Down For Magazine Issue 1 by df publications

down for

Letter from the editor: Hello, Perhaps an introduction is appropriate. We are DF magazine. Yes, down for. It is our wish to inform and delight you with each issue. The magazine is about art, theatre, fashion, and all the wondrous events along the way. Thanks for being here. Thomas Green

Table of Contents Theatre:

Lana Tucker Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Art:

James Cobb Thomas Green

Fashion:

Leila Shams Austin Fashion Week

Music:

Interview with Mike and the Dirty Boys Bombasta Barrio Big Band Joyhaus Margaret Ann Garza

Personal stories: Karen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Krajcer Joel Gonzalez Roller Derby

Architecture: Jose Escudero

Projects: Sadie Ilse

Art is what you can get away with. -Andy Warhol

digital art by Thomas Green

ana Tucker is a freshman at Johnson HS and is involved in Theater Arts and Journalism. Lana has been singing and acting since she was in elementary school. She has sung on a couple of CD’s, was the cover model for a book and has recently been involved at The Woodlawn Theatre with Pennington Productions Youth Productions. Lana was Carmen Diaz in Fame, Jellylorum in Cats and Mitchie Torres in Camp Rock. Although Lana appreciates all music, she is currently DF: Peirce the Veil, Skrillex, Escape the Fate, All time Low, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, Forever The Sickest Kids, LIGHTS and Paramore. Her inspirations: Valerie Poxleitner, Oliver Sykes, Amy Winehouse,… Her Obsessions: Wolves, her ipod, fur bags, beanies, fuzzy blankets, old books, peace tea, laptops, writing, blogging, laughing, seeing concerts, making funny faces and when the bass drops…

photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre

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Facebook.com/Dolce.Fashion

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photo from Classic Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of Sam Shepards Pulitzer prize winning play Buried Child

In Mexico, before the wheel was invented, gangs of slaves had to carry giant stones through the jungle and up the mountains, while their children pulled their toys on tiny rollers. The slaves made the toys, but for centuries failed to make the connection. When good actors play in bad comedies or second rate musicals, when audiences applaud indifferent classics because they enjoy just the costumes or just the way the sets change, or just the prettiness of the leading actress, there is nothing wrong. But none the less, have they noticed what is underneath the toy they are dragging on a string? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wheel.

-Peter Brook

James Cobb INVASIVE SPECIES

One of the joys, for me, of working visually is allowing myself immersion into a language I am pleased does not translate satisfactorily into English. I am of the belief that this allows me to work intuitively and happily with trains of thought and feelings free to allow the visual logic of the developing image to collaborate. But, at the risk of throwing this entire delicate personally maintained balance to image making out of whack, I’ll say this. If something emblematic is a picture that involves a moral teaching or allegorical meaning and is involved in the making visual qualities and feelings then there is definitely an element of the emblematic in this work. It is an obscure emblematic, to be sure, in that the work probably communicates on an intuitive level alone. The issues that interest me, interconnectedness, the illusory nature of the world – metaphysics, these undoubtedly leak into the work as it drives my compulsion to make it. I am fond of establishing a personal vocabulary of symbolic elements, but it changes all the time. Sometimes the symbols remain the same, but the meanings have altered. Isn’t art great? Just like life. Some of the most recent pieces here show the influence of a desire to revisit a technical drawing approach familiar to me from the couple of years I worked as a draftsman for an ice cube machine manufacturer and an architectural firm designing high-rise banks. A tip of the hat to Ersnt Haeckel and his “Art Forms in Nature”. I divide my time between painting and working digitally. They are mediums that don’t, for me, dovetail well in that the processes are very different. I am not speaking of the difference between painting with a brush and working on a monitor, drawing with a soap-on-a-rope (mouse), This work is all digitally created. The computer allows for an improvisational approach to composition, ease of correction and radical reworking that is very freeing.

