The Experience Magazine - Winter 2015 - 2016 REBUILD by Jason Stone - The Experience Magazine

THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE

WINTER 2015-2016: REBUILD

WINTER 2015 - 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS P. 4 - THE MENTAL & PHYSICAL KLLING PT 1 P. 5 - SPIRITUAL AWAKENING X P. 10 - EDITOR’S NOTE P. 14 - UNPLUGGED

P. 38 - THE MESSAGE 3 P. 41 - THE MENTAL & PHYSICAL KILLING PT 2 P. 42 - YOUNG MILLENNIALS P. 48 - SACRED GEOMETRY

P. 20 - THE MESSAGE 1

P. 56 - BEAUTIFUL MORNING

P. 22 - THE RADICAL & THE MUSE

P. 58 - THE EXHIBITIONIST

P. 30 - THE BURDEN [THE MESSAGE 2]

P. 64 - THE MESSAGE 4

P. 32 - THE PRELUDE

The Mental & Physical Killing PT. 1... by Brielle Delanry

*whispering song* Killing each other mentally instead of giving a little sympathy killing each other mentally instead of giving a little sympathy. Blacks ridiculing black but upset that other races are doing the same they have no right but neither do we. Killing each other over white faces in hopes to get a little fame but when did killing become the goal? “You’ve been very naughty” they said sending us to the black hole, making us down our soul and allowing other people to believe that we’re ‘black just like coal.’ But we forgot that coal makes oil, and that our hair seems to coil, and that it’s brown and rich like the soil which produces the tree’s of life. Yet we walk around with a lot of strife turning and looking for a white wife in hopes of our children living a better life. We’re killing ourselves instead of writing book to put on the shelves. Downing each other in hopes to bring our ego up but we only get recognition for shows like love and hip hop and snow on the bluff. Portraying ourselves like that’s the only thing we’re good for but these are the things that they want us to ignore so that they won’t be forced to open the door of equality because they want us all to stay in poverty. Degrading our woman making them wear straight hair because they were lead to believe that their own hair brought a scare. Men say they love themselves but settle for being Santa’s little elves doing all the work for that man that gets all the recognition instead of getting smart and igniting their own ignition sending them on a stronger mission so that we could all get our own commission.

T I M E S

The Experience Magazine Rebuild || winter 15-16 staff

Editor / graphic designer || Jay stone Managing editor / PR || Kitty Leigh assistant editor || amanda flowers head of photography || Jon alonso assistant director || brielle lynn writer \\ Sharell Jeffrey videographer \\ dj bostonchery sharell jeffrey appears courtesy of blavity dj bostonchery appears courtesy of in good company

contributions:

randi gloss

randi gloss appears courtesy of glossrags

Donahue Johnson

my activism speaks through my art. my art is my liberation. my soul cries for the rebirth. the rebuilding of a nation. til then, i will never stop. .

jay stone

CONTACT Kitty Leigh - katarinac525@gmail.com Amanda Flowers - amandafair9@gmail.com

The Experience Magazine

Samantha Herasme: Unplugged Authenticy is part of the fabric of visual arts. Realness has long been credited as a unit of measurement. Maybe, its because real artistic visions are hard to come by. JS: In my research I found that you’re like a walking book of inspirational quotes. My favorite was “I live to create::I create to live.” What does this mean to you?

When I cease to create (because life gets in the way or what not) I feel stifled… like I’m existing but I’m not alive.

SH: My everyday fuel is my passion for the arts. I love every possible form of expression, writing, fashion, photography, drawing, dancing, of course, you name it. Expressing yourself and creating go hand in hand for me. When I cease to create (because life gets in the way or what not) I feel stifled… like I’m existing but I’m not alive. So, in general, I guess it means I feed off of creativity - im inspired and motivated by it, I seek it, embrace it, in myself and within my surrounding. JS: Tell me about how growing up in NYC the art scene of the world helped shape you into who you have become.

Interview by: Jay Stone Photography by: Jay Stone & Kitty Leigh Edited by: Amanda Flowers

SH: NYC taught me how to be authentic and unapologetic for it. There is so much diversity and variety and the right amount of “fuck it” attitudes in these streets it’s impossible not to embrace who you are, as a person and as an artist. I think that’s the main impact the NYC art scene has made on me… an immense amount of self awareness and assurance. That right there, I think, is the only foundation you need towards self-fulfillment.

