoja of Lovely Company

photojournalist K. Day Gomez

J

osh Abenoja is a Filipino choreographer and designer based in San Antonio, Texas. “I am 24 years old, born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. Ever since I was a little kid I have always had the passion for the realm of arts and most importantly, on how to affect peoples’ lives in the process of it.

When Lovely Company was constructed, I was honestly having the most difficult time of my life… I wanted to build a platform for anyone that was going through the same thing. I believe love and passion is what keeps us alive and, if anything, happy. Lovely Company is about to embark on its first year, and within that timeframe we have accomplished 8 months worth of free "hiphop choreography" classes, performed in multiple showcases, instructed a mental health Monday for a whole month and provided a therapy circle for kids younger than 14 years old.

I would love to go forward and grow through this process and hopefully not just become a better person but a better person for my peers and my loved ones.”

At 24, it seems Abenoja already has a firm sense of who he is and the mark he wishes to leave upon the world around him. “I really believe in the space of always learning and always progressing. Honestly I am still doing that.

With that being said, my signature style is forever changing or evolving. Other than being a performance artist I really get my inspiration from everything. Anything artrelated really. whether it be from a building structure or the simplicity of a garden of flowers. Art is so fluid, you can transform anything to anything.”

This trickles into his affinity for fashion design. His styles are minimalist streetwear

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and can be worn casually or comfortably for dancing.

Josh drew much inspiration for both his dance and creative fashion style from a most iconic source. “Big shoutout to Micheal Jackson.

I was about 7 years old when I first really paid attention to fashion. Every morning I would always watch his music videos with such awe at the costume designs and the formality of having different fabric in one outfit. With being such an innovator during his time - that really triggered my passion for fashion and overall design. One thing I do remember clearly is rocking that “bad” music video costume with the all-leather outfit accompanied with silver rings. It was awesome. Ahh, Rest In Peace king.”

Most of what Josh and his troupe of performers can be seen wearing at events and in videos are Josh’s own designs. (Above, for example.)

Every artist must make their own way.

“I encouraged myself as a creative person.

Although my family wasn’t really the best to support my creative endeavors, I happily looked for support elsewhere. I went where I am celebrated. I believe to be completely obsessed with your work, you have to face obstacles where you are looked down upon or flat out just not compatible for any type of relationship. It used to bother me a lot but really I am so happy on my journey and excited about what's to come. I don’t want it any other way.”

Independence while also honoring others along the way is another skill Josh has mastered. “The most important thing I’ve learned and am still learning is to really really really love yourself. It sounds cliché, I know, but I think with being so content and believing in yourself, you begin to purge the bad habits and bad thoughts in your life. The more you talk about yourself in a positive way, your life results begin to move in your favor. With no stress, you become more in tune with yourself and in the end you become more in tune with your art.”

He’s developing a strong team of performers and has a lot of ideas about where Lovely Company is going in the future, from clothing to community center outreach, dance competitions and so much more… “I think with a group of strong and like-minded people, you can accomplish anything. Especially if the goal is shared among your peers. With Lovely Company being so off-the-wall and going forward with

the mindset of helping everyone, we want to expand. And not just by marking our legacy in the dance community, but with the local community in general.

With our upcoming studio space, we want to use it to aid the less fortunate. We want to provide free food for the homeless, free menstrual products for our women and curating free therapy circles for those who are struggling with mental health. I want Lovely Company to be a staple for my city, a thought that never goes unnoticed when San Antonio is mentioned. I can't wait.”

In the meantime, every little bit of support helps LC build up toward those desired outcomes. “As of right now, our fashion line can be purchased on our very own website. Take time to visit it. We took many precautions for it to provide more insight into what Lovely Company is all about. The goal is to visit New York City to present my ideas. To take over the Big Apple has really been in my head since I was 13 years old. NYC has been the birthplace of many things and for me to touch that city with my head up and great ideas will really mean a lot.”

San Antonio has strong ties to NYC that stems back to the late 60’s, a topic we’ll discuss many times in PEPPER Magazine as each issue unfolds. Josh’s deep desire and connection is one shared by many here. There are similarities in lifestyle and even hardships that seem to be prevalent in both places.

“The most impactful memory that I still 39

hold dearly in my life is the experience of being homeless. I think with having nothing for a good amount of time, the idea of truly appreciating everything and going for anything that makes you happy really catapulted my way of life of just going 200% on anything I do. If I die tomorrow, I can confidently say that I have done the best I could to live fully.

The people I surround myself with everyday are the people that inspire me most. Being imperfect, I look at my peers and notice that they are not perfect too. I am blessed to be living life with the most talented, self-driven, empathetic, hard working, big-hearted individuals who will forever inspire me to become the best version I can be.” Aside from his tribe and MJ, Josh tells us he’s also inspired by, “Virgil Abloh, Cameron Giles and myself.”

He shares more about his personal history.

“Ahhh so much I can say about my hometown (in the Philippines)…One thing that is worth mentioning is the food. I love Filipino food, it's my favorite type of cuisine. With the Philippines being a third world country, the way of living is definitely different versus here in the states.

Growing up in such an environment, I was blessed enough to see the world in a more grateful manner.”

His upbringing left a lasting impact on his habits today. “I really love to cook. I love the satisfaction I give people when I present them the plate I made for them. I guess you can say it's one of my love languages.”

So, where are we all headed now, as a collective? “I think with the constant stream of new information being accessible everyday to us, we learn more to be mindful with everyone and everything. Mainstream things can be easily experienced, yet expired by the next day. With this, it is more challenging to be original and find the truest form of yourself. With big companies slowly realizing that the upcoming generation has more passion for human rights and saving the world, the best response is to tend the overdue desires of the masses.

We do need to pay more attention to what's going around the world versus turning a blind eye. With the world being in a Renaissance era, Art is an all time high. More of a reason why you should believe in yourself and go for anything that your heart desires. If you really want to, you can do anything.

Go further than the blue skies.”

-J. Abenoja Lovely Company

LINKTR.EE/MINXANDONYX

FROM THE

RECYCLED SEA

PHOTOGRAPHER FRANCISCO MUÑOZ MARSEILLE, FRANCE

Chilean filmmaker and photographer Francisco Muñoz Berrios is based in France. Here, he’s brilliantly teamed up with Pinocuo Upcycling and model Zoe Mouvante, a psychology student, to curate fierce summer high fashion looks for a purpose…

To remind the world that lessening our footprint is not only important, but fashionable.

Caring for our planet by cultivating a sustainable wardrobe will always be in style.

!

Y A R O O H

for Matty James

INTERVIEW journalist K. Day Gomez

with Fashion Photographer Matty James

SA photographer Matty James’ work is largely centered around fashion. We asked how he came to be drawn to fashion as a whole.

“I started doing fashion when I was attending The Art Institute (of San Antonio—this is where Matty and I first met). In the photography program, we go through this whole process to eventually find our own niche. Each class helps you become a better photographer, both technically and artistically. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do fashion photography.

As a kid, I would look at all these fashion magazines and I would just get lost in the whole art world these photographers created. I would study the poses and practice in front of the mirror creating a background in my head. I would watch documentaries about fashion designers and photographers. It made me want to create that kind of world these artists lived in.

Fashion has changed immensely over the years and that’s why I love it, it's so exciting to see. I feel like it's only gonna get better and more interesting and I want to be a part of that.”

His passion for the art started early on. “I've always loved photography. I would always joke that after middle school you would've thought I disappeared because I was taking all the pictures rather than being in any of them. I saw the world through a lens and I would photograph everything that caught my eye. In high school, I took a class on film photography and I just completely fell in love with the medium even more. The whole process of it all; taking the photo, going into the dark room, developing the photos, mixing the chemicals, experimenting with different techniques— it was all very intimate. I knew that this meant something to me and I could do this forever.”

With such a well-formed sense of self involving his craft, it’s no wonder Matty’s portfolio continues to grow.

His creativity is constantly in full swing. But that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy ride. “My time in college was the most stressful but also the happiest time in my life.

It’s a time where I started to really come out of my shell. Being around so many likeminded individuals that shared the same interests, goals and passions definitely opened my eyes to see what art can really be.

It’s through school that I've had the privilege to be a part of many different art shows and where I was able to connect and collaborate with many different photographers and models.

At The Art Institute I had these two teachers that I really admired and wanted so much to impress. They both had very different backgrounds and very different art styles but they both were fantastic teachers. I owe a lot of my creative process to them because they made me see things differently. They would ask ‘why this’ and ‘why that? Does it spark an emotion? What's the story? Why this angle?

Why this lighting? Go back and do it again, do

it again, do it again.’ Like I said, stressful. But they shaped my mind to think before I take a photo now and I can’t thank them enough.”

Academia can be rigorous, but so too can be the feat of convincing one’s family that a creative career is valid. “My family has always been and still is super supportive of me and my goals. In the beginning when I had just graduated high school, I wanted to do it all. My main goal was something in art, anything with art that would allow me to be creative because I was always an artistic kid.

My parents, however, persuaded me to go to college for something more practical because they thought that a job in art wouldn’t pay well. They had good intentions and I see where they were coming from because growing up we didn’t have much and we did

struggle. All they wanted was a solid future for me where I could take care of myself and I wouldn’t have to struggle like they had.

I started to study veterinary medicine since I also had a love for animals. But in the end it just wasn’t making me happy. I dropped out from my studies and it put me in a real bad funk. I felt embarrassed…I felt like I let my parents down because I couldn’t commit and succeed in this "solid future" I thought I wanted. I took a lot of time off from school but when I went back I enrolled in every art class I could take.

Honestly, it felt more stressful than studying animal science!

Everyone was so creative and more talented and it kind of made me second guess myself again. But it also made me more fired-up to prove to myself that I was just as talented as my classmates. Graduating college was one of the happiest times in my life and I am truly grateful for all the experiences. It definitely has shaped me into becoming a better artist.”

His journey has given Matty a cultivated eye, perspective and even sage advice. “The most important thing that I've learned is to follow your heart and listen to your intuition.

Through all the mistakes I have made, I feel like I've learned to trust the process. Even through all the mistakes I've made, I feel like they led me down different paths.

A new idea, a better idea will spark and honestly, a lot of the portraits I love the most were the ones that came about through a

mistake. When I can't see a vision clearly I just have to change my perspective.

As a photographer I've learned now to always carry different lenses, switch up your angles, always shoot in RAW to fix your mistakes (haha) and to shoot a thousand and one photos because in all those thousands you take, you may only get ONE truly good shot, but it's that one shot that makes it worth it for me.”

So, what’s next for Matty James? “I plan to continue to take as many photographs as I can to get my name out there. Get in touch with modeling agencies to get a foot in the door, submit to magazines, enter photo competitions, attend local fashion shows. This is something that I absolutely love to do and want to keep pursing until I can make it my full time job. I honestly would love to work with a fashion magazine and I would love to have my own little 59

photography studio—most likely here in San Antonio—but I'll go wherever the wind takes me.”

In his creative pursuits, he still finds time to focus on important issues and help however he can. “BEAT AIDS is a nonprofit organization that helps spread awareness in the LGBTQ community to help fight and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. They provide many different programs, counseling, workshops and support groups.

Living as a gay man, I feel it's important for people in the LGBTQ community to know that we are never alone. There is a lot of help out there, not just in the prevention of HIV/AIDS but in mental health, substance abuse and program assistance for men and women. We should all be looking out for each other, especially now when the world feels scary at times, we are all in this together.”

On a final note, Matty imparts to us, “I love what I do. I am happy that I have found a creative outlet by which to express myself.

I feel like I still have much to learn and I am still growing as a photographer, but I'll continue to have fun along the way.”

Such a beautiful and inspired outlook. And as for collaborations—“I am always looking for new models and artists to collaborate with. If you like my work you can shoot me a message through my website.”

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Red

HAUTE

Summer

BERLIN MODEL ROBIN HÖHN X POPPY FIELDS POTSDAM, GERMANY

It’s finally

SUMMER

…it’s finally warm and finally the nature is showing us the best sides of it. We love the energy and the colors of poppy, that’s why we decided to connect darker vintage fashion looks with a powerful poppy field in the summer heat of Potsdam, Germany. All the poses and shots were inspired by the nature, the sun and our love for artistic fashion photography. photographer Neo Sanchez wardrobe CAISEDO by H&M

CARAVAN

with Sustainable Fashion & Lifestyle Expert BECKY WITTE-MARSH

sustainable fashion & decor

Digging deeper into the elements of style, let’s talk about Mood. I also refer to mood as vibe, story, feel, message. What are we saying about ourselves through our attire and our surroundings?

This month’s topic – Caravan – speaks more to a mood, a vibe, a story. So many connotations come to mind with Caravan: Hot, desert, dry, nomadic, packable, layered, metals, romance, textiles, adventure, the open road…

Where are we going? How will we get there? Why are we on this journey? What will we bring? Who will we meet? What will we bring home?

The word Caravan comes from the Persian ‘Karwan’ meaning “group of desert travelers.” Caravans were a group of

merchants who joined together to make difficult journeys through the desert to sell their wares. These wares included: jewelry, spices, tea, coffee, ivory, cotton, wool, incense, precious metals and silk – hence “The Silk Road.”

Caravanserais were large guest houses designed to welcome these traveling merchant

habitat.

caravans, spaced 30-100 miles apart as those are the distances camels could go without water. The caravanserais provided a safe place to rest, eat, share ideas and trade wares.

One of the most famous Caravanserai is Khan As’ad Pasha in Damascus. It was named after the governor of Damascus in 1751-52. Side note – the striped design of Khan As’ad Pasha reminds me of the Siena Cathedral in Siena, Italy. Bold stripes in architecture and fabric designs speak to many cultures as did the Caravanserais. Checkered floors also played a part of the design in many Caravanserais and could be a key element in your home’s design.

Elements of Caravan Design for your home: 1) Textiles – This is a BIG part of the Caravan look as they can add infinite possibilities depending on how they are layered and what they are used for. Bedding, tenting, bath towels, rugs, pillows, curtains, and tablecloths all play a part here.

2)

Portable furniture such as folding benches,

tables, light weight chests and hanging lanterns make this look authentic and provide many practical uses as well.

3) Tenting can be considered in many ways. Here shown as a tented ceiling in my guest room. I love a considered ceiling and this one transports me and my guests every time! Simply made from painters’ tarps, heavy duty eye hooks and sailing knots, this tent has been traveling the globe for over two decades. I never grow tired of it!

4) Metals are also key to the Caravan aesthetic. This is not surprising since many Caravan merchants dealt in metals including brass, copper and silver.

Hanging lamps, incense burners, candle holders and bowls to name a few. Candles also add light when needed and can be desert scented making your Caravan experience complete!

Becky’s picks…

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5) Tea and coffee have been part of the human connection experience for centuries. Coffee was first discovered in the 9th century by an Ethiopian goat-herder named Kaldi. According to legend, tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor named Shen Nung who was also an herbalist. Some tea leaves blew into his boiling water and created one of history’s favorite beverages.

Creating a place to share coffee and tea in your home will re-create the Caravanserai experience as you discuss the topics of the day.

