published in VenusZine.com on 06/26/08
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, the First Annual 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference is a two-day, two-night rockin’ retreat for those looking to network, get on board with current trends in the music industry, and receive feedback from respected professionals in the trade.
The conference takes place August 21–24 at the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer, Virginia, featuring songwriting and performance critique rooms, showcase performances from members of Rockin’ Moms, Songsalive, and Females on Fire. The conference also features seminars on music industry issues in addition to workshops such as alternative guitar tunings with Gibson-endorsed solo guitarist Vicki Genfan and learning to book a tour with Robin Hinnant of Onlinegigs.
Indiegrrl organizer Vicki Blankenship says the event is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and educate musicians within the indie community.
The conference kicks off with a buffet-style banquet featuring two keynote speakers: musician-actress Bonnie Bramlett and Molly Neuman, former Bratmobile member and current Donnas’ manager. “I’m planning on speaking about my path in the music business and the constant theme of independence and how it has been enhanced by my passion for women’s issues,” Neuman says. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to speak to women. I hope to share my commitment to women’s activism and independence in music.”
A full pass gains you access to all workshops, panels, the exhibit hall, and live performances and are $100 if purchased by July 31 or $125 at the door. Tickets for the Thursday night banquet with Bramlett and Neuman are an additional $30 and limited to 300 seats. Or if you just want to check out showcasing artists, general admission is only $10.
Banquet and conference tickets are available online at indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html.
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For more information on 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, check out indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html
Read the article here.
Jun 27, 2008
Carly Fisher loves embroidery cards from Sublime Stitching
published in VenusZine.com on 06/27/08
My family is notorious for sending cards for everything: holidays, thank you notes, thank you notes for thank you notes, "Thinking of you" cards, "Do you need any money? We worry constantly!" cards, etc. During a time when sending an e-card is cheaper and faster, receiving a letter that doesn't require payment is often more thoughtful—however, who needs the wasted paper? Sublime Stitching takes a utilitarian approach to a thoughtful card with their new embroidery cards that feature six 5" x 7" postcards in three adorable themes: Chinatown, Gnomes & Fairies, and Forest Friends. Each pattern comes on two cards for sharing patterns without parting with your favorites.
Read the article here.
My family is notorious for sending cards for everything: holidays, thank you notes, thank you notes for thank you notes, "Thinking of you" cards, "Do you need any money? We worry constantly!" cards, etc. During a time when sending an e-card is cheaper and faster, receiving a letter that doesn't require payment is often more thoughtful—however, who needs the wasted paper? Sublime Stitching takes a utilitarian approach to a thoughtful card with their new embroidery cards that feature six 5" x 7" postcards in three adorable themes: Chinatown, Gnomes & Fairies, and Forest Friends. Each pattern comes on two cards for sharing patterns without parting with your favorites.
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Melanie Barrows
published in VenusZine.com on 06/23/08
From Virginia to San Diego, Melanie Barrows has finally settled in the mid-coast and found a home at Chicago’s Second City as house manager. The improv comedy house launched the careers of dozens of skilled actors and comedians, including John Belushi, Billy Murray, Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Barrows talks here about her perilous journey to the Midwest, Second City’s most washed-up cast member, and her eclectic after-hours hobbies.
Okay, so who are you? How did you get here? Did you remember to bring your wallet?
I came to this slowly warming metropolis by driving my little red car in the midst of the winter through the most horrendous snowstorm ever! My wallet — well, that was not so full when I got here — but I still have it and it looks a lot better these days.
Who is Second City’s most washed-up cast member?
Wow, that question could probably lose me my job and then some. So my answer is: I don't believe Second City would have anyone washed up on their cast! They have a really good set of people on both the stages here — and a good group of women are working the shows now too. I especially like a couple of them, one in particular being Shelly Gossman on the main stage. Her precision onstage with improvisation is right on the money, and she can roll with the best of them!
On your MySpace page, you say that you "like sound of the glockenspiel, banjo, and melodica." What is your problem with "mainstream" instruments?
I have no problems with "mainstream" instruments per se; I just really love those instruments. I have been trying to teach myself to play the long-neck banjo, but it is a bit hard and I cannot seem to find anyone to sit down and teach me. The melodica is just a weird and awesome instrument — I mean, it’s a piano you play with the power of your wind! The glockenspiel is just a good word, and you can transport that damn thing with you anywhere!
Will you draw me a funny picture?
I will draw you a funny picture if you send me a picture of someone to draw! I will include some photos of my silly drawings, just to appease you though!
Read the article here.
