It's Just a Pigment of Your Imagination

Last Night on MAXFM's Local's Lounge we announced the name of MC7C's next art show for Feb 21, 2009....now here's the rest of the details.

PIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION

(Circus, Sideshow, Alice in Wonderland, Storybook Theme)

FEB 21 2009
7pm-11pm
Walls Fine Art Gallery:
Date: February 21 2009

Venue: Walls Fine Art Gallery, Monticello Arcade Norfolk, Virginia
The gallery, as well as the promenade, will be open and used for the art show.

Artists: Christine Harris, Devon Lawrence, Howard Tarpey, Robert Kurtz, Frank “Grandpa” Marsh, Derek Eley, Jade Bengco, Toxic Shock Clothing, Last Deviant, Fotog Ink, Holly Williams, Chad VanPelt, & k@t Marsh.

Music: DJ Lord Thomas, DJ k@t, & DJ Who?

Charity:

Edmarc Hospice for Children

What is EDMARC?
About EDMARC: Established in 1978, Edmarc Hospice for Children was the first hospice in the nation designed specifically for children. They are a United Way agency, serving children with life-limiting illness and their families, without regard to their ability to pay for services. Edmarc believes that remaining at home helps alleviate some of the child’s stress. They offer a broad range of services to address not only the physical and emotional needs of the child, but the many needs of their families. Their home health, hospice, and bereavement support services are available to children and families 24/7.

How YOU can help:
We are looking for sponsors, as well as, organizations to help raise money or much needed donations for the event. There's a long list of needs for Edmarc and despite the economy, we believe that people are still able to donate services or their free time to help others, when their money is tight. We are doing this without any funding. We are using our own money to put together this show and are not getting paid for organizing this event. All proceeds are going to the charity. We have an army of local volunteers who are donating their free time to help paint, set up, build, and organize the show along side us. It is not just our show, it's the communities show. Edmarc is there for the 7 Cities families that need the help and assistance for their sick child and bereavement, despite their lack of income or money.

WE NEED FOOD DONATIONS FOR THE EVENT NIGHT. Work at a restaurant? Know someone who can cook? You can have it all written off on your taxes because you're helping a charity and helping us! We need finger foods (sandwiches, dips, deserts, simple and easy things), & drinks (bottled water, canned soda).

EDMARC NEEDS DONATIONS. Money or gift certificates for services. Wanna help? Send us your email and we'll send you the list of items Edmarc needs. Some examples are: haircuts, manicures, pedicures, gas cards, grocery store cards, free movie rentals, gift cards to restaurants for the parents, passes to local museums and entertainment spots)

THE LINKS
ARTISTS, VENUE, DJ:

Walls Fine Art Gallery

DJ Lord Thomas

Last Deviant

Brian Banks

Toxic Shock Apparel

Holly Williams

Devon Lawrence

Derek Eley

Christine Harris

Howard Tarpey

Kurtz

Chad VanPelt

Jade Bengco

k@t Marsh

Gabriel Perry

Participating Sponsors & Organizations: (so far)

A BIG THANKS AND SHOUTOUT TO: MCT Creative Culture
Andra
Alfredo Torres at MAXFM 100.5FM
The Nightmare Mansion, Pirate Adventure, 3D Fun House, Mirror Maze at the VB Oceanfront

Video and Photo Services Provided for FREE by the talented:

Crysdan Productions

Many Thanks to the volunteers (list will grow so watch for it):

Nicky
ScareyPete
Amanda Page Stephens
Fred and Paula Marsh

Flier to be made and distributed everywhere soon!!!!! Stay tuned.
For those who want to help, please message us with contact info and email address.

Thanks for your support. We can't wait to rock the 7Cities with the new MC7C art show!

k@t and -Gabe-

Artist: Lamar

The following interview was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Don't be a jerk. Give us credit for our hard work! Do not copy+paste this feature elsewhere!


And now, the ever-talented Mr. Demarquis Lamar Johnson.