6) Details are important! When we think of the current day camping experience, it can be a bit drab, with khaki, camouflage, greens and browns. We must remember, these were merchants selling their wares, so items were made to call attention to themselves through intricate carvings, mirror detailing, embroidery, bright painted designs and gorgeous coloration.

Again, this is more about a mood and creating a small vignette, cushy corner or an entire room in your home can satisfy your wanderlust!

Caravan fashion: As we consider this nomadic existence, how do we dress for a life well traveled, even if only in our minds? Comfort is key! Think of Caravan Style as your new “Athleisure.” Cool, comfortable, colorful, practical and interesting.

Let’s start with Comfort:

Key elements here – Natural fibers such as cotton, silk, linen and bamboo. Loose tunics and draw string shalwar pants allow clothing to flow with the. breeze while the natural fibers allow the fabric to breathe.

Layering with robes, vests, scarves and sweaters will help transition you through the seasons, or simply from hot days to cool nights.

For a slightly dressier occasion, look to gauzy dresses mixed with interesting textile details and embellishments.

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Mixing textures creates more visual interest and tells your personal story. Shawls and scarves can also be used as pillow covers, folded as floor seating or used as shade when spread across the limbs of a tree.

Coloration: When I think of a Caravan of travelers crossing the desert, it brings to mind all of the desert colors. Think peach, faded rose, lavender, clay, sand, soft charcoal, sunset gold and olive green.

Travel Bags: These can be large canvas or leather totes for your travel essentials or trips to the grocery store.

Smaller cross body bags can hold more personal items while keeping your hands free for drinking

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coffee or writing in your diary. If you suffer from chronic Wanderlust, I suggest having different totes pre-packed, ready to go on a moments notice. One for the beach, one for the open road, one for hiking… you get my drift!

Details are where this style really captures your imagination! Jewelry is a must for this look to truly transport you. When we think about the merchants traveling with jewelry, textiles and metals – jewelry became a prominent attention getter and selling factor. You may be only selling to yourself, which is really as it should be, but the story, the mood, the vibe is really pulled together here with the accessories. Layered necklaces and

bracelets tell your story to others in a way that speaks to your collection over time through your adventures.

Get Inspired

It’s not about matching, but more about meaning, beauty, memories. Treasures for sure! Sunglasses, FLORAL ACCENTS, a hat or maybe even a REALLY GREAT MUSTACHE are other practical and beautiful ways to tell your story as well.

These considerations are important and will give you the freedom to use your own personal style.

So…are you ready to join the Caravan and satisfy your need for Style Wanderlust??? You can live the Nomadic life of your dreams in your everyday life!

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The oceanic work of artist

Sarah Mills Bailey photojournalist K. Day Gomez

This Louisiana native has brought the mystic ocean with her to San Antonio, Texas. Her creations make the home or any space feel open, moody and free.

Sarah Mills Bailey followed an unusual path to find herself a painter of abstract art. It was a progression that led her in its own way from scientist to artist.

A native of New Orleans, Sarah studied microbiology at LSU in Baton Rouge and, at the graduate level, at Tulane University in New Orleans. Life itself was under the microscope and under control, orderly and predictable until her older daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 2.

The rigidity of work in medical research was untenable and unsustainable with an unpredictable schedule based on the occurrence of seizures. And there was a child to distract from the distress of chronic illness. Delving into the realm of arts and crafts, Sarah and her daughter searched for cast offs to reclaim with paint and fabric. The results were inspired!

Home décor was the beginning. Soon she branched off into working solely with fabric, engaging her then school age daughter with the task of color and textile pattern selection.

With the birth of her second child, she knew just how she wanted to decorate the nursery. Having followed the creative impulse, and appreciating the joy it brought to her first child, she applied the brush strokes with a trust and anticipation perhaps unusual for a novice, led again by motherly compassion.

Adding and scraping away paint as she explored not only the endeavor of painting, but beyond that, the depths of her inner experience, responding to life with all its unexpected turns.

She found abstract art to be the perfect medium for expressing emotional range, not reacting to life but moving with it. The results, again, display their inspiration.

“I work in acrylic, pastel and emotion, in its analytical meaning (e: out; motion), the outward movement from the self to create expression.

In that sense, the how and the why of my work are intertwined. The artistic process of applying and the subsequent scrapping away of paint is also the exploration and interaction with the perceived self. The process is a fully sensate experience relying on focused participation in life and interpreting the resonating inner response in color and texture.” Even in art, Sarah thinks like a scientist, articulating 84

her process analytically with greater self awareness than is common. “The resulting art is described as abstract but the reality it depicts is quite defined: a child’s EEG, a deep breath of sea air, the gathering of courage in the face of despair, opening to hope. The subject matter is endless, vibrant and rich. As is my life, as is yours.”

Sarah has a knack for decoupage as well, which she commonly applies to sea shells. Though much to my delight, I spied rows and rows of stark white pumpkins waiting to be decorated in anticipation of the coming fall season while in her studio. Her signature finish is a luxurious gold which she applies to the back of every shell. Very chic—the finished pieces make decadent accents to any nautical themed room or display. Homes for now, with hotels and restaurants on the horizon.

The artist lives with her husband and daughters, epilepsy free now, in San Antonio where there is much to celebrate and enjoy about life, “especially music and horses!”

HIGH LIFE/HIGHLIGHT THE

PEPPER

WITH LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR JOE A. GOMEZ III Today, the entrepreneur reigns supreme. The work paradigm has officially shifted.

And it’s about damn time.

MINDING

YOUR OWN BUSINESS

As an integral part of “the new normal”, work-from-home jobs & entrepreneurial businesses are making their mark. Multiple streams of income are necessary now for survival & for any hopes of thriving. In working from home or for yourself, the trick is to keep your head in the game. Your environment, your influences & the way you dress & carry yourself can keep you on track.

Urban Goods

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THE SPACE Your surroundings are so important, not only in keeping you focused & on task, but also to keep you inspired, engaged, & feeling good while you work. The home office space can be as classic & chic, moody & modern or hip as any commercial office. The idea is to create a space that makes you want to get to work every day. Whether you buy new or opt for vintage decor, there are so many options that come with a reasonable price tag.

THE MINDSET As Jefferson Airplane said, “feed your head”.

Business tips & articles online are great, but nothing beats a good book. If your aim is the level of success achieved by many of the greats, it’s a good idea to get advice straight from the source.

Half Price Books

habitat.

THE MOOD A proper playlist will keep you motivated & elevated. Curating a selection of jazz, classic rock, new wave—even the old crooners like The Rat Pack—the music that reminds you that “you got this”. Ultimately, whatever keeps you on task & present is the main idea here.

Southtown Vinyl

“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

- Andy Warhol

ZARA

CHOOSE YOUR PLAYER The modern entrepreneur seeks comfort when working from home, so relaxed fit & soft materials are key. But for those business meetings & pitches, a suit that represents you & also feels good is the best bet.

Likewise, your aromatic experience can have a huge impact on your overall concentration & mood.

Amber spicy scents like Zara’s ‘White Warm’ with notes of gin, vetiver & patchouli are equally inviting & studious.

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NOVEM Cuisine

NOVEMCUISINE.weebly.com

@novem.cuisine

(512)965-3383

The

BOX STREET SOCIAL

The Box Street Social is one of the hippest new brunch spots in San Antonio, Texas.

We got to hang with the ‘cool kids’ who run it this summer and got the full story behind the making of this one of a kind eatery in the heart of Hemisfair Park.

Founder, chef Edward, business partner Daniel and creative designer / branding stylist Caroline fill us in on how they’re providing an amazing space and experience for their patrons and what’s next for the company in the projected months to come.

On my first visit to BSS, Chef Edward shared with us a bit of back story about his humble beginnings and childhood, mentioning that food was always a comfort for him and emphasizing a great story about donuts…

“Growing up, we always had friends and family at our house for some reason. I think that's where I got my values of hospitality from. My mom was always welcoming people to our home. The whole donut story came from my grandpa and how he would take us to a local donut shop and he would just get a few dozen donuts. They'd take them straight out of the fryer and throw them into a brown 92

paper bag. It was like hella greasy, but the best donuts—super warm.

Just that nostalgic feeling of trying to recreate those donuts was super important for us. We’ve been able to get the closest so far that we think we've ever gotten to really hitting it on the bullseye. I don't know, we're just super proud of them. We hope in some way it brings others a similar feeling of nostalgia when they enjoy them. Fresh & made to order!”

In the process of creating his menu, Eddie decided early on to develop unexpected twists to cultural classics from his childhood. “It’s like, instead of the pickled jalapenos and carrots, we

do pickled onions…that part just comes natural and that's what makes sense for us here in the kitchen. I don't know what makes it modern— maybe the way it's plated. Like using dukkah spice instead of crushed coriander. It’s different.

I think mainly it's this place that we've created that makes it feel more modern. Not just the food itself, it's the entire experience. I think it's a little bit of both that subconsciously and consciously adds to the flavor on the plate, you know? It's a blend of nostalgia from my past, the influences from my learning that make me the chef that I am, along with mostly honoring what the space tells us, what it wants to be.

We are unapologetically ourselves, food included. For us, it makes the most sense. You know if it doesn't feel natural or it doesn't feel smooth, if it's too much to push out vs. what the space can handle, then we don't pursue it.”

There’s a simplicity in this approach that keeps it honest.

Next, we directed our question to head of business, Daniel—There is a full story of how Box Street got its name. We’d like to hear it, and about some of the previous incarnations behind the process before having a brick and mortar restaurant. How did he and Eddie get their start?

“So, Box St. Social, what a weird name right?

But it flows so well together. How it got started was when Eddie and I met, he's a chef and I was a restaurateur, but at the time we didn't know that about each other. We started hanging out more and we quickly found out about each other, and decided we should do something together.

Well at the time, we wanted to open a brick and mortar but there really weren't any spots available. Nothing was really happening, not much growth in San Antonio, at the time.

This was in about 2014. So then we said the food truck scene is kind of coming along, let's try that out.” This is a pretty typical thought 93

process for hopeful entrepreneurs in the culinary industry, especially in the San Antonio community, as a longer play designed to build up to the eventuality of owning an established restaurant. It’s smart, it creates opportunity to test the market and recipes.

“So that's what we did. We ordered a custombuilt truck from The Valley (Mission, Texas) and in the process of getting it we came up with a name.

When we met, we met at a CrossFit Gym and those are known in the CrossFit community as "boxes". The "Social" part comes from where at the time, Eddie used to hold "Sunday Socials". On Sundays he would invite friends over and they would bring more friends, and he would cook for all of them. We were going to be parked on the street so we swapped "Sunday" out for Social and went with "The Box Street Social".

Honestly, the genius behind the name was Eddie. He's always the best at naming all of our things. Including the names on our menus.

They're funny, they're great, they're clever and we go with it because it always works. Weird name, but it works.”

Chef Edward’s family who largely inspired the nostalgia that would lead to Box Street’s creation have always backed his play. “My family, no matter what I did—whether it was restaurants, Marine Corps, firefighting—I once had a bicycle project for a while, did some nonprofit work for a bit—my family was always there to ask how they could help and to show support. They have always had my back in everything I do, everything that we do.”

This is support The BSS definitely needed as their opening was positioned at a time coming off the mid-end of the pandemic. That couldn’t have been easy. Eddie tells us, “you know, we hit obstacles, just like everyone else.

Those were the lessons that we learned that made us stronger. That was part of the process. We had to get some of those lessons 94

out of our way at an earlier time in our career so that if the same thing ever happens again we could recognize it.” Can we all just hang on the the genius of that thought for a moment? That’s the kind of critical reasoning you see in leaders, in successful people.

“Now, our Kitchen IQ, our Hospitality IQ, our Catering IQ is much higher so we're able to catch things before they happen and we're obviously still working on that. We know there's still learning and there's still lessons.

There’s always going to be obstacles, or unknowns. Not to mention like Covid, just like your everyday things like plumbing or supply chain, your HVAC. There's definitely space for obstacles.” It sounds like there’s nothing that can knock them off their A game now.

Daniel’s family was equally supportive through their process. “I was definitely encouraged by my family. I've been in the restaurant business as an owner since 2008.

Before that, I was in the restaurant business as a server, busser, dishwasher; almost every

position you could think of. Since becoming an owner in '08, I've always said I want to open my own concept.

After meeting Eddie, we were able to do that, because as a collaboration, him being chef, food inspired, culture inspired, environmentally inspired, socially inspired. I'm very business inspired, so when we came together we were able to do our own thing. This project in particular was a long process and they definitely supported me and helped see me through it.”

We asked what was the biggest difference between opening the food truck as a team to opening the restaurant? Daniel recalls, “Opening the food truck was much simpler in the sense of the concept or the workforce needed. Opening the restaurant was a much more complex thing. Way more staffing that's needed. More overhead, rent, location as a whole, equipment, etc.

The other difference was meeting Caroline.”

He’s referring to the creative genius behind the restaurant’s Instagram-worthy aesthetics.

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“We met her while being a food truck. She actually started with us making menus, doing calligraphy. We catered her wedding, saw she could do more than that, like styling events.

And she had some valuable insight that elevated the catering experience. So having the creative edge and a newly established brand identity moving toward a brick and mortar was a whole new element to have inhouse.”

supply issues on things we wanted to put into the restaurant but couldn't due of many things outside of our control.

We shift to asking about the obstacles he remembers in pursuing the restaurant.

(Daniel Chuckles) “That's funny. Any and EVERY obstacle that you could imagine when opening a restaurant, we faced. Our team faced. Starting when we signed our lease in 2019 October, designed the restaurant, and we were supposed to go under construction that August. But then March of 2020 hit and that's when the pandemic started.” And all hell broke loose. It was hellish for everybody, and still fresh on our collective minds two years later.

On that note, Eddie chimes in to say, “I think one thing we learned or put a focus on here culture-wise was recognizing that everyone has shit going on. Whether you're an owner, busser, barista, server—it doesn't matter.

Everyone has their things going on, so we need to be super conscious of that. Growing up in this industry, just making sure that we don't have that sort of toxic life you hear about for our people, in our space. That's really important.

“With that, a lot of turmoil, loss…when we were finally able to get through that and keep our catering business alive, we started construction and we ran into every construction problem you can run into. Going all the way through hard-to-get equipment, electrical issues, immense labor shortages,

The beautiful thing that came through all of that was how our core team and some amazing new additions came together, stuck together and we opened this incredible, beautiful, amazing restaurant that I'm immensely proud of.”

Post pandemic, a lot of us definitely fell back in love with what our childhood was; riding bikes, going camping, spending time with family, playing board games… It's easy to lose track of that and spend your time only working. So having some kind of life outside of work is really big and we want to make sure we are doing our best to accommodate that within our team.” A most noble outlook, one which is finally being adopted across industries either as a result of

compassion or necessity.

It’s safe to say there’s nowhere in San Antonio quite like Box Street. “I think when you walk-in you just get this nice, organic, airy feeling, a welcoming feeling,” Daniel says. “I think that starts from, again, our core team and what we're about. We love serving. Our number one priority is customer service.