From Virginia to San Diego, Melanie Barrows has finally settled in the mid-coast and found a home at Chicago’s Second City as house manager. The improv comedy house launched the careers of dozens of skilled actors and comedians, including John Belushi, Billy Murray, Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Barrows talks here about her perilous journey to the Midwest, Second City’s most washed-up cast member, and her eclectic after-hours hobbies.
Okay, so who are you? How did you get here? Did you remember to bring your wallet?
I came to this slowly warming metropolis by driving my little red car in the midst of the winter through the most horrendous snowstorm ever! My wallet — well, that was not so full when I got here — but I still have it and it looks a lot better these days.
Who is Second City’s most washed-up cast member?
Wow, that question could probably lose me my job and then some. So my answer is: I don't believe Second City would have anyone washed up on their cast! They have a really good set of people on both the stages here — and a good group of women are working the shows now too. I especially like a couple of them, one in particular being Shelly Gossman on the main stage. Her precision onstage with improvisation is right on the money, and she can roll with the best of them!
On your MySpace page, you say that you "like sound of the glockenspiel, banjo, and melodica." What is your problem with "mainstream" instruments?
I have no problems with "mainstream" instruments per se; I just really love those instruments. I have been trying to teach myself to play the long-neck banjo, but it is a bit hard and I cannot seem to find anyone to sit down and teach me. The melodica is just a weird and awesome instrument — I mean, it’s a piano you play with the power of your wind! The glockenspiel is just a good word, and you can transport that damn thing with you anywhere!
Will you draw me a funny picture?
I will draw you a funny picture if you send me a picture of someone to draw! I will include some photos of my silly drawings, just to appease you though!
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Kay Barrett
published in VenusZine.com on 06/17/08
Tell me about your current involvement in Filipina/o American politics. How does that tie in with your work with LGBTQ issues?
I'm dedicated to performance and facilitating workshops that entail LGBTQ, racism, and immigrant rights. Working with various organizations, we try to coalesce these aspects. I'm a believer of Audre Lorde's, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."
Like many QPOC (Queer People of Color), I had to struggle with being queer/trans, of color, an immigrant, low income, etc. all at once from an early age. It was only later that I discovered that the Philippines have a vital radical political history, but also a vibrant LGBTQ, anti-U.S. imperialism movement. LGBTQ people are affected in every facet of any community—Latin, Caribbean, first nations, and in my case, Filipino—although, there's denial about LGBTQ people in the Filipino solidarity communities here in the U.S. People want you to put in the sweat, but not talk about straight privilege, much like white feminism alienating experiences from women of color. Being Pinay and queer are intrinsic to my spirit—you can't separate that.
Being that poetry is your forte, how do you prepare for an open-mic night?
For the last few years, I have been performing solo and ensemble work nationally with Mango Tribe at theaters, universities, community organizations, etc., which demands a lot from me in a wonderful way. Since I am terrible at memorization (and always have been), I'm usually the nervous one who is mumbling to hirself behind the stage. Performances and workshops run all year, airport to airport, sometimes for special events like APIA (Asian/Pacific Islander American) heritage month or Pride Month, but mostly out of the basic need for APIA queer experiences to be told.
You seem to be involved in a lot of different projects and causes (Awesome!). But do you ever feel like you spread yourself thin with too many projects? How do you find the time to work with your LGBTQ caucus, Mango Tribe, open mics and having your work published (am I missing some other projects?!)?
Too many projects? Nahhh NEVER! Spread myself thin? Well, yes. All the time. It keeps me going and helps me build with powerful and fly people who believe in art for social change. I was born a busy kid. I've always enjoyed being an educator and working with youth too, but being on stage isn't enough work—I feel we can always do more.
My recent projects include: a contribution to 'Kicked Out' Anthology by Homofactus Press, a one queer show in the works, and a documentary about me entitled, Bring Your Fierce by Say It Loud Productions. Don't get me wrong; I am such a homebody. I like to grill, read, and kick it with my lovely partner and my handsome puppy. I make the time.
Read the article here.
Tell me about your current involvement in Filipina/o American politics. How does that tie in with your work with LGBTQ issues?
I'm dedicated to performance and facilitating workshops that entail LGBTQ, racism, and immigrant rights. Working with various organizations, we try to coalesce these aspects. I'm a believer of Audre Lorde's, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."
Like many QPOC (Queer People of Color), I had to struggle with being queer/trans, of color, an immigrant, low income, etc. all at once from an early age. It was only later that I discovered that the Philippines have a vital radical political history, but also a vibrant LGBTQ, anti-U.S. imperialism movement. LGBTQ people are affected in every facet of any community—Latin, Caribbean, first nations, and in my case, Filipino—although, there's denial about LGBTQ people in the Filipino solidarity communities here in the U.S. People want you to put in the sweat, but not talk about straight privilege, much like white feminism alienating experiences from women of color. Being Pinay and queer are intrinsic to my spirit—you can't separate that.
