Teen Art Out 12 by Art Out Magazine

interview

Teen Art Out nr 12 ISSN 2284 – 6549 ISSN–L = 2284 – 6549 Our editorial team

Editor in chief:

Simona Mihalca

Editors:

Andreea Albulescu Andreea Badeu Alexandru Cristea Iana Shirin Conde Koustav Shaw Mihnea Savulescu Shevaun Lemiux Michela Sereni

Photo credits:

Dragos Dumitrache Ioana Marian Lichtgespiele Lucian Olteanu

Cover design:

Ruxandra Marin

Cover graphics: Design:

Dragos Dumitrache Ioana- Madalina Sterpu

We reserve the right to select the submissions received before publishing. Contact: 2

www.artout.ro redactie@artout.ro

interview

SUMARY

INTERVIEW Interview with Floor Jansen Interview with Marcela Bovio

8 16

collars and suits Of collars and suits, Mihnea Savulescu Collars and suits, Koustav Shaw Collars and suits, Alexandru Cristea Wild spirits gripped by tight collars, Andreea Badeu Collars and suits: respect, power and personality, Iana Shirin Conde

22 24 26 27 28

COOL STORY, BRO Ask with your heart, Shevaun Lemieux Word hidden, Shevaun Lemieux Wish Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had enough, Shevaun Lemieux

32 34 35

Social watch Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink the kool- Aid: underpaid online art, Michela Sereni How to make a good first impression, Andreea Albulescu What is really right, Shevaun Lemieux

38 41 43

letter from the editor

Collars and suits

Letter from the editor For the 12th issue, inspiration came from Delain’s “Collars and Suits”. This may actually be one of the clearest and most concrete subjects we’ve had. So let’s talk outfits. There are some people, myself included, who believe that suits hold power. I think that they make you respectable, that they represent a good job. Just think about it. You cannot imagine a meeting of the most powerful men in a domain, a firm, a country without seeing them in a well-

tailored suit. It becomes a character of its own, a second skin. As for collars, the first example that comes to mind is White Collar, the TV show. They do not call it White-collar crime for nothing. That collar, that suit it stands for a high social status, respectability. Whitecollar criminals are educated, intelligent and they revolve around large sums of money. That is at least where my mind goes to. However, it also puts a pressure on you. It makes you one

letter from the editor

foto: Dragos Dumitrache

of a mass of people, dressed in the same suit. You should just be around Wall Street at lunch hour and you will realize that. So, maybe, the suit becomes and inconvenience, a problem, an obligation. Every color I see, a pale shade of grey Trying so hard and they say “You’re just a signature away Just one handshake” Well here’s to collars and suits And things that they say (Delain – Collars and Suits)

So make your choice. Just that one handshake, one signature… you are either a suit ore you are not. Nonetheless, you must know what collars and suits means, what they say. I invite you to read our articles to see so many different points of view, to see what some opinions are.

Simona Mihalca, Editor-in-chief

foto: Lucia Olteanu, Grigore Lese,-musician

inter view

interview

ReVamp Interview:

Simona Mihalca: You have just recorded a DVD with Nightwish at Wacken Open Air. What are your impressions after the show? Floor: It was so amazing I haven’t find words to describe it really… It was the biggest show for us and the view from the stage was just breathtaking! And the sound that comes out of 70000 people gives goose bumps like nothing else!!! All those people rocked with

Floor Jansen

us during the whole show! The vibe on stage was as magical as it has been since the beginning and I feel this will be captured too on this DVD. I personally can’t wait for it!  S.M: Two more shows and the Imaginaerum tour is over. Did you expect it to be as it was? How did you feel the fan base during all this time? Floor: I had no time to have

interview any expectations due to the sudden start of the whole experience  I feel very welcome by both the band as the fans and have had the most amazing time in my life. I will dearly miss it! S.M: Has your relationship with other leading ladies in the metal scene changed since joining Nightwish? Floor: No, nothing changed. I’ve had very positive reactions from other singers and artists, male and female, wishing me the best. Very nice! S.M: What’s the difference between a Finnish metal band and one from Holland, both in character and style? Floor: I can understand Dutch better  But seriously, between every band there are differences, regardless of where they’re from. S.M: And now it’s time for Revamp full speed ahead. Wild Card is released on August 23 and you’ll begin a European tour afterwards. Is everything ready and set to go? Floor: Sure we’re ready! S.M: How was it to record the grunts yourself? How hard will that make the songs to be performed live?