You immediately notice the aesthetic due to our amazing Interior Designer & Creative Director, Caroline Garcia-Bowman. From there, you get your food and it's beautifully presented, creative menu selections thanks to Chef Edward and the Kitchen crew and then the libations that we created. Thank you to Derik Cortez, who's currently opening his own bar called Sojourn, and our amazing bartending staff who executes it very well and on their own are also creating some amazing cocktail options. It's a combination of all those things.”

Eddie responds in kind. “Immediately when you walk-in, you just feel like you're somewhere different. We definitely wanted that for our space. That was important not only for us to create it for San Antonio, but to create it for ourselves. Anytime we wanted to go somewhere or be somewhere, Box St. was in our head and there was nowhere else we could really go to experience this without having to go on vacation.

You always talk about vacation—how that was the best here, that's the best there, but we wanted the best always. So we created the experience that as soon as you walk into Box Street you feel like you're on vacation.

That was one of the main goals. To just feel like you were automatically transported somewhere else.”

Mission accomplished. And it’s all by design, both literally and figuratively. Daniel shares, “throughout the pandemic I asked Caroline if she was ready to design a restaurant and she hesitantly said yes.

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(Caroline chuckles in the background) but I knew she was ready and that we were going to give her the task.

She and I sat, literally next to each other for about 6 months, working through plans and designing, procuring, fighting, telling her no, telling her yes, telling her this won't work, telling her this will and vice versa and throughout all of that, things just came out perfect and beautiful.

I couldn't be more happy with it. She stepped up and it's amazing.

She's going to be the best designer here in San Antonio in the future, or is presently, but then y’all will find out. It's already happened, everyone else just has to catch up to it and she needs to own it.”

As far as good stories go, chef Edward shares, “I just feel like every step was fought for.

We got to the point where we would almost laugh at whatever came because there was nothing any one of us could've done. When it came to the supply chain, contractors not showing up or misccomunication… Then happy stories like seeing the walls go up, the equipment show up, the actual layout, it's kind of hard to picture it sometimes. We were all still grinding doing events and catering while the restaurant was being built, so we were all super focused on covering all our bases. But that comes to mind most.”

We asked Daniel what’s on the horizon in BSS’s future. “I love that question, because I think what we built will allow us to decide what the future is, collectively. I don't want to do anything Edward doesn't want to do and I don't want to do anything Caroline doesn't want to do. But we all want to do beautiful things and we're all going to do beautiful things. So the future is for the taking, and it's for us to decide what that taking's going to be.

There are things coming and already in planning, that we can't legally mention, but they will come and it's exciting.” Whatever it is that Box Street is cooking up, you know it’s going to

be good.

Eddie notes, “I guess it's exciting to think that we can become an institution downtown in Hemisfair.

There's so much movement happening here around us and it's exciting to try to be part of that solar system, or a main part. Being so close to downtown but not downtown, we're 50/50 with locals and tourists and for us that's exciting. We’re consistently growing and evolving.

No signs of slowing down, especially once Civic Park is done. We are doing really well right now, we're extremely blessed. When that park opens up, we're hopeful it's going to be like Sunday Brunch every day.”

In a last piece of advice for the readers, Daniel says, “keep going.

Pursue your dreams and don't let the obstacles hold you back. They can weigh you down, they can make you sad, they can make you mad, because we're human and we have emotions but don't let them prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Keep going, find a way , find people to support and help you and do beautiful things.”

Chef Edward leaves us with a warm invitation. “Come visit us! When you need a great short vacation, we're right in the heart of the city.”

savor.

PEPPER | 99

photojournalist K. Day Gomez

YOU’VE JUST ARRIVED at the upscale urban Canopy Hotel, a Hilton Hotels concept located on the historic San Antonio Riverwalk. Be it business or leisure, every amenity is right at your fingertips. And once you’re settled in, the hotel’s balcony bar lounge, Otro, awaits with open arms.

Otro is spacious and welcoming. It’s decor and atmosphere makes it perfect for a

classy date or casual hang with friends. In the earlier part of the evening you may even choose to pop open the lap top and knock out some work before enjoying some signature cocktails or ordering from the appetizer menu.

We’re living in an age when travel isn’t the only way to experience fabulous hotels. Staycations reign supreme, and it’s become hip to meet up

savor. for drinks and eats at a hotel bar or restaurant.

Otro understands this shift in social thinking.

It can also be said that it’s one of the most Instagram-able spots in the city. From the views to the architecture to the gorgeous unique hand-cut / hand-placed tile work it’s

known for, Otro is a visual feast. And for the bad weather days, you can order from inside Canopy Central. An extended indoor lounge and game room, it’s also equipped with a business center and fully functioning gym. If you’re wanting to unwind in style, Otro is the place to be.

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Meet

RAY LOWRIE former Royal Marines Commando Devon, England journalist K. Day Gomez

I met this incredible award-winning amputee athlete in the most peculiar way.

Ray is part of a highly popular mustache culture and follows PEPPER Magazine men’s grooming style consultant, Andrew Barraza, who is a long-time friend of mine. When I saw his feed, I knew he had a good story to share.

It turns out he did, and it’s best we let him tell it straight from his own perspective.

-K. Day Gomez, editor in chief “My name is Ray Lowrie and I’m a former Royal Marines Commando. I joined up in 1998 and managed to serve for just over 17 years. I live in Devon, situated in the Southwest of England with my wife and 2 boys.

My career was cut short due to an accident that I can only describe as a twisted sock injury where I fractured / dislocated my ankle in 3 places. Due to the way my body heels too quickly from an autoimmune disease, it over-compensated with extra bone growth in my ankle, restricting movement and leaving me in constant fracture pain. Fast forward 6 years after 11 operations to correct, reconstruct and fuse my ankle, I elected to have my left leg amputated below the knee.

Before this injury, I truly felt unbreakable

coming fairly unscathed from so many near misses. Over a period of 3 years, I walked away from 2 motorbike crashes, I was shot in the back and had my body armour and equipment take the hit shielding me from any harm, I was in 2 convoys that hit land mines blowing up the vehicle in front and behind me. Unfortunately this all came to an end when I slipped on ice in Norway during an arctic warfare training exercise which later resulted in my amputation.

I made the decision to amputate in order to be me again. I had become an inactive overweight, angry, argumentative and depressed person. It was effecting those around me and I had reached rock bottom. I'd question myself every day wondering if I'd end it all today or push on to see what tomorrow brings.

I managed to regain my fitness to a level where I was getting attention from Team Paralympic GB. I had GB trials and managed to get myself on the development squad with GB Rowing fighting for the last space in the boat for

Rio 2016, but I quit before the end of selection as family came first. My family needed me to be home more than 1 day a month for the duration of a 2 year period.

leg, sat in my wheelchair.

Since medical retirement from service in 2015, I haven't really worked a proper job. I set up a company teaching kids to learn to row but after 18 months returned to athlete training myself again. I'd had unfinished business and needed to prove to myself I wasn't over the hill.

I had 4 years with no problems on my prosthetic, pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. But then out of the blue for 18 months I suffered with a rash on my stump due to my autoimmune disease. In basic terms my over active immune system started to attack healthy tissue which resulted in aggressive treatment to turn off my immune system, with immune suppression medication to reset my white blood cell count.

I like to say "Disability doesn't have to be disabling" and I like to show those around me I'm a ‘can-do’ person even when I'm off the

During this time I was too weak to train and felt I’d lost my super powers. But the positive I took from this time was that I became content in my

wheelchair. I would go out shopping, I socialized a little and even negotiated a very busy 3-week Disney World holiday in Florida with family. I'm now happy as me when I need to use my chair and no longer look at using it as failure.

I jazz up my prosthetic legs with union jack sockets, Lego and various other patterns and designs to show those around me that its completely fine to talk to me about my prosthetic. It makes it easier to start a conversation rather than being a taboo subject to talk about.

I set British and World records for the following distances for indoor rowing: 500m 5k, 6k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon and furthest distance for 30 and 60 minutes, breaking each multiple times over the years amounting to around 20-something (?) records across 2 age categories.

I’ve started to do the same with the Concept2 SkiErg beating all recorded fastest and furthest times for my medical category and in my age group, again around 30 odd records across 2 age groups which I’m hugely proud of.

——I find it awkward blowing my own trumpet so this bit has been deleted and rewritten a number of times before I've decided to just crack on and write it down.

[We want to say we’re glad you decided to, Ray. You should bevery proud of your accomplishments in the face of adversity. And we at PEPPER are honored to know you.]

I have found it extremely difficult to feel I'm good enough or deserve to be there in various situations, I've always felt I'm not quite Royaly Royal enough as a Marine for years, despite being qualified and working the job successfully. It felt as if I was just going through the motions, almost like acting a role. I would question weather I was good enough to do the job.

I have been quite successful winning gold and 2 silver medals at the London Invictus games in 2014. Gold at the indoor rowing world champs in Boston Massachusetts 2017.

I have used this in my favor with competitive sports. I train hard and smart, I eat clean, rarely drink, don't use supplements whether legal or not (Please don't try to sell me Herbalife, Juice Plus or magic potions etc) I drink water and eat

food—it’s not rocket science.

What I feel my secret weapon is : no matter how well I achieve, I always feel I could have somehow done better and look for ways to improve. I'm 41, so physical improvements are going to be a thing of the past soon and all I will have is the memory of my achievements now. I'm trying to appreciate them on reflection of all the hard work I’ve gone through to achieve them.

Two years ago, I had plans to push my fitness to its peak again before I loose the chance to test where my limits are, and to beat my PB’s and World Records. I had an extremely successful year breaking a British indoor rowing record and 11 different SkiErg World records at least twice each and some 3 and 4 times in the year. Since my 40th birthday I have continued this journey to the second half of the goal where I’ve attempted to finish off by beating my PB’s and WR’s from my 30’s to show I can be even fitter in my 40’s.

This was my last year pushing my limits, once I turned 41, the plan was always to change the way I train to focus more on health and fitness instead of pushing those limits that can be stressful and damaging to health in later life. I plan to train to look good —not be the fastest. I hope this will bring a different enjoyment to fitness.

I just wanted to highlight that even with many setbacks and problems to get over, there is always another way forward. My injurys and ill health have only changed the route I'm on. But as long as I keep going I'm still on route to the same destination. I still train 3-4 times a week and regularly post about it on my Instagram page in the hope to inspire others to keep active and to show those with disability that an active life is possible.”

Ray’s journey and story is incredible. It’s impossible to walk away from it without being truly inspired. Even down to boldly sharing his 117

struggle with Impostor Syndrome (which affects far more people globally than one might imagine), not feeling good enough or feeling as though he’s playing a part in his career and life.

This is also a subject that should be openly spoken about and de-stigmatized. Whether your takeaway is the importance of self acceptance, the courage in vulnerability, perseverance against adversity or just the radiance of the human spirit, Ray Lowrie has gifted us this gem of his life experience. And we are grateful.

“Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With Kind Regards Ray”

Mouth HRDRV Recording Artist

A.Z.

shakes up the music industry

by talking about things that really matter.

journalist K. Day Gomez photographer Gabi Medina

Recording artist and lyricist A.Z. is a tenacious young performer in the budding stages of what could very well turn into a prominent career in music.

Hailing from the West Texas town of El Paso, she is building a name for herself in San Antonio where she currently resides. And though her recording days have just started, her passion for music has been part of her reality for as long as she can remember.

“Music has always been a part of my life. There are videos of me, somewhere around 6 years old, putting on “concerts”. Singing covers of Korn, Ricky Martin, and Sugar Ray. I’d like to thank my parents for my extensive range in genres and always listening with an open mind. They introduced it to me by playing it all the time on drives, on cleaning days, and just hanging around the house.”

Songwriting is equally prominent. “I have always been obsessed with words, poems, lyrics. I used to listen to songs and memorize them. I’d write down the lyrics to my favorites, over and over (probably an unhealthy amount of times). I did write poetry here and there, mostly in English class. But it wasn’t until I was much older that I started gaining the confidence to write my own songs.”

This was something that would come together for A.Z. later on as a result of the strong support system she had in her family.

“My family has always been very supportive of me, no matter what it is. From coming out, to signing a basketball scholarship for college at 5’ 2”, and now pursuing music as a career.

Honestly, I don’t know how I would be able to hang on during the struggling times without their support, but I am so grateful for their love. It helps me dig deep into my purpose.”

She touches on some deep subjects in her songwriting. Some of these issues are things society as a whole is only barely warming up to. “All of my music so far has been written from my perspective, so I dive

into things that I have personally gone through or that are my opinion. It’s surprising to see how I’ve changed over the last 4 years. Some subjects I touch on are depression, toxic relationships, internal battles…I recently started speaking up about the human issues that have been occurring in our time and climate now.

I love happy dance music but right now I want to start opening up the conversation to go beyond surface level. Everyone is going through something, and I want to create a safe space to talk about it and get through it together as best as we can. That also doesn’t mean we can’t have fun along the way.”

Speaking from her own journey is easier the more experience she accumulates along the way. Life lessons, social interactions and internal growth has made this young artist seasoned over time. “The most important thing I feel I’ve learned so far is self-awareness. I am doing my best to align my intentions with what I am talking about and writing in my music.

Something practical I’ve learned is that not everyone is going to be a fan, and that’s okay. I focus on the people that do resonate with the messages and want to continue listening and follow my journey, which I appreciate so much! I am so happy to even have one person tell me that my song made their day.”

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We asked if there are particularly special memories or moments that stood out more than most. A.Z. replies, “This question is special because I recently wrote my parents letters for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I shared memories with them that I feel made me the person I am today. I knew I was into girls at a very, very young age and although I didn’t know how my parent’s would react to it, I was still very scared to let them know.

One night, my father came to ask me the big question. Ironically, I was watching ‘I Now Pronounce You, Chuck and Larry’ which I think is a hilarious detail I will never leave out.

I was so nervous to tell him the truth but I came out to him and his response of love, acceptance and a bit of “we already kind of knew,” demeanor really was a life changer.

That day was a pivotal point in my journey. I started to become more of my true self. I was able to continue peeling off the layers with my parents’ help, and I really believe that had a major impact on becoming unapologetically myself.

My mentor and CEO of my label called HRDRV, Mickey Shiloh, really was the one to skyrocket my pursuit for this career. I sent a song—the first song I ever released about 3 years ago now—for her to review and she

replied complimenting my writing and melodies.

This woman has written for artists like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and so many more, and her validation was enough to make me believe in myself that much more. Still to this day, any time that I question myself, I really go back to that review she gave me before she even got to know me and it helps me with my Imposter Syndrome time and time again. I’ve noticed the more I pour into the artist community, the more wonderful souls I end up meeting.”

So what’s next for A.Z.; what’s the game plan? “I follow and believe in the 1,000 fan rule. I am on a mission to create music for a community that can come together and feel like they have a family. Every person that has reached out to me, I am so grateful for. And to know that they do support me in this means the world to me. Music has always been a guide for me and I feel like I’ve made so many connections through it, I just want to create that same environment.