Being that poetry is your forte, how do you prepare for an open-mic night?
For the last few years, I have been performing solo and ensemble work nationally with Mango Tribe at theaters, universities, community organizations, etc., which demands a lot from me in a wonderful way. Since I am terrible at memorization (and always have been), I'm usually the nervous one who is mumbling to hirself behind the stage. Performances and workshops run all year, airport to airport, sometimes for special events like APIA (Asian/Pacific Islander American) heritage month or Pride Month, but mostly out of the basic need for APIA queer experiences to be told.
You seem to be involved in a lot of different projects and causes (Awesome!). But do you ever feel like you spread yourself thin with too many projects? How do you find the time to work with your LGBTQ caucus, Mango Tribe, open mics and having your work published (am I missing some other projects?!)?
Too many projects? Nahhh NEVER! Spread myself thin? Well, yes. All the time. It keeps me going and helps me build with powerful and fly people who believe in art for social change. I was born a busy kid. I've always enjoyed being an educator and working with youth too, but being on stage isn't enough work—I feel we can always do more.
My recent projects include: a contribution to 'Kicked Out' Anthology by Homofactus Press, a one queer show in the works, and a documentary about me entitled, Bring Your Fierce by Say It Loud Productions. Don't get me wrong; I am such a homebody. I like to grill, read, and kick it with my lovely partner and my handsome puppy. I make the time.
Read the article here.
Dirt cheap digs: how to spruce up your place on a budget
published in VenusZine.com on 06/03/08
Before and after: $15 yard sale fix up (Photo by Carly Fisher)
No matter how many times you’ve decorated, cleaned, or rearranged the furniture, it seems there’s always something missing in that quest to make a house a home. But when you’re changing the interior of your living room faster than you can pay the credit card bills, sometimes you have to get financially crafty. Venus Zine shares some tips to help you walk away with twice the items for half the price.
Hit up Craigslist
I know, I know, I’m beating a dead horse by advising people to use Craigslist, but I can't stress how convenient it is to find furnishings — sometimes brand-new, brand-name items — for half price. Before making a trip to another chain department store, check out Craigslist’s "free," "garage sales," and "furniture" categories. Much like the personals section, a lot of what’s listed is crap, but with patience, you could walk away with, say, a brand-new Brita faucet filter and replacement cartridge for $10 or two Ikea area rugs for the price of one (I did).
Take a walk
While Craigslist and online syndicates of your local paper serve as useful tools for locating garage sales, don’t forget that not everyone is computer savvy. Sometimes a simple walk around the block helps you find a treasure. You might discover an additional five garage sales or notice a cool desk someone has left out on the curb for garbage pickup. Besides, you might as well walk off any lingering seasonal depression.
As with most garage sales, going early is best if you plan on competing with other bargain hunters, so rise and shine to get moving around 10 a.m. when most sales start — Saturdays are often better than Sundays for finding the most sales. Find out what day your local garbage pickup is and take a stroll the afternoon or evening before for any last minute throw-aways.
Estate and moving sales
Estate and moving sales are the best for turning someone else's house into your own. As opposed to buying a $5 whisk at the store, you might find a whisk and four other items for the same price. Plus, the “everything must go” mentality gives you more bargaining power because sellers would rather make a couple bucks less than kick it to the curb. On the other hand, while you could very well come across antiques and original artwork, the prices for these items are often hit or miss — particularly if the sale is run by a professional company.
Local newspapers and estatesales.net are good sources for sales in your area in addition to finding out the names of local professional estate sale companies. Many of these companies let you to subscribe to mailing lists for press releases on upcoming sales.
Dollar stores
I bet you pass several dollar stores a day without stepping into one. Though the discount stores carry a lot of random stuff, you can often score all sorts of household accessories such as kitchenware, shower curtains, and closet organizers.
Can’t fit art into you budget but sick of looking at bare walls? The dollar store often has a selection of funky picture frames perfect for sticking in a collage or some cut-outs from the latest issue of Venus Zine (ahem). While my mother, a dollar-store regular, weened me on national discount havens such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, a great way to find the best dollar stores in your area is checking out reviews on yelp.com.
Liquidation warehouses
Most urban areas have liquidation warehouses because, in addition to high business turnover, there is a lot of pressure within the hospitality market to keep up with the latest decorating trends. Make their trash becomes your gently used room fixture.