Duality

Schematic for pink Born in La Mesa, California and raised in San Diego and St. Louis, James Cobb has worked as an artist and musician for most of his adult life, including 20 years as a full-time painter in oils. An early interest in drawing eventually led Cobb into involvement in the Mail Art phenomenon of the 1970’s and into the 1980’s. Cobb was inspired by the global underground network and for five years devoted all his “free” time to corresponding, creating images, networking, and travelling to visit many of the artists worldwide that were part of what they all considered a “movement”. Cobb participated under the names Nunzio Mifune, The Six-Fingers Club, created many self-produced music tapes as Six-Fing Thing and put out an obscure xerox magazine, The Mambo Press Update. Eventually he developed a sophisticated spray-paint stencil style for the use in creating multiple images for small global distribution. In the early 1980’s he began painting in oils and over a 16 year period of working as a painter full-time, had one-person exhibits in New York, Los Angeles, Osaka, Japan, Cardiff, Wales, The Netherlands, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and groups shows at the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Osaka, Japan, The Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, The Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe, The San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, The Cheney Cowles Museum, Spokane, Washington, The Boise Art Museum, Boise, Idaho, Laguna Gloria Art Mueum, Austin, Diverse Works, Houston, The Glassel School of Fine Art, Houston, Blue Star Art Space, San Antonio, and the San Francisco Museum of Art Rental Gallery, San Francisco. His paintings are in the Frederick R. Wiseman Collection, Los Angeles, The Huntington Museum, Austin, The San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, and have been collected by film director Taylor Hackford, Museum director Henry Hopkins, art dealer, and gallery director, Hal Bromm, New York. Collectors include Charlie Mitchell, Santa Barbara, California, who has some 50 Cobb paintings and has created a three-story x 75 ft. installation of the work he calls the “Cobb Wall”. Cobb has received a National Endowment for the Arts Visual Arts Fellowship, a grant from Art Matters Foundation, New York, an artist’s residency in London from Art Pace, San Antonio, and a fellowship grant from Austin-Fairchild Art foundation, Austin, Texas. In 1998 Cobb veered from painting full-time to exploring digital art creation and digital audio projects. Under the name “Six-Fing Thing” he released two CD projects, “Self-Portrait as a Venerable Shrub” and “Our Children”. “Our Children” is the audio half of a multi-media performance/exhibition at Trace: Installation Art Space in Cardiff, Wales. In 2005 he was hired to teach Digital Imaging at Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, and he taught there until 2011 creating New Media courses for the College of Arts and Sciences as well as teaching a computer graphics programs course at the Southwest School of Art, San Antonio. Working Digitally he has created two series of works, “Our Children” and “The Secret Lives of Sticks and Stones”. Also more recent forays into “Schematas” and the large scale pieces “The Wheel of Delusion” and the “Gratitudex3” triptych which is in the permanent collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Cobb graduated from Principia Upper School, St. Louis, a private college preparatory school, in 1969 and went on to take courses at Principia College, Elsah, Il. and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. He graduated from St. Louis Tech, St. Ann, Mo. in 1972 with a certificate in Mechanical Drafting. Cobb is largely self-taught having spent some 30 years working as an artist. 13

Seashore

Crypt Keeper Creations Designer: Hannah Gore (beautiful little burlesque hats) Models: Victoria (of Scissors of Mercy), K. Day, Nicole Winfield, and Hannah Gore MUAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: K. Day and Hannah Gore Hair by Hannah Gore and Christine Elaine Eakin Jewelry by the Katâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meow and Pure Luck Designs Wardrobe Styling by Hannah and Kat Props from: All Above and Charlynne Gonzales Photographer: Thomas Green

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I ’ve

never been so

determined to find out what designer someone was wearing, until I spotted Stephanie Pratt (from The Hills, reality television show,) wearing the sexiest mini dress ever! It happened last year while scrolling through pictures of the MTV Movie Awards that had taken place the night before. I remember thinking that I just had to find out who the designer was that created that dress. It was a neon, butterfly print with lace and sequins that I could totally see myself in. I started doing some research. I was expecting to find out the design was from someone like Dolce and Gabbana, instead, it was Leila Shams. All these thoughts were running through my head. Who was this “Leila Shams?” I’ve never even heard of her! I’m pretty up to speed with the hot designers of today, the really popular ones, I guess you could say. This time, I was clueless. As it turns out, Leila Shams is not a very new designer. In fact, she has had her hand in design for about 12 years. Up until 2010, Leila Shams was hiding behind the scenes at some of our favorite stores. Do you remember walking into Express one day at the mall, and just thinking to yourself that the clothes at the store were looking way cooler than usual? I mean, at one point, it was like there were all of these colorful sassy clothes that just came out of nowhere! Well, among that team of the people responsible, Leila Shams. The ever so awesome clothing from DKNY, Leila Shams, was also on that team. The Bebe Addiction line? That’s right! Leila Shams! It’s been more than a year that I’ve been following her. When we came up with the idea of doing this magazine, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to feature some super talented designers that people don‘t hear about too often? That’s when I decided to email Leila Shams. I’d been on her facebook for a while, and messaged her once, but now it was a business page. So I went to her site, Leilashams.com. 20