Bio


Demarquis Lamar Johnson, aka LAMAr. Born of Military parents. Moved from place to place and school to school before going to Salem High School. Attended Virginia Wesleyan College. Demarquis has worked a number of jobs, including a brief stint as An Art Gallery Assistant. His artwork is consigned @ Serendip Arts And Antiques Norfolk Virginia, Detail Gallery Rehoboth beach Delaware. 100+ paintings of his have sold to places including : Childrens Hospital,Mayor of Norfolk,Doctors, Teachers, Artist Etc, and most recently the Four Sisters Gallery on the Campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College.


INTERVIEW

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating art since I was in diapers. The earliest art I recall were images of the Flintstones and dinosaurs. Then Disney movie box covers, and then my own creations.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as "real art." My images are stories and concepts all of my own from my individual life. I consider it "real art," because of the self-experession factor, I really don't use my formal art training or techniques, I pour the paint or grab the pastels and just flow. "Real Art" [what Damarquis calls it]-meaning ones real views without copying, tracing, or using techinques from a "master."

What are you motivations for creating?

I do not really know if I am motivated. It is more of a way of life for me. Sometimes I roll out of the bed on to the floor and just start painting. I guess I can say it is a good feeling to help people through tough moments through reading my poems viewing my works.



What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

I have googled some really good artists I use to attend high school with. [It's] pretty great to see what there doing. I learned from Michael Deweese, who is really successful in the feature film business as a storyboard artist. That is pretty motivational to me. Another local artist that has probably the most powerful work woudl be Francisco Burgess, I lost touch with him after I dropped out of Virginia Wesleyan College.

What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

I can not say an art movement really inspired my work. I used to aim to create work worthy of being good enough to hang in my Mom's living room. She collected a lot of black art when I was younger. Some compare my work to the harlem renassiance. I can somewhat agree with that, but then again, uh no. I would have to say Harlem renassiance meets south park. South park with a positive message though!



Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

Very, Very true! There are so many people tracing the styles Picaso, Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, and Monet. There are also artists creating work for shock value. Art is very similar to music. Artists create to market instead of just creating what they like. They compromise their art to be represented by a gallery. Art galleries no longer really display art; art galleries today look like Kinkos coloring books.

What do you do when you're not creating?

Honestly, I am always creating and playing with an idea in my head. My art comes from my life and the adventures I live.

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

My work is inspiration to people. It gives hope and allows them to see that everyone goes through things. Based on the success I have already had, and the realization that art galleries reject my work but respect me shows me that I know my goal is within reach. My goal being to inspire others, and be a significant artist in my day and time.



If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

I still paint on paperbags, like when I was broke, and buy .44 cent paint from walmart. With that being said I really do not see things changing. Art to me is creating something beautiful from nothing...I enjoy that challenge. Judging my work on canvas compared to the bag work, [I think it's best if I] stick with the free stuff.

Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

No disrespect to VA, but no. Luckily I have lived all over the eastcoast, to include the Big Apple, N.Y., South Carolina, and Mississippi just to name a few places.



Do you do gallery shows?

My art work is too much like real art for most of the local spots, however I do exhibit out of state from time to time. Libraries and Schools tend to appreciate art with substance, such as my work.

How do you start a piece? What is the process?

Well, Lets see. First I rip up a paper bag. Paint a background color, and go from there. I paint in layers. I really paint without clear concepts in mind at times. But when I am done I always have something to say about it, and I usually incorporate my words and signature in the piece.

The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

I send out hundreds of emails to galleries, post on craigslist, and check art calendars for show opportunities. My work sells well. As far as coping, I can not stress about people not wanting to see my work, I realize not everyone wants to hear me nor see me! ...and that my friend is life.

LINKS

LAMAr's official myspace page

Artist: Amanda Page Stephens

The following feature was conducted by k@t and compiled-n-shined by Gabe. Please direct-link to this feature rather than copy+pasting. Give us credit for our hard work!

...and now, the natural visceral-visual blur of Amanda Page Stephens.



Bio [in her own words]

I was raised by the local art community so it is my blood to make art.
Naturally, I studied art in grade school. During the summer of 1994, I
went off to the Maryland Institute College of Art and Design. The following
fall I entered into Governor's School of the Arts. Due to the guidance at
Governor's School, I was accepted into 11 art schools in the spring
of 1995.