I am a bit of a nomad, so I don’t know where I would want to live because I want to try everywhere, but I do know I might get out of Texas soon and go back to the desert. I see myself working for myself, whether it’s in sync,

or creating a catalog to build on royalties, songwriting, producing; I’m not chasing the money. I am playing the long game to create a strong fanbase and focus on being human and spreading love before thinking about profit.”

taking the wrong path. When I lean towards them, it all makes sense! They provide services for artists all over the world. They have given me the confidence and tools to navigate this music industry and I wouldn’t be the same without them.”

A.Z. is a humanitarian before anything else. Her heart is in the right place, which means whatever success she reaches along the way, she’ll come by from a place of authenticity and sheer passionate drive. We asked in particular if there are any nonprofits she finds important to share with us. “I love this question! I would love to give a very big shoutout to Big Vibes Art House. They have helped me book so many shows and started me off in this journey of performing live and finding my crowd. They are home to so many local artists and always put on the greatest events.

For those of our readers looking for a label, we encourage you to research if HRDRV could be a good fit. And for those looking to make a difference, the organizations A.Z. mentioned sound like a great place to start. Remember, you can make a difference in your community in more ways than just donating. Volunteer, post and share, recommend…get active.

I also want to mention HASH Vegan Eats, Third Eye Healing CBD and Righteous Paws Rescue. HASH’s mission is to Heal And Spread Healing, they are San Antonio’s first dry bar providing delicious vegan food and mocktails.

They also provide harm-reduction, and just opened a free store that provides food, drinks and even clothing for those in need.

Righteous Paws Rescue is a non-profit organization that helps stray fur babies looking for homes. They have a grooming center and affordable pet services as well.

Third Eye Healing is an amazing CBD shop and music venue where I held my recent EP release party called 7.23. They have provided the safest space of all with their open mics, yoga, and healing markets.

All of these places have definitely left a mark in my time here in San Antonio so I had to share and hopefully you check them out and support them as well.

I love and want to thank my label, HRDRV, which is the first subscription-based label, for really being the backbone of my career. There are days where I wake up wondering if I’m

“I also just released my EP, 7.23 which is available on all streaming platforms and digital music stores. I produced 2 out of 3 songs on there and talk about real life struggles and overcoming obstacles by doing a lot of selfreflection and having empathy and compassion for not only the people around you, but most importantly, yourself.”

RETURN OF THE MATRIARCH

@returnofthematriarch

Messages of youth & female empowerment.

Andrea ‘Vocab’ Sanderson x Aminah Decé

PEPPER no. 3 | AUGUST 2022

PASSPORT

KABARDINO-BALKARIAN REPUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHER LIUDMILA EVSTRATOVA

TRAVEL Travel with us through this exquisite collection of photographs of the KabardinoBalkarian Republic.

It is a region in the Russian Caucasus bordering Karachay-Cherkessia to the west, Stavropol Kraito the north, North Ossetia to the east, and Georgia.

Currently as a result of the ongoing war, WikiTravel warns that, “the region is highly unstable and facing violence and terrorism attacks. Visitors are in great fear of militant attacks, bombings, and general lawlessness. If you are to travel to Kabardino-Balkaria, consult your embassy before coming to the region.”

The state of things makes these beautiful images that much more surreal, delicate and alarming. As man continues forward in pursuit of cruelty and irrationality, nature remains a gentle neutral party. But at what cost? Will these natural otherwise untouched places still remain after the last bomb falls? And who will be left standing to appreciate it?

For now, this was the region as observed through the careful lens of photographer Liudmila Evstratova. And there is a lesson for all onlookers here. It‘s a great wide world; one so very worth preserving.

passport. journalist K. Day Gomez

Most of us remain powerless against the imminent destruction caused by war. All we can do is pray such places will still 130

be around for our children to experience.

“GOODNESS THIS PLACE WAS MAGICAL! I’VE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE! TRULY A WONDER…” -Trip Advisor

Melanie Allison MELANIEALLISONGALLERY.COM

Fit to a T. WITH NUTRITIONIST & FITNESS EXPERT TINA SENA

Expert Health Advice Nutrition at any age, the best foods for all bodies.

Lifestyle Tips & Resources Links, great products and places to try.

Fitness Techniques Things you can try at home or at the gym.

Plus!

YOU CAN REACH OUT TO TINA DIRECTLY…

Fit to a T.

Your BODY is your HOME Nutritionist & fitness expert Tina Sena

4. What you do.

In a world of total chaos and confusion, I find myself drawn to writing this month about being comfortable in our own skin. What exactly does that really mean? I feel like we are spending way too much time body-shaming ourselves or looking to Instagram to compare ourselves to false images of what we think we should look like (or what society finds acceptable or approves of).

This is so wrong and honestly shameful of us.

First and foremost, we should never compare ourselves to others as this only creates death of our own joy and happiness. Now, there are several ways I can go with this right now, but I’m going to be only as I know how to be, and that is straight forward and to the point.

YOU have control of your own body and mind.

Did you know that? I’m going to even go one better right now and tell you the 4 things that you have total control of: 1. How you feel.

2. What you say.

3. How you think.

Thats right! Stop and think about what I just said. Agree or disagree? If you are not happy with how you look and feel, then change it!

• Quit making excuses. Quit blaming someone else. Quit listening to others’ opinions.

• Check your circle. Check your environment.

Who are you spending your time with? How do they feel about themselves?

• What are you consuming in your body and mind on a consistent, daily basis? Are you making poor food choices? Are you exercising?

• Are you listening to negative things? Are you surrounding yourself with unhappy, discontent people?

If you’re answering yes to these questions then would it be any surprise why you wouldn’t be feeling good about yourself either?

My friends, please hear me when I say to you that you have to start honoring and respecting yourself. You have to live for

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yourself and no one else. This does not mean that you cannot be a good spouse, parent, business person, peer, leader or friend. It’s actually quite the contrary. You’re going to be better in all areas of your life if you feel comfortable in your own skin.

If you are happy. If you consistently care for and love yourself and the person you are, making no compromises or concessions to please others, then I promise you are going to live your happiest life ever. The one that God intended for you to live. I believe with all my heart that we have been put on this earth to love and serve others. To make an impact in all that we say and do.

YOU have the power to do ALL of that and more! You just need to start with a little self love.

I want you to do this exercise after reading this article: Say out loud 5 things that you love about yourself.

Do this everyday! Maybe you will even add more than 5.

Positive affirmations can have a great impact on how you start to feel about yourself and really how you start to feel about this beautiful, chaotic and confusing world around us.

Health & happiness,

Tina Find Tina online at tinasenaofficial.org or Instagram at @tinasenaofficial

Tina works hands-on with clients in San Antonio, New Braunfels and surrounding areas.

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Tina Sena

Whole Heart Foods

TM

Have you heard?

Nutritionist & Fitness Expert Tina Sena has her own line of health snacks…

e r ’ y e h t d an ! s u o i c i l de

tinasena.org

HEALING PRACTITIONER

The Great

ROMY NAVA

A MODERN MYSTIC

Divide

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The Great Divide Healing Practitioner Romy Nava

As we make our way through this lifetime we are continually learning our lessons and gaining wisdom with each of life’s decisions. I think we can all agree that there seems to be some sort of unseen force which is influencing the collective. Whether it be the hive mind, some sort of psychological operation, or simply organically cultivated, it is apparent that we live in a world of duality. Love and Truth vs. Fear and Doubt.

Most of us can’t quite put our finger on it but if we give heed to the signs, from our Heart Space, we can make the best choice in every “now” moment.

When in your heart space, you can easily and effortlessly perceive love and truth. This allows you to pick up certain feelings and impressions. Listening to these impressions and your body’s feedback can give you the validation you need to make decisions that help rather than harm. Once you can master this about yourself you can literally manifest anything much quicker than ever imagined.

Fear and doubt cause your emotions to control your actions without seeing it all the way through. This can lead to severe consequences. Acting out of fear and doubt will lower your vibration. These lower vibrations are extremely difficult to navigate. Life seems to be more challenging and more obstacles just ‘appear’. When your aren’t allowing your cup to fill due to living in a mindset of fear and doubt, you are not aligning with your true authentic self.

In conclusion, I have found that It is important to be aware of both sides and how the effects of your causes manifest in your You-niverse.

Allowing yourself to take a step back, breathe, step into your Heart Space, and when you’re ready, act out of Love and Truth in your daily decisions. You will find your world to be truly magical.

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My Body, My Rules.

Exposing your body, you do not expose your soul...

Ukrainian photographer Solnce Podgurskaya, with the help of 21 year old model Evita Umanska, and assistants Nadiia Podvalna and Andrii Sarluchanu celebrate body positivity while touching on the topic of femme liberation and consent.

of your spirit. No one can ever take that away.”

-Susane Colasanti

“This body is yours. It is your home. The keeper of your soul. The resting place

INTUITIVE LIFE COACH alchemistandbutterfly.weebly.com @kathleen.day.official

Every day I still get to reframe the way I identify myself.

The power of the phrase “I Am” and the importance of what we place behind it has never mattered more to me than it does now.

K. DAY GOMEZ

AUGUST 2022

prodigy.

T H E

ADVENTURERS M E E T

T H E

G I N Z B U R G - M A L Y L O N D O N ,

One could say the Ginzburg-Maly children lead a charmed life; the kind every child dreams of. This trio of siblings—Anais (10), Lucas (8) and Elizabeth (5)—were blessed with parents who understand the importance of familiarizing their children with world cultures and travel. As such, they often take family vacations, using these as 146

C H I L D R E N

U K

learning opportunities to expose the children to different societies which leaves lasting impressions upon them. Impressions that appear later in their art.

Mum, Galina tells us, ”We are a family of cultural travelers and experience-seekers. Every trip we take will involve historical sites, museums,

engaging with locals and learning as much as possible about the local culture. The children always keep journals and sketchbooks on the trips we take and fill them with facts, pictures, ticket stubs, sketches and so on. They love looking through these years later.

We always introduce the kids to some local artists or musicians, try to visit their homes / museums if possible and talk about places that they’ve painted and things that have inspired them. There are quite a few artworks in our house featuring The Stonehenge, the rooftops of Prague, the skyscrapers of New York, the Austrian and Greek villages etc...”

All three children are multidisciplinary artists and creatives, as is their mother. We asked if there are any other artists in the family and how the children came to be drawn to art as a whole? “My great grandfather was an architect. I’ve never met him, but the family believes it is from him that I’ve inherited my love for design and architecture. Back in his time, one had to be very skilled at drawing to become an architect, and even though I’ve never seen any of his sketches, I have no doubt they were spectacular.

I am a doodler. I always have a pen or pencil in

my hand, and it came naturally and without much thought at first that I started drawing with my kids when they were still babies. I remember a friend jokingly once said that I was brave to give Anais a sharpie at the age of 8 months.

Lucas drew his first portrait of me around the same age. For us it was a natural way to bond and communicate. I drew a quick portrait of him and held it up for him to see, and he scribbled something on a piece of paper and held it up for me to see. Even though there was no resemblance to a human face, I knew he was trying to copy me. When Lizzie was a baby, there were already two budding artists in the family, so with her all things artistic started even earlier.

Anais and Lucas would color something on the floor, and Lizzie would be wriggling right on top of it on her tummy, trying to grab a marker an join in.

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Drawing was always our go-to activity, but we’ve also always experimented with different mediums. The messier the better. I never objected to the children covering themselves with paint head to toe, and tried to stay open to their creative ideas. If they wanted to add food coloring to their bubble bath, great! Mix daddy’s shaving foam with paint- sure! Stamping, printing, throwing markers or paint at a canvas, we’ve done it all, aside from throwing darts at paint-filled balloons taped to the wall. That’s our next project.”

BREAKING RIGID

TRADITIONS Galina shares a vulnerable truth of her upbringing as a creative, in an environment not open to imagination and free-form thought. “My artistic upbringing in Soviet Russia couldn’t be any more different from the one I am trying to provide my children with. There was not much room for imagination. In the fine arts school I attended, we painted and sculpted from observation only, and very realistically. My imagination was shut down very early in life and didn’t get unleashed until I was 15. I left to attend an art school in Israel, as there were no opportunities for me to do anything in art or

design in my home town.

I am trying to do the opposite with how my children experience art. I never want their wonderful imagination to be overpowered by skill or reason; only supported by it.”

Such a beautiful sentiment, and a lesson in empowerment and overcoming adversity.

As Galina teaches the children, facilitating for their creativity, she finds that they also teach her a thing or two in the process. “Observing my children’s art and how they approach art-making has taught me to loosen up and let the imagination go as far as it can be taken (and maybe even further).” This is a powerful point, as Picasso himself said,

“Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Music plays just as important a role in the children’s creative lives.

“Both girls play violin, and Anais also plays piano. Lucas plays cello and piano.”

In a time when the world is connected through the magic of the internet, technology and access can help children to make a living as creative individuals when they become adults. Their mother’s take on this is very down-to-earth. “I have no doubt that technology will play an essential role in their creative future. I hope they will use it wisely to connect with like-minded individuals, but not loose themselves entirely in the virtual reality. After all, the real world has a lot to offer too, and I’d like my children to have a very clear vision of their real world.”

A bit of a love note from the heart of a parent who seeks to preserve her children’s humanity.

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Mum has a clear blueprint in place to facilitate for them to pursue careers in art & music in the future. “We are trying to expose them to art and design as much as possible. I want them to know that the possibilities are endless and to try themselves in many different areas while they are still young. I also want my children to grow up knowing that one can always turn their passion into a real profession.

We read and talk about people who have done that, about people who followed their dream no matter what and became successful.” These real-life role models and examples will surely serve to teach them the most valuable lesson of all.

To believe in themselves.

PHOTOGRAPHER MARIA BYCHKOVA MOSCOW, RUSSIA 154

“In these last days of summer, children play in the sunlight of Krasnogvardeisky Ponds.”

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Bamunanika Children’s Home •Uganda•

DONATE at gofundme.com/f/a-new-orphanage-neues-waisenhaus-uganda

THE SEA LITERARY AUTHOR SARAH HALL-MURPHY / MANCHESTER, UK

The mermaids came to sing at night.

They moved in groups, making crude shapes in the sand, sharpening their teeth against fist-sized rocks. Once they were ready, they sang.

‘Bastard mermaids again,’ Dad would grumble in the morning, bleary-eyed and spreading marmalade on his sleeve. ‘It’s not right. You’re wide awake all night thanks to that lot.’

My mother rolled her eyes. I sat in my nightie and drew crayon-bright caves and lakes; imagining their homes, their lives, buried deep underwater.

As children we were taught not to speak to the mermaids. They knew the future, most of them, and would tell you just to screw with you. This was how Debbie Howsen found out her parents were getting divorced.

Weeping, she holed up in a cubicle in the girl’s toilets and couldn’t be moved, even when her mother came to collect her.

My own mother was far less impressed. ‘I could’ve told you that, prophet or no,’ she sniffed. She went unfazed, my mother.

Manchester born-and-bred. Things like that didn’t move her. I was told they had different things inland, roaming the moors, buried in hills. But she never spoke about them, and, in time, I learnt not to ask.

