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Showing posts from October, 2019

Man in Black

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Because of how I was raised, there are two types of music that make me recoil: country music and gospel music. As a kid I was able to find the things within the genre that I loved, but my story changed so drastically when I came out that I left all those things behind so I could explore all the things I naturally gravitated towards. Creating this art piece of Johnny Cash involved me having some conversations with myself about where I was musically before coming out and who Johnny Cash is. I've been rewatching Stranger Things lately and I was reminded of the relationship the Byers brothers had in the first season, where Jonathan was like a guardian for Will, even in giving Will a song to sing while trapped in the Upside Down. Their relationship and Jonathan's musical tastes remind me of my oldest brother when we were growing up. He gave me the gift of music and even wanted me to join a band with him. I was learning the guitar and was starting to learn to play Folsom Prison. I&

You Taste Just Like Glitter Mixed With Rock n' Roll

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I first learned of Lady Gaga during my coming out process. It started when I heard "Just Dance" on the radio and watched the music video repeatedly. It became an anthem to let go of my fear as I headed towards an important, imminent, and dangerous junction of my life. When I did come out, I then moved out. I didn't have much music at the time as "secular" music was highly monitored and restricted  when I lived at home, to the point that I lacked cultural knowledge held by the majority of my peers. "the Fame" was one of the first albums I bought. I remember defiantly listening to "Boys Boys Boys" while walking through Seaside with my red-dyed hair, fresh piercing, and long desired sense of freedom. This was a complicated time of my life in which I made mistakes and lived boldly. I lost friends in my pursuit of love and tried to wear my heart on my sleeve, even though I didn't understand how broken my heart already was. The world is more

Art Show: Bring Out the Dead, 2019

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Two parties in one night. One to celebrate a beginning and one to celebrate an end. Seems fitting for Hallows Eve and Dia De Los Muertos. The party to celebrate the end is the end of our group show at Limelight Restaurant and Lounge, "Dangerously Enchanted." There is still time to see it, but the show will conclude shortly after Halloween. If you've been wanting to see this show and don't have plans for Halloween (or need a night cap), then their traditional Halloween party would be a fitting opportunity. We've already had some wonderful pieces sold from each artist, but our ambitious artists packed the walls. Did I mention the show opened with over 90 art pieces? As for the party to celebrate a beginning? I'm proud to announce my participation in "Bring out the Dead", at the Goodfoot Pub and Lounge! Dallas and I will both be participating in this show. I'm especially excited for Dallas because of all his lovely Day of the Dead girls. He cr

Art Show: Dangerously Enchanting, 2019

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I am proud to announce:  Chris Haberman Presents gave permission to Dallas and I to organize an art show at a local venue that shows art for Chris in October, aligning with a massive Halloween party they throw annually. Dallas selected the artists and I helped with the... execution. This art show is going to have a strong and dark feminine presence, thus the name "Dangerously Enchanting." I asked our talented artists to pay tribute to our Halloween theme and maybe create some brand new art. I haven't seen all of the art submitted yet, but what I have seen has left an impression. I am as excited as anybody else for this show. Allow me to introduce you to our artists: Zabrina Fine Art is a Portland based painter. I really love her blending techniques and accents. Her work is as raw as a goddess of nature. The owl in the bottom left corner of the flyer above is Zabrina's, as well as the reclined woman below. From her Facebook profile: "I paint owls, ele