By Jan. 1996, I was headed off to the School of the Art Institute of
Chicago. I studied there for three years until I returned to Tidewater
in 1999. From then on until 2006, I juggled school, family, and work at
SAIC, ODU, and TCC. I finally earned my degree in May of 2006. During the years my art has appeared in a variety of group shows and in two solo shows. My first major exhibition accomplishment was in 1995. A sculpture, mixed media, photo piece was accepted into the Chrysler Museum's Irene Leeche show.
I was the youngest artist to ever be shown. I have judged a couple of festivals and art shows. I have taught a handful of workshops on video and
performance art. I hope to continue to produce and show my work in the days to come.



INTERVIEW

How do you keep your work and process fresh under deadlines and compromises?

I invite people in the community to make orchestrated accidents in my
work at tea parties or hang out spots. I also include found object in my
paintings.

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who
see it?

I hope to inspire wonder, confusion….



What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for
it?

So many people ask questions of why, how, and what the f*** for. Plus I
have gotten a few amazing written reviews of certain pieces that proved I
achieved my desired goal. My goal for my work is to put art making in
non-traditional places done by everyday people. So many people are afraid
to help me with my work. They are afraid of messing it up. There are no
bad mistakes in my art. Just people getting together and having fun with
art.

If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints
would you most like to overstep?

Well my work was born out of financial constraint so the only thing I truly desire is larger canvas… Are there other mediums you would explore? I went to art school for 10 years! I think I explored plenty.



Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

Oh glory, glory yes. My childhood stomping grounds expand from Wards
Corner to Ghent [Norfolk]

Do you do gallery shows?

I grew up in a gallery show.

How long have you been creating?

Well let's see my dad was an artist and my mom was the nude model when they met. I had no choice to start in the womb. In other words since I can remember.



How would you describe your work?

Structured chaos….

Artist Statement: Accidental stains constantly inspire my creative
side. In fact natural stains make up most of my pallet. Pigments from tea,
wine, coffee, and flowers actually appear in my work rather consistently. Anassortment of found objects like puzzle pieces, obscure street metal,
and fabrics show up on my canvas too. The quest towards peace and sanity
repeat in my work on a regular basis. The concept of inexpensive and recycled materials drive my creative process. I enjoy inviting my community to contribute to the stains by spilling their drinks or putting their
cigarettes out on my canvas. I orchestrate these accidents by directing
where the spill or burn goes. In the end a search for answers and
relaxation gives my work its foundation.

What are you motivations for creating?

I can't stop. Plus I like to recycle.



What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that
we need to keep an eye on?

My dad, James E Stephens, Jennida Chase, Danny Holcomb, Jamila Starwater Tazewell, you.

What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

Ooooh art history, I hate/love you. See previous question. Jasper
Johns, Cindy Sherman

Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to
boost sales and marketability?

No, growl. I think people can get overly comfortable but honestly I am obsessed with my process/style.
Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization? Only if they let it.



You can catch Amanda at the following upcoming art shows :

November 2, 2007
Solo Kiss the Drink 3 Show First Friday Empire
[Richmond,Va]

November 10, 2007
Handmade Parade @ the Masonic Temple
[7001 Granby St]

Weblinks :

www.thebelvederegallery.com
www.myspace.com/amandapagestephens
www.norfolkcraftmafia.com
http://apages.blogspot.com

Artist: Chelsey Barnes

The following feature was conducted by the MC7C duo and has been posted for your visual and mental pleasure(s). Please direct-link to this feature rather than copy&pasting. Give us credit for our hard work!

And now, the "cheeky smart-alecky jazzy fantastical" Chelsey Barnes.



Chelsey Barnes is living in Richmond, Virginia. She plans to attend VCU in the Spring and is working on releasing a website in the near future.

Her next upcoming show is the wonderful Joan of Art show

INTERVIEW

How long have you been creating?


Well, I have always been sketching and doodling. I picked up painting when I was 15 because I desired color to give my drawings life. That, and I wanted something to get my hands dirty with! I have been trying to dabble in all sorts of crafts, something to keep my hands busy. I've built a huge collections of all sorts of little crafty supplies over the past two years. Hopefully, I'll get into crafting more soon so I can have more cute little things to share. Over the past year I have been learning Illustrator. It is my new best friend. We go to parties and stuff together. We've gotten to know each other pretty well. A lot of my newer work is done on illustrator.