I waited about a week or two and I figured I wouldn’t get a response. Well, I was wrong! She is so down to earth that she emailed me back. She was even worried because she wasn’t sure she emailed me. She allowed me to use some of the pictures on her site and write about her. How great is that? So here it goes! Her first collection in the Spring of 2010 was her “Weird Science” Collection. She puts together the collection with feathers and sequins and takes us back to the 80’s, back to Weird Science the movie, but adds a modern twist to that era with some bold animal prints. In the Fall 2010, she introduced her “Bad Luck” Collection, my personal favorite. It’s a super hot party girl collection. Pretty fabrics and unlucky images are thrown into the mix. She used themes like black cats and the number 13 and adorns them with lace or sequins and pearls. In one interview with sandiinthecity.on sugar.com, she said, “I wanted to change the idea of superstition, we broke a mirror to create the prints and embellishments and I can tell you so far, my luck has continued to be stellar.” In her Spring 2011 “Super Freak” Collection, more shocking wild animal prints are introduced: Albino alligators, horses, some beads, and cool cuts for this particular show. Shorts, Pants, skirts, dresses are what you will find in this collection. Something sexy for everyone! The latest, her Fall 2011 “Shellshock” Collection, another favorite of yours truly, was inspired by beetles. Actual beetles. In her blog she says, “I took an entomology class with my brother and ended up chasing bugs in high heels for a semester.” The collection inspired by this

!lufituaeb erom yna eb t‘ndluoc sroloc ehT

concept is just gorgeous. Chiffon, fur, leather and sequins galore! We truly have been blessed to have such a talented designer born in our lifetime. She is truly an artist. Jump on the bandwagon if you are ready for some fearless fashion, and get ready to paint the town red while you turn some heads! Story by Nancy Santos

Special thanks to Shannon Sinclair for photos

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A staff photo

ustin Fashion Week

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Amsterdam

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DF Model Ale, top: Bebe and cat ears: Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Df Model Patsy, Devil horns: Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Necklace: Bebe

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Special Thanks to Codigo Lounge 912 Df Model Ale Df Model Patsy Dj Mario Skyy Df Model Jaime

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DF Model Pasty is burlesque! Costume: Atlantis Discovered, Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas

DJ Mario Skyy is a pirate this year! Costume: Atlantis Discovered, Bandera Road, San Antonio Texas

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Model Ale: Top, Forever21.com, DJ Skyy, Patsy wants to DJ, Model Jaime: Batman mask: Spirit Halloween, Shirt: Express Men

Brittany Emerson Photography

digital composition by Thomas Green 43

What I’m Down For Karen O’Donnell Krajcer

It’s confession time. I know that I’ll feel better after sharing it, but that’s like knowing that I’ll feel better after throwing up; it’s probably true, but nonetheless humiliating. This is the issue of my life, the story, the bane, the self-shaper, the back-breaker, the quintessential shiny and jagged nugget of Karenness. But before you pull your chairs a little closer, I have to warn you: you might not think this is a big deal. Cognition tells me that you won’t, but emotion tells me that you will. Part of me worries that you’ll get upset, believing that I’ve made a big deal out of nothing, and simultaneously, part of me worries that you’ll show up at my house with torches and pitchforks. Actually, the second part of me might be more concerned that you won’t show up at all. So here it is. And maybe you already know. My chair is squawking across the linoleum, and I’m standing up in the circle. My name is Karen Krajcer. I’m 33 years old, and I am a stutterer. That book I’ve been writing? It’s about stuttering. That night I almost got arrested because I gave the police officer a fake name? Stuttering. That day my phone had a really bad connection and kept hanging up on you? That was me, stuttering. Evading a question, assuring you that your pronunciation of my last name is fine, ordering food I don’t want, forgetting my husband’s name, not introducing myself . . .stuttering. Maybe you think that you do this, too. It’s been a rough day, and as you try to organize your thoughts, your words come out staccato, in a fool’s alliteration that turns the spotlight onto you for a moment. And you feel embarrassed, for a moment, that you stuttered, for a moment. It’s not the same thing. Or maybe you think that you did this when you were younger. You’re four years-old, banging a pot with a spoon, when your mother walks in with toilet paper stuck to her shoe, and you proclaim a redundant chorus of “You-You-You-You . . .” Next thing you know, you’re spending one hour a week reading flashcards with a nice, slow-speaking lady named Dr. Sally (though she isn’t “really a doctor,” she winks). Not the same. If you have experienced either of these instances, it’s likely that you were experiencing the natural struggle of trying to articulate discombobulated thoughts. Though your impulse to speak was present, the specific arrangement of complex language was not, and the result was discombobulated speech. The final product might sound like stuttered speech, but it does not arise from the same physical, emotional, or psychological impulse of actual stuttering. When I say that I am a stutterer, I mean that something physically prevents me from saying what I want to say and the root of this impediment grows out of anxiety. I apologize for using a vague blob of a word like something, especially when writing affords stutterers the pleasure of specificity, but it’s difficult to be precise when the medical community has not yet determined the cause of stuttering. The most accurate and concise answer I can offer is that stuttering is the result of a complex combination of speech behaviors, intentions, emotions, beliefs, perceptions, and physiological responses that each affects and reinforces the others. I’m talking about both Nature and Nurture, acting as Stuttering’s intimidating goons. While genetic testing is beginning to prove that I was born with a predisposition to stutter, the fact that I continue to stutter as an adult also implies that my physical impediment is exacerbated, and perhaps even sustained, by a psychological detriment, best known by its street names Self-Loathing and Cowardice. Thus, when you stick out your hand and introduce yourself—and now you’re pumping my hand and looking me in the eyes, and you’re waiting for me to return the ball with my own name, and my mouth is opening but nothing is coming out—I haven’t forgotten my name, nor though I tell you so, do I have to sit down because I’m feeling dizzy. I know my name, and man, do I want to share it with you, but my anxiety about not being able to form the plosive sound “k” in the back of my throat seizes the muscles of my vocal tract, resulting in total silence in respect to that single sound and moment. 45

