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They’re Not Well Connected, they’re LOCAL.
Message from the Editor & Designer I created this magazine to showcase all of the talented local artists that we have. Finally a chance for them to shine and for you to get to know them. Art can be the medicine for many of todays problems. This isn’t the kind of magazine where we spread gossip or add to the pressure of “fitting in” this is where we show case those that are born to stand out, an extension of our artistic reach. A place where we support those who are brave and humble enough to allow us to view their world through their eyes. A place to connect with other with our same passions or a magazine that you can grab when you find yourself in a difficult place artistically. Finally a magazine that is about growing as a community, inspire each other as artists, and hopefully your most coveted subscription that you share with everyone.
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Franchesca Rivera Editor & Designer
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LUZDY expressed Born from a family of artists, Luzdy talks about how they inspire her and what she feels her purpose for art is. No need for art school when you’re related to professionals
Passionate & UNCOMPROMISED Maria Fernandez has many talents among them is not allowing the monotony of everyday life compromise her passion to live her life her way.
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Musical Tidal Waves
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Ryan Perez isn’t just expressing himself acoustically, he also wants to wants to show it culinarily. He speaks about his self promises and insight on road life as a musician.
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LUZDY
expressed
Luzdy Rivera Marrero. I am a Puerto Rican multifaceted artist. I’m a Musician, Photographer and Painting Artist who loves vibrant, bold, colorful, powerful, emotive and meaningful art in all of its forms. I describe my painting style as Abstract Realism. You will find that Abstract and Realist Art is what constitutes Abstract Realism. Abstract art exists through patterns, colors, textures and lines that allude without the need of real subject. Realistic art aims to replicate a subject. When these two elements combine to create an abstract impression of real life, you get abstract realism.
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Who are you and what do you do?
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How do you work? iI work with motivation, inspiration and music! What’s your background? Raised by a wonderful family who taught me to always excel at what I want to do, be persistent, be constantly learning and educating myself, growing from all experiences and enjoying my life ride with all its ups and downs. I currently have a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a mayor in Human Resources. everything else, is self-taught!
What’s your What’s integral to the work of an artist? Distinctiveness, inventiveness and originality. Giving oneself and creating a signature on your work even when referencing other artists. What role does the artist have in society? That depends on what society! The same Artist may be perceived very differently in two different societies. I think the role of the artist in general is to evoke emotions and controversy, to fulfill the needs of every logical and/or irrational desire. What has been a seminal experience? I would have to say growing up surrounded by artists in my family. From musicians, singers, dancers, teachers, painters, artisans. My father is a strong influence on me, being a musician, artisan, painter, teacher himself. I must say I think its runs in my blood, I just activate it when there is something or someone that is inspiring.
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How has your practice change over time? Every day it’s a new challenge, practice leads to greater challenges that will need more practice. What art do you most identify with? It depends on my mood and my goals at each moment. What work do you most enjoying doing? Anything that requires inventiveness and creativity. What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? Too many… I guess it would be how well my parents raised me, being grateful and helping others. Every moment was very significant. What themes do you pursue? I definitely like Abstract Realism, especially of portraiture. Captivating people’s distinctiveness through colorful expressions. What’s your favourite art work? I don’t have an only favorite. I tend to admire so many of the different styles of artwork out there. I find that there is always some art from the old masters I haven’t seen or someone new that makes amazing artwork. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you? An educated, intelligent uncle who brings to life a made-up character of a country man “Morivivi El Jibaro” who teaches about Puerto Rican culture and the life style and vocabulary the people use back in the old days.
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Why do you do what you do? Art is home of inspirations, emotions, ideas... I love photographing and painting People. The details, descriptiveness of the person’s face and body language evokes so many emotions and thoughts!
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What jobs have you done other than being an artist? All operations of a Human Resources Department in the Healthcare Industry.