How would you describe your work?

Goodness...If I had to choose one word it would probably be cheeky. Or smart-alecky. Ooh ooh, or maybe even....jazzy! Jazzy is a fun word. But so is fantastical...I may as well go with Cheeky smart-alecky jazzy fantastical chic. Yeah. That's what I'll stick with :)



What are you motivations for creating?

Artwork! I LOVE browsing other peoples stuff. Magazines. Especially home design. You see so many shapes, colors, and structures that make you feel so compelled to create. Don't ever take me to a craft store. You know, I used to clip out things that I like, design wise, and keep them in a box. All sorts of typography and swatches of colors and things like that.

Even little flyers from Macy's and tags from clothing. Design is everywhere, and that is such a huge inspiration. I would dive into that box every once in a while and it's like getting caught in a whirlwind. So much you want to work on but for some strange reason we were only given two hands. Ten fingers. What am I supposed to do with ten fingers?!



What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

Right now my eyes are wide open and adjusting to Richmond, where I just recently moved to. So much greatness here, art-wise. It's such an underestimated town. Everywhere you look you find something you aren't expecting. Right down my alley there is a brick wall that someone was nice enough to cover in mortar and pieces of broken plates. It's beautiful. Even the people who live in Richmond are visually stimulating. It feels to nice to live in a community filled with aspiring artists. Chris Norris, who works in admissions to VCU, has wonderful works (nudge, nudge).



What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

I am in love with the works of artists like Justin DeGarmo, Esao Andrews, Travis Millard, and Kris Chau. It's so imaginative and like nothing else. And it's always in fun. Anything with wonderful energy gets me going. I get so overwhelmed with the idea that I should always be producing work that I question whether or not anything of mine is ever really finished, but I have recently come to realize that it may just be my style. I love that I have found my style. It's so comforting. It's like
wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. Now I get to work on it, and develop it.



Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

I think that a lot of the artists that produce "marketably profitable artwork" are just artists that are producing what they know they would buy . A lot of the stuff that is popular right now are popular because of artists. A few things that I have
recognized that are sold in stores are straight out of the art world. I'm sure a lot of artists get inspiration by popular culture. It just grows and they find people enjoy it, and it's just a cycle. I don't really think artists are forced to limit their body of work just to get recognition, because what would force them? Sales? It's not he most important thing in the world. It's nice, but everyone has their own tastes. You're always going to find someone that is drawn to your work.



What were your favorite cartoons as a kid??

I was always more of a outside girl. Hanging in trees and building crap out of extra wood. The green grass in my backyard was my favorite thing in the world. When I did finally come inside, my twin brother and I watched a lot of movies. Goonies and Indiana Jones were the deal. OF course there was always Batman, and Sunday morning cartoons. I always snuck and watched the cartoons late at night like Daria and Aeon Flux.



What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

Honestly, I just like to see people happy when they view my works. Very rarely do I make any darker pieces. Smiles. That's what keeps me smiling.

Tell us about your DJ night at the Wave in Norfolk Virginia. We want details and flyers! Plug away!

Yay! I'm so excited about this project. It's called SUBTERRANEAN. It's every Wednesday night at the Wave in Ghent Norfolk. Me and my buddy Drew.B scout for the best new stuff in music blogs and mixes and we compile awesome sets specifically for people to shake their hips and get their swerve on. The music range is incredible and I guarantee you will dance all night. There are also dollar beers. I mean...come on. We work really hard on this event and I make and HAND CUT every single flyer that goes out to get this thing going ( and they are really cute, they are little mixtapes). If you want to know what kind of
music is played visit the Myspace for SUBTERRANEAN.

If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?


I REALLY want a studio. This whole keeping my paints in tuperware drawers and buying canvas's when I need them thing is ridiculous. I would love to dedicate a space just to creating. I am interesting in using oil paints, and currently looking
for a fun oil workshop in richmond. It just produces SUCH a smooth texture.

Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

Well, I was born in Ipswich, England and raised in Fayhetville, North Carolina. I moved to Virginia when I was 8 because we were relocated because of my fathers position in the Air Force, and I swear to you that it is the most comfortable state I have ever been to. Everyone is so warm. Well....most people at least.



Do you do gallery shows?

I have done a few shows with the guys over at Restless Bodies and Elm and Oak but no gallery shows yet. I would like to do a bunch of gallery shows, hopefully starting off in Richmond.

Patrick Swayze or Chuck Norris? Why?

I'm going to have to stray away from these choices and go with Steven Segal. Only because I wish to gain his companionship so I can trick him and go behind his back and whoop his ass. It is my number one priority in life. I think I am in Phase Two of my plan because he approved my friendship request on myspace.

How do you transform a blank canvas into a work of art? What's your process?

Well, first I sketch a little sketch. Then I cover the canvas in a color. Whatever color im feeling. I'm really into doing portraits right now, so I start with a face shape and lay down pencils which I can pick up under my first couple layers of
paint. I like to do all my details and stuff with this wonderful nibbed pen. I get carried away with adding details but I love doing it. Add some more color here, there, on my clothing, hands, and finally on the canvas. I guess I feels it's
finished when I add text. It's kind of like a stamp of approval, subconsciously.



The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

I try to leave these little cards I made everywhere. You know, a lot of people are embarassed to mention myspace, but I think it is a wonderful tool. Add, add, add, add.....and then you realize you have 7,000 friends. Oh by the way, add me.

I'm not really a jerk. I actually love everyone.

Artist: 12:13 Photography

In the spirit of Joan of Art (MC7C's first event featuring the best and brightest female artists in the 7 Cities of Hampton Roads), the month of September, MC7C will be interviewing and spotlighting all female artists.
We hope that you check out their art work, attend their shows, and extend your local support to these artists.

Featured Artist of the Week:
Alanna Wiggins / 12:13 Photography

(feature and interview conduced by MC7C. Please give us the proper credit we deserve and do not copy and paste, direct LINK to this feature instead! Thanks)

Alanna Wiggins
Age 30 --Looks not a day over 20!
-Birth sign: Libra
-Lucky Number: 13 ( My 13th birthday was a Friday the 13th and....... I was born 13 minutes after midnight)
-Been using a camera since about 1993.
-Vegetarian since 1993.
-Vegan since 1997.
-President of the Board of Directors, Vegan Action (vegan.org)
-Webmistress, Vegan.org and VAveg.org
-Photography company is Twelve-Thirteen Photography.

INTERVIEW:

Do you have a particularly favorite (photo/ painting) you have created and why is it your favorite?

I don't have any favorites. I usually have a favorite for a hot minute but then I don't like it anymore. I think this keeps me trying to get better since I am never quite satisfied.

What about photography captivated your interest?

Once I learned to see the world in pictures I could never shut it off. I can't walk anywhere without seeing fantastic photos in my minds eye.


What advice would you give to a person interested in becoming a professional photographer?

Well, I started out taking every photography class I could and then moved on to working in a professional photo lab. Working in a photo lab allowed me to see how much crap is out there and what not to do when taking a photograph.


Tell us about your experiences getting started as a professional photographer. You have shot such nationally known bands such as Bella Morte and Synthetic Division, how did you hook up with them?

Um, well, there is no fantastic story for this but I have been friends with both bands for years. I'd do anything to help those guys out and photography happens to be the one thing they needed that I feel most comfortable with. I wish I knew how to book awesome tours but, sadly, I do not.

Do you prefer working with digital or film cameras? Why?

I love film but I have moved on to digital because of the ability to instantly see results and adjust them as needed. Also, I don't enjoy processing and scanning film by hand. Digital is far from perfect but works best for my lifestyle. You just have to make sure you don't blow your highlights out if you are not shoot RAW.


Can you tell us about your technical process.(camera type/ photo editing programs)

I mostly shoot with a Nikon D70s but an unfortunate camera disaster is allowing me to upgrade to the Nikon D80, which I am excited about. I also have an old pentax k1000 and a holga. I edit and color correct all of my photos in photoshop cs2 on a color calibrated monitor. I used to do very little with photoshop and I felt it was "cheating." I'm way over that now and will create a new face if I feel like it will make the end result better. Actually, I still general only edit out minor blemishes on people but I could give them a whole new face if I wanted too! They would probably be really confused when they saw the end result. I'd just say "I don't know what you are talking about."