Floor: great fun and a new challenge. It will be fun and challenging live too. S.M: Are you going to have bonus tracks on different versions of the album? Floor: Yes, you’ll see  S.M: How do you feel now, releasing your second album of the band compared to the first one? Floor: This album is more heavy and dark, modern and diverse and has more elements than our first. We’re super proud of it as a band! S.M: Do you think you may ever cover Nightwish songs with Revamp? Floor: No, we have two great ReVamp albums. S.M: And finally, where do you think next year will take you? Floor: To many countries with ReVamp since we are planning a lot of shows. What the future holds with NIghtwish will be desided on later. Thank you very much!

interview

Fashion design & Styling: Ingeborg Steenhorst Photography: Cristel Brouwer Make up: Lida van Straaten Model: Floor Jansen www.ingeborgsteenhorst.com

interview

marcela bovio stream of passion

interview Simona Mihalca: Hello! How are you? Marcela Bovio: Doing great, thank you! S.M: Tell us a bit about yourself. M.B: Well, I was born in Monterrey, Mexico and from a very short age music has been a part of my life. Ever since I can remember I’ve enjoyed creating melodies and lyrics. I’ve been singing in different bands for over 12 years, and I’ve been happily working with Stream of Passion since 2005. S.M: You have reached your goal on the fundraising campaign for your next album, with 46 days to come. Did you expect it to go as it did? How hard was it to come up with the ideas for it? M.B: We were of course hoping it would go well, but none of us expected it to go so well so fast! We feel very blessed to have the confidence and support of our fans. We had a couple of brainstorming sessions to come up with ideas for our campaign, and also looked for inspiration on lots of

other music campaigns. We spent a lot of time making sure there were all kinds of options there for people to contribute and get something special. S.M: What can you tell us now about the upcoming album? Where has the inspiration for it come from? M.B: We’ve gathered inspiration from a lot of different places. But mainly I think in comparison with ‘Darker days’ we’ve got a bit more progressive influences in these new songs; the Latin influences keep coming back, and the emotiveness that I think characterizes our music is definitely still there. S.M: Do you plan a full-length tour after its release? M.B: Yes, we still have to figure out how and when but we definitely want to promote the album with some live shows. S.M: Speaking of concerts, you are set to sing at Metal Female Voices Fest. How do you feel about being part of something that sets to be the event of the year in this 17

interview genre? Where do you see yourself amongst all these amazing ladies? M.B: I’m personally very honored to be able to perform amongst all those talented women, it’s quite a treat to be able to interact with them backstage as well! It’s going to be the third time we play at the festival and we know already what an amazing event it is; we’re definitely looking forward to it! S.M: How much extra pressure is on you, seen as you are the image of the band? Does the lead singer always get all the glory?

real treat. I don’t use my classical skills that often so it’s nice to be able to do that kind of work on the studio. We had a lot of fun chatting about singing and other random stuff in the studio as well! S.M: Do you believe that you learn something from every artist you work with? M.B: Most definitely. We all have our strengths and things we focus on, there’s always something to learn from your peers.

M.B: I’m a big perfectionist so I set very high standards for myself; that’s why I constantly keep looking for ways to improve my skills and my performance. The singer does get more attention, true, but that comes with the very big responsibility of you having to deliver your very best every show. And not being able to party and drink with the rest of the guys every evening on tour :)

S.M: You have agreed to be part of the Metal Factory program as a coach. How is that? Do you usually give singing lessons?

S.M: It’s been a busy time for you, also guest singing on Revamp’s Wild Card. How was that?

S.M: How impressive is you record collection?

M.B: Lovely! Floor invited me to fill in the choir parts, that was a 18

M.B: Back in Mexico I gave singing lessons for a while, and here in Holland I’ve started giving private lessons to a couple of students. I’m very excited about joining the Metal Factory, it’s a very unique initiative and I’ll be working with an amazing group of people.

M.B: Not at all anymore! I gave away all of my CDs when I moved to Holland. I buy a lot of

interview music digitally nowadays.

drink? M.B: I love a nice, cold beer!