I won’t give you a long and painful history—a finger-pointing, kiddie-snickering, cafeteria-tray-in-hand-lonely-walking, Suffer-Fest of my life as a stutterer. This article isn’t “What I’m Down On,” and that’s not really an accurate portrayal of my childhood and adolescence. For the most part, after age twelve or so, people rarely, if ever, heard it. My parents and childhood friends thought it had gone away. Not even my husband, who at the time had known me for nearly ten years, knew that I was a stutterer until I told him, and even then, I had to work to convince him. In retrospect, I don’t think that most people know that I am a “person with a stutter” (the current, politically-correct term), and I now know that their ignorance, which I once deemed as my success, has been my greatest problem. Until a year ago, I lived as a covert stutterer, which means that I worked—and it was work—to conceal my stutter through any means necessary. Through the help of a grab bag of tricks, such as word substitution and circumlocution, I was more or less able to hide my stammerings and blocks. If I struggled over a word, if I “Oh, what is that word I’m looking for? Man, mental block!” people seemed to think that I was just tired and having the same sort of no-big-deal inarticulate moment that everyone seems to experience on occasion. On really bad days, I just refused to talk. So successful were these evasive techniques that I managed to work in a career that demanded effective public speaking on a daily basis. So dependent was I on these techniques that their physical success ultimately resulted in my emotional demise. I do not exaggerate when I say that I devoted nearly every conscious thought to calculating multiple approaches to any verbalization (questions, introductions, small-talk, anything with a specific, un-substitutable answer—such as proper nouns), fretting over what would happen if my mask fell and my true, flawed nature exposed itself, or hating myself for not saying what it was that I wanted to say. I’ve avoided, I’ve lied, I’ve self-denied all for fear of revealing myself as a failure. That’s a lot of freaking work. That’s a lot of self-imposed misery. That’s egoism in its ugliest form. And so I’m through. One year ago, emotionally and physically exhausted from trying to pass as a fluent speaker, I attended my first National Stuttering Association (NSA) meeting. I had to drive to Austin to participate because San Antonio doesn’t currently have a chapter. While I didn’t have to stand up in a circle and declare myself as a stutterer, I had about eighty freeway exits between downtown San Antonio and UT Austin that each demanded my acceptance of the problem in order to allow me to continue. Ten months later, I was leading a chapter meeting, asking fellow attendees to share the best advice they learned at the NSA’s annual national conference, when I heard a piece of advice that inspires me today: Give people the opportunity to do something great. Though most of the suggestions around the table had to do with self-acceptance and fortitude, when my fellow NSAer used the general, inclusive term people, he didn’t mean us—a shock for stutterers, usually focused on how we sound and how others perceive us. What he meant was that we shouldn’t assume that non-stutterers will judge us. Rather, people could do something great by listening to us with the same patience and interest that they would give anyone else. They would do something great by treating us just like everyone else. A perpetual cause of anxiety for covert stutterers is that each speaking opportunity, no matter how brief or innocuous, is an opportunity to be discovered as different. And I don’t mean hipster “Guy, those skinny cut-offs are so ugly they’re cool” different. What closeted stutterers most fear is being labeled as freak-different, stupid-different, maybe even retarded, and we’re not always sure that it’s not true. This anxiety has been with me my entire life, my first and only friend to show up at daily pity-parties, and my fellow-NSAer’s words smacked some muchneeded sense into me. Why do I assume that people will judge me or look down on me when they learn that I am a person who stutters? I am being just as judgmental in labeling people, even friends and family, as insensitive before I give them the chance to be compassionate or even just normal. So here it is, San Antonio. My name is Karen Krajcer, and I’m down for giving people the opportunity to do something great. No more will I cower from social interaction, attempt to comfort friends via text messages, or introduce myself as whatever name comes out most easily (yes, I did . . .more than once). When my OB/GYN’s receptionist asks me my name, I might be silent for a few seconds and then stammer out “Krajcer,” and maybe she’ll respectfully maintain eye contact while I struggle, and then smile when I finally get it out, or maybe she’ll slide a piece of paper and a pen across the desk and ask me to “just write it down,” or maybe she’ll point her finger and laugh with nonchalant mockery, but here’s the thing, no matter the reaction, I will accept that I am a person who stutters. Despite the fact that I’m still 46

scared, one reason I need to accept myself is because I only have about two more months of going to that OB/GYN’s office. This is because, in about two months, I will give birth to a baby boy, a child who could also be a person who stutters, a person who, like me, will have questions about a condition for which he never asked that makes him feel different. But while a stutter might set him apart from others, it needn’t exclude him from others or alienate him from himself. In order for me to believe that acceptance is possible for my son, I must first believe it possible for myself. (*) And so here we go . . . It’s nice to finally meet you, San Antonio. My name is Karen Krajcer. I am a person who stutters, and I’m down with giving people, including myself, the opportunity to do something great.

