ARTKAST staff/contributers Morgan State University Student Art Publication
editor’s column
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2015
TABLE OF 1 4 6 10 12 14 16
STAFF
MYTH BUSTER BY DANIELLE WALKER
ART & ARCHITECTURE BY C. JOHN NWEKE
MAKE STATEMENTS BY CHAUNEE DEVORE
UNIVERSITY BLUES BY LAVONDA OLIVER
COMMUNITY ART BY CARLEE WEST
INSIDE OUT BY DAMIAN TAYLOR
UNKNOWN GENESIS BY LORENZO MOORE
MY TRENDS BY CHANTISE HARRIS
BENEATH THE SURFACE BY AARON FRAZIER
GAINING NOTORIETY BY RICHARD WILLIAMS
TRAPPED IN THE DEN BY DANIEL GODDARD
BACKSTAGE PASS BY TYLER JACKSON
VISUAL VIRTUOSO BY TAVON NELSON
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CONTENTS
Contributors Chaunee Devore Aaron Frazier Daniel Goddard Chantise Harris Tyler Jackson Lorenzo Moore Tavon Nelson C. John Nweke Lavonda Oliver Damien Taylor Danielle Walker Carlee West Richard Williams Volume 1, Issue 1 cla.morgan.edu/visualarts Artkast Magazine is a student publication created within the Visual Arts Department at Morgan State University. Issue 1 was created by students enrolled in the Advanced Graphic Design class during the 2015 Spring semester. Copyright 2015. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators. Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership. Department of Fine and Performing Arts Visual Arts Department 443-885-4132 Carl J. Murphy Center Morgan State University 2201 Argonne Drive Baltimore, MD 21251
Myth Buster By Danielle Walker
When you think of Fine Arts what comes to mind? As Fine and Performing Art majors we get a lot of questions about why we pursue art. This article will be used to bust the myths that other people have about us.
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Traditional art is dying because of advancing technology.
Real artists devote their lives to art.
Technology has unleashed the rise of digital art but has not killed off traditional art. Collectors are still buying paintings. Also digital artist are exploring and going back to more manual ways
Yes, some art students devote their lives to art just as anyone else might who loves what they do; however, there are many art students who are involved in other activities on Morgan’s campus in addition to being great artists.
You are going to be a starving artist.
Art that’s easy to understand sells better.
Are you an art major? Can you draw me something?
Artists in our department have been very successful. Unlike other majors, we have the opportunity to expand into any field and travel the world. Art opens the door for so many opportunities. Visit our alumni article, Visual Virtuoso, and see how successful some of us really are.
Sometimes people respond better to confusing, challenging art. Surrealism is a popular style of art that has done well because of its challenging approach. Surrealism allow others to think and break down a piece by their perspective. If we saw art and always knew exactly what it was, it would be boring.
No, I cannot draw you something. Now-a-days art is way more than just drawing. We have Graphic Designers, Photographers, Sculptors and so many more concentrations. Yes, those who illustrate can draw, but others may work better through another medium. Think about your majors—most don’t want to show their talents on the spot.
You have to go to an art school to be a real artist.
Fine and Performing Arts majors are usually dramatic all the time.
There are pros and cons to attending an art school versus a university where the focus is not necessarily art. Art schools are not the only schools that have great art programs. A Liberal Art College or University is great to attend because of the opportunities to work with departments outside of the art department. This can lead to an artist or designer working for a client elsewhere on campus. As an art student, the con is that we also have to focus on classes outside of our concentration, such as English, Math, History and more. Although it keeps us well rounded as individuals, it can take away from time working on our art.
Yes some art students have an outgoing personality, but that is what makes them great in their major. Not all Fine and Performing Art students are as dramatic as some may think. Just like any other person, we can break out of our shell when we are performing, but we may display our personalities through our art rather than our actions.
Painting should be easy. Anything that has worth should not be easy. Painting and art in general have techniques and styles that anyone can learn, but it takes effort and time to move beyond the basic techniques.
ART & architecture BR I DGI NG
T H E
DI V I DE
In these exclusive interviews with professionals in their fields, Artkast Magazine explores the relationship between the two disciplines. Enjoy. By C. John Nweke Hello Sir. Please introduce yourself to the readers.
So why did you choose your field?
I’m Eric L. Briscoe, a lecturer in the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Morgan State University; Alumni of Morgan State University, class of ‘96; MFA from Howard University, ‘98.
I didn’t choose it; it fascinated me. It’s what I always knew to do. There’s a lot of things that go on in people’s faces that I find fascinating and if you really want to know a lot about a person, just look at their face and explore. You’ll get all types of information. You get nothing internally when looking at the rest of their body unless they have scars. A lot of the character of an individual comes through in their face, so when exploring characters, that’s the best place to start.
What’s your area of concentration in the arts? Personal work and figurative work, whether it be illustrative, portraits or characterizations. As long as it involves a human figure, I will do it.