S.M: What motivates you to get out of bed in the days when you really don’t want to and be able to be your charming radiant self? M.B: My loved ones. My charming husband for example has the ability of always putting a smile on my face when I’m having a less positive day; and our cat Monkey also knows very well how to get me in a good mood! S.M: Do you ever look online at reviews or posts about your or the band? M.B: Sure, I love to know what people make of our music when we release a new album.

S.M: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose? M.B: To be able to fly. I must have dreamt about that every single night when I was a child. S.M: Do you watch any TV show? M.B: I do! Currently hooked on Dexter and Game of Thrones. I also enjoy comedy stuff like Southpark and Family guy. S.M: A message for the Romanian fans?

S.M: How important are traditions to you? Can you mix Mexican ones with Dutch ones?

M.B: A big hello and lots of kind greetings to you all! Here’s to hoping we meet soon on a concert near you!

M.B: I think of myself as a traditional person but come to think about it I don’t follow all that many traditions. The ones I do follow are the ones related to family and friends.

S.M: Thank you very much and all the best!

S.M: What is your favorite

M.B: Likewise :)

Photo credits: Tim Tronckoe 19

foto: Dragos Dumitrache

collars and suits

angers of a suit and collar This suit is a jail For my soul to fail This collar like a key For my warped reality They try to keep my heart Wrapped in chains for eternity To kill any feeling of art And make me to all agree Trying to drag me deeper and deeper Into an all agreeing hell of a reaper Where there are no opinions, no creativity Just staring blankly into a warping reality Sure, it looks plain normal and like peach After a while, everything seems out of reach You just are content with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set for you to do Never minding anything else that is maybe untrue

collars and suits

foto: Lichtgespiele, Plateful dead

collarssuits and by Mihnea Savulescu

Hell, you just slave away in that outfit Day and night, night and day, always trying to profit But what can you do? It was taught to you too And it may be too late, as the plague grew Even so, I’m writing this as a warning A warning, so that you won’t be mourning Mourning for time lost and youth spent For a love broken and bent If you can do anything, do it Doesn’t matter how, even a bit You just need to get out of such prisons And let your mind arisen Do this before you are caught In a jail of a suit of naught Held together by a collar key Keeping you from being set free

Mihnea Savulescu 23

collars and suits

Collars and suits by Koustav Shaw

“...hides the true nature u

Life is incomplete without music just like any food with the proper amount of salt in it to make it tasty. We may live our lives or spend it but we can never enjoy it if we haven’t felt the tranquility provided by music. As everyone has a story to tell, every song also has something to say for instance we dealt with Delain’s “Collars and Suits,” a very good song undoubtedly; but to our capabilities without being judgmental of whether it’s apt or not we wanted to figure out the relevance it has with our lives, me Koustav has tried to look past the suits to seek out the truth. In this monthly issue, our theme is “Collars and suits,” which I practically think is more as a metaphor because the suits we wear, tells our story to the society in which we are trying to blend in. I have never understood what fashion is, you know, all that I know is that I have to wear clothes properly and smartly; without having any idea of what should match with the dark blue jeans I am wearing or the hue of the shirt 24

I am going to wear with my black formal trouser. I have always felt that we should be allowed to wear whatever dress which we feel like but one day after walking into a big firm for an interview and seeing the men and women neatly dressed in their respective suits and attires, I felt alienation and immature. Lucky for me, I had my contacts and I got enrolled myself as an intern in that esteemed media firm. The alienation arrived because of the suits they were wearing and I was on my favorite Angry Birds t-shirt and deep blue jeans. The point is the dresses we wear reveal more about ourselves than we can even imagine. Every suit has a story to tell just like music and songs in this world and sometimes it also hides the true nature under its silky smooth, trusty material. The collars on our suits become our identity of how superior or important we are to the world. The fabric or the materials of the suits we wear determine the background from where we belong. The color of the suit determines

collars and suits

under smooth, trusty ” to blend in.” “...theits suits silky we wear, tells our story to the society inmaterial. which we are trying the maturity we possess in us. The quality of a suit denotes the wealth we possess whether inherited or acquired. In a way, we can say that dresses are lot more important than just to cover our bodies and they do tell a lot more about us than we can even imagine. A firm handshake may lose it warmth after a certain period of time but with having the proper suits on we can create an impact on others that will last longer than any perfume. Moreover, a man wearing a suit is always held respectable than a man on his leather jacket and all because a suit signifies class, a suit is a symbol of power and possession. That’s the reason why we see all those people working in the big companies or holding a big position wearing suits regardless of men and women. In our editorin-chief Simonica’s words, a suit has the same impact on women as lingerie to a man and I find it absolutely correct. In not so distant past, the collars and suits had their respective standards in our societies. We have

