FEATURED ARTIST: JASON WEEKS

Photo credit: Owen Weaver

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do? 

I’m Jason Weeks, or Vorheez- I’m an MC, event organizer, and longtime Valley dweller. I’m currently working with the Northampton Center For Arts on becoming a board member and helping to organize one last outdoor event before fall hits!

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?

It gave me time to be productive once I got past the initial shock of society grinding to a halt. As an MC and music fan in need of something to fill my time I started watching videos of producers who could play their beats live. This led me to a producer from Sao Paulo, Brazil- Pancho Trackman- who played live MPC on IG while his friend Felipe painted murals once a week.  We began talking, bouncing ideas and rough drafts back and forth and finished an EP that Felipe did the cover art for. The album, Tannins & Terps, came out in September and is on all the usual streaming platforms.

What are you currently working on? 

On October 9th I’ve organized a free, all ages outdoor block party to end the season that I’m calling The Cool, a tribute to 1996 Hip Hop.  1996 was one of the most impactful years in hip hop history, and I wanted to bring people together to jam together to some of those classics with a twist- Instead of just spinning the records. Chris Ball, an area bassist, put together a band to put their own spin on the instrumentals. DJ Theory and DJ Rec will also be spinning throughout the night, and Dok Brass will be doing a live MPC set.  

The event is sponsored by Self Evident Education, a local nonprofit helping teach racial equity through interactive historical videos. They’ll be premiering their new curriculum that is based on local history directly before the event at 3PM with additional screenings later, so people can come, learn something, and then stay for some food, drinks, and dancing afterward. 

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why? 

As an artist my most memorable project was with my group, The Problemaddicts, called “The Dark Side of Oz”.  It was a cross between Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon and The Wizard of Oz that surprisingly got picked up by College Radio pretty solidly. 

As far as events and organizations I’m proud of my work with 413 Battle League, an acapella rap battle league I founded with a friend that grew to be the premier New England league and an amazing hub for talent in the area, with over a million views on Youtube. It was a real family vibe at the places we used, and we were able to expose people to battles via festivals, magazine articles, and even a feature on NPR.

What are some memorable responses you have had to your work?

I’ve been asked to go places to rap and they asked me to come back again! Really though, I’ve had friends who have known me for years say that they could hear me inside the music, which is what you go for I guess.  I’ve had myself onstage on people’s phone wallpaper, or my album covers as the background of their pages.  One of my friends met his wife randomly at a New Years Show that I played, and now they have kids.  Knowing that connections like that can happen at an event I helped throw is pretty cool.

FEATURED ARTIST: MELISSA COOPER

Why did you decide to become an artist?

There were so many creative outlets that came naturally to me. Growing up I marvelled over it. My seemingly unlimited talents scared me a little. The last decade has taught me to take my creativity seriously, to own it and treat it like the gift that it is. Being bold in thought, having an obsessive urge to please my cravings of artfulness helped me find a confident foundation in what I do. I honor my talents by exploring the art in me. I make my artistic images with my heart. My hopeful intention is that you enjoy them with yours.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

One of my most favorite jobs was doing a bit of everything at a little bistro in Western Mass. I learned to cook professionally under a chef who’d graduated from a “real” cooking school. I uncovered a hidden talent for creating and baking delectable creations. Honed my skills as a barista and unwittingly became the unofficial back up shop manager. I also managed a small and idyllic post office up yonder in the hills! I loved that job! I also really loved being a “woman in construction” too!

What are some memorable responses you have had to your work?

I received a random email from a woman who’d seen my work hanging at a local bakery. She was unbelievably kind. She expressed an affection for my work. Saying: each image was “amazing,” that she wished she could find words to “match the beauty you bring with your pictures.”.She mentioned some great names in art and photography that I would never in a million years compare myself to and wouldn't dare mention here. It was the ultimate compliment, I won’t soon forget Marsha’s generosity and her encouraging supportiveness towards me. If you’re reading this? Thank you so much!

Favorite or most inspirational place in the Valley?

Honestly, I am incredibly inspired by quite a few random spots here in the Valley. I don’t for one second take for granted how astonishingly rich and lush and artful the scenery is here. I have travelled some and experienced unexplainable beauty but the Pioneer Valley is a phenomenon unto itself. I’m ever grateful for the scenes I get to take in and ponder on a regular basis, so much so that I can actually say that I have a few favorite inspiring places where I can steal away, to reflect and regenerate.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of advice I've been given is to be my authentic self, whatever that is, be that.

@lilmisswhimsypix on Instagram

FEATURED ARTIST: DEBORAH RUBIN

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

I’ve always been an artist - according to my mom, from age 1 ½. I do 2-dimensional paintings, occasional drawings. When I was young, I was obsessed with it, whether it was doing or learning, or art history. I started watercolor in 1976 after my son was born and I didn’t want to use toxic oil paints close to his nursery so began my watercolor journey. I am currently also doing small oils again.

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

For some reason, I’ve always been drawn to California artists: Wayne Thiebaud, Richard Diebenkorn, Ed Ruscha. And I love David Hockney, Edward Hopper.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

Babysitter, professional folksinger, designer in film studio, piano playing for ballet class, retail Marshall Fields and Design Supply.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Never start over with an art project. Turn it into something else. Learn from the mistakes.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on big watercolor flower images for a Spring show 2022 at R. Michelson Galleries in NOHO.

FEATURED ARTIST: STEVE STANKIEWICZ

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Steve Stankiewicz, I'm a printmaker (etching) and painter.