So you don’t do landscapes (landscape paintings/ illustrations)? No. They don’t involve people. I don’t have to figure out landscapes. I’m fascinated with nature, but doing a painting of a tree will not help me understand it better. I’d rather just be around it. People are complex, so I use the work to explore what people are, how people are, how I interact with them and how I deal with my own psyche. 7
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terms of my work, I am dealing with people, people’s perspectives and people’s actions. A person who is dealing with architecture, if you do not think of the individual who will be using the building, then the building will be useless. The building needs to be functional and it needs to function according to people. As far as I know, people are the only ones that use buildings. What are they going to use the building for? How will they interact with the structure? These are things that a visual arts
Thank You. Now we’re going to go in a different direction. Some people say that your concentration area—the traditional arts like painting, drawing, figurative illustrations—have no bearing on a technical field like architecture. Do you agree? No. There’s a certain amount of indirect truth to that, but at the same time, in
E. L. Briscoe
student will have to think about in the process of doing their work. Things like proportion, scale, etc. So there are slight differences, but for the most part, the same perspectives are dealt with.
Are there principles of art that apply to architecture? EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Principles of art are not principles of art alone. They are just that, principles. So balance means the same thing in art as it does in architecture. The same things that happen with one happens with the other. If you want to deal with asymmetry in architecture, you have to find a physical way to be able to do that. The only difference is, in two-dimensional artwork, we’re dealing with virtual space. In architecture, you’re dealing with actual space when it’s built. So we can create something that is asymmetrical and not have to worry about physical support, whereas the architect has to worry about physical support. If the visual artist fails, no one likes his work. If the architect fails, people die. So it’s real things versus virtual.
Does that make the work that artists do less important or more important? Less important to the architect, but the same concerns that one has, the other has. However, when an architect creates a rendering of a building, it is still a rendering. It’s on paper. The architect does not build the building, he just designs the building the way it should be. He needs to work in tandem with other individuals, whereas
If the visual artist fails, no one likes his work. If an architect fails, people die.
the visual artist doesn’t have to work in tandem with other individuals, but he can. Nowadays, the visual artist is moving more towards the experience that an architect has to deal with by partnering with other entities but, he doesn’t have to. The architect has to.
If you have another chance to relive your life, would you become an architect? Nope. If anything, with the knowledge of what I have done and not done, I would be more into Industrial Design. It’s a way of creating art that’s functional. There are lots of people designing things for furniture. If Charles Eames was not an artist, he would not be as successful as he was as a furniture designer. Frank Lloyd Wright, same thing. In my opinion, there are way too many architecture students who wanted to be visual artists, but their parents would not allow them to. I’ve had them in class. We need a little bit more of both taking place, artists who want to be architects and architects who want to be artists. We need a lot more of that.
psychology deals with the observation of people in general, groups of people. Psychology is an exploration of the mind. Math is an exploration of formulas, and so on. However, the art department students are required to observe ALL of those things if they want to be successful. This is what makes the program a liberal arts program, the fact that the Humanities are involved in it. Without the Humanities, it would just be a technical school. So basically, we are responsible for the observation of everything around us versus just a painting. It’s also the most important part of the visual arts program, the ability to properly and accurately observe what’s going on around us.
On behalf of Artkast Magazine, Thank You!
Final question, can you mention one thing in art that applies to all fields of study? Observation! Every aspect of every department is based on observation, including the architecture department. Observation is not just looking, but exploring everything that is around the individual. Think about every department. Every department is related to the observation of something. We just observe more as art majors. So,
Top left, Center for the Built Environment and Infrastructure Studies Top right, E. L. Briscoe instructing Drawing II Bottom right, Art student’s work ARTKAST VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
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at the whole city or district. In a way, I’m glad that I went that route first, because I am able to see comprehensively, but I’m also able to see the minute details on that level of scale. So how did I transition? It’s mainly about scale. Just like cities have to be designed well, districts, streets, and then buildings and sites have to be designed well, so that’s where I transition. I look at the bigger picture first and then I hone down to the smaller scale.
Hello. Please introduce yourself to the readers. I am Mary Ann Akers and I am the Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at Morgan State University.
Wonderful. It’s great to be speaking with you today, Dean Akers. What’s your area of concentration? My area of concentration is Urban Planning, but I also taught in a landscape architecture program for close to 20 years. But then, embedded in all this is my sociology background. So it’s more of blending all these disciplines with a focus on people.
How did that tie into architecture? Architecture is about building for people. It’s not just about aesthetics and that’s what’s different about design and art. We engage in almost the same type of process, but the end purpose, to a certain extent, is
divergent. In my perspective, the end product of art is to uplift the human spirit. That’s similar to architecture and planning; however, we tend to focus also on people. So we build and we design places for people. And if we don’t know the “people angle”, how can we design for people? It’s like if you have a client and you don’t even know what the client wants and what their values are. Where would you even start? It’s not about you, it’s about the client. So that’s where I blend the sociology with urban planning, urban design, and landscape architecture.
Beautiful! So why did you choose that field? I think it started when I was very, very young. My father is an architect and an urban planner at that. I grew up in the Philippines being surrounded by design from the start. We used to hang out in my dad’s office. I do like design, but I’m also fascinated by how buildings are put together, but I did not go into architecture I went into urban planning and sociology. I see it like a full circle now, where I’m the one in charge of all the programs...(laughs)
That’s excellent! What have you learned as you transitioned from being an architecture student to an architecture professor and dean?