Chicago’s Cooper Used Hotel Furniture has complete rooms from national four- and five-star hotels such as the Mirage in Las Vegas or Hotel Allegro in Chicago, according to Marian Miles, the office manager. Find steals like a complete 12-piece bedroom set from $299 to $599. In Los Angeles, Hotel Surplus Outlet liquidates high-end antique-looking items from swanky stays like Casa Del Mar, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Buying in bulk might help you negotiate a better deal, so if you don’t need 20 chairs, try going with a group of friends and split the bounty.
If your city doesn’t have a liquidation warehouse, online outlets such as overstock.com and nationalwholesaleliquidators.com often have half-priced, brand-new items — sometimes with free shipping. Plus, user ratings allow you to gauge how well the item will hold up. If you have a competitive streak, liquidation.com has an eBay-esque bidding forum. Miles says Cooper’s is currently updating the company’s Web site so customers can shop at cooperhotelliquidation.com.
The waiting game
Fallen in love with a coffee table from Crate and Barrel but don’t have the dough to get them now? If you can hold out, you could save up to 70% by waiting until the latest trends become last season’s overstock and are sent to the clearance section and outlet stores for companies such as crateandbarrel.com/outlet, urbanoutfitters.com, westelm.com, and anthropologie.com to name a few.
While shopping online is convenient, rummaging on foot gives you the advantage of checking out multiple bargain bins at once at outlet malls, while also getting a healthy amount of exercise. outletbound.com/usa50.html is a great tool for finding outlet malls in your area.
Patience is key
Just like sifting through items at the local thrift store (also a great place to find dirt-cheap digs), you might not find what you want or need on the first try. Go with the mindset to have fun, and if you happen to land the perfect end table in the process, consider it an added bonus.
Read the article here.
Before and after: $15 yard sale fix up (Photo by Carly Fisher)
No matter how many times you’ve decorated, cleaned, or rearranged the furniture, it seems there’s always something missing in that quest to make a house a home. But when you’re changing the interior of your living room faster than you can pay the credit card bills, sometimes you have to get financially crafty. Venus Zine shares some tips to help you walk away with twice the items for half the price.
Hit up Craigslist
I know, I know, I’m beating a dead horse by advising people to use Craigslist, but I can't stress how convenient it is to find furnishings — sometimes brand-new, brand-name items — for half price. Before making a trip to another chain department store, check out Craigslist’s "free," "garage sales," and "furniture" categories. Much like the personals section, a lot of what’s listed is crap, but with patience, you could walk away with, say, a brand-new Brita faucet filter and replacement cartridge for $10 or two Ikea area rugs for the price of one (I did).
Take a walk
While Craigslist and online syndicates of your local paper serve as useful tools for locating garage sales, don’t forget that not everyone is computer savvy. Sometimes a simple walk around the block helps you find a treasure. You might discover an additional five garage sales or notice a cool desk someone has left out on the curb for garbage pickup. Besides, you might as well walk off any lingering seasonal depression.
As with most garage sales, going early is best if you plan on competing with other bargain hunters, so rise and shine to get moving around 10 a.m. when most sales start — Saturdays are often better than Sundays for finding the most sales. Find out what day your local garbage pickup is and take a stroll the afternoon or evening before for any last minute throw-aways.
Estate and moving sales
Estate and moving sales are the best for turning someone else's house into your own. As opposed to buying a $5 whisk at the store, you might find a whisk and four other items for the same price. Plus, the “everything must go” mentality gives you more bargaining power because sellers would rather make a couple bucks less than kick it to the curb. On the other hand, while you could very well come across antiques and original artwork, the prices for these items are often hit or miss — particularly if the sale is run by a professional company.
Local newspapers and estatesales.net are good sources for sales in your area in addition to finding out the names of local professional estate sale companies. Many of these companies let you to subscribe to mailing lists for press releases on upcoming sales.
Dollar stores
I bet you pass several dollar stores a day without stepping into one. Though the discount stores carry a lot of random stuff, you can often score all sorts of household accessories such as kitchenware, shower curtains, and closet organizers.
Can’t fit art into you budget but sick of looking at bare walls? The dollar store often has a selection of funky picture frames perfect for sticking in a collage or some cut-outs from the latest issue of Venus Zine (ahem). While my mother, a dollar-store regular, weened me on national discount havens such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, a great way to find the best dollar stores in your area is checking out reviews on yelp.com.
Liquidation warehouses
Most urban areas have liquidation warehouses because, in addition to high business turnover, there is a lot of pressure within the hospitality market to keep up with the latest decorating trends. Make their trash becomes your gently used room fixture.