When I was a child my father read me stories. I loved how he could weave something with his hands, his voice rising and falling as shadows danced on the walls. He 158

taught me the stories his father had taught to him: Ian Direach and the Blue Falcon, The Story of Tuan mac Cairill. Stories nobody else in school had heard of.

Dad loved the sea, and was more comfortable on a boat than anywhere else. His hands calloused from rope, the smell of salt in his beard, his eyes fixed on the shore as he commanded them steadfast- he could’ve stepped out of one of those stories himself. I told everyone my dad was an adventurer, sent on a quest out to sea.

As I grew older the mermaids lost their charm. You heard things. People who befriended the mermaids, who listened to their song and drove themselves mad. Fishing was all but gone from the area by the time I was finishing school, with the mermaids eating how they did. There was this little boy from Derry, too, somebody’s cousin-or-other. He went wandering down the rockpools and never came back.

People noticed. In the pub they drank pints with haste and grew flushed, muttering late into the night. The kids at school joined in on it, too. We were facing final exams and worried about our future; that stress had to go somewhere.

We would drink beer and watch the moonlight spread over the sea. Sometimes we saw them, just a flash of silver and green- there we would stand, yelling to the wind, throwing beer cans and mocking them. How do you like our singing now, how do you like our singing now.

In the morning we’d wake, hungover, mud in

ours sheets and lugworm in our pillows.

It began with the worst hangover I’d had yet. My mother was in the doorway. Her hair was a grey perm, her lipstick pink and thin.

She took one look at me and scoffed.

‘You’re having a laugh if you think I’m cleaning that up, Cassie.’ Mum said, slamming the door shut. I closed my eyes and groaned.

That afternoon I drifted to the sea. The sand was grey and gritty, the sky opaque. I picked at the holes in my jeans and wondered if I should leave. I scanned the horizon for my father. He was a fisherman of sorts, I was told. I didn’t see him.

It was fiercely cold, the wind whipping my hair into my face. But I didn’t want to go home. My mother and I were talking less and less these days, unless it was to scream at each other. It was nice when my dad was there, but he too was becoming distant.

I sat there for a while. I was thinking about story. About the boy with the rockpools, and the blue falcon, and how nothing happens anywhere you want it to. The men in the pub told stories of their own, of mermaids, or their wives, or death. They all seemed to end the same way.

wooden posts, pecking for scraps in the sand.

Seaweed clung to the shore, washed up and brittle. An ice-cream van sat alone in the car park.

There were two of them.

They sat on the rocks. One male, one female.

They wore odd jewellery- cracked shells and smooth, dark stone entwined with soft-drink tabs and colourful strips of plastic. It was risky for them to be out like this during the day. Careless, or maybe just stupid.

The male had a shock of white hair and soft amber eyes. He was trying desperately to impress the girl, who had long, dark hair. There was a green tint to her scales, like algae. A cuttlefish-bone had been fashioned into a crude comb. She passed it from hand to hand, looking bored. Her lips were pursed, and charcoal lined both eyes. Strangely, I thought she was beautiful.

The boy on the rock saw me staring. He pushed two fingers out from his chest and hissed. It was a catlike sound. The girl turned to look, her eyes meeting mine. Her eyes were black.

The boy tried to force the girl into the waves first, but she refused. She wasn’t afraid, I don’t think. She wanted a glimpse of this other world.

Where everything ran on wheels and oil, built on steel and iron. I remembered my crayon drawings, and wondered if I had got anything right.

She turned to the boy and whispered

The beach was quiet. Gulls hopped from

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something into his ear. The joy slid off his face. She moved from the rocks into the waves, grey and churning, and he followed.

They were gone.

I had a shift that night, in the King’s Arms. It was a low, miserable place, the sort where men go to bottle up things and forget. That night it was me and Adam.

‘Is there a reason you look like crap?’ Adam asked.

He held an unlit cigarette, the curls of his hair washed copper under the electric light. Neither of us smoked, but Adam was practicing to get us more breaks.

I shrugged. ‘Does there have to be a reason when I’m on shift?’

Adam laughed, and twirled the cigarette between his fingers.

‘Figured out what you want to do after college yet?’ he asked. This was all anyone wanted to talk about.

‘Dunno.’

‘I’m going to Manchester,’ Adam announced, with the air of someone who is doing something dreadfully important.

‘Because of the things I might find. Hold the light,’ he said. I did.

Adam lit the cigarette, then held his hands over the lighter in a futile attempt for warmth. I snapped it shut.

‘Aw, Cassie,’ he groaned. ‘It’s cold.’

‘Maybe it would be less cold in Manchester,’ I said sourly. Adam rolled his eyes.

‘What’re you gonna do? Stay here forever?’

He shook his head.

‘Fuck off.’

‘Whatever, Cassie,’ Adam sighed, like there

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was no helping me. I took the lighter and held it between numb fingers. I had no idea what I would do. I couldn’t see myself at university, somehow; and working was just something I did because I had to. I wasn’t like Adam, with a future spelled out in unpaid internships and graduate bars.

I left my shift later than I wanted to. There were only a few customers left, but they didn’t want to go. Old men with scraggy beards and tired eyes, stuck with nowhere else to be.

It was hard to tell them to leave. I made Adam do it, loitering in the kitchen with a floor I had no intention of mopping. Eventually we left, standing

in the entrance as Adam locked the door behind me. It was raining heavily.

‘Sorry Cassie,’ said Adam. ‘It’s just that sometimes you don’t act anything like seventeen, you know?’

‘Fan-bloody-tastic,’ huffed Adam, jangling his car keys. I grimaced. He looked at me, tilting his head slightly.

‘D’you want a lift home or are you still mad at me?’

I turned away. Adam glanced over. I thought he was going to say something but he didn’t. He dropped me off at my house. The rain had slowed to a drizzle. I stumbled on the kerb as I got out of the car.

‘I’m not mad at you.’

‘See you, Cassie,’ Adam said. He was smoothing out his hair in the window.

Adam scoffed. ‘I live with three women, Cassie. I know what female silence sounds like.’

‘Female silence?’

‘Do you want a lift or not?’

The inside of his car smelt like weed and Lynx Africa. Football stickers were on the dashboard, and an air freshener shaped like the shit emoji hung from the mirror.

A stick-and-poke tattoo on his wrist read LOVE.

‘Yeah,’ I said softly. ‘See you.’

He drove off. I stood for a moment, alone under the streetlight. The world was quiet. I looked at my own wrist. LOVE, I thought. I remembered the girl on the beach. I wondered if she would be out singing tonight, if their songs meant anything at all, or if they just wanted to be heard. I went inside and locked the door behind me.

THE INSIDE OF HIS CAR

‘That’s new,’ I pointed to it.

Adam shrugged, starting to steer us out of the car park.

‘A friend did it for me.’

‘What kind of friend?’

He raised his eyebrows.

‘Since when did you care about things like that?’

SMELT LIKE WEED AND LYNX AFRICA…AN AIR FRESHENER SHAPED LIKE THE SHIT EMOJI HUNG FROM THE MIRROR. A STICK-AND-POKE TATTOO ON HIS WRIST READ “LOVE”.

‘Since when were you doing things like that?’

Adam burst into laughter. I stared at him.

He was fixated on the empty road ahead.

The following Friday Adam invited me for drinks at the King’s Arms. Pot wash Darren would be there, and a girl Adam liked called Maisie. I was surprised. I wasn’t usually invited out to things. Adam and I were work friends, but we weren’t real life friends. Not that my life was overflowing with those.

To his credit, when he explained why Adam was quite honest about it.

Darren was fascinated with blood and horror, and he had a bad habit of bringing up gory stories when Adam was trying to get Maisie ‘in the mood,’ (his words, not mine).

Darren’s grizzly conversation topics were killing

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Adam’s chances with Maisie. So he needed a double date. Darren would be distracted, and Adam and Maisie would be able to begin what would surely be a whirlwind romance.

‘I’ll make it up to you,’ Adam promised, as he drove us to pick up Maisie and Darren.

‘It’s fine.’ I said.

It really was. Though it was technically my first date with a boy, I didn’t feel excited.

Dating, I had gathered, was an opportunity for two people to sit in the same room and find things to dislike about each other. If I was going in disappointed, at least I had a head start.

When we arrived at the pub, Adam led us to a booth. There was a half-full ashtray on the table. Two stained coasters. A large window offered a view of the sea. Adam and Maisie sat on one side, Darren and I opposite.

bubbles fizz in his Lucozade. Adam put his hand on Maisie’s knee.

‘They knock you out in the backroom, and take a bit off somewhere that can afford it- like a leg.

Then they serve you it. You can eat your own leg.

Tastes like chicken.’

Adam’s hand inched up her thigh. I sipped my water. It was tepid. From this angle, the cigarette butts in the ashtray looked like a frowning face.

‘Cool,’ I said.

Darren grinned. His arm snaked round the edge of the booth, not quite touching my shoulders.

Maisie removed Adam’s hand like it was a dead mouse.

‘If I had one day left on Earth, that restaurant is where I’d go,’ Darren paused. ‘What about you Cassie? If you had one day left?’

‘I’d swim in the sea.’

Darren had choppy brown hair and a faux-snakeskin shirt. His wore too much cologne, and was slightly bucktoothed.

Thick gold rings were on his fingers.

Maisie was petite, with blonde hair and a spray tan. She wore a crop top and a birthstone necklace, and had perfected the art of looking unimpressed around men. A stick-and-poke tattoo was on her collarbone. It was of the word FOREVER.

Outside the window the waves were stirring. The water churned, black and brutal, sea blending with sky.

Adam bought a pint for himself and a vodka-and-lemonade for Maisie. The froth stained his upper-lip as he cracked jokes.

Darren drank a Lucozade. I had tap water.

Maisie was texting under the table. With every incoming message, Adam’s shoulders sank a little more. I wasn’t doing much better with Darren.

‘It’s not really about swimming,’ I said. ‘It’s about-‘

‘They’ve got this restaurant, right, in London. You need to know someone, like, really know someone, but once you do, you’re in for life,’ Darren said. I watched the

Maisie snorted. ‘That’s a stupid idea.’

I hadn’t realised they were listening. Adam downed the dregs of his pint and folded his arms.

‘There’s an indoor pool at the gym I go to. You could always go there,’ Adam offered.

‘Buy me another one of these, won’t you, Adam?’

Maisie held her glass up. It was empty.

Adam did.

Later, Adam bought cider from the local shop. Supermarket cider results in easy, cheap feelings. We drove.

At this time of night, the car park was empty. The ice-cream van was locked-up like a funeral tomb.

Above was an endless sky, the stars distant

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pinpricks. Adam parked crookedly in a spot.

We got out.

hand. Pale fingers were at his neck. They stared back.

Maisie leaned against Adam’s car. She removed a pack of cigarettes from her bra and lit one with a lighter Darren supplied. It was covered in Formula 1 stickers. She offered Darren a cigarette, but he declined.

She pushed him off her, and he quickly disappeared. His cheeks were flushed. If he’d had a zipper, he’d be pulling it up.

‘I only smoke weed,’ said Darren.

It was 11PM. We stood in the cold. Maisie leaned against the bonnet and blew smoke.

Darren sat cross-legged on the ground.

Adam and I watched the shore.

Figures were moving on the shore.

Iridescent scales reflected the moonlight.

Their hands were webbed. Their hair was either white or black. Some of them were holding things, filed bones and stone tools.

Mostly, they held each other.

I imagined the hollows of their eyes, the cut of their bones, the sting of salt as they flickered over the waves. They made a strange shape, spread out on the beach. The air felt heavy. They opened their mouths, and began to sing.

Afterwards, Darren and Maisie joined us.

Darren was blaring techno from his phone.

Maisie still held his lighter. She toyed with the flame.

‘They’re gone now,’ Darren said, switching the music off. Maisie pointed.

‘Not all of them.’

Down by the rockpools, two figures moved. Slowly, we made our way down to the beach. Sand gathered in our shoes. We used our phones as torches. Adam’s screen exposed them.

In the sudden light, a pair of amber eyes squinted. His white hair appeared translucent. Her dark hair was spread over the rocks. I watched a crab crawl over her

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But she wasn’t in any hurry. Her gaze swept over us, one at a time; lingering, intimate. She looked at me and I flinched. That made her smile. Her teeth were sharp, and her lips were full.

The comb was on the ground next to her.

She held it out. I walked forward. Her skin was cool to the touch, and the comb was jagged. It dug into my palm. She no longer looked bored.

Her eyes were alight. My heart pounded.

‘Cassie,’ Adam said, taking a step forward.

She hissed at him. He stepped back. She lowered herself to the waves, and let them claim her. I looked down at the comb. The light of Adam’s phone reflected over the rock pools.

We drove home in silence. +++ The weekend came and went. Mum and I had been shopping. We were unloading the car.

On the drive home from the supermarket, it had begun to rain. ‘We’d better get in quick,’ Mum had said. We were almost done when the beeping began.

I was holding a bag of oranges. Behind us, a bottle green Volvo pulled up on the kerb.

Someone was leaning on the horn. A man exited it and shouted. He held a duffle bag over his head to shield him from the rain. His beard was untidy, his arms thickly scarred. The oranges in my arms felt misshapen. The Volvo drove away.

He saw me, and shouted again. The rain stained the duffle bag a darker shade. It was Northern rain, falling thick and fast. His eyes seemed colourless. Mum slammed the car boot shut. She walked inside without saying anything.

I turned the television on. We watched a documentary about Antarctica. Penguins waddled across a frozen tundra. Some carried eggs between their feet. The narrator assured us, in a soothing Irish accent, that they would eventually arrive at their destination. An advert for washing-up liquid began. Dad muted the television.

‘Mum not talking?’ He asked.

‘Not really,’ I said.

‘She rings. But it’s hard to get a signal.’

‘Right.’

We didn’t say anything else for a while.

The commercials stopped. The documentary had ended, and a show about kitchen renovations had begun. He didn’t unmute. The lightbulb flickered.

‘You’re not really a fisherman, are you?’ I said. Dad went quiet.

Then he tossed something to me. It wasn’t heavy, or not as heavy as you’d expect. I poured the contents into my palm. Even under electric light, their scales still managed to shine. +++ Mum resurfaced the following morning, over tea and tensely boiled eggs. She told Dad to book a hotel, but he said he wasn’t staying on land very long.

‘Typical.’ she snorted.

Our goodbye was short. The Volvo pulled up against the kerb. It was no longer raining. Dad told me I could keep the scales, but I slipped them in his coat as we hugged goodbye.

I was watching the car creep into the distance when Adam rang.

‘Hello?’

‘There’s money in it.’

‘Cassie?’ Adam panted. ‘Cassie, you need to come to the beach. They’ve found someone.’

‘OK.’

‘Found who?’

‘Good money.’

‘One of them.’

He set the tea down on the table. I watched the steam curl and disappear into the air. Our lightbulb needed changing. It cast strange shadows over the table. I twisted the hem of my T-shirt.

I ran.

‘Don’t they fight?’

Down at the beach a small crowd had gathered. I recognized Darren, in a leopard-print hat. Darren said something, but it was lost to the shouts from the shore. They were dragging something from the waves.