all witnessed the sufferings of our fellow brothers because of their dark skin and even now but in a gentler way or may be in some part of the globe it is still the same and we don’t know about it yet. Collars were for the slaves and the suits symbolize the masters. Even in such dismay, the impact of collars and suits in the lives of men were not only noticeable but way too distinguishable as well. Even now we may find that some bosses are forcing their employees by the power entrusted on them because of the suits they wear in literary sense. Time may change with every ticking of a clock but the impact of suits will always be the same even after years. In my personal opinion, I think we should be properly and smartly dressed no matter what the situation is because our dresses speak a lot about us and I guess we don’t want to give others a bad impression about us, now do we?

Koustav Shaw 25

collars and suits foto: Dragos Dumitrache

Collars and Suits by Alexandru Cristea

Whenever I hear the duo „collars and suits” I just can’t stop not to think about Delain’s song, and let me tell you listening to rock music keeps my „chi” going, but in our days it really pays to look good, and not just good, but fabulous. Being stylish is most important when, for instance, you have a job interview or maybe a date and you want to impress. It also counts to go that way at work if you activate in an office business but some questions remain: • Where and how do I know to choose a fine suit that really fits me? • Do these collars fit me? • Do they make stand out? Answers may not come easy, but wearing a suit makes you look like you’re worth a million bucks. As I start answering, I feel the need to say something: suits do not make you smarter, prettier or taller. They only bring out the best look you ever had, so be careful how you act and behave when dressed like that. Why? Because once you put on a suit it is conceived that you are a well-educated man, with high standards and results. To conclude, yes it is essential to be classy, elegant, and fabulous. Thus, you can truly be respected and looked up to. However, without a smart mind a suit is worthless no matter how many collars it may have.

Alexandru Cristea

collars and suits

Wild Spirits Gri pped by Tight Collars by Andreea Badeu Perhaps they lie somewhere inside yourselves or you just need to look around and you will notice them. They are the ambitious, vigorous people whose ideal careers involve wearing collars and suits. Resolute and ready for a perilous journey, they set off towards a bright future, convinced that in an office outfit they can change the world. Those people seem to be some living legends who deserve our full esteem. Not only do they aim high from the very beginning, but they also find the resources to carry on when difficulties occur. Furthermore, they are keen on struggling for power with anyone who would act as a threat in their way. Nevertheless, they constantly use their intelligence and creativity tactfully, thus becoming exemplary people to the society.

people have accomplished their aim, they can enjoy the sweet taste of success and self-satisfaction. However, not for long. They soon realize that being part of an ĂŠlite also means becoming a conformist, a prisoner of stern rules. At the beginning, they might keep seeking for their lifelong dream, which will eventually prove itself to be merely an illusion. They understand that over there, the fear of revealing your genuine personality is disguised as conceit. Therefore, they lose their enthusiasm and resign themselves. All in all, the world of collars and suits is a desirable place up to a certain point. Usually, most of us are blinded by the glamorous appearances which are quite deceiving. Consequently, think twice before heading towards that world or your wild spirit might end up gripped by a tight collar.

Finally, when these sedulous

Andreea Badeu 27

collars and suits

CollarsRespect, andPowerSuits: and Personality foto: Dragos Dumitrache

Have you ever wondered why people always look up to those who wear collars and suits? Definitely, your reason might be because they are professionals and they earn a lot of money. Even this typical fashion thing changes the way we think and even the way we are. In a world where buildings stand, you can see a lot of white collar and blue collar workers ̶ white collars for professionals and blue collars for manual laborers. Even I admit that I take hat off to them because they are not just a group of people who know something; they know everything. They know every inch of the building, every drop of the rain and every second of the time. That is how exceptional they are. When going for an interview or a party, we need to dress up neatly. The perfect outfit that pops out of our minds is the suit. It is simply because it gives us spirit, assurance and respect. Can you imagine going to a business meeting wearing chemise and shorts? How ironic isn’t it? I bet you will never 28