Chicago’s Cooper Used Hotel Furniture has complete rooms from national four- and five-star hotels such as the Mirage in Las Vegas or Hotel Allegro in Chicago, according to Marian Miles, the office manager. Find steals like a complete 12-piece bedroom set from $299 to $599. In Los Angeles, Hotel Surplus Outlet liquidates high-end antique-looking items from swanky stays like Casa Del Mar, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Buying in bulk might help you negotiate a better deal, so if you don’t need 20 chairs, try going with a group of friends and split the bounty.
If your city doesn’t have a liquidation warehouse, online outlets such as overstock.com and nationalwholesaleliquidators.com often have half-priced, brand-new items — sometimes with free shipping. Plus, user ratings allow you to gauge how well the item will hold up. If you have a competitive streak, liquidation.com has an eBay-esque bidding forum. Miles says Cooper’s is currently updating the company’s Web site so customers can shop at cooperhotelliquidation.com.
The waiting game
Fallen in love with a coffee table from Crate and Barrel but don’t have the dough to get them now? If you can hold out, you could save up to 70% by waiting until the latest trends become last season’s overstock and are sent to the clearance section and outlet stores for companies such as crateandbarrel.com/outlet, urbanoutfitters.com, westelm.com, and anthropologie.com to name a few.
While shopping online is convenient, rummaging on foot gives you the advantage of checking out multiple bargain bins at once at outlet malls, while also getting a healthy amount of exercise. outletbound.com/usa50.html is a great tool for finding outlet malls in your area.
Patience is key
Just like sifting through items at the local thrift store (also a great place to find dirt-cheap digs), you might not find what you want or need on the first try. Go with the mindset to have fun, and if you happen to land the perfect end table in the process, consider it an added bonus.
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Jason Hoffman
published in VenusZine.com on 06/02/08
How long have you worked for Dr. Wax CDs and Records?
A little more than 10 years.
Do you ever slowly feel yourself turning into a John Cusack character (from the movie High Fidelity)?
Not really. John Cusack has a kind of handsome that I would describe as a fresh-faced-farm-boy-sort-of-Christopher-Reeve-by-way-of-Mr. Rogers handsome. I feel that I cultivate a more Barry White–esque funk with a touch of Levar Burton. Plus, I lick the decals!
Which part of that last question do you resent the most?
People always think I'm more like the Jack Black character! We all know that true love was on that Sticky Fingers record.
You work in a used record and video store, so tell me about your latest (and worst) finds.
We just found a pile of video CDs that have been sitting in a back room since the Clinton administration. I've been rocking Mindfield starring Michael Ironside to cure my long winter blues. But it's in Thai, so I know I'm missing something.
Who do you have a crush on? Where would you go on your dream date with aforementioned crush?
I'm brutality torn between Lieutenant Starbuck and Bob Saget! Our three-way date would involve Champagne, cake, and Battlestar Galactica. Lots of it.
Read the article here.
How long have you worked for Dr. Wax CDs and Records?
A little more than 10 years.
Do you ever slowly feel yourself turning into a John Cusack character (from the movie High Fidelity)?
Not really. John Cusack has a kind of handsome that I would describe as a fresh-faced-farm-boy-sort-of-Christopher-Reeve-by-way-of-Mr. Rogers handsome. I feel that I cultivate a more Barry White–esque funk with a touch of Levar Burton. Plus, I lick the decals!
Which part of that last question do you resent the most?
People always think I'm more like the Jack Black character! We all know that true love was on that Sticky Fingers record.
You work in a used record and video store, so tell me about your latest (and worst) finds.
We just found a pile of video CDs that have been sitting in a back room since the Clinton administration. I've been rocking Mindfield starring Michael Ironside to cure my long winter blues. But it's in Thai, so I know I'm missing something.
Who do you have a crush on? Where would you go on your dream date with aforementioned crush?
I'm brutality torn between Lieutenant Starbuck and Bob Saget! Our three-way date would involve Champagne, cake, and Battlestar Galactica. Lots of it.
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Angelica Negron
published in VenusZine.com on 05/26/08
Why did you move to the Continental U.S. from Puerto Rico? What sorts of challenges do you face being away from home?
I moved to NYC in the fall of 2006 to do my masters in music composition at New York University. It's definitely a bit overwhelming to move to such a huge city from a tiny island, but the change has been good so far. Of course, it was hard at first to catch up with the super fast pace of life and the constant rush, but you get used to it. The weather is also hard to get used to 'cause in Puerto Rico it's summer all year long.
On your latest blog, you talk about drawing music (as in line drawing). What do you mean by that? Where did you find the inspiration to "draw" music?