‘Sometimes. Sometimes they even win.’

His knee bobbed up-and-down. The duffle bag trembled. He untied it. One of his fingernails was missing.

I pushed through the crowd, to find Adam at the front. His face was pale. Against the redness of his hair, it made him look sickly. He stared down at his trainers.

Dad began to empty the bag, laying the contents on the coffee table. A large hook, a length of twine, half a sandwich, and a battered paperback- Earth is Room Enough, by Isaac Asimov.

Her hair covered her face, and there were patches missing from her tail. Seaweed was wrapped around her neck. The comb, of course, was gone.

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I couldn’t see the expression on her face. So I pictured it. I pictured her, naked in the sand. I pictured her waist-deep in concrete. I pictured her rolled over and bleached, left to burn in the sunlight. I pictured her with her eyes sewn shut. I pictured her with her tongue lolling, her skin pallid, her songs stuffed deep down her throat. I pictured her and knew. +++ After that, the choice was easy. The school year came to a final, quiet close. I did OK in my exams. Not terribly, not great. I’d never excelled in education, and on my last day I felt only a vague sense of relief.

I could fit all my things in one bag. Mum was glad of the extra room. I bought my ticket online. It was easy enough.

The night before I stayed up late. I sat with the windows open, the comb in front of me. At first glance, it seemed crude. Then you noticed the details- the designs on the edges, how precisely each point had been measured. It smelt of salt, and something I couldn’t name. I left it lying on the windowsill, with a good view of the world above the water.

My ticket was for the earliest train available.

I hadn’t gotten much sleep. The morning air felt soothing on my skin, and birds flitted over the station roof as the train pulled up. I chose a window seat. Outside, the scenery was rich with the promise of summer. I was careful as I slid my luggage into the rack above. I sat down.

The train was slow to leave, but it picked up speed, travelling to a place where the mermaids couldn’t follow. Far away from the sea.

get involved.

Journalist K. Day Gomez

PRESERVES CULTURAL HERITAGE WHILE MAKING A REAL IMPACT Cultural preservation is more than important—it’s vital. Ukrainian San Antonio nonprofit has built its organization with this crucial understanding in mind. Back in 2014 when they were founded, there is no way they could have anticipated what an integral role they would play years later, in the face of war.

with special thanks to Olenka Bravo, Alyona Garcia, Viktoriya Lundblade & Svitlana Zadorovska

international organizations for educational and charitable purposes; and to provide charitable assistance to Ukrainians within and outside the US.”

“The idea of founding a nonprofit organization came in 2014 during “The Revolution of Dignity” in Ukraine. One step at a time, being Ukrainian activists in town, we started building and strengthening our Ukrainian community in order to be able to advocate for our country abroad, to help each other living in diaspora, to be able to socialize, speak our native language and celebrate our national and religious holidays altogether.”

We noticed the gathering of supplies for Ukraine when the war first erupted. I asked how much impact the organization has been able to make thus far? “Before the Russian invasion in Ukraine, we had a small cash flow each year. We had two - three celebration events and three four educational events per year. Donated cash was spent on covering expenses and allowed us to do some contribution to ruined Ukrainian soldiers and orphans. Since March of 2022 , San Antonio’s residents and businesses donated to us about $400,000.00 and 5 truck loads of medical and humanitarian supplies.

Their main aim is expressed by their board members. “Our mission is to preserve Ukrainian heritage; promote a greater understanding of Ukrainian history and culture; encourage active participation of Ukrainian Americans in promoting the welfare of Ukrainian community; initiate and uphold ties with other Ukrainians, Americans, and

All donations have been given to the Ukrainian people in the form of nonlethal aid, such as medical equipment, ambulances, and combat first aid kits. There are no paid employees of Ukrainian San Antonio. Everyone has volunteered their time and effort with no financial reimbursement.” An admirable and necessary personal investment given the state

of things. They’ve also been able to donate 5 vehicles for supply deliveries and transportation, in the war zone.

Support and care at ground level is important. However, the organization is also aware that what’s at stake is more than lives—it’s their very way of life and heritage that is under attack. They carefully constructed a project which showcases the traditional embroidered clothing and other cultural lifestyle aspects of what it means to be Ukrainian. “The name of the project is “Homestead”.

Our homestead exhibit is of upmost importance to the war in Ukraine. It reflects the culture, including clothing and art, of the Ukrainian people currently being obliterated by the Russian government. This regime wants to eradicate any and all Ukrainian related evidence of existence.

At this moment , we have a very interesting exhibition at IGO library. Councilwoman Rocha Garcia, Councilman Palaez, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg helped us to organize it. We got some feedback from locals and they are grateful that we are enlightening Americans, rather than just asking for donations.

The homestead project is very unique for Ukraine and for the world.

For the very first time, we have a series of portrait episodes that showcase the homestead: clothing, jewelry, crafts, accessories, and the way of life from the same region. It’s very difficult to do, and that’s why no one has done it before. There have been different projects before that have showcased either the authentic clothing or the homestead. Previous projects have featured clothing from Poltava (central Ukraine) but the homestead was from Chernivtsi (Western Ukraine). In our project, the clothing and the homestead is from the same region. We’ve worked restlessly with scientists, ethnographers, and collectors to relay the most accurate information.

We would like to give back to the community for everything that the San Antonio people have done for us. As well, we would like to show what Ukraine is like without horrible news. That way everyone, including children, will know about our beautiful country.

We would like the local community to be more involved in this very interactive, fun, diverse, and unique opportunity. We want to show the world who Ukrainians are; how different we are from Russians.

And why the world should fight for us!”

It is clear that the majority of world citizens are much more ready to stand and be active any way they can against this atrocious genocide than our own leaders seem to be. It’s a stark contrast of compassion and an outcry for justice measured against the apathy exhibited by our governments so far.

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“Homestead was created to spread the word and popularize Ukrainian culture around the world and in Ukraine itself. While not the first of its kind with this purpose in mind, Homestead’s uniqueness is in depicting not just the traditional clothing of the late 19th and early 20th century, but also combining it with the way of life and architecture for the specific region of that time.

Thus we are able to preserve our culture and traditions for our future generations and show the Ukrainian culture prior to the Holodomor, rise of soviets to power, or Lenin.

Homestead also serves as a counter propaganda tool in the war against Russia— the most ruthless enemy imaginable. It wages war on all fronts - military, political, economical, informational and cultural. That is why our project has become even more relevant after the full scale attack on Ukraine and its people who stand for their land and its right for sovereignty and self determination.

Ukraine is fabulous - everyone who’s been there at least once, heard its marvelous language, seen its beautiful nature and culture, met with its kind, hospitable and friendly people will agree on that account. Homestead does a wonderful job of showing this beauty, while its information translated to English allows us to engage a much wider audience far beyond the Ukrainian diaspora and reach other nations and cultures of the world.“ About the garments and articles exhibited within the project, private collector Natalka Sturgill of Ukrainian clothes and teammate of BX. Homestead explains, “the clothes that you see in this project are vintage Ukrainian clothes from the end of XIX and early XX century. These Clothes are unique and represent different regions of Ukraine.

As a collector of Ukrainian outfits, I can tell you that it is very hard to find all the details of each outfit. For example I can find a dress and a skirt but belts or head piece can be very hard to find.

Some regions do not have any clothing existing anymore. All the clothes are from Ukrainian people who have preserved them for many generations. It is a big honor for me to possess 171

Ukrainian family history in my hands. The uniqueness of these clothes are that they hold the history of Ukrainian families.

For example, one of the costumes which I have in my collection was worn to weddings by three generations in that family. Nobody remembers what the birthday of the first generation lady is, but the second lady was born in 1905. I also have pictures of this woman who wore it (she is third generation).

This costume is from the Kyiv region - not far from the place where Russia invaded Ukraine the first month. This is not just clothing - this is our heritage, our history and our culture.”

The urgency of this project during the war is completely understandable. “Our enemy wants to destroy not just our people or infrastructure, it wants to erase our culture and language. Wants to deny us our history, traditions and legacy. That’s why our culture is our spiritual armor, no less.

simply unimaginable, however in fact very possible as we are being attacked by cruise missiles, artillery and bombs for 5 months in a row. Even now, an air raid alarm screams “proceed to the shelter immediately” and all you can do is pray and hope that we will prevail, that Kyiv and other cities will endure and our museums and monuments will not be harmed as no one knows where the next strike will hit.

What I do know however is that all this heritage is preserved in Homestead photographs and will be passed to our descendants. Like we have studied the culture and clothing traditions based on the old photos, our children and grandchildren will study it with the help of Homestead.”

With such an unpredictable present, it’s difficult to imagine what comes next. The future of the project is nonetheless being fully planned and implemented. “So far we have 2 seasons done.

It’s more than 40 episodes of very important and needed information, which equates to While filming for the project just a year more than 200 pictures, and 60 unique personal ago, I wasn’t prepared for Russia to massstories! We have a musical post card (outfit, old bomb our peaceful cities and my capital - Kyiv. house, and music from the same region) which Early morning of February 24th has changed can be installed on any building, inside of ball it all - mass destruction of both our rooms, at any event. infrastructure as well as our cultural monuments has become a real horror to us.

Our co-organizer and the main Only then did we realize the true significance photographer in Ukraine, Svitlana Zadorovska, is of our project. The vast majority of doing an amazing job by touring homesteads Homestead’s photos were filmed in the open to exhibit in numerous cities in Western air museums where the most precious Ukraine at this moment. Our partner Lesya artifacts are kept. Losing such heritage is Voronyuk is also working hard by promoting 172

this project in Europe.

We’ve also started the 3rd season of the homestead project. We take pictures in Ukrainian outfits in the USA at the most famous USA landmarks. Because our children are born here, but they still remember their roots. For example, we had a photoshoot at the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, US capitol in Washington DC. As well, here in San Antonio: Viktoria Lundblade is Ukrainian, her husband Greg is American, they both dressed up in authentic clothing and I took pictures of them in front of our Orthodox Church in San Antonio. It is very symbolic and important for our community here. This way this project will be closer to Americans.

because this is not about you, it’s about the team, people and cultural diplomacy.”

Most importantly, how can the public become involved and get active in supporting / volunteering / donating? “We’re still accepting donations and medical aid items. You can visit our website ukrainiansanantionio.com. You can make checks payable to: “Ukrainian San Antonio” and mail it to Ukrainian San Antonio 2313 Lockhill Selma, Suite 116, San Antonio, TX, 78230. You can also purchase medical supplies via our Amazon link.

Because our main goal is to expand our target audience and readership: Americans and Canadians! We want the world to know about Ukraine.”

If you would like to be part of our Homestead project: model, photographer, PR, financial assistance, please contact us. For more information please contact us on our page on Facebook at facebook.com/Homestead2021 .

When asked about what the journey has taught them so far, Ukrainian San Antonio tells us, “We’ve learned to stay positive no matter what—if a model shows up or not, if there’s heavy rain or bright sun and it could ruin the photoshoot. You do your best! No matter how tired you physically are, because you’ve done more than 20,000 steps during the photoshoot day or mentally because of miscommunication, you go to your aim,

On August 24th, we will have our Ukrainian Independence Day celebration here in San Antonio with one of the famous pop-rock bands, “SKAI”. We will also have a program from our community.

Please come and support us!“

The SUSTAINABLE STYLIST BECKY WITTE-MARSH @beckywittemarsh

marshbecky17@gmail.com

FASHION e m o h

Set

disquiet.

ELIJAH POET LAUREATE ANDREA ' ’VOCAB' SANDERSON / SAN ANTONIO TX ARTIST K. DAY GOMEZ I couldn’t decide whether to write a poem about the life you lived, or the death you died.

Hesitance has wrapped itself around my fingertips. Plowed its way into my cuticles often times as brittle as life itself, and protruding like a hangnail. This is where reflection has brought me-- to this sullen place where tears tuck me in and close the blinds. I find myself thinking of your mother, her ache as strong as raging ocean waters, but who is the malicious metal anchor dragging us down with the weight of supremacy?

Selah A 23 year old violinist suffers violence by hands who have sworn to serve and protect.

The bow slides sullenly down the thinning strings.

They sentenced him to death when they didn't even have a right to place him under arrest.

The reverberation creates a tension so strong.

How could he have held on?

They ignored his insistence, “I can't breathe. I have my ID right here. My name is Elijah McClain. That's my house. I was just going home. I'm an..."

Introverted intonations crack against the grass and pavement.

Selah All we can hear is shallow breath, Begging for life in the form of explanation, belief fading, body cams turned off, badges

tarnished unfastened, bartering a hate crime and a misuse of power for a young man's life.

You could call it the 'blackest night.'

“I'm just different. That's all. I'm so sorry. I have no gun. I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting. Why are you attacking me? I don't even kill flies! I don't eat meat! But I don't judge people, I don't judge people who do eat meat.

Forgive me.

He will never play music at the animal shelter again."

He will never buy tea and snacks for his younger sibling again.

He will never see his mother's smile at his comforting therapy of creativity ever again.

“All I was trying to do was become better. I will do it. I will do anything. Sacrifice my identity, I'll do it. You all are phenomenal. You are beautiful and I love you. Try to forgive me. I'm a mood Gemini. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.”

Selah Unnecessary questioning, Unnecessary apologies, Unnecessary explaining Forceful choking! 500 mg, a lethal injection of ketamine.

A bloodstream filled with broken dreams.

The world had to witness the sound as they 175

S

uffocated your slender frame right out of existence.

You are broken strings.

Musicians couldn't even peacefully protest without police turning violent against them with tear gas and zip ties.

“Ow, that really hurt! You are all very strong.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to do that. I just can't breathe correctly.”

Elijah, you are a beautiful violin violently bashed to the grass and pavement.

Artwork entitled:

WHAT IS, WHAT WAS AND WHAT NEVER WILL BE. REQUIEM FOR A YOUNG MAN’S DREAMS A TRIBUTE TO ELIJAH MCCLAIN

Message from the artist: “Elijah was a compassionate and talented soul who was brutally slain by police in 2019.

I will never forget all of the rage and heartbreak that roared through every cell in my body when I first watched the video. The whole world watched the moments of this young man’s pleas of terror, powerless.

This is the hard side of what we do in journalism. But it’s so very important.

Now, coming up on the three year anniversary of his murder [let’s call it what it is], PEPPER is honored to pay tribute and tell his story.”

-K. Day Gomez editor in chief of PEPPER Magazine

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“ELIJAH MCCLAIN, A 23-YEAR-OLD MASSAGE THERAPIST AND SKILLED VIOLIST, DIED FOLLOWING AN ENCOUNTER WITH POLICE IN AUGUST 2019 WHILE HE WAS WALKING HOME FROM A CONVENIENCE STORE.” -Kyla Guilfoil for ABC News

BROKEN VILLAGES JOHANNESBURG SOWETO NANCEFIELD HOSTEL, SOUTH AFRICA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR GUGULETHU NDLALANI & VISUAL DIRECTOR MPUMELEO BUTHELEZI

‘The Art of Survival’ illustrates the selling of second hand tires as a way to survive. As Broken Villages we are using our artistic expressions to show how the other half lives.

disquiet.