JS: You are big on music. Was being a musician something you were interested in at some point? SH: Oh yea! I’m super connected to music! I played drums for a bit when I was younger. I’m actually thinking about getting back into it. I thought I could sing for a while too, but I don’t know how true that really is lol. JS: How did you discover the love to dance & turning it into performance pieces? SH: I discovered movement when I was about 2 years old. My parents have me on camera dancing to “Ice Ice Baby” lol. My father was a DJ and my mom worked for Sony BMG in the 90’s so I understood and connected to music very young. I just knew I had to express my understanding and love for it in some form, so I began dancing in my room as a child and by maybe 9 years old I started making up dance routines for family bbqs, forcing my cousins to perform with me lol. I choreographed my first talent show performance in junior high, came into my own as a dancer in high school, and the rest is history. I wanted to be a choreographer ever since. JS: I asked this question because watching your Travis Scott choreography piece; it made the actual song better. Having an accompanying visual,that focused more on movement isn’t the norm. What goes into your process when creating a performance piece? SH: Good question. I like things to happen organically so how it begins is I’m usually listening to music and a song will come on that will randomnly give me a vision or

idea of how it could play out visually. I have to figure out the vibe I want to give out first and foremost and then all else kinda falls into place. Everything plays a key role in the overall product, the lyrics, the beat, the movement, the attitude, the setting and eventually the film style and editing. It’s important to me that all of those things are precisely pieced together and have meaning. My process is more so self-reflection and reinvention than anything. It is me asking myself what side of me I want to display and how can viewers connect to my feeling(s). I see my pieces as my diary entries, very personal and justifed. JS: When did you start the “herasme.” brand? SH: In 2013 I took dance very seriously and decided to brand myself. I have many plans for the brand but I started it essentially for my small business, “herasme.Movement”, a dance service in which I provide private dance/fitness instruction according to my own teaching program. I’ve been slowly developing it ever since. JS: I think its dope that you’ve built on top of your passion & turned it into a full fledge entity. Where do you see yourself in another five years? SH: Thank you thank you! In five years I definitely see the “herasme.” brand flourishing. I’d love to have worked with a roster of successful dancers, choreographers, and musicians by then. My own fashion line is also in the works so I’d love to also have a store by then. The future is actually very clear in my head, it’s just up to me to grow into the person I need to be to get there. “Refine your mind” and never stop doing so. I live by that. I believe that’s the key to getting where you need to be, being exactly where you should be, and reaching new heights. In five years, the world will know my art.

Samantha

Herasme

INSTAGRAM.COM/itsherasme itsherasme.com

(rebuild) verb re·build \(,)rē-bild\

a : to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct b : to restore to a previous state

The Radical & The Muse

Kristen Stain/ Roxanne Saturday “I AM A COMPLETE PERSON.” Is a sentiment you don’t hear

too often. it is what makes being a walking story teller all the more fascinating. JS: Tell me a little about the differences btw you, Kristen Stain & your alter ego Roxanne Saturday. You’re the artist while Roxanne is the muse. How do these worlds come together? When did Roxanne develop?

do visual art. Its sort of a family gift I guess. I grew up being embarrassed when my aunts and uncles would start singing in restaurants, my uncle and I would draw during family dinner.

KS: First of all, I am a Gemini. To be honest with you I barely know anything about zodiac signs but I know that I’m definitely a Gemini. I watched Wondaland’s Breakfast Club interview, and Janelle Monae had this perfect response to questions about her surprisingly sexual song “Yoga.” She said, “I am a complete person.” I guess Kristen Stain is the person I grew up being; polite and compliant, a little bit shy. And Roxanne, well she’s always been here but as I am coming into my own she has stepped forward a bit more. I created her when I realized that most of my aesthetic interests were directly linked to my culture and the way that I was brought up. She doesn’t have the fears that I do. I’m an illustrator; I’m a storyteller. JS: You mention how you been brought up by creative and intelligent people. What was your youth like? Seems like being an artist was always in the cards. KS: So let me break it down for you. My mom is the ninth of ten children, and the daughter of a minister and seamstress. Her and all of her siblings either play an instrument, sing, or

Interview by: Jay Stone Photography by: Kenny Greene Jr.