Dean M.A. Akers 9
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Ok, I was never an architecture student, I was an urban planning student. The scale is different. Architecture students would basically look at the building or site; urban planners look
Some people say that your concentration, urban planning and architecture, may not have anything to do with the arts. They say the two disciplines are not related in any way. Do you agree? No, definitely not. First of all, the design process starts with an inspiration. Just like an artist, you get your inspiration from all over the place. I know of landscape architects who get their inspiration from the structure of a plant or flower. Even the flow of water can inspire a design. So, we have very similar processes. We both deal with forms. We both deal with materials, light, and all these other elements that make a design a good design. Again, I think where we separate is the function of the end product, but from the initiation stages, it’s very similar. See, with design, it’s such a reiterative process, where you go forward, go back, go sideways, until you finally come up with a decent design and even that draft design, you go back and redesign again. That’s why that interaction between the end product, the client and people is very important. My perspective on art and
In my perspective, the end product of art is to uplift the human spirit.
artists is expression. In art, you don’t necessarily have the audience with you in the process, while in design, the idea is you have people who are going to benefit from it—the users of the space—involved in the process.
Oh really? Well, typically you involve people from the beginning, but because this is a state building and a state university, we have to contract out the architecture service, the design service. The architects were very good because after certain phases they came back to ask, “How does this look? How does this function? How is the placement of classrooms? The placement of public areas and offices?” So they got us involved at different phases.
If you had another chance to relive your life, would you become an artist or a designer? Ummm....No! (laughs) The thing is, I like my trajectory. I like where I’ve been and I would like to know where I’m going,
but sometimes that’s not possible. One thing I do want to get into is art appreciation. For the past three years I have been involved in literature. I found literature late in life. I’ve been reading since I was a kid, I’ve done literary criticisms and all that, and then I said, “OK, I’ve done that, I’ve finished a Masters (degree), I’ve been writing, I want to do art appreciation.” Not so much as being the artist, but knowing the person behind the art piece. I’m very interested and that’s where I want to be—appreciating art and especially the artist while learning more about the artist.
scientist, a designer, a sociologist, a health practitioner, a business person, the critical thinking is the thread that pulls together all those disciplines.
On behalf of Artkast magazine, Thank You!
Final question: Can you name one thing in architecture and urban planning that applies to all fields of study? Sure. Critical thinking. The processes are almost the same in art. I’m sure artists critically look at what they’ve done in relation to either their past experience—what they have been taught, what they have read—and any discipline has that. Whether you’re a
Top left, Dean Akers inside CBEIS Top right, side view of the Center for the Built Environment and Infrastructure Studies Bottom right, Architect student’s work
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make state ments
By Chaunee DeVore
Accessories will help transform an outfit. Never be afraid to spice up your look.
I
’m sure there’s been instances where you’ve gotten dressed and were completely over the outfit you wore. The plain look has you unsure of yourself, which is making you less confident and feeling different than usual. It happens to the best of us, but don’t worry. Do not allow that simple denim on denim fit take control of you! Sometimes the most bland outfit can be transformed into something worth looking at by simply adding an accessory piece. Accessories take any outfit to the next level. Adding bold diamonds and stones can make an outfit more classy, while colorful pieces like a bracelet or clutch can turn your look into color blocking fun. Accessories can even help you recycle a look, by changing the accessories, you will create an entirely new one. Ladies, don’t be afraid to grab a pair of earrings, some cute sun glasses and a nice hat to complete or change your look! Within every woman’s closet a woman should have a good pair of distressed jeans, a nice collection of graphic tees, a few pair of sunglasses, a couple of statement necklaces, some hoops, a fedora or a cap for bad hair days and a sturdy go to tote! Let the sale section be your best friend and don’t be afraid to shop in stores you’d never think of going to. Treasures are hidden, but not hard to find! Be creative with your look! Let your personality read through your clothing. Don’t be dull. Shine bright and show everybody who you are.
Let the sale section be your best friend & don’t be afraid to shop in stores you’d never think of going to. Treasures are hidden but not hard to find!
Wool Hat H&M $24.95
Sunglasses Call It Spring $11.99
Denim Top Target $22.99
Fashion T-shirt Zara $17.90
Reversible Leather Tote Target $35.99
Distressed Girlfriend Jeans H&M $49.95
SHOP LOCALLY There are plenty of small owned businesses and boutiques where amazing accessories can be found for affordable and high end prices! Check out these shops: LaThreadz Couture 1348 Goodhope Road S.E., Washington, DC 20020 202-610-0006 www.lathreadz.com Bmore Betty 1316 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 443-869-6379 www.onlybetty.com Currant Boutique 2445 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-870-9506 www.shopcurrant.com Doubledutch 1021 W 36th Street Baltimore, MD 21211 410-554-0055 www.doubledutchboutique.com Cloud 9 Clothing 2400 Boston Street Baltimore, MD 21224 410- 534-4200 www.cloud9clothing.us Ella-Rue 3231 P Street NW Washington, DC 20007 202-333-1598 www.ella-rue.com Treasury 1843 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 202-332-9499 www.shoptreasury.com The C.A.T.WALK Boutique 1000 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 202-398-1818 www.thecat-a-t-walk.com
Photos: Kelli Williams ARTKAST VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
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UNIVERSITY BLUES BY LAVONDA OLIVER
CHAMPAGNE JAY Morgan students discuss their matriculation struggle, while highlighting their hidden talents.
THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY SONG
M
y name is Jay Grieer a.k.a Champagne Jay. I came to Morgan State University from Annapolis, Maryland in 2009. I no longer attend Morgan, but I am currently trying to reenroll.
My freshman year at Morgan was not good. I impregnated a girl, which led me to become a student parent. My sophomore year I had got incarcerated for a year and a half in the Baltimore City jail. After my incarceration my life took a drastic change. When I was down in my life music was my uplifter. It was better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Music saved me and healed me. I spent the past months at Listen To Me Now Studios. They took me in when I had nothing. They provided me with a place to stay, money to eat and the knowledge of an audio engineer (someone who is in control of recording, mixing, manipulating and reproducing sound). I always had dreams of owning a record label, which is why my concentration was business while I was at Morgan.
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THE INTERVIEW LaVonda
Jay
How has music helped your matriculation at Morgan State University?
Music has helped me grow as an individual. It has been my outlet, my healing process and my motivation.
LaVonda
Jay
What motivates you to make music?
I was a foster child since I was six years old and one day I hope that music can help me reunite with my biological family so that I can change their lives like music has changed mine.
LaVonda
Jay
While attending Morgan, what would you say were the greatest aspects of the school?
While attending Morgan I loved the nurturing environment. The University has also made me who I am today. It allowed me to find myself.
LaVonda
Jay
What are some aspects you think the school can improve?
The structure of the school can be improved by being more unified. There is a lot of individualism at the school now.
LaVonda
Jay
How do you feel about the music scene at Morgan?
I feel as though the artists are not respected and appreciated as much as the DJ’s and promoters.
LaVonda
Jay
What do you think the school could do in order to better support the starving and aspiring artists?
They could use better platforms and more useful resources to help expose the artists.
LaVonda
Jay
Where can we find your music?
Soundcloud.com/champagne-jay Spinrilla.com/artist/champagne_ jay
“IT WAS BETTER TO HAVE AND NOT NEED, THAN TO NEED AND NOT HAVE.“
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MS U
Fine Art Department Community Art 101 By Carlee West
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Morgan students interact with the community
M
organ State University does many things as a school to reach out to the surrounding community. Here in the Visual Arts Department we have multiple classes directed towards community art. Created by Professor Blaise DePaolo, the Community Art courses started in the 2006-07 school year and are listed under service general requirements. The community art courses were created to help underserved kids in Baltimore City. The courses place Morgan students as teaching interns within local organizations to provide cultural art programming throughout the city. The Morgan students gradually take on the responsibility of teaching until they can start running the program independently. The courses are designed to give students in all disciplines
the opportunity to experience the power and possibility of service learning through community based art. Through class instruction and a hands on approach, students learn how to present and conduct an enrichment program in art. In addition, students learn the design and planning stages necessary to produce public art and come away with highly engaging projects. A number of students who have taken the courses have gone on to work with local organizations once they graduate and continue to provide enrichment programs here in Baltimore and beyond.
INSIDE OUT
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#BlackLivesMatter
On March 2, 2011, JR won the TED prize at the TED Conference in Long Beach, California, and called for the creation of a global participatory art project with the potential to change the world. This project is called Inside Out. Inspired by JR’s large format street “pastings”, Inside Out gives everyone the opportunity to share their portrait and make a statement for what they stand for. It is a global platform for people to share their untold stories and transform messages of personal identity into works of public art. Each Inside Out group action around the world is documented, archived and exhibited online. Nearly 200,000 people from more than 112 countries & territories have participated. The Inside Out project has traveled from Ecuador to Nepal, from Mexico to Palestine, inspiring group actions on varied themes such as hope, diversity, gender-based violence, and climate change.
O
rganized by Morgan State University’s Visual Arts Department, the Black Lives Matter Inside Out Group Action is a visual response to the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. Created in 2012 after the murder of Trayvon Martin, the movement “[broadens] the conversation around state violence to include all of the ways in which Black people are intentionally left powerless at the hands of the state.” Our Group Action aims to shed light on the presence of invisible boundaries and limitations placed on Black people throughout different facets of our lives. During the Spring 2015 semester, students enrolled in Chris Metzger’s
All photos Computer Graphics II students.
Computer Graphics II and Computers in Art Design courses collaborated on an Inside Out Group Action. By participating in The People’s Art Project, we are joining hundreds of thousands of others from around the world in using art to stand up for a cause we feel passionate about. Throughout the collaborative process, all students were required to submit proposals outlining possible themes for our Group Action. Once themes were presented, a group of 12 students narrowed down the ideas, settling on the three strongest options. These options were then disseminated to the group through a survey and the Black Lives
Matter theme was chosen by the majority. By collectively defining a group message we’ve had the opportunity to build community locally, while adding to the conversation globally. Once our message was clearly defined, students enrolled in Computer Graphics II took on the added responsibility of visualizing the message through black and white portraiture. After a week of experimentation, we settled on the casting of a fence shadow on the subjects to symbolize the presence of the invisible boundaries and limitations encountered by many of us.