by Iana Shirin Conde have the guts to go for shopping wearing worn-out clothes; you will prefer wearing new and latest fad. Maybe you will just say that those are just collars and suits. But didn’t you notice that those clothes give a person respect and power? Let us think of the presidents, kings and queens. They are all powerful and respectable because of their positions. Do you think people will respect them if they just wear untidy or cheap clothes? Absolutely, not because that is how we judge a person. We are fond of discriminating people who are not rich or uneducated. An example for this is the beggars and street children. Did we give time to listen to them? Did we give them a chance to express themselves? The problem with us is that we define power by wealth. We never thought that wealth is just a part of it ̶ a part that we see as a whole. As I look at the CEO of a company wearing a well-cleaned suit, I can say that he is truly a

collars and suits

reputable and a decent man. But did you ever think of his attitude and personality? Try to dig out deeper what is inside that spotless and well-trimmed suit and you will see a stain. Just like the wellknown figures and personalities in the media. These artists look presentable. They have good names and reputations that they take care of. They always wear a smile every time they are on television. But how about their attitudes when the cameras are off? We all know that their identities are just covered by their expensive suits and jewelries. But we still do idolize them, right? We need to wake up and accept the fact that those collars and suits are just the outer look of a person. The problem with us is that we judge people the way we see them, not the way we know them. It is like seeing a beautiful girl and courting her plainly because she is beautiful. Remember, it is not always the outside look that matters; what matters most is the inner beauty of a person. So, no

matter how beautiful you are or how presentable your dress is if you do not have a good personality and pure heart, it will all be worthless. I cannot understand why we need to blow away other people by wearing elegant dresses, suits and accessories. For me, the important thing is showing them who you really are. Just like Him. We never saw Him, but the surest thing is that He will never wear those suits just to praise and respect Him because His words are enough. Those decent clothing are made not to impress other people, not to act superior, or not to let others see how far you have been through; those are fabricated to designate your ability and competence. Never let that collar and suit define who you are. Be simple. Stay true. And be you.

Iana Shirin Conde 29

foto: Lucia Olteanu, Me and the old house

cool story, bro

letterstory, cool from bro the editor

Poems foto: Lucia Olteanu, Flower house

by Shevaun Lemieux

Ask With YourÂ Heart When the rain falls, to whom do you call? And when you call, what is it that speaks? For when it speaks, it does not sound sincere; And the music it makes is awful to thy ears. Speak what you need and not what you want; When you wish upon a star, say not even a lie; To be rewarded will be such a virtuous experience; To be not will be such a painful chastisement. I tell you, my brothers, to ask with your heart; Whatever you ask, you shall then receive; Be careful not to sin for you to be rewarded; Be careful in drifting for someone might steal. 32

letter from coolthe story, editor bro

When woe comes, you shall listen to thy heart; Yet if He does not live there, should you listen to it? How would you realize if it is not so? Ask with your heart, as what I just told! Brothers, get rid of confusion and be still; Acknowledge His power â&#x20AC;&#x201C; His will shall be done! Submit yourselves, be free from evil; Do not do what you want but rather do what He wants. For you are human, my brothers and sisters; Your powers combined are not even half of His! Speak with your heart, I said, not with your mouth; As that is what that truly matters. Address with your soul, my brothers and sisters; What is so difficult in doing thus? I will say it again, my brothers and sisters; With your heart, please do humbly and solemnly ask. What question should you ask if you were to call? His love, my brothers, ask Him to stay in your hear. 33

letterstory, cool from bro the editor

foto: Lichtgespiele, Disco inferno pt.II

Words Hidden The sky is lovely and the stars shine bright A pen is with me – I think I should write I sat on the grass and I tried not to think But ideas came out in just one blink. Oh words, why am I running out of you? Transform my thoughts – use every hue Come to me, for it is my heart that speaks, Come to me, for it is my mind that seeks. I do not have a lot; I do not have enough Perhaps I should stop for it might be a bluff The calm sky roared, it seemed to disagree My mind is in pain, please set it free I must look for the treasure that I have lost For love is there and you don’t know its cost Hope exists but the words remain hidden And so do arguments that can’t be overridden. The sun had risen and I was still wide-awake Pain was there – I don’t know how much I can take All I ever wanted was for my voice to be heard But how, but how, for I am lost for words

letter from coolthe story, editor bro

foto: Lichtgespiele, Disco inferno pt.II

Wish I’ve Had Enough I wish I’ve seen enough Of this world that I live in For it reflects Your love And it pleases my eyes I wish I’ve heard enough Of the words that I must hear For my ears need the truth And the lyrics is yet to come I wish I’ve felt enough Of the things that I long for For my heart feels dissatisfied And it is asking for something more I wish I’ve known enough Of the things that I must know For my mind will never take its rest Until it learned that it had enough