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What is an artistic outlook on life? An artistic outlook is a way to experience health and life through art. An artistic endeavor can be a highly effective form of therapy as well as economical jazz in life. What memorable responses have you had to your work? Someone that told me I have the gift to capture life and memory in a colorful canvas. What food, drink, song inspires you? Wow, so many! I have what many call sweet tooth, anything sweet is heaven! I drink a lot of water while I paint, it’s something weird, art makes me thirsty. J. Speaking
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of songs, there are too many, mainly rock (maroon five, coldplay, snow patrol, pink, hoobastank… the list is too long!) and or instrumental music. Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it? I wouldn’t say lonely. I think artists tend to aisle because it takes time and concentration to create something that probably with other people around it’s harder to do. What do you dislike about the art world? Probably when someone without passion or real talent gets so much credit and recognition $, while there are so many talented artist not given the chance.
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What do you like about your work? All the thoughtfulness and creativity in the process from start to end.
Why art? Because I love it. What makes you angry? Injustice. What superpower would you have and why? The superpower of granting wishes, but only wishes that cannot harm anyone. Name something you love, and why. My family. They are the most extraordinary part of my life. Name something you don’t love, and why. Things that don’t have any practical or special meaning in life.
What is your dream project? Having many amazing ideas come to life, inspiring others and leaving a piece of me for many people in this life. Name three artists you’d like to be compared to. Any of the artist who break with traditional methods of perception. Spontaneous, often subjective response to nature expressed in bold, undisguised brushstrokes and vibrant colors, creaters of work that challenge the mind and created different ways of looking at the same thing. Favourite or most inspirational place? Beautiful Parks or beaches of the world. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Do not give up, but if you must it shall be because you are set to go for something greater.
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What do you dislike about your work? When something doesn’t come out as it was envisioned or in that case better than what it was intended.
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What can’t you do without?
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LOVE
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TAKE ONE S W
ho are you and what do you do? My name is Maria R. Fernandez and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico till I was about 11 years old. I then migrated to the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts. I work as a lifestyle model, voice over artist, and do commercial & film acting. I also edit videos for actors reel, coach them, and help them create their biography and resume. I host workshops about the industry of acting and I promote and do marketing for the small business I work for. I am also a Stay At Home Mom / Work At Home Mom. Why do you do what you do? I am passionate about acting as it comes naturally to me. I do acting because it makes me feel complete in the sense of career accomplishment. I like the freedom that acting provides me and is what I enjoy doing most. When I work a regular 9-5 job, I hate the monotony and the feeling of entrapment. Acting makes me feel truly free because I can decide which acting projects I want to participate on and because is something I am good at, I know I won’t fail.
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Maria Fernandez / Actress / Singer / Photos taken by Peter Greeno
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How do you work? I work alone most of the time. I learn my lines on my own at first, then I record myself with my IPhone to see how much I have memorize and to see if the character looks believable because the camera picks up lies and it shows overacting. Once I feel confident, I show my acting piece to someone close like my husband, mother-in-law or close friend and ask for their opinion. I then take their critique of my unfinished work and apply it.
“DON’T LIMIT
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Then, I watch movies of characters that are similar to the one I am playing to assimilate even further. Whenever I am in my car, I run through the script lines and play music that will get me into the state of mind for that character. I definitely enjoy working independently and also rehearsing with fellow actors and having the director give me guidelines or not on what to switch or what to take out
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What’s your background? I actually have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Sociology and also a Master’s in Business Administration. I went to an all-girl Catholic High School where Music and Theater where my concentrations. I used to be an independent singer but now I mostly do consultant work in the music business and help other singers with their vision and music videos. I love being in the entertainment business even if is behind the scenes. In the Boston market, I mostly act in corporate videos, student and independent films, and local commercials. Maria Fernandez / Actress / Singer / Photos taken by Al Diaz
What’s integral to the work of an artist? Practice, practice, practice. If you want to be perfect at anything, then you always have to be about it. As an artist, is not only good to know your craft but to become familiar with the business side of it. Many artists are starving because they focus on the craft and forget how to market themselves and manage their business so that they are profitable. It is important to always network and meet new people in order to connect and collaborate with other talents. You never know what opportunities you can get from taking one step out of your comfort zone. Also, always take classes from teachers you admire and respect. Continue to work on perfecting and mastering your craft so that you can stand out and differentiate from other artist. Always collaborate and don’t limit yourself.