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Behind the Scenes Computer Graphics II students played an integral role in the the development and execution of the project. Students reviewed project proposals, conducted photo shoots and ultimately photographed all 42 of the participants in the project.
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Unknown Genesis Behind the Artist: Brandon Pierce Interviewed by Lorenzo Moore When did you first realize that you had musical talent? My first realization that I was musically gifted was thirteen years old. I was in the 8th grade at North East Middle school and my teacher handed me a Alto Saxophone. Ever since that moment, I have been making music from that day forward.
When did you decide to pursue music as a career? At the end of my sophomore year in college. At that time my major was electrical engineering. I hated being an engineering major. Coming from band practice, my friends would be doing their work for their music classes and I 23
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would be doing my engineering work. I became unhappy as a student because I realized my true passion was music. It was at this moment I decided that I’d rather make less money doing what I love than make a lot of money doing something I hate.
What was your experience with music in high school? For the most part in high school, I was self-taught. I really didn’t know how to read music. My first music director in high school wasn’t very good. He was always absent, so my class mates would use his class to kind of play around. While my classmates were playing around, I would take a sheet of music and go in the corner and play
my Alto Saxophone. When the school hired the second band director I began to learn music.
Was that a difficult decision for you? Yes, my mother was upset. She told me that music is a terrible career and that I wouldn’t make any money doing what I love. My band mates really helped me out and ultimately they made my decision easier.
What are some of your experiences in the band? The MSU marching band is like my separate family. Being a member of the MSU marching band and a music major is extremely demanding. The biggest
thing I love about the band is that I’m surrounded by other people who also enjoy music. My best experience was my freshman year playing in the MSU homecoming parade.
What made you choose Morgan State University? Coming out of high school I really didn’t think about college, but I did know I wanted to continue to be in the band. The reason I came to Morgan State University was to join the band. The reason I stayed in college is because of my love of music and band.
What made you join Kappa Kappa Psi? When I was in middle school I was part of a community band called the Baltimore Rebels. Some of the people in the band were members of Kappa Kappa Psi. I looked up to those members in the community band, so when I got to college I couldn’t wait to join Kappa Kappa Psi. I just find it amazing that I can go anywhere in the country, and meet a K.K.Psi brother. The most impactful thing is that we share a common interest in music.
Why did you choose to join Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.? If it wasn’t for the marching band I wouldn’t be an Iota. My freshman year of band I met a brother named Jeron Griffin. He was a transfer student from Lincoln, Missouri and a member of Iota Phi Theta fraternity, Inc. He was also a new member of the MSU marching band. He was the person who introduced me to Iota, so basically everything ties back to band and music.
How do you manage life as a music student and life as a member of two fraternities? It’s extremely busy. I am always managing a back and forth between music and the fraternities.
What’s your experience as a Morgan student? I have great pride for Morgan. To me Morgan is like my family. I will always love and support the school because it has done wonders for me as a person. My overall goal as a student is to change the way Morgan is viewed.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? In the next five years I see myself attending grad school and then teaching music in the Baltimore City Public School System. After I graduate from Morgan, I really want to help the inner city youth. I feel that music isn’t valued enough in the city public schools. Most of this is due to lack of funding. I want to be a part of a new younger generation that fights to help develop better quality music programs in the inner city.
What advice can you give to a new student? My advice to them is to take advantage of your resources and tools and to also take advantage of your teachers. Let them help you succeed. Morgan State University is an amazing school. To be successful at this school you need to be a sponge and absorb all the information that you can. I would like to thank you for interviewing me Lorenzo.
Left, Brandon playing his trumpet at the 2014 Morgan State University Homecoming Parade. Top, Brandon at a Women’s Touch event, Enoch Pratt Library, 2015. Bottom, Brandon and his K.K.Psi brothers at Gillette Stadium, Morgan vs. Howard, 2014.
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My By Chantise Harris
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Taylor Evans Age: 22 Major: Media/Production Hometown: Baltimore
About me I’m a Junior Integrated Media Production Major who has aspires, even as a young girl, to be a person of the arts. From cooking to designing and modeling in my spare time, I find my true passion in directing short films and documentaries. My latest short film is called The Caged Bird.
What inspires my fashion? At a very young age my parents decided to let me dress how I wanted to and as a result I was always labeled the odd ball because of how I dressed. They even called me “Tacky T.” Instead of the words breaking me, I let them build me and turn the negative into a positive and continued wearing what I felt comfortable in.
Photos Damien Taylor
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BENEATH THE SURFACE The Comic Book Enthusiast
Above, The Clocks Silence, digital, 2013
By Aaron Frazier
Bottom midddle, Clarissa Coleman, Graphic Design Major.
A
Opposite top left, With Love and Strength [cropped], pen and ink on paper, 2014.
young, upcoming designer originally from Kettering, Maryland, Clarisa grew up creating art since childhood. She is known for her elegant style and attention to detail.
Opposite top right, Untitled [cropped], pen and ink on paper, 2014. Opposite bottom, The Dragon Tamer, pen and ink on paper, 2014.