Can you tell us about your creative process.

Most of my ideas tend to come to me when I am in the shower in the morning. I also have a book next to my bed that I write and draw out all of the strange ideas for shoots.

What are predominating concerns as an artist, and how do you express them?

My only concerns as an artist is to produce something that I am not afraid to put my name on. I don't think that I have any grand message that I want to lay out on the table for the world to see. Not yet.

What do you want to photograph that you've not yet shot?

I have always wanted to travel the US for a summer and photograph family farms and vintage signs for some sort of coffee table book. I'm sure it has been done 1,000 times though.



Can you think of a particularly fun client or project that you've had?

Shooting with Bella Morte has been a really fun experience. They are all great guys but they are a handful of chaos when they are left to run around the woods or sit in a studio within arms reach of food coloring. They always have me laughing to the point of tears.

What about a really boring project that you did just to pay the rent?

Weddings. This is, by far, a stressful job because you have to be able to capture all of these really important moments under a lot of different lighting situations. Then you have to sit and edit a billion boring pictures of some boring wedding. Part of my regular job it to look at wedding pics all day. The shots are generally all the same no matter who shot it. Personally, I would be excited to shoot unconventional pictures of an unconventional wedding. If I can use my creativity, I am happy. If I must fit in a small box, I am miserable.

What are your present works about? How would you describe your work?

Lately, I have been experimenting with light, movement, ghost images, and long exposures. There is a creepy kind of feel that I want to leave the viewer with. This is not horror movie creepy, this is glowing transparent man outside my window kind of creepy.

In general, I don't really have a description of my work. It is forever evolving. Ask me again in 20 years.


What other interests do you have? (besides photography)

Nature, gardening, vegan cooking and baking, playing with baskets full of cute puppies...(k@t and Alanna share the same puppy interest)
I also love anatomy, exploring abandoned buildings, uber low score bowling (because I'm not good), learning to play guitar, playing in the James river, and road trips. I have an unhealthy addiction to Mexican art, religious art and idols. I am recently obsessing over getting lots of new tattoos to make up for the years I had none. I've got to squeeze them on my body before it starts to get wrinkled and fall apart. I am learning about making daguerreotypes and ambrotypes. Both are probably super bad for my health but I'd like to experiment with them regardless.



What artists have influenced you, and how?

Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, Mark Ryden, Frida Kahlo, Gustave Doré, Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, and Sue Coe have deeply influence my mind. Emily Dickinson and Adela Florence Nicolson have influenced my heart. All of these artists and poets have a bizarre and macabre style that produces a giddy feeling in my gut. I strive to reproduce these feelings in my photographs. The best compliment I over heard one person say about one of my photographs was "that's depressing";in an aggressive and disturbed tone of voice. I smiled and my heart glowed a bit. What's the proper term I'm looking for? Pathos.



What advice would you give other artists just starting out?

Keep pushing and learning. Drive and determination are the qualities that get you places in life. Pay attention to what others photographers are doing and learn a bit about marketing and branding. Offer your services for free until your portfolio is overflowing with amazing work and people will want to pay for it. Be willing to make sacrifices and take risks. Equipment wise, I would make do with what you have until you can afford better. I wouldn't live way outside of your means and hope that a basket of money will fall in your lap.

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid?

The Smurfs, The Snorks, Fat Albert, DangerMouse, He-Man, Thundercats,Transformers, GI Joe, and Thundarr the Barbarian. Basically, my brother and I would probably spend all Saturday morning watching cartoons and would watch whatever was on. As I got older it became Beavis and Butt-head, Ren & Stimpy, Futurama and Family Guy.



If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

Ah, my dream list. I know I would like a lot of different cameras, lenses, and lights. I'd love to have an awesome studio space and amazing sets. I'd hire a make-up artist for some of my shoots. I'd hire someone to location scout for me. I'd actually rent areas to shoot on or in. I'd spend months traveling and making daguerreotypes and ambrotypes. Right now it is all about making do with what is around, available, I can afford, I can borrow, or my friends can make.