Shevaun Lemieux

foto: Lucia Olteanu, Apres le deluge

social watch

letter from social watchthe editor

Don’t Drink The Kool-Aid “If you’re good at something, never do it for free”, says the famous Joker, proving once again that villains know what’s up. You’d never expect a teacher, a baker, or the owner of a shop to work without a paycheck. You wouldn’t wink at your doctor, hoping he’ll proceed with the surgery without you taking out your wallett. Of course not. Today’s society teaches us that when you do something without earning money, you’re probably doing it wrong, and many of us get told that “You have to think about your income first. Then, passion and that is if you’re lucky”, which might be a useful tip, financiallywise. Certain careers, in fact, fall under the terrible, much-feared, nightmar-ish category of “This Won’t Earn You Nearly Enough”. Youth is often pushed away from this section of employment, from parents, friends or family members alike, because, as we all know, we live in a material world, and bills need money in order to be paid, not 38

love. Coherently enough, the other important, basic, life-changing lesson in economy is something along the lines of “Art doesn’t equal money. Nobody pays for art!”. This is where the awful Don’t Rely On Your Craft Abilities monster draws its roots. Basically: you don’t have to pay for art, aka art doesn’t give you gold, aka no, son, you can’t become a painter, you’ll end up homeless! On this subject, I have to admit, society follows a straight line, without double standards or dead ends, which I applaud. Sadly, this way of thinking is not correct, nor it is very polite in regards of the art makers. Not all of them aim at paying the rent with their product: some might do it out of need, for the sake of the profession itself, or as a hobby, but that’s a completely different case. “Here’s a shocking idea: artists are not destined to be poor. If you’re an artist, you can actually make money from your art, feel good about it, and build up a following

letter from social the watch editor

d: Underpaid Online Art by Michela Sereni

to support your independent career. The bad news is that most artists will fail to make a living with their art. Every year, more than 30,000 artists graduate from art school in the United States alone. Despite the strong talent and ambition of many of them, only a small fraction of artists manage to support themselves in the career they are passionate about” (Art And Money:How To Thrive As An Artist Without Selling Out). The terror that flourishes

from the “Mom, dad, I want to create hand-decorated porcelain teacups” statement is quite legit, per se: making it as a writer, singer, actor, is extremely hard, since talent is not the only trait required. One has to find some luck on the way, have good contacts, materials, occasions. it’s a big, cruel World, where not everyone can follow their dream, let alone sustain a family with it. That’s a reality artists face daily, there’s no need to remind them anything about it.

The lack of work and understanding, the small public (which, thankfully, thanks to many online platforms, is getting bigger and bigger everyday), the general ignorance on the subject cause the creator to lower the price, silently, reluctantly agreeing to the “Art =/= Money” logic. “A lot of artists I know and I’ve seen around kind of underprice their stuff because they think no one will buy it, when what is the right thing is to do exactly the opposite; when dealing with commercial illustrations we should charge what it is worth in this niche in general, the commercial price. Underpricing is one of the reasons why we are not taken “seriously”[...] Many people tend to think we should charge less because “it’s easy for us / you are only sitting there having fun and doodling stuff”; they literally have no idea of how it works: getting references, thinking in good compositions, making sketches and send them to the client’s approval, and only then 39

letter from social watchthe editor starting the drawing, it’s a very long process, it takes time and a lot of effort, both physical and mental” (Artemis Devotee). But, why is it, exactly, that this field is seen as a money.free zone? Why, yes, the middle school mentality “Anyone can do it”. “Yes, there’s a supply-and-demand aspect, and yes, there’s certainly an aspect of ability that comes into it. But writing and drawing are often considered things that anyone can do, so they aren’t valued. At least until you try it yourself. Perhaps all a surgeon does is hold a knife and cut. Maybe a lawyer just talks in court. And an artist just draws.