Her art can usually be recognized by her sharp, thin lines that pay extra attention to precise details or the bold fantastical subject matter she chooses to depict. Originally gifted with illustration skills, Clarisa chose to study design in order to bridge the gap between design and illustration. Her mediums of choice are pen and ink, prisma color markers and digital painting. 27
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I want to create until I can say I’m as good as them.
What is your purpose for creating art? I just wanna get better. It’s like, I keep creating and creating so I can get as good as the people I always see on popular art sites. I’m always chasing them. I want to create until I can say I’m as good as ‘them’. What is your main inspiration as an artist? For a long time I was really into fantasy and surrealism. I was heavily influenced by Asian art styles and artists, but now I have really started to get into more western comic book art. I really like the more realistic look that western comic books achieve. Series from Marvel and DC Universe both use an art style I want to incorporate into my work. In the end I guess I want to take these two dramatically different art styles and fuse them into one to create my own unique art style. Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created? Why? Actually, I don’t have any favorite pieces. I’m not very attached emotionally to my work anymore. I realize that I am not at the level I wish to be and I see each completed piece as merely a stepping stone to improving my skill and reaching my goal. What’s next after school? I want to get a stable job, then I want to continue improving and selling my art until I’m good enough to illustrate my own comic book series. Where do you see yourself in ten years Hopefully I’ll be illustrating my own comic series. Do you have any artists that inspire you? There are too many to name, but I guess if I had to pick one it would be Todd McFarlane. He illustrated the Spiderman series and I really like the way he captures the human anatomy from different angles. I’d like to get that good someday. Where can we find more of your artwork? Instagram: @Chyari_Works. ARTKAST VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
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GAINING NOTORIETY
By Richard Williams
Opportunities lead to exposure and that leads to people wanting to see my work.
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aining any type of notoriety amongst the professors and peers is not such a tough task in Morgan’s Fine Art Department because as students we see each other almost everyday when we enter the isolated Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center. I see our work when we walk past the glass displays on the third floor, as well as the studios. In addition, the department has an exhibition each year, where the majors can showcase their timeless art. The people who appreciate art come to observe student’s artwork and the non art majors who have to take a class or two even get to see how creative the students in this department are.
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However, that could be a major concern when art students in the department attempt to gain exposure throughout the entire university. The only people who generally get a chance to see the art students’ work are the people who know students in the department directly, those who happen to have class on the third floor and the individuals who come out to the Student Art Exhibition. Professors and students who do not have to come up to the third floor of the Art Department will most likely never get a chance to see some of the artwork the Fine Art students can dish out. As an artist, gaining some sort of notoriety so that people can view the work that you produce is key to laying down the foundation for your success. However, if opportunities only present themselves in logo designs or exhibitions held within Murphy, how will we truly show the Morgan community that we exist? As an art student, we should not be condemned to one area to display our work. If we are to flourish on Morgan’s campus—not just in the Art Department—the University should be open to supporting additional opportunites for the students.
With all due respect, everyone on Morgan’s campus should be afforded the opportunity to view some artwork done by our students. Not to step on anyone’s toes, but that sculpture of Frederick Douglass, could have been sculpted by a student or students in the Art Department under the supervision of the number one sculptor in the department. There is also a blank spot on the overhead at Montebello Complex screaming for one of our amazing mixed media majors to paint a mural over it. With that said, students should not discredit the people who give designers opportunities to revamp their logos; however, more needs to be done to showcase the larger Morgan community that the Visual Art students in Carl J. Murphy are here to stay and flourish. As an art student, I feel like our work should be on display for everyone to appreciate.
Above, Photo ARay Photos. Right, Alexis Ray, Visual Arts Major.
Student Art Exhibitions are cool, but I want my work everywhere around campus.
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ARTKAST INTERVIEWS LUME, A RAPPER FROM THE DMV AND A STUDENT AT MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. By Daniel Goddard AK: Talent? Lume: I make music. AK: Genre of music? Lume: Mainly rap, but I play drums and I’m learning the guitar and piano. AK: How do you stand out? Lume: Um...my lyrics? I try to make my rhymes comprehendible in the wittiest way possible. AK: Meaning of LUME? Lume: “Lume” is taken from my last name Olumese. It has been a family nickname for a while now, so I just ran with that. AK: What do you talk about musically? Lume: I talk about most things a 19 year old kid in college is going through or has been through already; relationships, school, drugs, money, etc. My main goal is to be relatable and provide a perspective on common situations in a different way. 31
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AK: First show? Lume: First show was the summer of 2013 at Joe Record Paradise with the rap group I am apart of, 3rdiiiuth. AK: Motivation? Lume: Just to have fun. Music is more of an escape for me. Writing calms me down and rapping makes me feel good. AK: What do listeners get out of your music? Lume: I would hope listeners can have fun listening to me. I provide a witty perspective on situations us young people go through. AK: Who did you grow up listening to? Lume: I listened and still do listen to everything: from Hall and Oates to Young The Giant to Chief Keef to Kanye West.
AK: Weaknesses? Lume: Weaknesses? I wouldn’t say I have any weaknesses, but there are barriers that are hard to overcome, the biggest one being time. Being in school, working, and still trying to be a rapper gets very hard at times. AK: Top 3 DMV artists? Lume: Shy Glizzy, GoldLink, Al Hostile. AK: Mixtape coming soon? Lume: Yes, AllWild Vol. 1 will be out before the year is over.
