Down For Magazine Issue 2 by df publications

November Issue 2011

Letter from the Editor Hello all. Here at DF magazine we are excited about this month’s edition. Once again, it was fun putting it together. We’d like to thank everyone for giving us time and sharing their work. Allow us to introduce Eric Quitugua from the University of Florida. He is our new music go to guy. We are especially happy to include Andrew Thornton this month. Not only is he an accomplished actor, but his cartooning is thought provoking and often sublime. Each issue will include his toon. I’d like to give a special thanks to Thomas Dolby’s manager for allowing us to use his press release and incredible photo by the renowned photographer York Tillyer. Dolby’s new album is a good listen. So now begins the second issue. The momentum is building. To make Df available to a wider audience, we’ve decided to make it free to view. So do us a favor. Get the word out!

-Thomas Green

Table of Contents Theatre:

Classic Theatre’s production of House on Alba Street

Art:

Louie Chavez, Santos Polendo, Hugo Partida, April Jimerson, Ramiro Salazar, Teresita de la Torre, Illian Hernandez, and George Gonzalez. Chalk it Up Johnny Ramirez

Fashion:

San Antonio Fashion Week Going Green Red Berry Mansion Tim Gunn

Music: Elora Dannon The Walkmen Thomas Dolby Rockstar Riot

Personal stories: Nate Renfro Sammy Lozano

Architecture: Jose Escudero

Projects:

International Academy of Design and Technology student work

Movie Review: Paris Je T’Aime by Francesca Forno

The House of Bernarda Alba

is a play by the Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca. The House of Bernarda Alba was Lorca’s last play, completed on 19 June 1936, two months before the author’s murder by the Nationalists (fascists) during the Spanish Civil War. The play was first performed in 1945. It centers on the events of a house in Andalusia during a period of mourning, in which Bernarda Alba (aged 60) wields total control over her five daughters Angustias (39 years old), Magdalena (30), Amelia (27), Martirio, (24), and Adela (20). The housekeeper (La Poncia) and Bernarda’s elderly mother (María Josefa) also live there. The deliberate exclusion of any male character from the action helps build up the high level of sexual tension that is present throughout the play. Pepe “el Romano”, the love interest of Bernarda’s daughters and suitor of Angustias, never appears on stage. The play explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women. The Classic Theatre’s production was brilliantly directed by Jose Ruben De Leon.

set design by Mary Evans

actress Krystal Koehler 7

actress Magda Porter

actress Gypsy Pantoja

actresesses Gypsy Pantoya, Marisela Barrera, MarisaVarela, Maria Ibarra, Rinel Longoria 13

actress Gypsy Pantoja 15

Writing for Life by Nate Renfro

Thepreachershusband.wordpress.com

Sometimes I write because I feel inspired, perhaps by a movie, a memory, or the string of expletives that the driver in the next lane over tossed my way. Sometimes I write because it is the only way to get my thoughts in logical order. I have trouble arranging concepts without a pen and paper. Sometimes Sometimes I write because I feel inspired, perhaps by a movie, a memory, or the string of expletives that the driver in the next lane over tossed my way. Sometimes I write because it is the only way to get my thoughts in logical order. I have trouble arranging concepts without a pen and paper. Sometimes I write for no apparent reason at all. It’s just an impulse—my way of coping. And then there are days like today. I write to live. Mornings when I can’t sleep, but don’t want to get out of bed. Mornings when I am not sure if the sun will make it over the horizon— fearful of the dark. But the sun does make it up. I make it up. And for those precious few moments, when the first and softest rays bend over the horizon and kiss the earth good morning, I find hope. Yet soon I grow frantic and afraid of the Texas heat, the drought, the wildfires to the north that have swallowed 1400+ homes in Bastrop County, and I wish only again for the dark. On these mornings, writing is more than a hobby or an inspiration. Writing is breathing. Because eventually we all have days when life is set ablaze, and smoke fills our lungs. We become disoriented and begin suffocating. We need oxygen. In grade school I learned something about how to STOP! DROP! And ROLL! So I do stop.