(* possible insert) Let me break it down. We all have our shit that, in our minds, looms larger than anyone else’s shit. I have a bruise. You have a broken arm. Do you win? Perhaps, if we’re in a bar having an idiotic injury competition, but in my mind, having never experienced a broken bone, that bruise hurts just as much. So, please pardon my defensive tone. I do not believe that I have suffered worse than anyone else; I simply believe that, relatively speaking, we all have the capacity to suffer equally. But here’s where choice comes in. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. I’ve listened to hours of self-help podcasts between here and Austin, and this Buddhist saying has resonated the strongest. The linguistic formula lends itself to the creation of other axioms, such as Inconsiderate asses are inevitable. Listening to them is optional. It’s not a perfect construction, but the sentiment helps. Yes, there are people out there who would mock those with a speech impediment, but I think that people are generally good and compassionate, or at least want to be. So how about another truism: Self-acceptance is necessary. Public acceptance is possible.

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PARADOX

I am who I am And who I was And he I’ve yet to be. I live in a world That never was And will maybe never be. I’ve done the things I’ve yet to do And all I’ve done before. I am a dream A simple spore, Resting on infinity’s shore. Warren Graffeo

Instructor of Writing & English Texas A&M Int’l. University

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Joel Gonzalez

was a teen in trouble. He skipped school. He got bad grades. He did drugs. He got into fights. He was getting expelled at school. It was every Mothers worst nightmare. He was just hanging with the wrong kids and doing crazy things. His Mother moved him to a more “structured” school in hopes of helping her son become a better person. She fought for him, but he never fought for himself…until now. These days, you can find Joel at the Southside Copperheads Boxing Gym. The gym has been open for 3 years and is owned by Leroy and Veronica Trujillo. It’s a fun place with a great staff, fully equipped, and there’s even a pool table for when they feel like taking a little break. Coach Leroy Trujillo says that even though Joel has not been boxing long, he is “getting good and getting stronger.” I met up with Joel and his mom, Adelina Velazquez, for a quick interview while he was at the gym. We talked about how he ended up at the gym and he told me that he saw a sign at the store and he just decided to check it out. He’s been going there ever since. His first fight was at the Roadhouse Saloon Showdown. He did a lot of prepping, but when he got there he became nervous because of the crowd and he messed up. He also became distracted by the crowd; his mom rooting for him, people yelling at him and the other fighter. In a sense, he became scared and it didn’t go as well as he planned. He is working out everyday after school now and says that in 10 years, he would still like to be boxing and wants to be like Manny Pacquiao. His Mom says boxing has helped him a lot. He is doing something productive with his time and enjoying it. He is keeping his mind, and body healthy now. In the mean time, he wouldn’t mind doing some modeling, As you can see from the picture, he’d fit right in. So ladies, take note, he just might be the next Manny Pacquiao! Story by Nancy Santos 53

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Boxer and Model Joel Gonzalez

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55 Joel Gonzalez with Coach Leroy Trujillo of Southside Copperheads Boxing Gym

He is doing something productive with his time and enjoying it.

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We Won’t Bite…Unless You Want Us To..

even years deep and some of you STILL don’t know we’re here! We are the Alamo City Rollergirls and we kick ass on roller-skates! ACRG began way back in 2005 by two women who wanted to give San Antonio something new and exciting. In the beginning we had enough girls to make 4 teams. After injuries, life changes and what not, we dissolved the home teams and have put our focus on our travel team, Las Tejanas. We are proud members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association and we recruit the first Tuesday of every month!

Not everyone is cut out to be a rollergirl.