LUME IS A MEMBER OF THE RAP COLLECTIVE 3RDIIIUTH.
Top, LUME with group mates from 3rdiiiuth. Photo DanieLume. Bottom, LUME with Al Hostile. Photo EMPTY EYES. ARTKAST VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
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Backstage Pass By Tyler Jackson
Behind the scenes opinions change, but the entertainment value stays the same.
T
he Murphy Fine Arts center is host to many plays and other events during the year. Many of the events are hosted by Morgan’s own Theater Department. They are responsible for auditioning cast and crew members, creating sets and props and promotion of the event. Currently the department is putting on a play called Reparations, directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap with the script and music by Joseph Edwards. The play is about a successful lawyer who takes a case to defend an insurance provider whose ancestor company insured enslaved Africans. Morgan has been lucky enough to be chosen to premiere the play.
The plays writer, Joseph Edwards, has said that developing the play at a Historically Black College and University such as Morgan would be an ideal environment. Krystal, a stage manager for the play, says that it is a great opportunity for Reparations to premiere here at Morgan because of the positive and influential message many African Americans need to hear. Behind the scenes, cast and crew always seem to have their own opinion. Especially after having to watch the play over and over again. As a stage manager, Krystal is in charge of running rehearsals, so she and other crew 33
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and cast memers have seen the play more than enough. When asked about the content of the play, Krystal says that she likes it; however, it may be portrayed as a satire. “When you’re in rehearsals several times a week for long hours it’s easy to become uninterested or annoyed with the play,” said Erin who is a main character in the play. Even so, everyone agrees that Reparations is a relatable play and the strenuous work is worth it in the end.
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V
isual irtuoso
THE ADVENTURE AND JOURNEY NEVER ENDS FOR MSU’S VISUAL ARTS ALUMNI. By Tavon Nelson
making a feature documentary. So, for the last few years I have put a few projects on hold to do an apprenticeship with a documentary film director to learn traditional documentary filming and editing. Additionally, I’m currently working as the Production Assistant at Zaytuna College, photographing and filming student/campus life, along with documenting classes and events.
all been major influences for why I began exploring a conceptual art practice. What inspires you? My inspiration comes from the many stories around the immeasurable power of love. What is your philosophy? Love and be kind to yourself and others. How did you get where you are? My family and ancestors who have sacrificed whatever necessary to allow me to have this opportunity. Giving thanks always. Where else can we find you? www.thenewportproject.tumblr.com www.aidahrasheed.tumblr.com Twitter: @aidahrasheed
How long have you been an artist? I have been a creative since childhood and I have been working formally as an artist professional for seven years. How did you receive your education?
Aïdah Aliyah Rasheed Age: 29 Major: Photography Location: Oakland, CA Brief introduction to who you are and what you do? I’m a lover of light and all things good. During graduate school, I was encouraged to make a documentary film, although I had limited knowledge about 35
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Growing up I would buy many disposable cameras and print my photos at local grocery stores. I took photographs as a kid, although I did not realize I could formally study photography in college. Originally, I came to Morgan State University on a tennis scholarship and studied Biology (Pre-Med). After taking an art class with Professor Blaise DePaolo I made a choice to change my major to Fine Arts. During my time at Morgan I participated in a two year long project at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). I received independent study credits from MICA, along with Johns Hopkins University. After graduating from Morgan, I was encouraged to pursue a Master’s of Fine Arts degree and in 2013, received my MFA from California College of the Arts. What are some cultural and artistic influences? There are many influences; Surrealism, Black and Chicano Art Movements, Jazz music and all of Spike Lee’s films are a few inspirations. Adrian Piper, David Hammons, Lorna Simpson, Kara Walker and Hank Willis Thomas have
Above, complementary, digital print. Right, Strange Fruition II [installation and details], 2013, autobiographical images and texts, found objects, mixed media, 3'x12'x 2'. Far right, The Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological, 2007, digital print.
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What inspires you? Initially, there were certain artists like Andy Warhol and Sam Gilliam who inspired me to create art. Large scale pieces with lots of color were influential when studying art in school. Experimenting with different mediums and enjoying the therapeutic nature of making things was, and still is, inspiring. Music was also an important component. Visually creating what you felt when listening to something. What is your philosophy? My philosophy is to always be engaged in the process of making your art as opposed to looking forward to the end result (Thanks Mr. Jones). Also, create and interpret what you feel through your work. How did you get where you are? Raphael Davison Age: 29 Major: Photography Location: Brooklyn, NY Brief introduction to who you are and what you do? I am an artist working as a graphic designer at Carnegie Hall in New York. How long have you been an artist? I’ve been creating work since I was a child. My dad was an artist, so I learned to draw by watching him. It wasn’t until college that I considered art as a profession. How did you receive your education? I received my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Morgan State University. What are some cultural and artistic influences? Design aesthetics from the late 80’s and early 90’s and the energy it exudes from that time period are very influential to me. Although I’m a graphic designer there are several fine and mixed media artists who have been influential. Artists like Sam Gilliam, Andy Warhol, René Magritte, John Baldessari, Basquiat, Kara Walker and Ana Mendieta.