For me, the most important thing in composing a piece of music has always been the form and I determine that by making a drawing of the piece before I start writing notes on staff paper. Making a drawing allows me to think of the music in terms of texture, shape, contour, gesture, color, and intensity, and also helps me organize my ideas without being restricted to the limitations of traditional notation. Music for me is always tied to colors and shapes.
How many instruments can you play? What goes through your mind when composing for so many instruments?
My main instrument has always been the violin since I was little, but I also play accordion, a little bit of harp and piano, and lots of toy instruments—which are my favorites. As a composer, I think it's very important to familiarize yourself with as many instruments as possible because it helps a lot when writing for them. I love writing for orchestra because the color possibilities are endless, but I also love the intimacy that a small group of instruments convey. I feel like every piece is a microcosm of its own and the instrumentation comes after that. What you want to say with your music will tell you the medium you'll need in order to express it.
What are you working on now?
My main project right now is the electro-acoustic pop band Balún, in which I collaborate with my husband and two other friends, but I've also done two full-length solo ambient albums under the name Arturo en el Barco. In this project, I write lo-fi ambient compositions that are mostly electronic, piano, and strings based.
I'm currently working on an album of my compositions under my name, but it's a more ambitious project since it involves many musicians playing my music and lots of rehearsal time. I started with the idea of making an album of only instruments that I know how to play but I ended up wanting to add more and more instruments so the project is starting to get out of hand…
Read the article here.
Why did you move to the Continental U.S. from Puerto Rico? What sorts of challenges do you face being away from home?
I moved to NYC in the fall of 2006 to do my masters in music composition at New York University. It's definitely a bit overwhelming to move to such a huge city from a tiny island, but the change has been good so far. Of course, it was hard at first to catch up with the super fast pace of life and the constant rush, but you get used to it. The weather is also hard to get used to 'cause in Puerto Rico it's summer all year long.
On your latest blog, you talk about drawing music (as in line drawing). What do you mean by that? Where did you find the inspiration to "draw" music?
For me, the most important thing in composing a piece of music has always been the form and I determine that by making a drawing of the piece before I start writing notes on staff paper. Making a drawing allows me to think of the music in terms of texture, shape, contour, gesture, color, and intensity, and also helps me organize my ideas without being restricted to the limitations of traditional notation. Music for me is always tied to colors and shapes.
How many instruments can you play? What goes through your mind when composing for so many instruments?
My main instrument has always been the violin since I was little, but I also play accordion, a little bit of harp and piano, and lots of toy instruments—which are my favorites. As a composer, I think it's very important to familiarize yourself with as many instruments as possible because it helps a lot when writing for them. I love writing for orchestra because the color possibilities are endless, but I also love the intimacy that a small group of instruments convey. I feel like every piece is a microcosm of its own and the instrumentation comes after that. What you want to say with your music will tell you the medium you'll need in order to express it.
What are you working on now?
My main project right now is the electro-acoustic pop band Balún, in which I collaborate with my husband and two other friends, but I've also done two full-length solo ambient albums under the name Arturo en el Barco. In this project, I write lo-fi ambient compositions that are mostly electronic, piano, and strings based.
I'm currently working on an album of my compositions under my name, but it's a more ambitious project since it involves many musicians playing my music and lots of rehearsal time. I started with the idea of making an album of only instruments that I know how to play but I ended up wanting to add more and more instruments so the project is starting to get out of hand…
Read the article here.
Carly Fisher loves Will Shortz's crossword puzzles
published in VenusZine.com on 05/21/08
While casually sifting through Will Shortz's limited collection of only a billion other puzzle books, you might want to consider picking up this particular gem from 2002: New York Times Crosswords For Your Coffee Break.
Is my leisurely pace over the past year a reflection of my weak skills? Who knows! Either way, this book has definitely popped up during times of need. Good times to use this book include: sitting on the phone with the IRS for an hour, avoiding eye contact on public transportation, or realizing you happen to be standing next to Thurston Moore and naturally want a token of this encounter, only to unsuccessfully fumble for ten minutes for the pen you should have kept wedged in the cover and then awkwardly apologize and leave without an autograph.
Read the article here.
While casually sifting through Will Shortz's limited collection of only a billion other puzzle books, you might want to consider picking up this particular gem from 2002: New York Times Crosswords For Your Coffee Break.
Is my leisurely pace over the past year a reflection of my weak skills? Who knows! Either way, this book has definitely popped up during times of need. Good times to use this book include: sitting on the phone with the IRS for an hour, avoiding eye contact on public transportation, or realizing you happen to be standing next to Thurston Moore and naturally want a token of this encounter, only to unsuccessfully fumble for ten minutes for the pen you should have kept wedged in the cover and then awkwardly apologize and leave without an autograph.
