2013
VOL. I
El Ricon Social
Pevetto
Boomtown Coffee
Boheme
EDITORIAL
STAFF
La quimera es una bestia de la mitología griega y además significa”aquello que se propone a la imaginación como posible o verdadero, no siéndolo”.Encontrar el nombre de nuestra publicación fue la primera tarea, e inicio, de este proyecto.
Vladimir Orozco
Chimera es una revista de arte y cultura que tiene el objetivo de apoyar todo tipo de expresiones artísticas, así como también crear un espacio cultural para compartir y promover el trabajo de los artistas locales. Este primer número es un compilado de algunos de los eventos ocurridos en Houston durante este año que incluye: conciertos, exhibiciones fotográficas y pictóricas, presentación de artesanias, danza y coreografía, etc. Somos conscientes de que Houston posee un amplio nivel de expresiones culturales por lo que exhortamos a los artistas locales a compartir sus obras con nosotros y así brindarle al público la oportunidad de apreciar las diferentes propuestas que conviven en la ciudad. Bienvenidos a Chimera Magazine....
Managing Editor Photographer Videographer
Eduardo Herrera Art Director Photographer Twitter Manager
Matias Nilson
Associate Editor Networking
Catherine Filipovich Copy Editor
Jasmin Castro
Contributor Writer
Johnatan Rodriguez Social Media Manager
INDEX ART GALLERIES 1-3 KARINA FILIPOVICH 7-8 ROSEMARY ALLEN 9 -10 POP SHOW 12 MONTROSE ART MARKET 13 -14 SUMMER ST. ART FESTIVAL 15 - 16 GREG WILLIAMS 17 - 19 SCOPE SHOW 20 - 21 SKATALITES 23 - 24 TOTAL CHAOS 25 HUATEQUE / NOCHES AGOGO 26 ESPANTAPAJAROS 27 - 28 SKARNALES 29 DISCO 30 CRITICAL MASS 31 - 32 DIA DE CAMPO 33
Karina Filipovich Karina Filipovich is a photographer that is inspired by her collection of insects, flowers, and other curiosities. Her photogram lends itself well to these interests. She uses herself and close friends as models and what she knows about them to inspire her photographic creations. This series is still in continuation today and evolving. She sees these photographs as a representation of time and her subconscious revealing itself to her as she blossoms into womanhood. When did you realize that art would occupy the majority of your time? (if so) In the 8th grade, I took an art class where we had a photo assignment. I took pictures of my best friend in the whole wide world. I then realized that there are other things surrounding me that could be photographed, and thus a true obsession began. Is there any specific example of an artist you admire or have copied his/ her work? If I were to be copying a person’s work, I don’t think I would be able to live with myself. I do admire some artists. Particularly Man Ray and MoholyNagy’s work. How do you think these influences are applied in your art work? Is there a specific example you can give me? Well I consider Moholy-Nagy to be the absolute father of the photogram. Man Ray I fell in love with first, though. Both of their uses of the photogram technique draw awe and wonder from me. Obviously this technique transcends into my work.
I see you like to use flowers, insects, and weird objects in your pieces. Did you chose them as a symbolic element? Why do you use them? I collect, I seek, and I let these creatures appear to me. Why I use them? Well I had no reason not to. Does modern culture or society play a role in your work, or is it more of an internal engagement that draws you to your subject matter or chosen medium? I’m not so much concerned on creating a culture commentary in my work, at least directly. These pieces are all very personal, almost so personal to a point where I struggle to define what they really mean. This project was pure experimentation. Pushing the limits on my creativity. Even so, I feel as if I have only begun. What do you think is the most important choice you make as an artist in producing your work? Quality. I do not settle for less. I always try my hardest, and sometimes that still isn’t enough. What is your web address / online presence (facebook, twitter, Pin, etc)? Flikr.com/photos/karinaeditha Karinafilipovich.tumblr.com Instagram.com/photos/thevelvetcat Follow me on Instagram. I see this little app as a daily exercise, training my eye, and I love it! I might follow back...
Rosemary Allen Did/Does your family or environment have an impact on how you grew up as an artist or how you pursue your art work today? Yes. My mom went to art school and has always encouraged me as well as offered me constructive criticism. I was always drawing something when I was young whether it was on Microsoft Paint on my dad’s computer or doodling with a pencil. My parents have always supported that creative side to me, especially by buying me art supplies. My family are the first people to see my finished works, paintings have become a traditional gift at Christmas. I don’t think I would be pursuing being an artist like I am today if it weren’t for my upbringing. Is there something particular you would like to learn? something you think is important for your art making development? I would say I have a lot more self discovery to do, my journey is only beginning. But I feel that knowledge will come with experience and time.