U N I O N

August 2022

O F

T H E

IMPOSSIBLE

AMNESIA The long-expected summer... sun, water, warmth. It seems that the girls are posing for someone for a photo. Everything would be fine, but the sunken car, against the background of which vacationers are photographed carelessly and with a smile on their faces, gives some absurdity to what is happening. You just want to know what happened here.

Perhaps, that man in the background is the driver, and he lost control of the car. The girls 180

2021, Oil on canvas. 60 cm. X 80 cm

who could have been his passengers, despite the accident, decided not to waste a warm day, but to swim, at the same time taking a crazy commemorative photo. Or they have nothing to do with this car but were just swimming when the scorcher accidentally drove into the water.

They thought, why not show off and take a great picture, which will surely gain a lot of likes on social networks. As Andy Warhol once said,

“Everyone is entitled to 15 minutes of fame”.

About

Union of the Impossible The group of anonymous artists selftitled Union of the Impossible was established in 2020, amidst the raging pandemic and socio-political unrest. Its members are not fixed and their number keeps expanding. The artists’ staple is the traditional medium of painting on canvas. They poke fun at everyday life that has undergone a drastic change toward the bizarre. They come up with new means of protection, creating ‘visual shields’ against blandness, boredom, indifference, logic, and consistency.

Not in our wildest dreams could we imagine that we would get to face a time of ‘great trials and tribulations’. The new normal (and, possibly, the irrevocable) has changed our lives, and we are slowly starting to grow used to it. Irony is an indispensable aid in situations such as this. This is how the Dada farce took root, first causing the viewer to go numb and begging the questions, ’What is this, exactly?’ and ‘Why this, precisely?’ and ‘What on earth?’ The outcome is the new generation of memes, occasionally dark and often straight to the point.

Memes have been dubbed ‘the virus of the mind’. When all is said and done, only something apt and incisive will not fail to grab one’s attention in the influx of information that is today’s life. In troubled times, people use different avenues to protect their sanity, with artists, predictably, resorting to art.

Union of the Impossible was formed during the lockdown with the mission to create works that were uncharacteristic of each individual member, and the ‘new memes’ swiftly became one of their directions. At one point over a century ago, Dada sprang up as a response to WWI with its unjustified cruelties.

In 2020, artists are bringing the Dada principles back to life, repurposing them for

the new circumstances: the pandemic that has the entire world under siege. Whilst Dadaists propelled anti-aesthetics, Union of the Impossible provokes and baffles the audience with its memes.

Most of these ‘new memes’ are presented in white frames that are part of each picture and resemble Polaroid shots. This is both a hint at exclusivity because Polaroids are one-of-a-kind and an act of opposition to the replicated Internet memes.

“The Union of the Impossible is an artistic association that arose in 2020 in the era of pandemic and sociopolitical shocks.” @union_of_impossible

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POUT MedSpa PA-C & Certified Injector • Bilingual Clinician “I help enhance your natural beauty.”

-Itxia Lee

@pout_itxialee

poutmedspa.com

Servicing San Antonio, TX

PEPPER Magazine

07

J

cover artist.

JASON IBARRA

'22

invented himself his entire life, in the face of public resistance and in a time when everything he stood for was considered taboo, the artist was ahead of his time—Jason is right on time!

p. 183

ason was a natural choice for our August cover. What more iconic figure exists to represent the idea of what it means to be vast and brilliant than the pop sensation, David Bowie? Having re-

August 2022

ICON

D I D

Y O U

Pop art icon Andy Warhol’s Interviw Magazine was one of the stylistic inspirations for Pepper Magazine.

If you’re not familiar, it’s worth looking into.

“Founded in late 1969 by artist Andy Warhol and British journalist John Wilcock. The magazine, nicknamed "The Crystal Ball of Pop", features interviews with celebrities, artists, musicians, and creative thinkers. Interviews

K N O W .

.

.

were usually unedited or edited in the eccentric fashion of Warhol's books…”

-Wikipedia Warhol remains a prominent figure in the world of art, culture and fashion even today, his influence spanning across decades.

If you count yourself among the enthusiasts

O B S C U R E who celebrate his work and the institutions he created, you’ll be pleased to know that PEPPER has on our staff East Coast art historian George Horner, an artist and longterm gallerist who worked directly with Andy at length during his golden age. We’ll be releasing articles covering the rise of pop art in upcoming issues.

There is also a wealth of collectible media out there. Like the amazing limited edition ‘Andy Warhol’s Interview’ chronicled collection of every issue from 1969 forward. It can be found on Amazon and a few other

T O

I C O N I C

places. Happy hunting!

For the American kid in me, the one who’d see these magazines and read about Warhol’s Factory in books, it’s fairly surreal to be paying homage to the late artist in my own magazine.

Very meta. Our illustrator, Nigerian artist Joshua Olanipekun took great care in capturing his likeness (above) from his time as an obscure young artist to his later years, holding his pug.

However Andy Warhol may have influenced your own life, we hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about him.

Small batch first responder owned business.

CALIFORNIA

tapwaxandgo.com

PEPPER STAFF K. DAY GOMEZ EDITOR IN CHIEF Hello, my name is Kathleen. I am a neurodivegent mother, wife and wearer of many hats. My career life is a bit of a juggling act.

I’m an internationally published artist, author, creative consultant and intuitive life coach. I also sit on the Advisory Board of the Alora Farm nonprofit for adult autists.

I’ve been a photojournalist, art illustrator and content writer for various publications and blogs for over two decades. I formerly held a modeling career for over 17 years that led to acting and directing, which I still may pursue in the future.

I always seek to be of the most help to our community and global humanitarian issues any way I can. It was with this intention that I founded PEPPER Magazine.

As a creative, and member of the LGBTQ community, it is also my intent that the publication be inclusive, diverse and support marginalized communities and those with varied abilities / disabilities by creating a safe space for all to be heard. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our mission. I anticipate great things for the future.

JOE A. GOMEZ III CFO & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR An all-American Texas boy born and raised in

San Antonio, Joe A. Gomez III has been a strong community leader, a humanitarian and a true lover of life. A former city councilman having served on the board of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce for several years, he's also the founder of JAG Enterprises with over 23 years of management experience. He is now PEPPER Magazine's CFO & Key Lifestyle Contributor.

A chef to rival most, despite not having been classically trained, Joe's culinary expertise is impeccable. Enough so that over time he began to develop the ground work for what is now called NOVEM Cuisine. Since the founding of NOVEM, chef Joe's recipes have become more diverse and in turn, the public attention has grown.

This has led to multiple international publications, to include London and Manchester, UK. And if you have the luck of tasting his food you'll understand why. There is no detail that escapes him, and the care he puts into the preparation and plating of every meal is nothing shy of five-star dining.

The pièce de résistance is having him prepare it right from the comfort of the best restaurant in town; your own home.

ANGELA MICHELLE EMPOWERMENT MAVEN & INTIMACY ALCHEMIST Angela Michelle is a sexologist from The Sexology Institute. She specializes as an intimacy & body image coach and is also an

staff. empowerment photographer. Her portfolio is expansive covering almost two decades. As an inclusive yoga instructor, she also provides modified yoga lessons for those who need it.

Angela is a speaker, educator, mentor and advocate who raises awareness on a variety of topics she is passionate about.

known as: Artist Foundation of San Antonio).

In May of 2020 she was awarded Best Live Entertainment/Band Musician of the Year by the SEA Awards.

We are honored to have her unique and empowering insight on the PEPPER Magazine board of staff contributors.

TINA SENA

ANDREA ‘ VOCAB’ SANDERSON POET LAUREATE Poet Laureate 20202023, performs as “Vocab” in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. ”Watching her perform, the word “hero” comes to mind. And not “hero” for the sake of just skill, but for her work in her community: Sanderson teaches poetry workshops, mentors, builds up and encourages artists to pursue their art, and gives them platforms to showcase their talent.

Sanderson’s interest in other people’s art and artistic development became a passion of hers, and she started curating her own shows and creating platforms for other artists to hone their craft by hosting open mics.”

-The San Antonio Current, Jan. 16, 2018 She received awards, Performer of the Year, Influencer of the Year, from Project Forward, and Dream Voice, from the Dream Week Commission. Sanderson is the winner of the 2019 People’s Choice Award, awarded by Luminaria Artist Foundation (formerly

NUTRITIONIST & FITNESS EXPERT Hi, my name is Tina Sena and it has been my passion to motivate, inspire and encourage others to achieve health and wellness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

For 24 years now I have been doing personal training, nutrition consulting, kids programs, developing a protein line of sweet treats and running my own businesses. I am a spouse and also a real estate business partner with my husband Michael, and we have a beautiful 13 year old daughter named Mia. It is my desire to build a community where we can share with others all the knowledge we have accumulated over the years to help create total health and wellness in their lives.

I​ was an only child who grew up in a home with a mentally ill father and a mother who, although very strong, was also riddled with fear and anxiety while working all the time to provide for our family. We had very little so I was terribly ridiculed in school. ​ ​I saw my first therapist at the age of 10. My father passed away at 44 and as a very independent 20 year old I was on a mission to help others to not suffer in all the ways myself and my family did physically, mentally and emotionally.

staff.

Ibecame a personal trainer about 24 years ago while I was working as a model and living a completely unhealthy lifestyle. I wanted so much to have lean, sexy muscles which was a no no back then in that world.

So I hired my first personal trainer who taught me how to lift weights and eat properly. I never felt better! My body, mind and health completely changed and off I went. I began training for triathlons and fitness competitions with some of the best trainers and decided that was it - I wanted to do for others what they had all done for me.

So off to work I went. I am now an upscale fitness facility owner, protein treats line developer and I organize a nonprofit program changing the course for kids!

I believe that we all have the power within us to get past the pain we endure in life. We just need the proper guidance and resources to get us there!

It means everything to me to help my community to be encouraged and feel love and support through what might be their most challenging journey.....working on ourselves!!!”

ROBERT DEAN JOURNALIST & AUTHOR [In his own words...]

Robert Dean is a journalist, raconteur, and ‘enlightened dumbass’.

His work has been featured in places like MIC, Eater, Fatherly, Yahoo, Austin AmericanStatesman, Consequence of Sound, Ozy, USA Today, to name a few. He’s appeared on CNN and NPR. He also serves as features writer for Hussy Magazine and is editor in chief for Big Laugh Comedy, Texas’ biggest comedy production company. He lives in Austin and loves ice cream and koalas.

SARAH HALLMURPHY LITERARY AUTHOR Sarah HallMurphy is a writer from Manchester, England.

She has work published in BRAG Magazine, MMU Poetry Society Anthology, Cathartic Literary Magazine, Interstellar Lit, Streetcake Magazine, Aah Magazine and the Paper Crane Outstanding Young Writers anthology.

Her work is incredibly compelling, full of substance. Sarah’s tone and pace keeps the reader engaged in a similar fashion as a cinematic experience. And the richness of her descriptions make her stories visceral, truly immersing the reader in the world she creates with her words.

CRYSTAL LOPEZ-CREBS MOTIVATIONAL MINDSET COACH Crystal Lopez-Crebs received her degree in Fashion Design & Marketing from The International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa, FL. She also interned with designer Tracy Reese in New York learning the ropes of New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

She owned an entertainment company in Tampa where she created costumes, did makeup, and stylized looks for her team.

After moving to Texas, she mastered her crafts in the makeup industry working for

continued…

staff.

MAC Cosmetics. She has also done makeup for LA & San Antonio Fashion Week, worked on film sets as both talent and wardrobe & production design, and developed her fashion production skills at Neiman Marcus.

Crystal is now the talent coordinator for X Level Inc, a creative agency in San Antonio, TX, where she helps scout and develop talent. She is also the founder of the nonprofit, Fashionable Adoptions, that promotes animal adoption through fun fashion events, most notably her fashion shows that showcase adoptable animals walking the runway.

She’s helped many people (and animals) improve their lives with her health & wellness business alongside her husband, especially through her story overcoming a health challenge. She loves to talk about vision and mindset to her audience to empower them to live a bigger life. Her unique style and excitement for living a healthy life can be felt as she shares her passions on social media and in person.

Crystal brings her bright light & energy to inspire everyone to live an abundantly beautiful & healthy life from the inside out.

BECKY WITTEMARSH SUSTAINABLE FASHION & LIFESTYLE EXPERT Becky found her passion for sustainable fashion and home furnishings at an early age when being sustainable was a necessity.

A lifetime of creating her own personal style through sustainable sources, got the attention of those around her.

Today her innovative creations using vintage, thrift and self-made items will inspire a new way to look at dressing and styling your home.

Becky will help you turn style sustainability from an inconvenience into an ADVENTURE!​

CALEB CATOE PHOTO JOURNALIST Caleb Catoe is a natural storyteller who uses perspective photography to express more than what is seen by the eye. His mission is to capture the deeper meaning and emotional depth in landscapes, city scapes, human interaction and still objects. A nomadic photo hobbyist of many years, he’s cultivated a large journalistic body of work which has now led to his position here at PEPPER Magazine.

He is a remote asset, working from Maryland with the open possibility of more travel in the future. We’re excited to watch his journey unfold and share his stories along the way.

NORMAN RENE AVILA ART HISTORIAN • SAN ANTONIO, TX Artist, painter, musician and writer, Norman Rene Avila wears many hats.

Also a former teacher, he has taken on the

staff. staff position as our local art and cultural historian. One of the founding members of the SAMOMA nonprofit [San Antonio Museum of Modern Art], as influenced and aided by New York’s MOMA, he is great asset to PEPPER Magazine.

Norman has curated an extensive collection of memorabilia, artworks, film footage and photographs which document the SA art scene from the late 1960’s forward. Over time, we will be sharing these archives which range from obscure to iconic. We are grateful to have Norman as part of our team.

STACEY RAE OLIVARESGARCIA DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER Founder of Darkhorse Photography, as well as his media company Helios, San Antonio native creative professional Michael

Avila Christman is a fixture here.

His projects range from short film to documentary to commercials to editorial fashion photography. He’s worked with well known models, designers, makeup artists, musicians, local celebrities and other professionals throughout his expansive career.

Now, Michael is taking his passion for journalism and theatrical storytelling to new heights by collaborating with PEPPER Magazine and taking on a staff contributor role. He will be responsible for the majority of commercial video content for the

publication through his tenure to come.

STACEY RAE OLIVARESGARCIA PHOTOJOURNALIST Stacey is a San Antonio native, growing up down

the road from Karam's Mexican Restaurant and The Malt House.

While residing in Austin, Stacey began to grow her passion for photojournalism by capturing the heart of the person behind the lens. She wanted to bring this fresh outlook with her to San Antonio. Returning to her hometown allowed her to focus on the art in a person's story.

Stacey's work has been featured in several magazines such as; Entertainment Tonight Online, Voyage Houston, and S.A. Scene Magazine. She has captured photos for multiple businesses across various industries including Luzianne Tea and August Ink. ​ er creative eye and ability to capture her H subjects’ stories with grace and dignity makes Olivares-Garcia the perfect addition to the PEPPER team.