My father on the other hand is the son of a doctor and Haitian immigrant. His parents met at Howard—the whole bit. He and his four siblings were all stellar athletes and at least have master’s degrees.

trying to live my life for everyone else but myself. I believe I’ve got enough drive and work ethic to make this thang work. The real me has been flowing out ever since.

I’ve really been given the best of both worlds. But for most of my life traditional academics took precedence over my creative interests. I did my first two years of college as a political science major, pre-law.

Nina Simone answered this sort of question perfectly, “You can’t help it. An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.”

Like I said Roxanne has always been here, but I’ve been trying to keep her quiet for most of my life. Some where along the way I had a 20-year-old’s existential crisis and realized that I was

JS: You have some of the most vibrant, rich in colors, well-crafted pieces I’ve ever seen. The detailed works on your portraits are terrific. JS: You also are a social activist, which I apThe Strange Fruit needs to be hanging up preciate a lot. How important is it for an artist in every museum. What is your process like to be the vessel for bringing about change? before putting together a piece? KS: I wish I was a social activist. My I’m still KS: I guess I’m a little more fine art or arts finding my voice and being comfortable with and crafts than most peers. I don’t do prachaving one at all. I want to figure out how I tice drawings; the first one usually has all my can best serve the people around me. Nina initial feelings behind it. I’ve learned that the Simone answered this sort of question perhard way. I work a lot in layers, and sometimes fectly, “You can’t help it. An artist’s duty, as far on more than one piece at a time. I definitely as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” This zone out and don’t sleep for like a week. is hard though, I gotta keep it light, it’s too overwhelming sometimes. I’m no Nina SimJS: Tell us a bit about your “Roxanne Takes one, but even I have felt really burden by this, Berlin” project. How did that come together? like what the hell can I do? I think that if my A lot of dope shit came out of that. art isn’t making a whole bunch of wild statements then I should at least live a life that is an KS: I go to the Art Center College of Design. I example and use whatever influence I might did a really cool study abroad program called have for some kind of good. “Head to Toe Berlin,” the prompt was to find something in Berlin that inspires us and create JS: You’re going a lot of places. More impora wearable collection based off of that. It was tantly, you have a fresh, creative mind. What’s amazing; I used the Berliner Dom cathedral in next for Kristen? For Roxanne? How do you the center of the city. I was immediately grav- plan on building on what you’ve established? itated to the overall aesthetic and used the color palette and shapes for a reinterpretation KS: I’ve got a year left of school, I am excited that manifested in a series of textile designs. about figuring out me and Roxanne. I’m just It was a really clear opportunity to explore working really, planning a lot. Right now, my Roxanne Saturday as a brand and it took focus is on graduation. I feel that I’m stepping things a lot further for me. I’m so happy that into a chapter of serious growth and refinehappened. ment. Have you ever run a 400m race? The last one hundred meters is actual hell, and JS: As I previously mentioned, your work is that’s the part that really matters. I’m closing in very rich & full of many different cultures. on THIS finish line. I’m convinced that the real Who & what inspired your artistic styles? stuff hasn’t even begun. KS: Well, my grandmother is Haitian, I’m obsessed with everything related to African/ Caribbean culture and I guess the black experience—whatever that means. I grew up seeing art that she collected from different parts of the world, my other grandma makes all of her clothes—real dashiki like. This shit was inevitable. As far as favorite artists, I really loved Van Gogh when I was younger; he’s still close to my heart. John Singer Sargent is basically Michael Jordan as far as painting; I’m so in love and so jealous. I’m really into Gustav Klimt, and Basquiat is my main man. As far as contemporary artists, Kehinde Wiley is the truth.