Read the article here.
Carly Fisher loves doing laundry to Scott 4
published in VenusZine.com on 05/08/08
Perhaps it isn't even laundry. Maybe it's doing dishes or writing out checks that are inevitably going to bounce. Whatever the bane of your existence may be, Scott Walker's crooning vocals on his Scott 4 album somehow make the experience a whole lot better. Don't believe me? Try doing your laundry in complete silence and then surprise yourself by slipping a little Scott Walker in. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Read the article here.
Perhaps it isn't even laundry. Maybe it's doing dishes or writing out checks that are inevitably going to bounce. Whatever the bane of your existence may be, Scott Walker's crooning vocals on his Scott 4 album somehow make the experience a whole lot better. Don't believe me? Try doing your laundry in complete silence and then surprise yourself by slipping a little Scott Walker in. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Kathleen Neves
published in VenusZine.com on 04/28/08
Where did you get the idea for Xploited?
When I was in college, I was in the video production program, specializing in wakeboarding videos. I had a class where my assignment was to come up with my own video production company. One day, I found myself stuck in traffic, driving behind some dirty-ass truck. On the back, someone had drawn an anarchy sign with their finger in the dirt and wrote, "exploited.” I was really drawn to it for some reason, so I decided that I would use it to name my video production company. I took the "E" off and called it "Xploited.” A couple years later, in February 2007, when I decided to start my own zine, I kept the name.
You fell into debt with the release of your first zine. What sorts of complications did you incur starting a zine?
I had no idea how expensive printing a zine could be. I knew I needed to establish a readership, so I started researching and contacting other zines to do trades. Between having 600 copies of the zine printed and mailing issues out to hundreds of other zines, the printing and postage nearly killed me. When I first started the zine, I already had plenty of debt. Producing the zine put me further in the hole, but I have no regrets. Xploited is a labor of love for me.
What are your plans for your forthcoming zine?
Issue 003 is the Homeless issue. It's going to be all about anything and everything homeless. I have had all kinds of interesting submissions for this issue. San Francisco has a homeless epidemic, and I figured since I run a San Francisco-based zine, it would be a fitting topic. Issue 003 will be out for public consumption in the beginning of June.
Read the article here.
Where did you get the idea for Xploited?
When I was in college, I was in the video production program, specializing in wakeboarding videos. I had a class where my assignment was to come up with my own video production company. One day, I found myself stuck in traffic, driving behind some dirty-ass truck. On the back, someone had drawn an anarchy sign with their finger in the dirt and wrote, "exploited.” I was really drawn to it for some reason, so I decided that I would use it to name my video production company. I took the "E" off and called it "Xploited.” A couple years later, in February 2007, when I decided to start my own zine, I kept the name.
You fell into debt with the release of your first zine. What sorts of complications did you incur starting a zine?
I had no idea how expensive printing a zine could be. I knew I needed to establish a readership, so I started researching and contacting other zines to do trades. Between having 600 copies of the zine printed and mailing issues out to hundreds of other zines, the printing and postage nearly killed me. When I first started the zine, I already had plenty of debt. Producing the zine put me further in the hole, but I have no regrets. Xploited is a labor of love for me.
What are your plans for your forthcoming zine?
Issue 003 is the Homeless issue. It's going to be all about anything and everything homeless. I have had all kinds of interesting submissions for this issue. San Francisco has a homeless epidemic, and I figured since I run a San Francisco-based zine, it would be a fitting topic. Issue 003 will be out for public consumption in the beginning of June.
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Rosemary Travale
published in VenusZine.com on 04/14/08
How long have you been illustrating? Are you able to make a living from illustration, or do you have any side projects you're working on?
I have been doing illustration full time since September 2007, shortly after I finished my B.A. in Illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario. I also like to do silk screening and bookbinding when I get the chance. One of my favorite things to do is make my own sketchbooks — that way, I can be sure to get exactly the size and papers that I want with it.
Yes, I make a living from illustration. I've found that I really have to be dedicated to working on illustration full time for it to work. When I'm not working on an illustration for a client or a gallery show, things like promotion and bookkeeping have to be done. Other stuff like managing my online store, coming up with new product ideas, and brainstorming ideas for other personal projects is also in the mix.
Where do you find the inspiration to come up with these characters? And what's with the pirate fascination?
I have the mentality that if a drawing can make me laugh, it's probably something worth spending more time on. I just like to have fun and be silly with my illustrations, which I think is really important. I like the aesthetics of 1950s-era children's books. Those probably had the biggest impact on me stylistically from when I was a kid and even still.