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T YOUR ELF”
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“MY
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EMOTIONS
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M Y E N E R G Y I S H O W I X P R E S S MY A R T B E S T ”
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What has been a seminal experience? I had two similar seminal experiences, they are as follow. So, I try to behave like a normal person and ignore my love for the arts and start working as an employee of a corporation. I then put my passion to the side as a hobby because I was working a 9-5 instead of being self-employed. The minute
I let someone try to control me, I just can’t help but rebel in subtle ways and soon I find myself feeling like a robot. No matter how hard I try to succeed in a regular corporate job setting I seem to fail because I am not doing what I truly love. I can play the role of good employee because I have great work ethics like showing up on time, honesty, team spirit, etc. but when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder and rubbing shoulders with office politics that is something I have no interest for. Twice I have been laid-off and that forced upon decision, was the reason why I choose to truly search for my art. The first time I was laid off, I became an independent singer known as “Sunev” and performed as a singer for over 7 years. The second time I was laid off, I ventured into my acting skills and also became an Assistant Manager for Talent Tools which is a company that directly helps actor with their business. From these two experiences, I learn that I need to follow my own path and passion. I have talents and creative skills that don’t need to be squashed by a routine and non-important corporate job.
Maria Fernandez / Actress / Singer / Photos taken by Peter Greeno
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What role does the artist have in society? I believe the artist role is to deliver or decipher messages and carry forward a representation of their times. Artists are the voice of many; they provide an understanding of meanings through symbols, colors, words, expressions that is easier to digest. Artist allow us to address our emotions, they ask the big questions in life and make us think deeply. Artists sort of play the role of historians because they record trends for future generations. Artists role is to touch as many people around the world, no matter the language because their art can create controversy or make people feel empowered. Artists develop and change the way things are view. An artist role is therefore, to lead, follow, uplift or provoke with their work.
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How has your practice change over time? Acting is about the progression of the self, therefore; it evolves as time passes by. I started acting, when I was in High School. I joined the drama club and participated in school musicals and state theater competitions. In my midtwenties, my interest for acting intensified and I proceeded to concentrate in acting for film and commercials. I paid to take film acting classes that focused around that segmentation in order to learn how to audition well in front of cameras. Digging even deeper into the acting craft I studied the Meisner Technique. I have moments of high intensity and focus but also lull moments of not acting at all, is like a wave. It all has to do with timing in my life and what I am doing that allows me to concentrate at the moment in this passionate art form. I am an expression of the human spirit and I know I have many more phases of myself to still explore and I will continue to create and play and transform myself over time. What works do you most enjoying doing? I love working on developing the character for a movie. I like imagining and answering what the character is like, finding out what makes my character tick and behave a certain way, so that when someone watches my acting, I
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project the actual character and not me. The best type of art for me is playing a lead role in a musical, where I get to sing, dance and act. I also enjoy modeling because being photograph heps me collaborate with the photographer to capture the light, colors, fashion, also we create beautiful symmetry and patterns and expression in an image. I love how so much can be captured in a picture, is like pausing life at that moment. What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? I have some many...I remember that I was about 4 years old and on my big brothers kindergarten graduation I took the microphone away from him and sang his solo part of the song because he was shy and since I had learned the song I wanted to sing and be part of the show. I guess I was just trying to help him out but really wanted the spotlight.