INSTAGRAM.COM/ketchupstain roxannesaturday.com

The Burden

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of my work deals with the degradation of the African American male. These pieces represent the struggle of us and the problems that many African Americans face daily. Life is a struggle when you carry around a little melanin but that in no way shape or form is and will ever be a burden on usâ&#x20AC;?Donahue Johnson

interview BY: JAY STONE PHOTOGRAPHy BY: JON ALONSO

DANIEL JONES The Prelude

get ready for the placing of the crown

JS: The very first track off your tape “The Prologue” came outta my speakers like a track off ‘Illmatic.’ It was a very dope feeling & Kind of ironic considering you was born in Queens. Who were some of the artists that inspired you coming up? DJ:I grew up listening to a lot of hiphop so to really choose who influenced me would be hard, but to name a few, guys like DMX, Nas , Jay Z were some of the people that inspired me to rhyme. JS: Both your parents were very musical it seems. Was having a career in music always in the cards for you? DJ: Not so much, I only had my pops in my life for 9 years so after he passed is when I actually started rapping. I really didn’t like the guitar , so he stopped the lessons. JS: Tell us about Ras Barka and how he made you serious about taking on rap. DJ: I used to just battle dudes in the lunchroom or after school. I had thoughts of getting sign but who doesn’t ? Being a student in the high school while Baraka was principle would’ve changed anyone’s life. He’s a guy from where we are from, who truly gives a fuck about the people enough to risk his own life for them. He opened my mind to a lot of things & I see that I can use my talent to share what I learned, change people’s lives as well JS: You seem to go from raw to very polished when you’re rapping, depending on what the track calls for. What is your writing process like? DJ: I just listen to the beat a few times to get the emotion from it. I find the mood & I just go off that, soon enough it’ll develop into a song depending on how I want to cut the track. Most times I already know what I want to say, so I find the beat that matches my thoughts.

JS: Being a fellow RAW artists I can say the show is a pretty nice event. What are your thoughts going into it? How did you feel to be selected for the showcase?

DJ: My thoughts are pretty calm, just do it how I do everything else. Time flew by , I blinked and it’s right around the corner so I’m ready for it. I was scouted through Instagram so I was a little skeptical at first but I like they’re mission & movement.

LORD DANIELS

JS: Tracks like #JonesFlow, Right Now display your straight ability to rap well and flow even better. Than theres tracks like Leap of Faith, Where You Goin’ & The Prologue’s intro; where you get a bit more introspective and your range is shown. It’s really good. It looks like you are coming into evolving from rapper to artist. Has this evolution been natural progression? Or are you still testing the waters to see what direction musically you want to take on? DJ: Thank you. I just experiments, I challenge myself sometimes to different styles. Not doubting but testing myself & most of the time they come out good & I get good response to I go with it. I just want to be myself, I don’t really wanna get lost going in another direction.

JS: Just off the strength of the tape you have unlimited potential so I know you’re going to do very well in the future. What’s next for you? DJ: Next thing for me this year is Poor King 2. I dropped PK1 in 2014 as my debut project. I’m working intensely on that right now with the release date of 4/14.

INSTAGRAM.COM/lordjones2.0 soundcloud.com/empireofthemuse

(rebuild) verb re·build \(,)rē-bild\

a : to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct b : to restore to a previous state

rebuilding requires relearning our own history. I think that anchors us as a group of people. weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reminded of our struggle, resilience, and brillance. thinking back; theres so much pride down to how we dress to how we spoke. that black pride needs to be brought back. it also requires reinvesting through education and economics. supporting black own businesses and creating opportunies to run our own businesses.

randi gloss

The Mental & Physical Killing PT. 2... by Brielle Delanry Get it yourself or don’t get it all but they lead us to believe that it wasn’t our call hoping that we would continue to fall down allowing us to lose our crown because we weren’t ‘college bound’ Yet they loved our sound and had us play around So now we played our women disregarding the fact that degrading woman is degrading men. You made her hate herself so much that she started to hate you, you degraded her so much that she started to degrade you, Ending up sad that y’all couldn’t be the perfect two but instead of telling her you stepped on her heart and her soul with your shoe, forgetting the fact that us woman are only here to help you. So now there were pieces like glass on the floor but you chose to ignore and just got up and walked out that door. The pieces were sharp a few weeks later she started to barf for another life was about to be born in scorn that their father was not in their life. You were hustling you were struggling but so was he and she, but you left your responsibility as a man and now they were stuck looking for a key, a way out without a benefit of a doubt, playing sports hoping to get a scout portraying ourselves like that’s the only thing we’re good for. So they chose to ignore that we’re all powerful as one, if only we begun, to stop living in the negative, thinking in the negative, and realize that it only keeps us in the negative. So let’s start thinking in a wider range and stop caring if others are looking at us strange and start knowing that it is attainable to change.