Links:

12:13 dot com
Va Veg dot org
Alanna Myspace
12:13 Photography Myspace

Band: Morgueasm

Featured Band :

(feature and interview has been compiled by MC7C. don't copy and paste, direct link to this page if you want to share with friends. we know where you sleep and will send Darien to come get you...mwahahahaha)

Samantha Shameless: Vocals and Bad Reputations.
Darien Starr: Programming, Keys, Guitars
Sett: Bass.
Andrew: Live Drums.

About:
(in their own words)

We will probably piss you off and fuck your girlfriend or boyfriend. We can't manage to stay sober or keep a guitarist. We write music in a dark dark hole underneath the city of Richmond. We hate being told what to do. We rock the fuck out to some Three Six Mafia in the hot tub. We don't care what style we are. We don't fit in a scene. We are working hard to get this album finished.

Morgueasm - (noun)

An orgasm that occurs when having sexual relations with a corpse and or a Realdoll(tm). "The initial pleasure of Karen's tightness was tempered by the feeling that I was humping a cadaver and was about to experience my first morgueasm." - Grant Stoddard from Nerve.com article: "I Did it for Science"

Interview:

Describe your music to someone who has never heard it.

Darien: I like to consider Morgueasm "Death Pop". We draw elements from dark, electronic / industrial influences, but growing up on MTV we can't deny that there are some elements of Hollywood Glamour inside us.

Samantha Shameless: We have a completely different sound than anything out right now, and we like to experiment with combining different elements of goth, metal, and pop in a way that most people wouldn't think of doing.

What is your most crazy show story? (Any naked women running around? Drunk bar fights?)

Darien: When I was with my first band (Empty from Washington DC – many years ago) we played at Jaxx. We got about 30 pounds of raw meat from the butcher, and brought it on stage in a baby carriage. It wound up everywhere. I'm surprised Jaxx had us back after that. We had ordered a pig's head as well. We were going to put our singer's penis in the pig head's mouth against his will. He's lucky it didn't show up in time for the show.

Samantha Shameless: Performing a song about an ex bandmate who was front row at the show was pretty crazy.

How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands)How do you think we can solve the problems we are having with venues doing little to NO promoting of shows, not paying the bands much, lack of good sound systems, and other issues?

Darien: The music scene all over the country has grown stale. Everyone takes themselves so seriously, that they don't have a good time while they are performing, and the fans can feel that. As far as promoting and venues, personally I don't consider it the venue's responsibility to promote. I believe the band has to do their legwork, play the free shows, until they build up a following – THEN they can think about money. I look at it as a sacrifice that has to be made. Sound systems are serious though. If your club sounds like crap, you shouldn't be booking bands. ALSO I hate not getting a soundcheck. Every club has a different system, and it makes a big difference being able to test it out.

Samantha Shameless: I would like to see the scene change period – as well as the music scene – to not be so closed minded and pretentious.

What's up for the band in 2008? ( a tour, album?)

Darien: We are almost done writing the full album, and we will hope to have that recorded and mastered this year. We will be playing shows in the region, and then hitting up key cities when we are ready. DC, NY, Miami, Philly, etc. Taking our time and trying not to put on half ass shows.

Samantha Shameless: Definitely completing our first album, and being bigger than Jesus.

What local bands and artists do you recommend?

Darien: Local bands and artists… XUBERX from DC impressed me with their high energy show. Of course Bellamorte never fails to impress live. They always have a tight sound. I am sad that we will not get to see In Tenebris again. Myotis, Synthetic Nightmare, Hindu Pez, Angel 99 are all unique local artists working hard at their craft – there is definitely a renaissance coming around.

Samantha Shameless: Killing the Cure, Angel 99, Synthetic Nightmare, Bellamorte, Social Distortion ( I mean Synthetic Division lol ) we'd like to see more local bands. I wish we had more time to see shows but we are working hard on the album.

What are your favorite venues to play at? How would you like to see the available venues to change when booking shows?