I do drop. I roll… … and roll… … and roll … I never learned when to stop rolling, or what to do when I got up. On these days, I am not sure if writing is part of the getting up, or part of the rolling…I write for no apparent reason at all. It’s just an impulse—my way of coping. And then there are days like today. I write to live. Mornings when I can’t sleep, but don’t want to get out of bed. Mornings when I am not sure if the sun will make it over the horizon— fearful of the dark. But the sun does make it up. I make it up. And for those precious few moments, when the first and softest rays bend over the horizon and kiss the earth good morning, I find hope. Yet soon I grow frantic and afraid of the Texas heat, the drought, the wildfires to the north that have swallowed 1400+ homes in Bastrop County, and I wish only again for the dark. On these mornings, writing is more than a hobby or an inspiration. Writing is breathing. Because eventually we all have days when life is set ablaze, and smoke fills our lungs. We become disoriented and begin suffocating. We need oxygen. In grade school I learned something about how to STOP! DROP! And ROLL! So I do stop. I do drop. I roll… … and roll… … and roll … I never learned when to stop rolling, or what to do when I got up. On these days, I am not sure if writing is part of the getting up, or part of the rolling…

Teresita de la Torre Artist Statement

Over a year ago my parents started to renovate our house in Jalisco.

During this project I came across old photographs that I had never seen. They were of my parents when they were teenagers. Ever since I found them I have not been able to put them down; I’ve been compelled to draw them, paint them, and now I’m creating large scale works. As for media, I tend to veer from using the traditional, because I like to manipulate different materials. For this series I chose to use duct tape, because there are so many patterns and colors to choose from.

My work is contradictory, a visual oxymoron if you will. It is both

traditional and eccentric. The subject matter makes it traditional, because of the long history of portraiture. However, the material is very eccentric, because I altered its habitual use. Vic Muñiz, a contemporary Brazilian artist, has been my reference throughout the creation of this series. Muñiz uses unconventional material to make artwork. He has recreated the Mona Lisa out of peanut butter and jelly, and has used spaghetti, chocolate, and dust for other projects. Aside from being influenced by Muñiz, I’ve being studying The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. Vermeer’s influence is based on the girl’s mysterious look, which has always captivated me and helped me to create my work. 19

Teresita De La Torre

Teresita De La Torre 23

“Chalk Art”

is an ongoing project that may evolve into a Tamiu Art Tradition. I studied abroad in Florence Italy this past semester, and on the dense streets there would constantly be artists recreating works of art on the floor with chalk. I loved to walk by the streets everyday and see the beautiful work. Having seen them, when I came back to Texas, I wanted to start a similiar one at my University. And so, Tamiu Art Ink has taken on the task of recreating works of art monthly for the entire student body, professors, staff, as well as visitors to view. While we create the pieces we also pass out flyers explaining the artwork as well as the artist.

Hugo Partida

Santos Polendo, Hugo Partida, April Jimerson, Ramiro Salazar, Teresita de la Torre, Illian Hernandez, and George Gonzalez.

Chalk It Up Sponsored by Art Pace, Chalk It up was held on October 8th, from 10-4 pm. Artists, students, and local art lovers created colorful murals on downtown sidewalks.

The IADT Art Club, sponsored by Mr. Piquet

Louie Chavez

Laredo born artist incorporates pop elements and nostalgic branding in his paintings and sculptures. Influenced by contemporary artist such as Rob Pruitt and Jeff Koons, Chavez attempts to create vibrant and positive moods. His work has undertones of modern self-destructive habits. Recently commissioned to produce a mural at the México Arte Museum for the day of the dead, Chavez wanted to give a different perspective on the day of the dead altar. “I wanted to make aware of the fact that we know nothing of death; it could be the beginning of a new consciousness”. He also wanted to show the sometimes interruption of death by modern technology and man made faiths. The mural will be on view at the México Arte Museum in Austin TX. 419-congress avenue.

Louieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mother

Cartoon by Andy Thornton

“The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it’s dead for you.”

-Oscar Wilde

GOING GREEN FASHION SHOW The show was a competition for local designers and fashionistas. They participated in San Antonio Fashion Week by designing their own high fashion dresses made out of recycled materials. Winners were chosen for four categories:

1. Most Original Use of a Repurposed Material 2. Best Use of Sustainable Material 3. Most Aesthetic Appeal and 4. Best in Show.