. Claiming that “title” takes work! It takes sweat, loyalty, dedication, pain, and the will to be the BEST rollergirl you can be on AND off the track. Most roller derby leagues, if not all, are “For the Skater, By the Skater.” This means that we, the rollergirl, work for the success of our league. If you think it’s all fishnets and sexiness you better think again. Roller Derby smells bad, and it hurts bad, if you can overlook that, you’re golden. Obviously there is a lot more that goes into it, but as long as you’re not afraid to fall, get pushed around and smell like a gym bag…that’s a start. Note to future rollergirl, if you REALLY want to join the ACRG familia, and aren’t the best skater, start skating NOW. Cook in your skates, clean in your skates, do anything you can, ON SKATES. The more you’re in them the more comfortable you’ll be on them. This sport takes great foot work and agility. It is very tiresome and requires serious endurance and conditioning. Getting out and being active off your skates, whether it’s through running, biking, hiking, or walking will help tremendously. Your roller derby name and the right to call yourself a rollergirl must be earned. Once it is earned, all your aches, pains, and time will definitely be worth it. We do have a lot of fun. The competition alone is worthwhile. Road trips to play teams out of city and sometimes out of state are the best! We contribute to the community as well. We partnered up with Girls Inc., which is a non-profit org that instills strength, confidence and the skills to be successful to the little girls of our future, and have participated in numerous walks (on skates) for health awareness. One of the biggest perks of being a rollergirl is, truly finding yourself. If you were lacking in confidence, confidence is 58

what you will gain. If you were lacking in humility, patience, and even family, then humility, patience and family you will have. Roller Derby is a positive sport and it opens doors you never knew existed.

We’re not all tattooed and pierced either. Anyone can do this! Any body type, height, weight, curly hair or straight hair, big booty or no booty, glasses or no glasses, you CAN do this!! Si! Se Puede!! Oh I’m sorry, did I forget to mention the new booty you’ll get? Roller-skating on the regular can do wonders for the bum. Every rollergirl in the world has the BEST ASS!! That alone should be a deal breaker!

TTITUDE CHECK!! Please don’t come in with an attitude, you must have the ability to work closely with a group of women that may or may not be your best friends. We all know how women can tend to not always see eye to eye; it’s all about being adults and handling things the adult way. Save the attitude for our opponents. Taking constructive criticism and wanting to compete with the best is what we are looking for. Also, leave the whining at home. There is no room for whining in Roller Derby. We don’t crochet, we hit each other….hard.

If any of this sounds appealing to you, I encourage you to come out to our recruitment session. It’s the first Tuesday of every month at the Rollercade on 223 Recoleta Road, 78219. Wear what’s comfortable, be prepared to stick around for a little while, and have some skill. We only accept those who can skate with control, balance, and the ability to speed up, slow down, cross-over and break. Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Be there by 7pm and look for any member of ACRG. You’ll know her when you see her! Don’t be afraid, we don’t bite… unless you want us to! Bloody Kisses, Tanya Montez, aka. Billie Midol Alamo City Rollergirls 2005- TODAY! www.alamocityrollergirls.com

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Jose Escudero Architect

beam of sun pierces up from the horizon on a cool, crisp, cloudless winter morning and makes a glancing encounter with towering panes of some glass. The buildings elegantly command the city’s landscape as a river gently flows past the unforgettable shimmering shapes of downtown San Antonio. It gracefully comes to fruition, like a distant mirage in the historic south Texas hill country. Like looking deep into the eyes of a dear friend, it’s a window into the heart of the artisans who designed it, a window into their culture, and a window into what they were trying to accomplish at that instance in time.

The artistic aptitude and technical knowhow to erect these structures for both the civil and commercially designed, is important for the growth, well-being and for the success of our cities. It is for this reason that DF Magazine will spotlight students every issue to celebrate and support the integration of the arts and education. In this month’s issue we single out Jose Adalberto Escudero. Born in Laredo, Texas, Jose currently attends University of Texas At San Antonio and is double majoring in Architecture and Construction Science Management. Since a very early age, his wonderful mother Juanita Diana Escudero has always inspired Jose. She was an amazing elementary school teacher and has always nurtured his artistic hunger. Another man, however, led the way for his true calling, architecture. His father, Amador Escudero, was an insightful and loving man who was City Engineer for the City of Laredo. We lost Amador Escudero in 1994. He left an indelible mark on how he wanted to impact and builds anew the south Texas cities that he loved so much. Jose, now a father himself, to Ryan and Laila Escudero, delicately juggles family and school with his wonderful wife Lucy Escudero. DF: Where did your love for art come from? Jose: Seeing my own father’s engineering designs and artwork is what inspired me throughout my childhood. DF: Who is your favorite architect? Jose: I think I would have to say Frank Lloyd Wright because he is a pioneer of modern design. DF: Would you say your design work is shaped by some of his work? Jose: Absolutely, but, I think I’m most influenced by Frank Gehry. DF: What makes you say that? Jose: Well, the fact that Frank Gehry uses architecture as a tool to satisfy his own artistic pursuits really fascinates me. His buildings are like a work of art and are seen as beautifully sculpted landmarks. DF: What are your plans, post graduation? Jose: I would really enjoy utilizing my educational background to bridge the gap between designer and builder. Designing, however, is without a doubt my passion DF: What are some obstacles you have had to overcome while pursuing your degree? Jose: There have been many obstacles throughout my college years; however, one of the greatest obstacles came this year. Because of the economic crisis this country is going through, the present administration has drastically cut financial aid. This has affected not only me, but many other students. DF: What kind of advice would you give someone who is thinking about pursuing the same career? Jose: The best advice I can give is to be dedicated from the beginning. Stay focused and don’t give up. Studio takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and be prepared for no sleep at times, especially when project deadlines are near. DF: What’s your favorite kind of project? Jose: I would have to say commercial. Given the right opportunity, designing commercial projects provides you with the possibility to transform a city’s skyline. For example, being a part of the design team that is rebuilding Ground Zero. Imagine the satisfaction it brings, knowing you helped provide closure to the many families that lost someone during 9/11; especially to the families that never recovered their loved ones from the rubble. DF: Where is your favorite place to get inspired? Jose: I would have to say The Pantheon in Rome built by Hadrian, if I remember correctly. The building itself is traditional Roman Architecture with its Corinthian porch and so on. It would be inspiring to enter its domed hall with its central oculus. The light that pierces in through the oculus would be a heavenly sight. Nothing says more about a city than its skyline. Like a window into the past, each and every building is a testament to the people who built it and the times they lived in. People like Jose Escudero will be the visionaries of our cities future.