When you begin a new piece, do you plan it out beforehand or jump in and work from intuition? It depends on the idea. There are some paintings such as commission pieces that have to be planned out to a certain degree, I have a sketch book and I will practice certain shapes before I go at it on canvas, it’s more to familiarize myself with what I’m about to do. Then there are those occasions when I have an idea in my head and I just go for it without planning. The only planning I have in those cases is the idea in my head and the colors I see. I never know how exactly the painting will look until I’m finished other than the rough vision, it’s a transformation process that happens and that comes from my intuition. Seeing something finished is my favorite part because I know it came from somewhere inside of me, and now I can show something only I could see to everyone. Is there a specific art - making process when you have those moments of transforming your ideas through paint? Talking about technique. If so Could you take me through, step by step?
For me it is best to start with a background, it sets the tone of the piece. From then on I just go with it, I have rarely drawn things out on canvas with pencil because I hate when pencil lines show, I’m also not the best at drawing. It’s a color manipulation process that happens, a series of layers that I feel truly adds depth to the piece not only to the eye but spiritually because like the appearance of people there is more that meets the eye, this lies beneath the surface of the painting.
Does modern culture or society play a role in your work, or is it more of an internal engagement that draws you to your subject matter or chosen medium? All of my artwork comes from inside me but I definitely draw inspiration from modern culture. There are certain things I draw inspiration from that not even I understand. I paint because it’s what comes easiest it to me, it’s like a second nature and I feel canvas is a medium I’m most comfortable with using for that expression.
What influences do you feel have had the greatest impact on your creativity? I’m definitely inspired by music, urban culture, street art, colors, life experience, relationships, etc. anything that I find beautiful, I just happen to find beauty in most of those things. The people in my life definitely have a huge impact as well. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have great friends and family to share ideas with. Being independent at a young age really allowed my creativity to develop in more than just artistic ways, you are nothing until you learn to survive on your own.
What do you think is the most important choice you make as an artist in producing your work? Probably just the time I take before I declare something is finished. A piece may sit for months before I start working on it again, I don’t force inspiration. It is always worth the wait. Ideas take time to develop, sometimes more than others. What is your web address / online presence (facebook, twitter, Pin, etc)? www.RMKAart.com is my website or you can find me at www.facebook.com/allenrmk
Pop-Show
A VISIT TO
MONTROSE ART MARKET
It’s been called “the strangest neighborhood east of the Pecos” and the “Heart of Houston,” so our expectations were high as we headed toward Montrose, to visit The Montrose Arts Market, in the heart of Houston.
In the 1960s and 70s, the “counter culture” invaded Montrose; street musicians, hippie communes, head shops, and underground newspapers challenged the traditional suburban idea of Montrose. The Market is right where Vietnam protesters burned their draft cards. This same area became the Westheimer Street Festival in the early 1970s and also a center for the LGBT community. I’m sure this all felt very strange to the average Montrosian in the 1970s. Folk music filled the air in those days, followed by psychedelic rock, and then the Blues. Montrose has since been a haven for “Prohibition honkey-tonks,”
catering to the “exile” crowd of writers, artists, and musicians. And so we didn’t have to look far to find “Bohemia” at the Montrose Art Market.
The Market’s website says “the Market’s objective is to provide artists a native venue to showcase their work and connect with the community. Conversely, visitors will have a consistent venue to learn and purchase from the talented artists.” So here we are, dear reader. Behind the guy in the dark blue shirt, is a beautiful painting of a naked blue swimmer. It’s tacked to the wall in a most Art Market kind of way, and the “No Parking” sign to the left of the picture really accents the work. A red table cloth covered with homemade jewelry, effectively introduces the viewer to the artist working lovingly on a new ornament behind the table. Perhaps our favorite picture is the painting of the dog, or is it a cat, sitting in the red chair. The artist was happy to half smile for us as we snapped away and tried to capture his genius in one digital frame.
As we walked the Market, we found nothing more strange than artists expressing their free will and out of the box talents. There were foodies offering us the most organic treats, and there were lots of average looking people looking at out-of- the average art. The Montrose Art Market met our expectations for “strange” and our taste for the unusual, and we’ll go again. We may even set up our own table and share our weirdness with the other crazies here. It’s a powerful happening, man.
Summer St.
Art Festival The artists of Summer Street Studios launched the 2nd annual Summer Street Arts Festival with fashion, music, and art located at 2500 Summer St, Houston Texas 77007. The Summer Streets Arts Festival is an annual affair where local artists organize music performances, an arts market, art installations, food trucks and fashion show segments. Last year’s Summer Festival had over 1,000 people in attendance. This year the event exceeded local Houstonians’ expectations. The lineup was incredible this year. The Summer Festival kicked off performances with talented fashion designers, models, DJs, and performing artists. Participants danced and jammed up close to DJs playing Dubstep. The second floor gave a fantastic view of the massive US presidents’ heads. There was even a music video being filmed that night. A growing interest in these types of events makes Houston the new scene for arts and culture. Stay connected to Chimera to learn about the newest and latest art and cultural happenings around the city.