Red Berry Mansion Kick-off party to S.A. fashion week

Featured Boutiques 1) New York Exchange 2) Nancy’s, A Unique Boutique 3) Marti’s 4) Royal Tuxedo 5) J. Green Jewelry 6) Town and Country Fashions 7) Elegant Furs 8) Shangri-la 9)Bridal Galleria 49

Tim Gunn Y

ou probably recognize this fashion guru from the hit show, Project Runway. Season after season his understanding of everything fashion, along with his wit, leaves viewers wanting more. Gunn grew up in Washington DC. His mother, Nancy, helped found the library for the CIA. His father George William Gunn, was an FBI Agent. After he attended high school, In 1976 he earned a degree in Fine Arts, from Corocan College of Art and Design. He then set up a studio of his own in DC and also took a job in Corocan teaching and working in admissions. Then, in 1983, he moved to New York City where he was hired as Assistant Director for Admissions at The Parsons School for Design. Eventually he became Associate Dean. He stayed for 7 years and revamped their entire curriculum. It is now one of the most respected programs in the country. He recently participated in The Lucky Brand â&#x20AC;&#x153; Lucky Youâ&#x20AC;? Fashion Show at La Cantera on October 8, 2011. Lucky Brand customers were invited to participate. They worked with sales associates during the casting to be considered for the show. Men, women, and children of all shapes, sizes, and looks walked the stage. After the show, Tim answered questions from the crowd. written by Nancy Santos

DF: How old are you? Elora: I am 12 years old. DF: What school do you go to and what grade? Elora: I am a 7th grader at Stinson Middle School. DF: And how long have you been playing music for? Elora: I have been playing music for two years now. DF: What instruments do you play? Elora: I’ve been playing the guitar for the past year and a half. DF: Who teaches you? Elora: My dad learns songs off you tube and he begins showing us how to play the songs. DF: Where did your love for this start? Elora: My brother and I attended at Michael Morales Rock Star Academy and fell in love with music. DF: Where do your ideas for your music come from? Elora: I make melodies and begin to write to them from that. DF: If you were stuck on an island what 3 songs would you take? Elora: My top three favorite songs are Selena Gomez, Love You Like a Love Song, my own original, called Facebook and Moves Like Jagger by Maroon5. DF: What artists are you into? Elora: I love Van Hailen, Ozzy Ozborn, Bon Jovi and Paramore. DF: Who is your all time favorite author? Elora: My favorite author is Stephany Miher, the writer of The Twilight Saga. DF: What is your all time favorite color? Elora: My favorite color is purple. DF: What’s your favorite movie? Elora: The Wizard of Oz. DF: Where can we find your music? Elora: You can find my music on itunes and see me perform at Local coffee shop. DF: Do you believe in UFOS? Yes! DF: Have you seen one? Elora: No, but my grandpa has and told me all about it. DF: When is your birthday? Elora: My birthday is on January 17, 1999 and I’m a Capricorn. DF: What’s your favorite subject in school? Elora: My favorite subject is English. DF: What is your dream career? Elora: I want to be a singer/songwriter, but if that doesn’t work out I want to be an actress or a fashion designer. DF: What’s your dream car? Elora: My dream car 1967 Mustang convertible. Interview by Thomas Green 60

Elora Dannon

We met up with at a local coffee shop. She is talented. After belting out a variety of songs, Elora spent some time talking to us. She is young and focused. How did it all begin? She joined a rock school. Jack Black wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the instructor, but Michael Morales did the world a favor. She makes music with passion and skill. When you get a chance, go see her, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delightful.

The Walkmen

ince the 2002 release of Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone, New York City’s have hammered out disparate tunes that range from outright frantic to quaint and mysterious. From the wintery, jangly pianos to the machine gun drumming of Matt Berrick, the band recalls vintage moonlit crooning and 1960′s surf rock. With 2010’s Lisbon, the band’s fifth and most recent venture, the band take on an old Sun Records sound with its use of horns and slap-back guitar. Lead by singer Hamilton Leithauser’s raucous pipes, The Walkmen show they still pack quite a punch over ten years into its existence. I had a chance to speak with Leithauser over the phone and learned that even he has a hard time singing “Angela Surf City.”