But the doctor knows where and what to cut. The lawyer is paid to know what to say. The artist knows where to put the lines and how many is too many. A big difference is that we provide training for doctors and lawyers so they don’t make their first mistakes without supervision. That’s often not true for artists. They’re not valued. But like good doctors, lawyers or even good jingle writers or runners or homemakers, they should be” (John:If Other Professions Were Paid Like Artists). So, after all, is there scientific proof that artists don’t deserve a decent payment? No. That’s all, folks. “Art of any kind can take as much effort and time as any other job, and effort should be rewarded, especially if the public enjoys it “ (Lollipop-Opera).

Michela Sereni 40

letter from social the watch editor

How to make a foto: Ioana Marin

good first impress on by Andreea Albulescu

Ladies and gentlemen, in this article I’m going to tell you some of the golden rules of how to make a good first impression. Your body language can tell more things about you that you’d ever imagine. If your posture shows that you are insecure or nervous, people will automatically have a bad opinion about you. Keep your posture straight, look confident and avoid twirling your hair or biting your nails. (Seriously, don’t!) Make sure your clothes are adequate for where you go to. For example, you can’t go meet the president wearing short pants and a mind-blowing crazy color top. Put a natural smile on your face and make sure that you look presentable. Messy hair, tiredlooking eyes and scruffy clothes are not allowed! After all, it’s your image I’m talking about and I’m sure that you don’t want to look like you’ve just fallen off your bed.

Watch out! If you choose to wear accessories, they must match your outfit. Even they will say something about you. Your attitude is the first thing people usually notice, right after they see you. And here, a lot of people make a terrible mistake: if they’re shy and try to look confident, they end up looking arrogant. Well, that’s not helpful at all! Try to look friendly and start a small chat so that people will understand that you are interested in their company. Also, when meeting someone new, use some common sense when speaking. No lady will be interested on how muscular you are or how much you can drink without falling under the table. Similar, no guy will be interested in how expensive those 41

letter from social watchthe editor

shoes you love are, or how hard is it to wake up early in the morning to put some make-up on. Don’t forget about the eye contact! It is really important because otherwise, your interlocutor will feel unwanted or ignored. Also, don’t brag; it’s really annoying. When you meet someone new, don’t force yourself to be funny. If a good and appropriate joke pops into your mind, say it. If not, that’s ok. Make sure you don’t tell too many jokes. That makes people think that you aren’t serious at all and that’s what you have to try to avoid. And now… THE PLATINUM RULE: BE YOURSELF! Show confidence and be comfortable with yourself! Be natural and don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you are a bit careful about your attitude, body language and show a little class when it comes to clothes, the person you meet will sure be impressed in a really good way.

Andreea Albulescu 42

letter from social the watch editor

foto: Lichtgespiele, Treasure hunter

What is really right

by Shevaun Lemieux

As I come to school in the morning, I try to not think about the things that could affect my academic performance. But as I attempt to concentrate on the discussion in class, this errant brain of mine does otherwise. And as soon as this thought has dominated my brain and heart, they would start having an argument about it – taking place on a certain part of my body that would be forever unknown to me. Because of this, a part of me would push me to write in order to keep record of the ideas produced by both sides, and so I could share them with others after I have decided which has taken “what is really right” as its base and not just “what it thinks is right”. A lot of factors are to be considered in showing how those two differ. The standard set by the world could be one of the things that influence one’s definition of “right”. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about these factors that I do not wish to drop. However, I am left

with no choice but to drop them for you to look for the answers for yourself. I hope that you will end up in getting the right answers and not just what you think is right for satisfaction. The things that I will be talking about did not just come up out of nowhere. I considered a lot of ideas, as I am aware that my ears need to be opened to facts yet closed to opinions. These things are the things that haunt me every night and day. I have been thinking of three things lately: reputation, interpretation, and misconceptions. I wonder how important reputation is. To the rich people and to someone in power, it is very important; because it is the name that keeps them in place and makes them the way they are. To the ordinary people, it may be none of their business because they think that they do not matter; while for some, it may be the only treasure they have. I asked a number of people a 43