Greg Williams es un reconocido músico y dibujante-en ocasiones skater-a nivel nacional. Muchos fanáticos del hardcore-punk de los E.E.U.U. conocerán su trabajo gráfico con Total Chaos, Agnostic Front y Madball, sólo por citar algunos ejemplos. Algo que quizá no conozcan de este tejano es su humildad y generosidad, ya que le permitió al equipo de Chimera Magazine visitarlo en su estudio y realizar esta interesante entrevista. En Sugarland, un suburbio de Houston, Texas, se incorpora a su primer proyecto musical, International Network of Chaos, precursor de No Solution, banda que se convertiría en un referente del hardcore-punk de Houston y compartiría escenario con Minor Threatr, D.R.I, Toal Chaos, Negative Approach, etc. En 1992, inspirado en las fotografías de los discos de Septic Death, Greg comienza a diseñar los volantes publicitarios, carátulas y gráficos de su nueva banda No Solution, que fue fundada en 1991 junto con Shawn Smash tras la disolución de International Network of Chaos. En el año 2000, con el apoyo de Hatetank Productions, comienza su larga y fructífera carrera como uno de los diseñadores artisticos mas importantes del hardcore-punk.
SCOPE SHOW
Occurring, July 14th of 2013 in Houston, Texas, The Scope Show was an event full of spectacular energy and much anticipated excitement. The Scope Show was a stimulating event that was bursting with the power of art, culture, and creativity; a truly electrifying spectacle that so many in Houston had the joy to see. Included in The Scope Show was amazing artistry as well as creative and unique displays. Each element within the show was showcased with spectacular artistic revues that engaged attendees and truly innovated the entire show. Music, dance, and art, what more could anyone ask for? Among the countless spectacular events that happened at the Scope Show, the favorites included skilled break dancing shows, and talented and innovative painters. Brilliant designers brought new and exciting elements to the table and inspiring music brought everything together with song. An acrobatics extravaganza culminated the entire show with their graceful, gravity-defying stunts. Chimera had a chance to gain some much-needed inspiration from all types of art that were truly one-of-a-kind. If you would like more information on The Scope Show, you can visit their website at scopeshow.com or like them on their Facebook page at facebook. com/SCOPEshow?fref=ts. You can also view their Twitter page at twitter.com/@SCOPEshow.
Skatalites It was all Reggae mixed with Ska Funk at Mangos in Houston on March 17, as The Skatalites dished out Ska to the crowds at Mangos on Westheimer Road. Also featured were Jimmy Shadeaux and the Steel Toe Soul, Molotov Compromise, La Skandalosa and All the Apparatus. The Skatalites, on their “Walk With Me” tour, were not shy about waging musical war on their listeners. And Mangos was not afraid to set the craw fish boil before the event, much to the delight of the appreciative Ska fans. The Skatalites music has now spread and infected many music genres, and musicians as well. One only needs to listen to some of the Skatalite cuts on their website, note the original sound, and then it’s not hard to pick out the Skatalites influence in music all around the world.
The Skatalites originally started kicking it in 1963 and got back together in 1983. Most of the members of this jam have passed on, but other soon to be greats have stepped up to continue their legacy. Original founding member Lester Sterling was there in Houston and on the tour, however, pumping fantastic wails out the bell of his sax. Skatalite leaders were products of the personal and musical disciplines of The Alpha School for Boys, run by The Sisters of Mercy on South Camp Road, in Kingston, Jamaica. It was a military-type school that just happened to spit out a lot of musical revolutionaries. The Alpha School for Boys legacy still rolls on. Said 90 year old Sterling in an interview with Chimera magazine before going on stage, “Ya mon. They ‘re still dancin’ to it. ” A complete Ska discography and some amazing tracks from The Walk With Me Tour, the International Ska Revolution Festival, and the Mexico tour are ready for download now at http://www.skatalites.com/news/.