Lisbon has been out for nearly a year. How’s the touring for it been? I think it’s managed pretty well for itself actually. We’re just starting this one with the Fleet Foxes. We just played last night. We like them a lot personally and their music. They’re so good last night. I’m excited to do it again tonight. Have the crowds been receptive to the new album? They like the music. It seems to be a kind of a crowd pleaser actually. Do you have any war stories from the tour? Any exploded pianos? More strangers calling you guys Simon and Garfunkel? I always draw a blank when I’m asked that kind of question. And I know I’ve got really good ones. In your down time what are you reading? I’m reading, uh, Lay of the Land by Richard Ford, which is fine. It’s not that great. James Kaplan’s Frank Sinatra biography, which I thought was an A+. Does it have any influence on your writing? A long time ago you guys were working on a book of your own.

That’s kind of on the back burner right now. I think we’re gonna work on the next album first. It’s been pretty well-documented that you love playing in Libson, Portugal, as evident by the album’s title. Are there any other places that you like to play at and what’s it about these places that make them great to play at? We’re playing tonight in this theater in Seattle, where we played last night, and it’s fantastic. I like playing in theaters. One of the reasons I think we like playing in Lisbon so much is because we played in one of their old theaters right in the main downtown square and it was a big success for us and it made us really fall in love the city. Being in a place like this here [in Seattle] is just great. So generally, just old theaters? Yeah. That’s just where we really sound better and perform better. You guys have one Florida date and it’s actually at a pretty old theater. It’s called the Florida Theater and I know you guys were going for an Elvis, kind of slap-back sound so I did some digging. Turns out Elvis has a little history with the place you’re playing at. Back in ’56 there was a judge (Duval County Juvenile Court Judge Marion Gooding) who did not like the way Elvis moved on stage. I guess it was pretty risqué back then, what he was doing. So he actually handed him unsigned warrants for his arrest that were pretty much on standby . . . lest the King lose all control of his pelvis. Really? At that theater? At that theater. Oh! That’s hilarious. It’s always Florida. Like with Jim Morrison and stuff. What’s the deal down there? Strict performance laws or something. I like to think the sun bake’s people’s minds from thinking clearly. Moving along. Compared to You & Me, Lisbon seems to be more relaxed. There’s kind of a light-hearted feeling compared to the end-all and be-all drama of “In the New Year.” Has playing the calmers songs of Lisbon been a bit of a relief on your voice? No, because we still play “In the New Year” and we still play “All Hands and the Cook.” For the recording of the album, was it less strain on your voice? Um, I don’t know. That “Angela Surf City” is not easy to sing to tell you the truth. And I had to do that one a bunch of times. It’s pretty high and you gotta move a lot of air. Was it tough covering Pussycats [Harry Nilsson’s 1974, John Lennon-produced album]? Uh, that was really easy, actually. That was just, like, because it’s, you know, drunk as you want and it sounds all the better. Interesting about your sound is that even though the lyrics seem to be frustrated and there’s a bit of loneliness in there, there seems to be a really festive sound that could easily soundtrack going to the bar with your friends. Is there a conscious choice to actually have that balance going on? Yeah, it’s just like singing the blues, you know? It’s like singing “Woe is Me.” But yeah, it’s sad. Would you say a title like “Woe is Me” falls in the same humor that brought out a title like Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone? Yeah, exactly. I mean, you don’t want to be singing like “life is great” in a happy song like that, you know? Then it’d just be like, “you know what? This sucks! I’m turning this off.” On your Web site and Facebook you post a lot of vintage acts like Elvis, Dale Hawkins and some Donald Jenkins. On one such post, you mentioned working on something similar to “Elephant Walk.” How’s that been going? Um, we’ve been trying to write a song like “Elephant Walk” for twenty years and we haven’t done it yet. I can’t say that particular venture is a success yet, but when it happens I think I’ll be able to die happy. It sounds like such an obscure doo-wop song. It has that groove. I mean, it’s like a very consistent reggae groove that Bob Marley does a thousand times and “Elephant Walk” has it. It’s just that very simple groove and we can’t do it. Is the Northern Soul working its way onto your sound? Uh, yeah we don’t have that much soul though. Aside from dropping original gems of your own you guys have done pretty good covers. There’s Deerhunter [“Agoraphobia”], Mazarin [“Another One Goes By”] and, of course, there’s the Pussycats album. And there’s “Holiday Road.” Can you explain how that one came to be? 63