letter from social watchthe editor question: which is more important, the way you see yourself or the way others see you? Most answered that the way you see yourself is more important. I was about to coincide with the majority, but I have come to a realization that nothing is really more important. Yes, both are important; but none of which is more. There could be situations that can show the significance of one but in spite of considerations, both are still equal and balanced. A good example to clear this is a situation where an innocent person is accused and judged. Here, we can say that the way others see him is important as he could lose his job or worse, the trust of the people he love because of the accusation and judgment of the majority, which as I have observed, is not always just but always has the upper hand. A person who would encounter this kind of situation might just think that the way others see you is more important just because he cannot see the value of how he see himself. After careful breakdown, we would see that he could use the way he sees himself in proving the majority wrong. Therefore, the way you see yourself is important as the way others see you for both are needed to be able to clean your name. Another situation is when people affirm you for being so good in a certain subject. The way they see 44

you could affect the way you see yourself – you might think that you are good in that subject when in reality, you are really not. Learning the proper way of weighing things could really help one to get rid of confusion and could also lead to being able to make wise and right decisions. One’s interpretation of things is one of the foundations of beliefs of the people. Usually, the majority accepts the interpretation of things of the famous people. Without questioning, they just coincide with it because they do not see something wrong in it, as they do not carefully evaluate such idea. If Galileo were not born, we would still be like idiots believing in Aristotle’s ideas. Why do people consider things right even though they are not yet proven? This free will drives people insane. Just because they “want it”, they will accept it and you cannot do anything about it. The foundation of an idea is important. So before we could consider any as right, we must test and prove it first. We are all aware that a lot of ideas are born every second. The advancement of technology today is a proof that humans have indeed wonderful minds that are capable of changing the world and the belief of others. We are all under the same sky; therefore we must be all under one powerful being. I know

letter from social the watch editor that not everyone accept this fact. But we must all agree that there is only one “right” interpretation of things, one knowledge or concept of what is right and wrong as to there is only one truth. Isn’t? Truth is singular. Thus, it has no versions. I heard through social media that we must continue whatever we are doing that makes us happy. According to the quote, after all, we live to be happy. I think that many people seem to agree with this as this quote was shared many times. Did anyone think first before approving with this idea? Did anyone try to evaluate this idea before upholding it? I have seen another quote that says: I can do anything I want. I am living in a free country. Why do people use quotations like this as a reason or excuse for a wrong thing that they have done? The worst line that I have heard is: As long as you think it is right and it makes you happy, do it. What if killing makes me happy and I think it is right? Should I do it? The basis of what is right and wrong is not what you think or how you interpret things. The book of books or the Bible, if accepted and followed by everyone properly, could have led us to a peaceful living. If you do not want to believe in the Bible yet, let us consider this: treat others as how you want others to treat you. In this way, we could

then at least exercise equality. Can you not see that being an idiot by believing to something wrong and not proven could lead to having misconceptions about life? Many generations have passed and the problem remains unresolved. That is why people agree to respect everyone’s opinion as everyone is entitled to it. Well, there is a big difference between a fact and opinion – and that is one misconception in life. One must be able to distinguish whether a person is stating a fact or an opinion. How? One must open his eyes and must not limit himself to what he only knows. A lot of wise quotations are being misused because people fail to completely understand the meaning, as they do not even question its credibility. Remember, a thing can never be right just because you think it is right. I am certain that this is another misconception: respect what I am doing because I think it is right. There has to be evidence, proof, or something that could show that it is right. Well, let us not let the person we love to do the things that he wants just because he thinks it is right. A quotation says, “If you love a person, you would let him go and do the things that he wants”. Even though you are completely aware that is wrong? Is that love? I listed a few reasons 45

why from letter social watch theretheare editor misconceptions: 1) A person limits himself only to the things that he knows; 2) A person does not accept the fact though evidences are presented; 3) illusions; 4) A person is not realistic; 5) A person believes on unproven ideas; 6) myths; 7) bent thoughts; 8) compromised judgment and 9) books that contradict another. There are still a lot of reasons that are not mentioned but no matter what the reason is, I perceive only one way to avoid having a misconception: identify its root. Be wise enough and find a way to unravel the roots in case they are twisted. Many people, non-believers to be exact, question the credibility of the Bible. As proven by history and our own lives, the Bible is credible and could support itself. What these people cannot accept is just the truth itself or what they wanted to be right happens to be certainly wrong. These people then created their own interpretation of things, whichwse who do bad things and those who do not believe will be punished.

Shevaun Lemieux (pseudonym) 46

letter from social the watch editor

foto: Lichtgespiele, Disco inferno pt.II

letter from social watchthe editor

foto: Lichtgespiele, Window

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