REBUILD Young Millennials Changing the Music Industry & More Sharell Jeffrey

Just another year of showing how much our generation cannot be stopped. Donald Trump is in high ratings for our presidential election, mass murder shootings, terrorist attacks, Kanye being Kanye, #BlackLivesMatter, etc.... I can go on and on In the midst of the chaos, a few artists this past year buzzed on the scene, creating more than just music, but movements as well.

raury - Atlanta native (Age: 18) -Performed with legends: André 3K of Outkast, Lauryn Hill

I first saw Raury when he was about 16. I was working at Webster Hall as a Booking intern and his first show in NYC just happened to be my first day on the job. My co-workers didn’t know of him and immediately underestimated the show as a dub. The show sold out and the rest is history, he even took the crowd out for frozen yogurt afterwards. I immediately saw legendary material in this kid. The Atlanta native is now 18, signed to SONY/Columbia Records with his LoveRennaisaance management and two released projects under his belt. The Indigo Child EP was an introduction that Raury wasn’t an ordinary southern artist. His folk, hip-hop, rap demeanor is a combination of Kid Cudi, Andre 3000 & Jimi Hendrix. I only say Jimi because of Raury’s fashionable pieces he’s performed in. His debut album, All We Need, was nothing but pure happiness and showed the maturity level Raury is capable of reaching. His rebellious attitude and compassion for the need of love in the world has created a cultural movement for his brand. He has organized meet ups all over the country, conversing with his peers about unresolved issues in this world. Raury tells us to get out of our phones for a while and just observe what is happening in our surroundings.

chance the rapper - Chicago Rapper (Age: 22) -The Social Experiment Band - Young Philanthropist

I started following Chance’s rap career in 2012. Acid Rap was just the beginning. 2015 was Chance’s “Glo Up Year” but of course he’s going to keep glowing. His #10Day mixtape was a simple project he put together at a community studio in Chicago while suspended from school for 10 Days. No matter what, this dude stays productive. Having a father in politics that works close to President Obama was a win for Chance to market his music in presidential campaign type of way. As Chance rose to notary in his community, he merely wanted to build the rough neighborhoods rather than sign to a major label, leaving the hood behind. Capitalizing off of his success as an independent artist, Chance made history being the only independent artist to perform on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). I also noticed that every time Chance dropped a record, it was free. His singles were free to download, not the usual $1.99 (or even .99) off ITunes. He sees the monetary value in his music but he is also well aware of the streaming services that have taken over distribution of the digital music age. Instead, Chance has put his budget into touring and merchandise. This winter, Chance raised $100K+ in 10 days to keep Chicago warm with his Warmest Winter in Chicago Challenge.

jaden & willow smith

Jaden -Artist/Actor/Model (Age 16) -Founder of MSFTS Republic Clothing Line

Heir to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jaden And Willow are the youngest to this group of millennial. I still include them because they are forward thinkers. They have educated themselves young vs. being taught the average school lessons. Many say that their privileged lifestyle is what awards them to travel anywhere, anytime, and live how they want. I see no luxury lifestyle in these kids at all. They are making a difference with their circle of MSFTs. As fashionable as he is, Jaden only owns one pair of shoes. Jaden and his MSFT crew have built a prominent voice on social media to the younger generation. With over 1 million followers, Jaden’s captivating opinions and art have inspired other creative, young minds to manifest their voices as well. Facing much adversity for posing in Louis Vitton’s newest campaign for the women’s spring collection, Jaden is slowly becoming a bending the gender roles in the fashion industry. His androgynous style and confidence puts these conventional stereotypes to rest.