The guy from The Onion, who we’re friends with, asked us to come do that and said, “we want you guys to do a holiday song but put your own spin on it,” and it was literally the first thing that entered my head. I thought, “oh, ‘Holiday Road’,” which is not a Christmas song, but then I don’t know. He writes the angles. Any chance of an Elvis cover? I don’t know if we need to do Elvis. We just did Johnny Cash this morning for a radio show. I think we did that alright actually. Well if you change your mind there’s a perfect place in Jacksonville to do that. Your music has been aging like a fine wine or . . . like the shooting game of Dirk Nowitzki. Going a decade strong into the band’s career, how’s your perspective changed in regards to “the business?” Uh, in regards to the business . . . we were told by our old manager right before he quit that we don’t know how to run a business, which I think we’re all beginning to understand that we don’t know how to run a business. That would be my change–is understanding that I don’t know how to do it. How about the music and the performing aspect? Did you mention Dirk Nowitzki because I look like him? I get it a lot. That’s why I wondered if you asked. He is aging gracefully, much like your band. I look a lot like that dude. Do you play like him? No, I’m horrible at basketball. You and me both. Do you have any finals words? No, I think I said my peace. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you very much. Alright, thanks a lot, man. Good talking to you. The Walkmen are currently on tour with the Fleet Foxes before heading off to Australia in November 2011.

By: Eric Quitugua Thequitugs.wordpress.com

THOMAS DOLBY’S FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN 20 YEARS, A MAP OF THE FLOATING CITY Guest artists include Mark Knopfler, Regina Spektor, Natalie MacMaster, Bruce Woolley and Imogen Heap Release follows conclusion of groundbreaking transmedia game LONDON, U.K. — Thomas Dolby, the iconic ’80s star whose smash hits “She Blinded Me With Science” and “Hyperactive” helped define the MTV generation/revolution, will break his 20-year silence with a new release later this year titled A Map of the Floating City. The album, featuring appearances by special guest artists Mark Knopfler, Regina Spektor, Natalie MacMaster, Bruce Woolley, Imogen Heap and Eddi Reader, will be available on October 25, 2011 on Lost Toy People Records as a regular and hi-res download, as a physical CD, and in a special Deluxe Edition featuring a second disc of instrumentals and bonus tracks. The five-time Grammy®-nominated British artist quit the music business in the early ’90s and spent many years in Silicon Valley, where his tech company Beatnik Inc. created the ringtone synthesizer embedded in more than three billion mobile phones shipped by Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and others. Now retired from Beatnik, Dolby has returned to his native U.K. and is busy recording an album of brand new songs in a renewable energy-powered studio he built aboard a 1930s lifeboat in the garden of his beach house on England’s North Sea coast. Of the album, which is divided into three parts, Dolby says, “The new songs are organic and very personal. A Map of the Floating City is a travelogue across three imaginary continents: In Amerikana I’m reflecting with affection on the years I spent living in the U.S.A., and my fascination with its roots music. Urbanoia is a dark place, a little unsettling . . . I’m not a city person. And in Oceanea I return to my natural home on the windswept coastline.” “I marvel at the new landscape of the music business — distribution via the Internet and recording technologies I barely dreamed of when I started out,” he continues. “But this album does not sound electronic at all. I have zero desire to add to the myriad of machine-based, synth-driven grooves out there. The Net has made a music career approachable for thousands of bands — but I hear too few single-minded voices among them, so I’m returning to what I do best, which is write songs, tell stories.” To help tell his stories, Dolby has enlisted an impressive cast of guest musicians. Legendary guitarist Mark Knopfler helps drive the epic “17 Hills,” a song about a pair of hapless lovers and a jailbreak. Natalie MacMaster, the Cape Breton fiddler, adds spice to two songs. Scottish singer Eddi Reader takes a front seat on the ethereal “Oceanea.” Bruce Woolley (Camera Club) plays theremin. And Regina Spektor has a cameo as an East European waitress on “Evil Twin Brother.” The innovative transmedia game The Floating City <http://www.floatingcity.com>, co-created by Dolby and based on his song catalog all the way back to the 1980s, is currently in full swing and is proving highly addictive for thousands of regular players. The winning “tribe” will be treated to a private concert performance of the new album in its entirety. Thomas Dolby will shortly announce a string of concert dates in the U.S. and U.K. in support of the album. *** For more information about Thomas Dolby, please contact: Cary Baker • conqueroo • (323) 656-1600 • cary@conqueroo.com