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I had a lot of encouragement from mentors, teachers and family to continue finding a career in art and design. With that, I also found opportunities on my own to refine my skills. Having several references and inspirations helped and still help as well. Networking with peers and individuals in the same field can also be a tremendous help. Where else can we find you? Instagram: @crateronmercury www.crateronmercury.tumblr.com www.cargocollective.com/hernameis raphael/
Below, Merry Wives Of Windsor, 2011–2012 Season Production. Right, Carnegie Hall’s 2012 Opening Night Gala, Invitation.
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the Australian National University specializing in Printmaking and Drawing, which enabled me to experiment, find my personal voice and make connections with my local community. What are some cultural and artistic influences? Some of the many artists that influence me include Jörg Schmeisser, Raymond Arnold, Fiona Hall, John Wolseley, Mary Tonkin, William Robinson, Chun Kwang Young, Julie Mehretu, Eugene Von Guerard and Philip Wolfhagen. What inspires you?
Annika Romeyn Age: 28 Major: Illustrator Location: Canberra, Australia Brief introduction to who you are and what you do? I am a visual artist working across drawing, watercolor painting and printmaking. How long have you been an artist? I have made art throughout my life, but have been a professional artist for about four years since completing my education in December 2010. Parallel to my art career I have been involved in art education since my time at Morgan and currently enjoy working as an educator at the National Gallery of Australia. How did you receive your education? I traveled from Australia to take up an academic scholarship at Morgan State University between 2005–2009. I loved my time at Morgan—the opportunity to travel opened my eyes to new possibilities in art and life. As an Illustration major I focused on honing my drawing skills, which have been an important basis for all of my subsequent work in printmaking and painting. After returning to Australia I spent an extra year completing an Honors degree at 39
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I am inspired by a direct experience of nature through my journeys on foot, by raft or kayak. I am particularly interested in the complex, contrasting details and textures at the intersection of rock and water. Sketching on location helps to heighten my sensory awareness and memory of the environment, while photography and poetry also provides important reference for my studio work. I am inspired by the challenge of connecting the realms of micro and macro, representation and abstraction, and of capturing a sense of elemental power and dynamism. What is your philosophy? Follow your dreams. How did you get where you are? Passion, patience, and hard work! Practicing and learning the skills necessary to communicate my ideas and eventually letting go and allowing my individual perspective to shine through. Never settling—always trying new things and aiming to grow and improve. Being organized and putting time and energy into presenting my work in a professional manner, as well as applying for exhibitions, awards, grants, which have helped to advance my career. Where else can we find you? www.annika-romeyn.com www.annika-romeyn.blogspot.com.au www.flg.com.au/artist/annika-romeyn/ contemporary/
Above top, Luminous Earth, 2013, watercolor on paper, 150"x100". Above bottom, Luminous Earth Intersection, 2014, watercolor on paper, 150”x100”.
Above, Wild River (The Franklin), 2015, watercolor on paper, 92"x120". Left, Canyon Wall #2, 2013, lithograph, 38"x51".
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How did you receive your education? My education in art started as a child when I would participate in Saturday art programs and activities with my cousin and uncle. I got into photography my 11th grade year in high school where I was given photography on my schedule instead of Intro to Guitar as I requested. While attending Morgan I also learned a lot from Internships and the Cooperative Exchange Program I did at MICA. In the Fall of 2015 I will begin graduate school at Columbus College of Art and Design. What are some cultural and artistic influences?
Kelli Williams Age: 26 Major: Photography Location: Baltimore, MD Brief introduction to who you are and what you do? I am a freelance Photographer and visual artist who works primarily in the photographic medium. I graduated from Morgan State University in 2011, where I majored in Fine Art with a concentration in Photography. I was the Co-founder of Rift Studio, formerly located in the Station North Arts District, that opened in the summer of 2012. Though I work primarily in the photographic medium I also use sound, stop-motion animation, mixed media, and installation to accompany my photographic works. How long have you been an artist? I have been an artist from a very young age. I was always drawing, writing, and creating things out of found objects. My uncle was an artist, so I was always involved in art related activities. I started to seriously pursue art in high school where I took photography and other art classes.
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I am influenced by Hank Willis Thomas, Maya Freelon Asante, Gregory Crewdson, Dina Goldstein, David Lachapelle and Kehinde Wiley. I am also inspired by Janelle Monae and how she approaches her music. What inspires you? I am inspired by so many things, social media being a large part of it. I am interested in the way people interact with it and how it affects everyday life. Along with social media, I am inspired by popular culture, music and television. What is your philosophy? You don’t always have to be so serious. The best artwork inspires an emotion. It might as well be laughter. How did you get where you are? A large part is that I have really supportive family and friends. They always made me feel like I could do anything. I also have always been a hard worker, respectful and kind. Because of this, I always have been able to get jobs and clients. Where else can we find you? Instagram: @Kshantee www.kelliswilliams.com
Above top, Easy Money [installation and detail], 2011, parking tickets. Top right, Da Block, 2011, digital print. Bottom right, Insert Credit Card, 2011, digital print. Far right, Hamilton, 2011, digital print.
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