I really, really like pirates! Nothing beats swashbuckling adventure stories on the high seas. Plus, pirates are weird in the way that they were these loathsome, murderous, and feared group, and now they seem to be these bumbling, comical characters that act as heralds to mini putt parks. And as a kid, I always felt sort of bad for Captain Hook to be constantly annoyed by a little jerk like Peter Pan!
How do you find the balance between commercial and studio art? How do you cope with your role as an artist and an entrepreneur?
I try to work on a personal illustration a little bit every day — even if it is just something like sketching out ideas.
I have been really lucky in that I have never felt that I have had to compromise my work or myself for a client. Every art director that I have worked with has always been willing to work with me to explore the subject matter of the assignment to come up with the best solution for the illustration.
I think the role of being an artist and entrepreneur is a very symbiotic one in the world of illustration. You have to be willing to create work for yourself if no one is giving you any at the time.
What do you love best about what you do?
I think the satisfaction of creating something is what I like best. It's so rad that I make a living off of something I've always done for fun. You really just can't beat that!
Read the article here.
How long have you been illustrating? Are you able to make a living from illustration, or do you have any side projects you're working on?
I have been doing illustration full time since September 2007, shortly after I finished my B.A. in Illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario. I also like to do silk screening and bookbinding when I get the chance. One of my favorite things to do is make my own sketchbooks — that way, I can be sure to get exactly the size and papers that I want with it.
Yes, I make a living from illustration. I've found that I really have to be dedicated to working on illustration full time for it to work. When I'm not working on an illustration for a client or a gallery show, things like promotion and bookkeeping have to be done. Other stuff like managing my online store, coming up with new product ideas, and brainstorming ideas for other personal projects is also in the mix.
Where do you find the inspiration to come up with these characters? And what's with the pirate fascination?
I have the mentality that if a drawing can make me laugh, it's probably something worth spending more time on. I just like to have fun and be silly with my illustrations, which I think is really important. I like the aesthetics of 1950s-era children's books. Those probably had the biggest impact on me stylistically from when I was a kid and even still.
I really, really like pirates! Nothing beats swashbuckling adventure stories on the high seas. Plus, pirates are weird in the way that they were these loathsome, murderous, and feared group, and now they seem to be these bumbling, comical characters that act as heralds to mini putt parks. And as a kid, I always felt sort of bad for Captain Hook to be constantly annoyed by a little jerk like Peter Pan!
How do you find the balance between commercial and studio art? How do you cope with your role as an artist and an entrepreneur?
I try to work on a personal illustration a little bit every day — even if it is just something like sketching out ideas.
I have been really lucky in that I have never felt that I have had to compromise my work or myself for a client. Every art director that I have worked with has always been willing to work with me to explore the subject matter of the assignment to come up with the best solution for the illustration.
I think the role of being an artist and entrepreneur is a very symbiotic one in the world of illustration. You have to be willing to create work for yourself if no one is giving you any at the time.
What do you love best about what you do?
I think the satisfaction of creating something is what I like best. It's so rad that I make a living off of something I've always done for fun. You really just can't beat that!
Read the article here.
Carly Fisher loves TasteSpotting
published in VenusZine.com on 04/14/08
Do you have a grotesque obsession with food like I do? Then you'll love TasteSpotting's daily dose of food porn from countless food blogs that offers the inspiration to cook, force a friend/significant other to do it for you, or simply drool on your keyboard. The site, which launched in January 2007, has managed to pick up quite a bit of content, which makes narrowing down a recipe both a blessing and a curse. Case in point: while trying to find a recipe for banana bread, I came across an additional 30 recipes I wanted to try. Consider it a delicious distraction from the monotony of your cereal and Ramen lifestyle.
Carly Fisher is a Venus Zine editorial intern.
Read the article here
Side note: TasteSpotting.com is defunct! Wah!
Do you have a grotesque obsession with food like I do? Then you'll love TasteSpotting's daily dose of food porn from countless food blogs that offers the inspiration to cook, force a friend/significant other to do it for you, or simply drool on your keyboard. The site, which launched in January 2007, has managed to pick up quite a bit of content, which makes narrowing down a recipe both a blessing and a curse. Case in point: while trying to find a recipe for banana bread, I came across an additional 30 recipes I wanted to try. Consider it a delicious distraction from the monotony of your cereal and Ramen lifestyle.
Carly Fisher is a Venus Zine editorial intern.
Read the article here
Side note: TasteSpotting.com is defunct! Wah!
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