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What themes do you pursue? I pursue themes of domestic violence because I cannot stand women and their children getting abused. I am drawn to it because I have experience with this subject as well as my close friends whom have been victims of these trauma that really ruins a woman’s life. I also only like to act in movies that show a stronger female side, I don’t want to play the stereotypical type. I want to change the roles that are given to Latinas in movies. I want us to be MORE than a prostitute, maid, lover or the pregnant mother. What’s your scariest experience? In general, one time I went camping and a bear visited our tent grounds. I really could not sleep that night, fearing that the bear will come back and claw our tent and take my life away. Also, when I was young I almost drown one time because I was at the beach and a wave pulled me out and I didn’t know how to swim, so I had to go under and stick my feet in the floor so I could walk out and save myself What’s your favorite art work? Oh my, I always have difficulty with questions like this. I don’t have one favorite art work. Is like
Maria Fernandez / Actress / Singer / Photo taken by Al Diaz
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asking what your favorite ice cream flavor is or favorite food. Yes, I gravitate to certain art and style but cannot say my ultimate favorite one is. I love the painting Starry Night and Sunflowers by Van Gogh. The Old Blind Guitarist and The Dream by Picasso. I love Quentin Tarantino filmography such as Kill Bill, True Romance and Pulp Fiction. I also recently bought a piece of art from my cousin Luzdy titled “I Will Always Protect You” which hangs on my bedroom. Right now I am in love with the singer artist Sia. I absolutely love her album “1000 Forms of Fears” and her strategy of >> LOCALMAGAZINE.COM
N E C T S
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“I am not always making money I am happy spending my time on this earth ”
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Register by December 2, 2014 To register call 800.738.8513 or visit HandmadeHarmony.com
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M U S I C A L T I D A LW AV E S
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WHAT’S THE FIRST SONG YOU EVER REMEMBER HEARING?
Ryan Perez / Musician / Photo taken by DJ Joey A.
Growing up my dad listened to a little bit of everything & one song that still sticks with me is Billy Joel - Piano Man
WHAT SONG OF YOURS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO LATELY?
I’m most proud of my solo track “Tidal Waves”
Lately I’m listening to lots of Ed Sheeran & Sam Smith. Their voices & lyrics have me like “woa”
WHY?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM BY ANOTHER ARTIST?
My sound is always changing and I feel like this song is a direct reflection of the artist & type of music I want to continue creating.
I have 2 favorite albums that are pure genius works of art. one is by the band “Brand New - Deja Entendu” & the other is a concept album by “Boys Night Out - Train Wreck” about a man who murders his lover while asleep.
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ARE THERE ANY SONGS YOU’VE DONE THAT YOU WISH YOU HADN’T?
WHAT DOES YOUR CONTRACT RIDER CALL FOR IN TERMS OF BACKSTAGE AMENITIES? As long as I have water I’m satisfied. WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN’T A MUSICIAN? I would love to run/own a restaurant which I have actually promised myself to accomplish along with being a musician OTHER THAN THE PEOPLE YOU’RE WITH NOW, IF YOU COULD GET ANY MUSICIAN, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD BE IN YOUR “DREAM BAND?”
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE OUT ON THE ROAD AND NOT EAT ANY JUNK FOOD? Junk food is a big part of my diet. I don’t think I could ever give that up PEOPLE HAVE THE IMAGE THAT IT’S NON-STOP PARTYING OUT THERE. IS IT TRUE? When performing it’s more about being the party than actually partying. Sort of like a job title lol I prefer partying outside of being an entertainer. So I guess yes and no. ARE YOU MARRIED OR INVOLVED WITH ANYONE? I’m not currently involved with anyone. The thought of marriage is intimidating to me. IS IT HARD TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WHEN YOU’RE OUT ON THE ROAD? it seems hard to maintain a relationship in general lol my heart is with the music. WHEN DO YOU GO BACK IN THE STUDIO? I’m thankful that I have my own studio setup so it could be later today or later on this week. Lately I’ve been releasing singles as I produce them under the motto “go with the flow”
Ed Sheeran, Eminem & Synister Gates (guitarist from Avenged Sevenfold) HOW MANY GUITARS DO YOU OWN? I pawned my last 2 guitars (part of being a starving artist) HOW MANY SONGS IN YOUR HOME COLLECTION? I actually don’t have a collection lol being that everything is easily accessed through the internet I’m a big fan of my spotify premium account HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CENSORSHIP? I don’t believe in being censored. Artists demand to be heard and we will do so in any fashion to reach our audience. DO YOU CENSOR YOURSELF? HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN ANYTHING AND THEN DECIDED IT WAS TOO HARSH? Never WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? I’m currently working as the drummer with my band Army Of Stone. And I plan on release my first solo music video under the direction of Dj Joey A
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There are some unmentionable rap songs that I’ve leant my creativity out to that I wish I could take back for my own use lol
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