By Rodolfo Lozano IV

Architecture Project by Jose Escudero

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Out with the NEW in with the OLD By: Sadie Ilse Style, fashion, and a whole lot of passion! I never would have guessed that these three words would make up the inspiration to many rooms across the world. These three things go hand in hand when the doors open into the world of interior decorating. By the way I’m Sadie, a Fashion Major at the International Academy of Design and Technology, and I love love love getting down and dirty with the latest home trends that make this pretty little world spin! Right now, you might be asking yourself, why out with the new and in with the old? This is because currently, it is all about finding that vintage piece we can bring back to life and that’s exactly what I’m here to help you do. Rustic and refined are hitting our homes by storm. It’s the perfect “do it yourself” project you’ve been waiting for. My main focus consists of rummaging around the city and outskirts of San Antonio to find those diamonds left behind from past eras. The ones that are stuck in a rut, that just need a little girl time in order for them to shine again. Let’s start with my latest find: an old tin cross that was used as a Christmas decoration. It was sitting in a local antique store called Rustic Courtyard, for the small price of $15.00. I purchased it and began to think about how I could turn this cross into a perfect rustic piece for my home. First, I mixed some paints to create a turquoise color. I used it on a round piece of tin I found and then place it in the middle of the cross. Then, I use some more tin and cut a smaller cross and painted that a brass color. The colors fit in perfectly on this stacked trio of tin. I Inserted my brass stud and soon had all three pieces stacked on top of one another to create the gypsy, seasoned rustic look. My next step was to keep this tacky piece classy. To refine my project I added embellishment by mixing a darker brown paint and adding swirls to the smaller and larger cross. Using darker paint on the smaller cross and wiping off the paint on the swirls on the larger cross, which created the perfect look for the eye to be drawn right to the center of the piece. This wall decor project was created and made in a few hours for less than $30.00. Until we find that next diamond in the rough, …Peace and paint!

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Model: Adriana Villalobos

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Warmest Regards Edna Pena and Family â&#x20AC;˘

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Bombasta Barrio Big Band

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hate boring shit. I saw a few boys playing music. They weren’t boring. The bar isn’t by any means worth going to. It is small, poorly decorated and smells like urine. It’s only saving grace is Wednesday night when the drinks are cheap and Dirty Mike and the Boys come out to play. They are three piece instrumental band. Rick Mullins is the bearded bassist. His personality is as strong as his skills. He was eighteen when he picked up his instrument. His grandma bought it for him at a pawn shop for five bucks. Rick and the other guy’s talent combined with their personalities offer a great balance. Most of the time their music is improv. If you had to shove your genre labels on them you could call them a jam band. They are all skilled musicians. Rick Mullins is often brash, makes dirty jokes and has a wonderful girlfriend who takes comments such as “I’m in the band for the beer and groupies” with stride. He never really gets nervous and prefers to drink jack and coke. I’m sure after a few of those no one is ever nervous. Some of his influences are Pantera, Chili Peppers, Jethro Toll, Cliff Burton, Rush and Rage Against the Machine. When he is not in the mood for liquor he likes to drink Double Dog and Raging Bitch. Next up we have our sweet soft spoken type. He goes by Joel Gonzales. He always gets a little nervous before he plays in front of a crowd. He likes Bull Blasters. Sounds like a party to me. Joel pays guitar and bass. He tried to hide the fact that he sings but I had the pleasure of meeting his mother the weekend after the interview and she had no problem informing me. Growing up he was surrounded by music. His father sang blues, his mother introduced him to country, and his brother showed him indie. The name of his brother’s band is West Coast Grand. Give them a listen. You won’t regret it. In 2004 his father passed away. When he plays music he can feel a connection to his father. Joel’s father was a famous blues musician. He played for Texas Road Kill and The Smith Brothers. He comes from good stock. Joel’ quirky humor and kindness brings a lot of humility to the group. Some of his influences are Remix Artist Collective, Miniature Tigers, Phoenix, Jose Feliciano, and Django. Last but not least we have Good Ol’ Mr. Evan Pinzon. He plays the drums. Ever since he was young music has given him the chills. Like every kid Evan wanted to be a rock star. He even graduated early to pressue his passion. Music is his love not just for the sheer pleasure of playing it but because it is something to be studied. He enjoys that it has its own literature and history. “The mathematical aspect is also very appealing.” It gives him the ability to verbalize what he has trouble vocalizing. “Music is therapeutic.” He likes to drink straight jack “Which is the drink of a true gentlemen damin it” A true gentlemen would know that to never curse in front of a lady. The band is essentially bad ass. So if your down for good music and cheap drinks come see them play. You can find them at Paris Bar every Wednesday night from eleven to one. By Angelica Tucker