Willow Smith -Artist/Model/Actor (Age: 15)

Willow is only 15 years old and she’s a writer, performer, designer, model, etc. Starting her career as a recording artist at the age of 13, Willow was signed to Roc Nation. She recently released an album ARDIPITHECUS, being the sole songwriter for 14 of the 15 tracks and the sole producer for 10 of them. The album title comes from the scientific name for bones that are the supposed links to the beginning of humanity. Willow told USA Today that she was in a transitional state while creating the album, and the lyrics come from “bits and pieces of her ancient self.” I consider her weird as fuck but it’s awesome, it’s natural…it’s her. She’s an earth child; going on hikes and ski trips, this girl spends every waking moment outside. Coming a long way from her “Whip My Hair” single, you can’t help but notice the maturity that Willow has quickly developed.

These young visionaries have show that their voices can be heard no matter how young. Rather than be brainwashed by the media, these 4 Millennials ask questions, develop plans and execute with precision. It only builds up from here…

SAC RED

GEO METRY Christine Miller

Interview by: Jay Stone

JS: How did you get your start in yarn designs ? CM: I have always played in yarn and before creating mandalas I had a little jewelry line called ‘Crochet Hermits Accessories ‘ and I made hoop earrings lined with yarn and various creations that were vibrant and big. I always had a love for yarn but I wasn’t confident in my abilities back then neither did I really pursue my art like I do now. JS: What do you see in your mind when you see different colors? CM: I feel like colors reflect back to nature like the brown in the bark of a tree or the bright blue and white in the sky on a sunny day. I felt inspired mostly through road trips I have taken and seeing the nature around me constantly evolving and changing. I like to add that life to my creations to bring a sense of tranquility that nature sheds onto my work with a hint of gaudy vibrancy like a newly sprouted flower. JS: What role does being an earth child and being attuned with nature? CM: I feel that being a child of the earth leaves me the task to honor it. I wasn’t always attuned with nature and some days it’s still is hard to leave work problems at work and just enjoy what’s around you. With the price of common vegetables rising and social media at its peak it’s hard to stay attuned to something as simple as nature because nature forces you to admire something besides a photo on instagram or the latest news on a blog. I use nature as a getaway from society and try to honor that little time out of a week that I have away from the city life and just be free to be my filter-less and free.

54 JS: What are the messages behind your work? You have these beautiful abstract pieces. It JS: Ultimately, what do you aspire to do with reminds me of looking straight into a your art? psychedelic world. CM: My message is really in the eyes of the beholder but ultimately my message would be life in color. In a world where black and white or nude are fashion statements, I just like to remind people of color. I feel like it’s hard for many people to feel the need to care about what I do since it’s not a portrait of someone famous or a painting. It’s hard to introduce something different when everyone seems to after the same things. I also like people to know, the art I create is not from my own mind but it’s a craft still popular around the world, and when given to someone it’s meant as a blessing for the receivers home. I want people to look at my mandalas and feel uncomfortable at how bright they are and to bring color into dull atmospheres and to brighten up happy ones. JS: You mention how your work is unfit for the eyes of the plain. How does one really receive the messages you are looking to capture in your work? CM: First to receive any message it takes and open mind so why I say my work is unfit for the eyes of the plain, I mean if you don’t live a little you won’t appreciate what I do. In the few situations in the art world that I have recently been in I have encountered 3 types of people, the type who walk past me completely, others who ask, and people who just love it without even knowing what I do. I feel that the message of my work gets across to people based on their personality and if people wake up and go, never asking, never exploring usually they don’t interact with my art. I create not really for a message but for appreciation. To see people’s faces brighten at the colors not really anything too deep for people to take home and think about. I really just like the satisfaction people get when they take my work home and already have planned where to hang it that’s really why I create.

CM: I mostly just want my work to be hung in various cafes or gallery’s to be viewed. Recently I have been selling my work, which is a surprise, but even if I don’t sell anything else just the exposure of my work in the world would make me happy and fulfilled.

INSTAGRAM.COM/broketraveluster

PHARAOH TIMES PROJECTS LIST JAY STONE: THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE 2016 SEASON KITTY LEIGH: REVOLUTIONARY DOG WALKER || TBA JAY STONE: BLACK MADONNA || MOTHER’S DAY JAY STONE: REBIRTH OF A NATION || SUMMER 2016 JAY STONE: AMEN || FALL 2016 DRUGS: THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT || TBA JAY STONE X ANDY REMY : ISIS & THE SUNRISE KINGDOM #2018 pharaohpharaohpharaoh.tumblr.com/

| BEAUTIFUL MORNING | MUSE: KITTY LEIGH PHOTO BY: JAY STONE

I interpret my art as just that, a story.