photo courtesy of York Tillyer

F.M. Alexander (1869-1954) was a successful Shakespearian actor from Australia. Early in his career he developed chronic laryngitis and actually lost his voice during a performance. His doctor prescribed rest, which restored his voice. But when he resumed performing, the laryngitis returned. Since there was nothing physically wrong with his throat, Alexander determined that his problem derived from something he was doing when speaking loudly. His doctor agreed but could not tell him what it could be. To solve the problem, Alexander set up three tailor’s mirrors and observed himself as he spoke. After lengthy observation, he discovered that every time he spoke, he subtly tightened his neck and pulled his head back and down, toward his back. When he spoke loudly, as if on stage, the tension and movement were more pronounced. Alexander concluded the tightening and shortening in his neck was interfering with his voice. But the habit was so ingrained that he could not feel the tightening and, at first, he could not stop himself from doing it. Over time he learned how to sense and prevent this habitual tension, and as he did, his vocal problems disappeared. At the same time he was solving his own problem, Alexander became aware that many people suffered from similar unconscious habits of tension. He surmised that much chronic pain, poor posture and also breathing difficulties are caused by such habits. He began teaching his method of preventing excess tension and moved from Australia to England in 1904. Over the years he had many famous students including the writers Aldous Huxley, George Bernard Shaw and John Dewey. Dewey also wrote the introductions to Alexander’s four books. Alexander taught people and trained teachers in his technique until the last days of his life.

“ You can’t do something you don’t know, if you keep on doing what you know.” - F.M. Alexander 70

Rockstar Riot

got their start on the Texas roads with their Metal/Classic Rock original hits such as “Living in a Dream” and their hit single “The Beast” and their on point covers from legendary bands such as Judas Priest, Queensryche, Saxon, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and more! The band line-up consists of Arturo Alvarado (Lead Vocals/Bass) , Anthony Carillo (Lead Guitar/Vocals) , Nathan Flores (Drums) , and Juan Alvarado (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals). In 2011 the band opened up for Faster Pussycat, The Bulletboys, Loudness, Murder FM, Rick Stanford of Legs Diamond,and many other great artists. The band was featured on the front cover of Bread Magazine with a full interview spread in the published magazine. Rockstar Riot was also featured in the national metal music magazine «Decibel».

You can find them at RockstarRiot.com Stay Tuned! Rockstar Riot is coming to a city near YOU!

Students at IADT

(International Academy of Design and Technology) show their work.

Johnny Ramirez is from Laredo Texas. He grew up on both sides of the border. His mother and both grandparents lived in Nuevo Laredo. As a child, he traveled all over Mexico with his grandfather who sold American merchandise to clients in the interior. He visited many churches and cathedrals; his family was pious and Catholic. Laredo is a bi-cultural environment. When he graduated high school he moved to Austin and was influenced by a wide variety of cultural traditions. He graduated from UT Austin in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies, a Political Science of Latin America degree, and also studied Spanish Literature. After college, he stayed in Austin and worked in the arts, television, and the entertainment industries. Throughout the years he has continued his work with tile and glass mosaics. You may recognize his name from the show Indie Live Austin, a television show about the “Live Music Capital of the World” and what “keeps Austin weird.” They cover live music from the venue, local weird art, cultural events, and Austintatious locations. His current art medium is recycled, re-used, materials. They are created using any material that is translucent. Johnny uses windows as as palettes and paints with strokes of broken glass & plastic.