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oyhaus

Since May 17th 2009 (then playing under the name: Happy Death Men… then also briefly as LIVE TRANSMISSION) JoyHaus has played select shows throughout San Antonio, Texas as a Tribute to their favorite bands … JOY DIVISION & BAUHAUS!! JoyHaus has performed at many of San Antonio’s Premier Live Venues including: Korova, The Industry, Jack’s Patio, The Thirsty Camel and are currently looking to Invade the Rest of Texas… and possibly The World! The project consists of various band members...

Margaret Ann Garza

I was in “Snatch ’N’ Grab” and the horror film, “Blackout.”

ormer Miss Texas contestant, Margaret Ann Garza, is creating a buzz in all the industries you could only imagine being a part of. The gorgeous triple threat from Laredo, Texas has started her journey to become part of the Hollywood scene. DF Magazine got to join her at the studio where she was recording for an upcoming single to be released in the next few months. She took a break to talk to us about her start in the industry and about her upcoming projects. DF: Talk to us about where it all began, where did you train for your acting career? Margaret: I was accepted into NY Film Academy and was given a scholarship to attend their Los Angeles School for a month. DF: What films can our readers find you in? Margaret: I was in “Snatch ’N’ Grab” and the horror film, “Blackout.” DF: What company or group are you currently with? Margaret: Currently I began working with the Grammy nominated music group Tortilla Factory. I am also the Assistant Director at Glamour Shots. DF: What is something someone may not realize during film production? Margaret: In one of our movies, we had to film in a basement, in 100 degree weather. You have to stay in character and can’t let that affect you. You also film for really long hours. You can get a schedule that is something like 6pm - 7am. DF: Has your success caused you to lose relationships with friends or family? Margaret: There have been incidents where people have been concerned about some of the stuff I’ve done. They might see a photo and say that it’s a little to risqué, but I just let them know that they can take it or leave it. DF: What advice do you have for people trying to get into the industry? Margaret: I would say to put yourself out there. It’s all about networking and showing people what you’re all about. DF: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Margaret: Divas! I can’t stand divas! DF: Who is your role model, female celebrity crush, and male celebrity crush? Margaret: Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian (she says while laughing), and Shia Lebouf or Ryan Renolds.

Pianist and Keyboardist Daniel Wyman

DF: So what‘s next for you? Margaret: Today we are recording our part on a new single that will be released by Paul Wall. There are several artists on the track including myself, Alfredo Guerrero from Tortilla Factory, and of course, Paul Wall. Margaret Ann is sweet, witty, and very talented. Don’t be surprised when you see her on all the red carpets!

Haskel Jackson and Margaret Ann Garza

Eric Lopez Audio Engineer Recording/Live Sound Austin, Tx.

Grammy Award Winning Producer Haskel Jackson Genesoul Productions Inc.

Grammy Nominated Band Leader of Tortilla Factory Alfredo Antonio Guerrero

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Master Blaster Cecy Trevino

Master Blaster Band

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Guest Dj at Republic Live, Austin Texas

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“One must learn to love.— This is what happens to us in music: first one has to learn to hear a figure and melody at all, to detect and distinguish it, to isolate it and delimit it as a separate life; then it requires some exertion and good will to tolerate it in spite of its strangeness, to be patient with its appearance and expression, and kindhearted about its oddity:—finally there comes a moment when we are used to it, when we wait for it, when we sense that we should miss it if it were missing: and now it continues to compel and enchant us relentlessly until we have become its humble and enraptured lovers who desire nothing better from the world than it and only it. But that is what happens to us not only in music: that is how we have learned to love all things that we now love. In the end we are always rewarded for our good will, our patience, fairmindedness, and gentleness with what is strange; gradually, it sheds its veil and turns out to be a new and indescribable beauty:—that is its thanks for our hospitality. Even those who love themselves will have learned it in this way: for there is no other way. Love, too, has to be learned.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

excerpt from the book “But Even So” by Kenneth Patchen 91

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