Darien: I like venues with hidey hole backrooms. It really helps you get into character. I don't like wandering the crowd during a show. I like to have some of that mystery around us. Alley Katz has a nice layout… Rocks if the weather is nice… I feel like (in Richmond anyways, I can't really speak for the Norfolk / Va Beach area) it is kind of hard for mid size / small bands to get a decent date – a Friday or Saturday. There are several new clubs opening up for larger bands, which is cool because we are getting some of the harder bands back in town, but nothing is really changing with the local bars.

Samantha Shameless: I love the space that Alley Katz offers – also Rocks is nice because it has an outside stage which is great for Spring shows.


Who primarily writes the songs? Is there a certain process or does it come out during practice?

Darien: Morgueasm operates half on process / step by step writing, and half on spontaneity. Usually it starts out with a beat and some synth tracks that I have tucked away on a dusty floppy disk, and Samantha Shameless hears something that she digs. Sett will lay down a bass line, I'll take a stab at guitars (though I'm no guitarist – p.s. Morgueasm is looking for a guitarist! lol) Then, along with our friends and management team, we will collaborate on lyrics, melodies, etc. We are very communal. If you come to a practice session, it is usually full of craziness, jaeger, and shenanigans!

Samantha Shameless: Darien has a lot of songs stored away in his little computer, and sometimes we'll get bored with the songs we're working on and say "hey lets work on a new song" and then I'll find something I like – then Darien and I do it.

How do you market your music to the public? What seems to work best for you for letting people know about your shows?

Darien: We are taking our time with marketing. We are still in the process of writing the album, and we don't want to sell ourselves too early. We rely somewhat on internet marketing, but also good ole' word of mouth. We are all characters, and we like to go out and have a good time and dance, and act a fool. That is a good time to hand out a cd, or let people know we have a show coming up.

Samantha Shameless: The best way I do it, is to hand out cds and flyers to people at clubs – and word of mouth.

Finish these statements with what ever comes to your mind:

"You know you've made it when..."
Darien: Your sipping on a margarita with Dr. Dre.
Samantha Shameless: You don't have to fucking work any more.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."
Darien: Ha. Never.
Samantha Shameless: When Darien dies.

"I'll never forget the first time I..."
Darien: Got to ride around in a band's limo. (Monster Magnet / Manson down in New Orleans)
Samantha Shameless: Puked and peed outside of a club in VA Beach.

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following:
Hampton Roads, VA -
Darien: Traffic?
Samantha Shameless: Ryan Roboto aka Angel 99.

The National Museums –
Darien: I love ancient things.
Samantha Shameless – What the fuck is that?

Richmond –
Darien: Good place to hide from the rest of the world.
Samantha Shameless – Keep talking about me bitches. You're only making me famous.

Independent Music Stores / Businesses / Restaurants –
Darien: Having a tough time. I co-own Curio ( http://www.curiorichmond.com ) so I can relate.
Samantha Shameless – Curio – Duh!

Best Venue –
Darien: I think Rock and Roll Hotel in DC is a cute little place
Samantha Shameless: Alley Katz is a good place to see shows.

Worst Venue –
Darien: I don't want to get us in trouble lol.
Samantha Shameless: I plead the fifth.

Best Kept Secret –
Darien: Tan A Supermarket
Samantha Shameless: Sakura Sunday Brunch.

The RVA Goth Scene –
Darien: Trying to stay alive
Samantha Shameless: Waiting for something new.

Favorite Dive Bar -
Darien: I don't go to Dive Bars.
Samantha Shameless: Wherever I can get a cheap drink.

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

Darien: I don't have time to listen to music outside of the studio. Um… Last song I remember listening to was Fetisha by Orgy.

Samantha Shameless: What's an iPod? But if I did have one, I'd be rocking out to some Rob Zombie.

Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?

Darien: Ryan Shuck, Twiggy Ramirez, Myself, Dr. Dre, and Samantha Shameless. Hell yeah.

Samantha Shameless: Darien, because we work so well together, Shikhee from Android Lust, Three Six Mafia, and Christina Aguilera.

What came first, the music or the misery? Explain.

Darien: Definitely the misery. A true artist has to feel suffering before they can really tap into the subconscious powers around them.

Samantha Shameless: The misery. Without misery there would be no art.

Links of Love:

http:www.myspace.com/officialmorgueasm
http://www.morgueasm.com/