Total Chaos
Huateque / Noches Agogo by Senior Jukebox
Espantapajaros ¿Cuáles son las responsabilidades u obligaciones del rockero con su sociedad y consigo mismo? ¿Su arte debe llegar a las mayorias o ser un poco egoísta? No sé si el rockero tiene una obligación con la sociedad. La obligación es con tu propia estética. Lo que sé es que los músicos tienen la sensibilidad de canalizar y crear conciencia. Grandes conciertos por causas supuestamente justas lo demuestran. Unirse por la paz,con musica, es la mejor forma de celebrarlo. Desde woodstock la conciencia de la gente va cambiando lentamente. Algo que a algunos no les gusta. Mi música no creo que sea egoísta. Todos queremos conectar con la gente. Pero una cosa es ser egoísta y otra es ser demagogo. Una cosa es querer conectar con un sentimiento y otra es saber lo que le gusta al popolo y hacer lo que te piden. Yo tambien soy espectador y se que es estar del otro lado. Compartamos un sentimiento, no me digas que haga lo que cierto publico pide. Es como que si el público fuera egoísta y hay que complacerlo. La clave es compartir, tratar de conectarse en varios niveles. ¿Cuáles son tus musas? La musa es variada.En mi caso, puede ser el loco amor, sentimientos, dilemas interiores, dilemas espirituales. Que por esa cosa mágica se hacen cancion. En nuestro nuevo disco creo que hay un fuerte contenido en letras. En canciones como “We will laugh” o “Who”, hay muchas preguntas. En “Gravity” o “Espiral” aparece el amor loco. Espero que la gente se tome el tiempo de conectarse con las letras y encontrarle un significado propio.
¿Espantapajaros busca su propio sonido o abreva de otras fuentes? Claro que uno quiere tener su propio sonido y tambien creo que nustras influencias se escuchan en nuestro sonido. Te podria nombrar muchas: Beatles, Stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hendrix. Más moderno Black Crowes, Raconteurs, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Kula Shaker, Sheepdogs. La lista es muy larga pero estos artistas mas o menos dan la idea de nuestras influencias. ¿Crees en la originalidad o solo existe la reinterpretación de viejas ideas? Por el estilo que hacemos creo que la orignalidad pasa por la mezcla de influencias y que la composición sea fresca y personal. Que las canciones expresen tus sentimientos, que la sientas propia. Se podria decir que esta todo inventado en el rock, pero los sentimientos artísticos humanos siguen siendo similares. Si al principio de la humanidad en África alguien tocó un tambor, probablemente la motivación es parecida en alguien que lo toca hoy. Lo mismo para el Rock ‘n Roll, podemos tener los mismos sentimientos de los que empezaron esto. Otros lo continuaron y nosotros también seguimos con la antorcha. ¿Por que Espantapajaros canta en español e inglés? Creo que empezó como algo un poco inocente. Las musas me mandaron unas canciones en inglés y yo no las cuestioné, solo las hice. Claro que mi primer idioma es el español pero tuve la curiosidad de hacerlo. Como compositor trato de buscar variedad en la composición, si no, se torna
aburrido hacer todo igual. Tambien creo que lo que esta haciendo Espantapajaros cantando en español e inglés, no muchas bandas lo estan haciendo y como que esta rompiendo ciertas estructuras en esta sociedad donde el idioma español cada día tiene más importacia y la interrelación entre culturas es muy importante. Todos son bienvenidos. Compartamos y aprendamos el uno del otro. Solo mantengamos las mentes abiertas.A la gente del mundo la une más el Rock que otra cosa. Espantapajaros esta trabajando en su nuevo disco “Trail” que tiene 10 canciones originales de las cuales nueve son en ingles y una en español, más un bonus track, en español que sera posible hacer el download de la pagina www. espantapajarosmusic.com para principio de 2014. La influencias en este disco son sonidos de rock de los 60. Algunos títulos de canciones daran un guiño de nuestras influencias (Beatles, The Who, etc). Integrantes: Pablo Espantapajaros - Guitarra Diego Fernández - Guitarra Vlady Castellanos - Bajo Doug Payne - Bateria
Skarnales
Discovery Green - Discover Your World
Critical Mass Critical Mass is both a friendly gathering of people and a social movement. It gives us a chance to become an active part of the city we live in. Critical Mass is a cycling event where people get together at the end of every month to ride through an undetermined route. In fact, there is no leader to follow or membership to join in order to be a part of Critical Mass. All you need is a bicycle and to find the mass of cyclists that are riding in your city. Critical Mass gatherings take place in cities all around the world. You can find these events in cities like San Francisco, Houston and New York.
What is exciting about Critical Mass is that you never know where you are going to end up in the end. You could ride for 30 miles in any direction and then all of a sudden start partying at a random place. This could be a bar, a club or an art studio. It doesn’t matter what shape you are in. You can go as fast or as slow as you want. You can also choose to ride any kind of bike you want, such as tricycles, unicycles, mountain bikes, BMX and more. The point is to have fun and feel like you are a part of your city. Best of all, it is a great motivator to get the best exercise of your life. So, don’t waste another minute!
Little Joe Washington
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