by Johnny Ramirez 79

by Johnny Ramirez

Quote by Hunter S. Thompson: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”

Paris Je T’Aime By: Francesca Forno

Let us begin by receiving what is new and unique. Our lives grow with the experiences of others as we begin to write our own stories, but how do we go about and live this life happily? That, of course, is a question for the ages and the same question that has been depicted in Paris Je T’Aime. This incredible work of art is a uniquely complied set of short films all taking place in Paris. Here we see the visions of the world’s top directors such as the Coen brothers, Alexander Payne, Alfonso Cuaron and some of America’s top stars - Natalie Portman, Elija Wood, Juliette Binoche - who together create one beautiful story in “the city of lights”. .,mWhat I find most captivating about this film is how these creators display the beauty of life through human interactions and our unique admiration for what is foreign and new to us. This reminds us that we don’t know how to approach the challenges in our lives sometimes, but when we encounter those moments of truth, the world opens up to us and takes us in. You will feel transported by these romantic, passionate, dramatic and beautiful stories. Paris Je T’Aime goes beyond the typical Parisian scene and leaves you with a vision that will last long after the film is over.

Oskar Schlemmer Stuttgart 1888 - Baden-Baden 1943

After an apprenticeship in a marquetry workshop from 1905 to 1909 Oskar Schlemmer studied at the “Kunstgewerbeschule” as well as the “Akademie der Bildenden Künste” in Stuttgart, where he became Adolf Hölzel’s master pupil in 1912. He exhibited at the Gallery “Der Sturm” in Berlin in 1919 and was invited to Weimar in 1920 by Gropius to run the sculpture department and the stage workshop at the Bauhaus. He became internationally known with the première of his “Triadisches Ballett” in Stuttgart in 1922.  His work for the Bauhaus and his preoccupation with the theatre are an important factor in his work, which deals mainly with the the figure in space. People, typically a stylized female figure, continued to be the predominant subject in his painting. Influenced by Cubism, he usually integrated this figures into geometric structures.  A similar striving for abstraction is reflected in Oskar Schlemmer’s steel and wire sculptures. Schlemmer spent the years 1928 to 1930 working on nine murals for a room in the Folkwang Museum in Essen. After Gropius’ resignation in 1929 Schlemmer also left the Bauhaus and accepted a post at the Akademie in Breslau in the same year. He was given a professorship at the “Vereinigte Staatsschulen” in Berlin in 1932, but the National Socialists forced him to resign again in 1933.  During the War Oskar Schlemmer worked at the “Institut für Malstoffe” in Wuppertal together with Willi Baumeister and Georg Muche.  He led a secluded life at the end of his career and made the small series of eighteen mystical “Fensterbilder” in 1942. Oskar Schlemmer was one of the most versatile artists of the 20th century. His occupation with murals, sculpture, drawing and painting show that he always strove to create a “Gesamtkunstwerk”. 86

Sketches by Jose Escudero

Sammy Lozano

ew people possess the creativity and raw talent to be truly gifted artists. , however, is one of those few. Starting from an early age his love for painting has evolved into a love for beauty, allowing him to create original pieces that can catch you off guard. He works from home as a personal trainer and swim instructor. Over time, his home has evolved into an organic work of art. He videotapes his shows for Sammy Lozano Fitness in all of his favorite spots. A couple of his coveted pieces at his home are not his creations, but those of renowned South Texas artist Michael Tracy. The warm and inviting, yet quite rugged furniture Tracy created for Sammy, goes well with the overall theme and ambiance of the home. Sammy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work alone. He is lucky to have his beautiful wife Sunni to nurture his ideas and work as co creator on many projects. It is inspiring to see someone like Sammy and Sunni blend functionality with beauty so wonderfully in a tranquil garden setting. I could only wonder how much more interesting this world would be if we all took the time to create as they do. written by Rodolfo Lozano IV

Mosaic by Sammy Lazano 93

Stairwell in Lazano family backyard

Furniture by artist Michael Tracy

model Jennifer Ashliegh

LAST page See you soon

100