THE VIRGIN ARTISTe “I am something of an exhibitionist”

THE EXHIBITIONIST /ex·hi·bi·tion·ist/ noun 1. a person who is extravagant in nature, attracting ttention.

Ashleigh Alexandria INTERVIEW BY: JAY STONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JEAN ANDRE ANTOINE

Ashleigh Alexandria

JS: Life can be very hectic. What are some of your tricks for getting into your creative space? AA: I am constantly conjuring up concepts in my head whether it’s for my body arte series or painting series. I have a lot of down time at my job so I am drawing almost every day. I also paint every Tuesday Night at the Delancey in the Lower East Side as a part of the Collage Movement. So I pretty much try to keep my creative momentum going on the daily. JS: When did you realize you wanted to be a visual artist? And how did you get into body art? AA: I have been an artist since I remember putting pencil to paper. I have a drawing book from when I was at least 4 years old. So I would say being a visual artist comes naturally to me. I choose to refer to myself as a visual artist because I am into several different forms of art, not just painting. There is videography/ screen writing, installations and photography. As far as the body art goes. It’s a fairly new series I am working on. I use to love shooting

and creating scenes and styles with outfits and background scenery but I figure what better way to showcase my two passions of developing imagery with set designs/stories lines and painting is by combing the two. I’m working on making my series as organic as possible, seeking to find the essence in my subjects, while still focusing on the art itself.

JS: What are some of the things that inspire you and your body art? AA: What inspires me is the past. I strive to keep nostalgia and that déjà vu feeling, alive. Those good feelings you get from seeing old photographs of loved ones back in the day. It’s a time that is extinct however, I want my audience to see the details in my work and be taken back into time. Eventually, I want to mesh everyday life with the body art, placing my subjects in the most unlikely of settings and situations. JS: I believe your work is like live visual stories. How do you normally interpret your art? AA: I interpret my art as just that, a story. Some are true. I try to intertwine my models with their own stories so that a piece of them is embedded in the shoot; they have a lot of say in how they would like to be portrayed. JS: Your body pieces are like public streams of creativity. Did you ever experience fear putting yourself out there in terms of body art? AA: Yes I still have my qualms about it. It’s probably the most riskiest thing I have done so far. I feel that my designs ease that bit of discomfort for me and maybe others that aren’t so use to this type of ‘body’ of work by me. Once I get into painting my models it is no longer just a nude shoot. That is when the art shines through, accompanying my subject/model . The production then comes together.

63 JS: You also regularly paint on canvases. Tell me about differences in using an actual canvas and using the human body as a canvas. AAH: As I paint on people more I find that it has its challenges. With the body there are several curves, dents and grooves and depending on who I use can all translate differently when painted on human form. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mostly about gauging where to put what and which colors to use to compliment the overall story. I get to freestyle. However, when I paint on canvas I usually am painting portraits so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more concentration , more detail that goes in to making something out of nothing. JS: Where is it you see yourself and your work in the next decade? AA: In the next decade I see myself owning a gallery and helping young black and brown youth find their niche in the art world. The future of our people is at stake and I would like to make a difference in how the next generation views art.

INSTAGRAM.COM/thevirginartiste la-virginarte.tumblr.com

(rebuild) verb re·build \(,)rē-bild\

a : to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct b : to restore to a previous state

in my perception building is the essence of nation building through a collective union of blacks on all scales & factors: socially, mentally, economically, spirituality, politically, & culturally. these dynamics vital to our existence the ways of true unity & along with organization & mobility is key to our liberation then salvation. i follow the methods & teachings of how black economics in being self reliant to dependency like Garvey taught. black nationalism in mass production & black power state of mind like Malcolm taught. collective unity in organization to the fundamentals of unity like Kwane taught. and militancy self defense mastering the art of war & strategic tactics in planning & self aligning as power to the people how Huey taught.

stephan supreme

“Black is not only beautiufl; it’s bad, too. It’s fast, classy, name-taking and ass-kicking, too.” melvin van peebles

THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED

RESURRECTION REBEL RESISTANCE REBUILD