MELANIE ALLISON NETWORKING LIAISON One day, I decided to take life by the (long)horns and got back to my roots by modeling

staff. painting again. I wanted to break the fashion industry standards and stigmas by creating a need for a petite and classic model. I started working with local photographers in the Austin area, building a new portfolio.

Soon I discovered independent magazines and learned how to submit my work. I was finally published and on the cover of a magazine for the first time in October 2016.

Soon after that, I was signed with TL Modeling Agency in Houston, Texas.

But things don’t always go as planned. After enduring occasional rejection from magazine editors, I founded my own art & fashion magazine called Bevie in November 2016. My mission with Bevie was to showcase emerging, local and international talent such as artists, models, photographers, designers, and other creatives.

By making a sophisticated publication more approachable, I was able to help my fellow colleagues get established or further along in their career. After two years of publishing my bimonthly mag, I decided to go back to work full-time and the last issue was released in December 2018. Bevie still has quite the following today!

Today, I am now focused on creating mixed media art, establishing my networking event, turned group called Girl Flock Party, and becoming a part of the local artist community. It has been an amazing journey and I am grateful for every experience along the way!”

Melanie is a great asset to the PEPPER team and provides valuable guidance, lead finding and creative / marketing advice from her home base in the Georgetown / Austin area.

ROMY NAVA HEALING PRACTITIONER Romy Nava has been actively developing his gift as a healer since the beginning of 2013.

As a Sound Healing and Reiki practitioner, he has formulated a signature holistic protocol.

His clients are comforted and claim to experience a relaxed calming sensation for days following each session he provides.

Also a media tech and podcast host, Romy aims to educate and hold space for enlightened thought by way of his platform.

He establishes a dialogue that is relatable with the intention of getting to the core of the human psyche, spirit and mind-body connection. He examines the choices we make vs. practical and functional resolution.

All of this expertise and experience makes him an incredible asset to PEPPER Magazine. Say hello to Romy and open yourself up to learning something new… maybe even about yourself.

ANDREW BARRAZA MEN’S GROOMING STYLE CONSULTANT Andrew is a graphic novel artist & comic book

staff. enthusiast who also happens to be a mustache connoisseur.

as a way of giving back to society through charity.

“Men are always just kinda left out when it comes to grooming topics. I had to learn all my tricks on the street. I’m and ambassador for a couple of stache grooming brands. It’s been a blast growing it, helping others with tips and making new friends.

He hails from West Africa Nigeria with major clients from Texas, an area he has made alot of illustrated artwork for many happy clients. As well, he has proven himself to be a guru in business logo design. He is a graduate of Business Administration in a prestigious institute in Africa.

I still draw when I have the chance. Love comics and art.”

He is here to lend PEPPER Magazine his expertise in mens grooming, the subcultural aspect that goes along with this niche and other great products, tips and resources for men.

This exceptional Nigerian digital artist is an expert at portraiture. Josh will be covering icons to important figures, the famous and the infamous.

PEPPER STAFF

“It’s really funny, without knowing when I got into it, there’s a giant mustache community out there of dudes that are happy to encourage, give tips, even help out with charities and events. One of the companies that I ambassador for donates part of every sale to first responders. Turns out there’s a lot of firemen that make and sell mustache wax also.

IS INTERNATIONAL

And seeing people randomly, I ALWAYS get compliments from people. And I’m happy they think it’s cool and get a kick outta it.

Even gotten some free beers in the bars.

That’s worth it right there alone.”

More staff contributors & professionals will be named in issues to come as slots

JOSHUA OLANIPEKUN ILLUSTRATOR

Joshua has 7 years of experience as a gifted artist/illustrator. He is also a pioneer of TrainAChild Foundation which serves

…And we’re growing.

continue to fill. If you’re interested in becoming part of the team, whether you reside in our home base of San Antonio, Texas or anywhere else in the world, email hello.pepper@outlook.com and let us know what your specialty is and what you have in mind for regular contributions.

STAFF LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM & AFRICA.

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directory.

directory.

Credits, Locations & Contact 6

Introduction by editor in

chief K. Day Gomez / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @creative.consultant.kday / email

8

hello.pepper@outlook.com / web directory msha.ke/kathleendaygomez photographer Matty James 8

Artist Isaac Renteria /

Chiapas, Mexico / Instagram @isaac.renteria / Website singulart.com/en/artist/isaacrenteria-25541 17

Artist Jason POPGUY

17

Ibarra / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @jason.pop.guy / photojournalist K. Day Gomez 24

Artist Odinakachi Kingsley

Okoroafor / Enugu, Nigeria / Instagram @odinakachi_okoroafor 30

Artist Rome Azzaro / San

Antonio, Texas / Instagram

24

@romeazzaro / photojournalist

44 From the Recycled Sea - Photographer Francisco Muñoz Marseille, France / Instagram @franciscomunozcine / model Zoe Mouvante @zoemouvante / stylist Pinocuo Upcycling 54 Photographer Matty James / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @_mattyjamess / journalist K. Day Gomez / models @shannonsweet777 @kidziair07 @kathleen.day.official @thebubblebabe @sancheeezzzyyy @millarheangel 65 Red HAUTE Summer - model Robin Höhn / Potsdam, Germany / Instagram @robinhoehn2.0 / Website robinhoehn.com / photographer Neo Sanchez @neosanchez / wardrobe CAISEDO and H&M @hm

K. Day Gomez / Art housed at Period Modern @periodmodern & Antiques at Broadway @antiquesatbroadway

ON THE COVER Artist Jason POPGUY Ibarra / San Antonio, Texas / visit the artist at 1906 Gallery - on 1906 S Flores

37 Entrepreneuer & Choreographer Josh Abenoja of Lovely Company / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @lovelycompanyy / lovelycompany.square.site / photojournalist K. Day Gomez / photographer @gabesuniverze / nails @vida_de_florr / clothing model Cameron Dior Giles @_cameron_giles

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Sustainable Fashion

directory. & Lifestyle Expert Becky Witte-Marsh / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @beckywittemarsh / photographer K. Day Gomez @creative.consultant.kday with models Larissa Leath @thefloralstandard & Andrew Barraza @barrazatron / floral

44

accessories designed by Larissa Leath via The Floral Standard / mua @eliteeyebrowssa / mens grooming @tapwaxandgo / location Broadway News @broadwaynews_sa / photographs of Becky’s own home and boutique visited taken by Becky / shop Urban Goods at 610 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 -

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(210) 504-6260 - website shopurbangoods.com Instagram @shopurbangoods / travel images by photographers @abuzar.xheikh Pakistan, @bellaskova Ontario, @rearetical_max London, @mostafa_meraji Iran, @sweetpagesco , @wavytales Pakistan,

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@waadsalman3 Saudi Arabia, and @willhime 83

Artist Sarah Mills Bailey /

San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @smbaileyart / photojournalist K. Day

Joe A. Gomez III / Instagram @jag.enterprises / photographer Joe A. Gomez III SHOP — Urban Goods / 610 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 / (210) 504-6260 / website shopurbangoods.com /Instagram @shopurbangoods Half Price Books / 3207 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 / (210) 822-4597 / website hpb.com / Instagram @halfpricebooks Southtown Vinyl / 1112 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78210 / (210) 231-0512 / website southtownvinyl.com / Instagram @southtownvinyl BRANDS — ZARA / website zara.com / Instagram @zara 91 The Box Street Social / Dallas, Texas / Chef & Owner Edward Garcia III, Owner Daniel Trevino & Creative Director Caroline Garcia-Bowman / photojournalist K. Day Gomez @creative.consultant.kday / 623 Hemisfair Blvd Ste 108, San Antonio, TX 78205 / (210) 476-5705 / website theboxstreetsocial.com / Instagram @theboxstreetsocial

Gomez / location The Historic Pearl @historicpearl 88

High Life / Highlight

with Lifestyle Contributor

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99 Otro / photojournalist K. Day Gomez / 123 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX

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directory. @tinasenaofficial / website tinasena.org

78215 / (210) 404-7516 / website domingorestaurant.com / Instagram @otrosatx / model Curtis Lewis @chitown_the_model represented by @meshaunmodelsllc & @shuga_productions / model

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Reanna Blue - @_itzbloo__ with halo extensions by @halohairbyterry 105

Unfettered with

photographer Oladimeji Odunsi / Canada / website https://www.oladimeg.com/li nks / Instagram @oladimeg 113

Unbreakable with

amputee athlete Ray Lowrie /

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Devon, England / journalist K. Day Gomez / images from Ray’s archives / Instagram @amputee_rower1664 118

Mouth with recording

artist & lyricist A.Z. / San Antonio, Texas / journalist K. Day / photographer Gabi Medina - @guccigab 123

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PASSPORT The

Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

by Russian photographer Liudmila Evstratova / Instagram @moremiha777 134

Fit to a T with

Nutritionist & Fitness Expert Tina Sena / New Braunfels, Texas / Instagram

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138 Healing Practitioner Romy Nava / A Modern Mystic / San Antonio, Texas / website romynava.com / Instagram @romynava247 / photographer Mohamed Nohassi - @mnohassi Tangier, Morocco 140 Exposure with photographer Solnce Podgurskaya / Izmail, Ukraine / Instagram @_solnce_podgurskaya_ / model Evita Umanska, and assistants Nadiia Podvalna and Andrii Sarluchanu 146 The Adventurers with the Ginzburg-Maly children / London, UK / journalist K. Day Gomez / Instagram @gm.lucas.gm / mother & photographer Galina Ginzburg -Instagram @galina.maly.interior.desig n 154 Summer Vibes with photographer Maria Bychkova / Moscow, Russia / Instagram @marusiatka_photo TEAM— creative director @emp_platform models @melaniya_cute_model , @stesha_bm , @mia.lea.sisters , @slavikburavik & @nazarenko_007

directory.

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177 Broken Villages with creative director Gugulethu Ndlalani & visual director Mpumeleo Buthelezi / Johannesburg Soweto Nancefield hostel, South Africa / Instagram @brokenvillages

The Sea by literary

author Sarah Hall-Murphy / Manchester, UK / Instagram @satah.hall.murphy PHOTOGRAPHERS— Christina Spiliotopoulou @cpiliotopulou - Greece Jeremy Bishop @jeremybishop - California

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Katarzyna Urbanek - @kati_ur - UK Ross Snedon - @rosssneddonScotland Sandra Bittmann @contentadora - Vienna Elissar Haidar - @elissarhaidar - London, UK 168

Ukrainian San Antonio

nonprofit organization / San Antonio, Texas / journalist K.

94

Day Gomez / website ukrainiansanantionio.com.

You can make checks payable to: “Ukrainian San Antonio” and mail it to Ukrainian San Antonio 2313 Lockhill Selma, Suite 116, San Antonio, TX, 78230. You can also purchase medical supplies via our Amazon link. For more information please contact us

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on our page on Facebook at facebook.com/Homestead202 1 175

Elija by Poet Laureate

Andrea Vocab Sanderson / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @vocabulous / artist K. Day Gomez @artist.kday / photograph of the late Elijah McClain as made public by his family

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180 Union of the Impossible / Worldwide / Instagram @union_of_impossible 186 ICON Andy Warhol’s Interview / journalist K. Day Gomez / archival images & Amazon / illustrator Joshua Olanipekun - @_josharts website sites.google.com/view/josh uaartsinc/home 188 Staff story by journalist Robert Dean / Austin, Texas / Instagram @literallyrobertdean PHOTOGRAPHERS— Mark Rohan @crazy_clownprince DeAn Sun, Taiwan @andyadcon Josh Hild - Minneapolis @joshhild

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directory.

Key Dates: October 1st-7th 2022 Locations: Legacy Park, Brick, KLRN Studio / Instagram @txfashionweek & @texasfashionindustry

ADVERTISERS 5

Clear Light Coffee Co. /

12656 west ave, bldg 3. Sa, Tx, 78216 / www.clear light.coffee / Instagram @clearlightcoffeeco / About: Opened August of 2021 A privately owned shop focused on fine quality

5

food, organic ingredients, amazing coffee & teas We want to provide an amazing experience for anyone looking to break away from the stressors of the day.

Forward focus plans will include a wine bar extension, seasonality chef prepared

7

lunch/dinner menus menus. that supports charity events & great causes across San Antonio. / photographer Caleb Russell • Queensland Australia / ad created by K. Day Gomez "TEXAS FASHION WEEK™

is a 7-day long event hosted

43 Minx & Onix by artist & designer Amanda Alarcón-Hunter / website linktr.ee/minxandonyx / Instagram @minxandonyx / UNTAMABLE : The Sustainable Fashion Show @untamablethesustainabl eshow 72 Stacey Rae Photography / website cloverbudphotography.co m / Instagram @staceyraeofficial

Continuing to be a place

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36 Geisha Haus fashion production & media company / website geisahaus.com / Instagram @geishahsus

43

annually by the Texas Fashion

90 NOVEM Cuisine by chef Joe A. Gomez III / website novemcuisine.weebly.com / Instagram @novem.cuisine / (512)9753383

Industry Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of fashion in Texas. As proclaimed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio serves as the home base for TXFW™ and seeks to highlight emerging artists and designers all across Texas."

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104 Darkhorse Photography / Michael Avila Christman / Instagram @darkhorsephotographysa 122 Return of the Matriarch / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @returnofthematriarch —

directory.

182 Clinician Itxia Lee

ADVERTISERS

Acevedo of POUT MedSpa

[…continued.]

/San Antonio, Texas / poutmedspa.com /

Poet Laureate Andrea ‘Vocab’

/ Instagram @pout_itxialee

Sanderson x artist, poet &

/ ad created by K. Day

educator Aminah Decé deliver collaboration, ROTM. 133

Gomez / model Allie Guillen

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191

Artist Melanie Alison /

website

melanieallisongallery.com /

sites.google.com/view/josh

Instagram

uaartsinc/home / Instagram

@melanieallisongallery / ad

@_josharts

created by K. Day Gomez

192

Whole Heart Foods by

@timasenaofficial 145

business / California /

137

Intuitive Life Coach K.

web directory

com / Instagram

msha.ke/peppermagazine /

@kathleen.day.official

Instagram @hello.peppermagazine /

Bamunanika Childrens

email

Home / Uganda / DONATE

hello.pepper@outlook.com

gofundme.com/f/a-newwaisenhaus-uganda / website

182

bamunanikachildrenshome.or g 167

Halo Hair by Terry /

website bellezabyterry.com / Instagram @halohairbyterry 174

Stylist Becky Witte-

Marsh / Instagram @beckywittemarsh

/ Instagram @tapwaxandgo

Magazine / Worldwide /

alchemistandbutterfly.weebly.

orphanage-neues-

website tapwaxandgo.com

SUBMIT to PEPPER

Day Gomez / website

157

Tap Wax & Go / First

responder owned

Tina Sena / website tinasena.org / Instagram

Illustrator Joshua

Olanipekun / Nigeria /

Austin, Texas /

137

@allieviictoria

192

/ SUBMIT via KAVYAR

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raw power with their new

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