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

My favorite projects are making artists' books- specifically, I do etchings based on a single theme, usually twenty to thirty, and have them bound into books by professional bookbinders. This enables me to use my images in the service of a narrative, telling a story with a series of images, rather than having single images stand alone. I've done over a dozen of these since 1992.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

My main "job", for thirty years, was as an illustrator, specializing in what are known as "infographics", and illustrated maps. The first nail in the coffin for that career, however, was the crash and recession of '08, the last seems to be COVID.

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?

COVID, other than having our studio be inaccessible for a couple of months, hasn't affected my creative life in the slightest. I go into my studio virtually every day, as I have for years.

Where can we find your work?

My work can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/SteveStankiewiczIllustrator/photos/?tab=album&album_id=193677097437487

FEATURED ARTIST: MARTY ESPINOLA

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Marty Espinola and I’m a photographer who mostly does nature photography these days. I have worked as a newspaper and wedding photographer. I’m retired but I still teach photography classes and do workshops. I host two small, monthly photography groups in the valley and offer individual guidance to serious beginners.

Tell us about some projects you’ve worked on.

I’ve taken photos for all kinds of projects such as plays, school and community events, web sites and magazines. Two issues of Birds & Blooms have included some of my bird photos this year and I’ve even had two poems and two photos published in an anthology called Honoring Nature. A small collection of my photographs can be seen at https://lighteffects.shutterfly.com.

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

My inspiration came when, as a young teenager, I fell in love with the images of Ansel Adams and other famous photographers of that time. I wanted to be able to capture that special quality of a scene that was a kind of living image of a unique moment in time. I found that photography was a way for me to express some of the feelings I had when I encountered a scene that grabbed my attention and wanted to be recorded. I’d say I strive for optical intimacy with nature’s many wonders.

What helps or hinders your creativity?

I’d say that what helps is being totally open to whatever comes my way when I’m out shooting. Open, not just to what I might hope to capture, but to any instance when the light and subject blend into a composition that works. It also helps to limit myself to a single camera and lens that requires me to find a new way to make an image. What hinders me is my tendency to stick only to what I know I can do, and not taking the time to fully explore the possibilities of a subject or scene.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

I’m retired now from my career as a teacher and school administrator. But even in those roles I sought to find creative and exciting ways to engage students in the learning process. I specialized in curriculum development and the ways that technology could enrich the curriculum. These days I appreciate having time to help others find their unique form of expression through photography.

FEATURED ARTIST: SKYE BAPTISTE

Why did you decide to become an artist?
I remember being four years old, and just knowing that I was going to make art forever. I was always coming up with inventions and asking my parents for more advanced art supplies. My favorite places were hardware and 99cent stores because they were FILLED with possibilities.

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?
When I was in college, I was very interested in nests and nest-like structures. It’s hard to pick one favourite, I love the pieces that I can fit inside of. This is because I got to spend months building up layers and details, collecting materials, welding and putting a bit of myself in each one.

Which habits help or hinder your creativity?
Something that I find important in art making, is knowing when to take a break on a project, even if it’s for a year. You can always go back to it with fresh eyes and ideas, if it’s stressful put it aside.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.
I have had SO many strange jobs from when I was 14, to now. The most memorable were working at a roller skate shop in Brooklyn, and being a maintenance worker at a wellness resort on an island off Washington state (Orcas Island).

What are some memorable responses you have had to your work?
When I had my first solo show Nest(ing) in 2019, I was so surprised by the amount of people that attended. Everyone was smiling, talking with one another and looking closely at the details. It made my heart very happy.

FEATURED ARTIST: MEG BANDARRA

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

Hi I’m Meg Bandarra, a Northampton artist who works with the medium of soft pastel. My paintings are generally landscapes from around the Valley and Cape Cod, as well as urban nightscapes from Northampton and Amherst. I like to paint outside (called en plein air) whenever possible, even at night. You can find me and my work on Instagram @megbandarra or on my website megbandarra.com

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

The last job I had before becoming a full-time painter was as the Commercial and Design Director for The World of Eric Carle brand. My job was to make sure Eric Carle’s wonderful illustrations were properly used on licensed products like toys, games, and clothing from around the world. The most unusual job I’ve ever had was in college, when I worked for a museum as part of the overnight camp-in staff. I ran science and craft activities for large groups, and got to sleepover in the museum, which was a lot of fun.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this pandemic?

Covid-19 definitely changed how I create and teach art. I used to paint outside with a group of artists, and frequently worked in crowded downtown locations. Since covid I’ve stopped painting outside and moved all my classes and workshops online. The biggest surprise was how easily classes transitioned from in-person to online. The core of classes hasn’t changed, and in some ways online has actually been better. Students get a closer view of my easel, friends who live in different states have been able to take workshops together, and I don’t have to cancel classes when it snows.

Favorite or most inspirational place in the Valley?

My favorite place to paint in the Valley is probably the Moody Bridge Road area, near the federal wildlife refuge in Hadley. The skies, and field to mountain views are always inspiring. It’s also a great spot to see both undeveloped natural areas, as well as agriculture scenes. It’s the perfect place to observe seasonal changes in the landscape.

What superpower would you have and why?

If I could have a superpower I would definitely want it to be telekinesis. The ability to move objects or levitate using just your mind seems like the coolest thing. I’d want to give hands-free painting a try, and use my power of levitation to paint from better vantage points. Cleaning my studio would also be faster and a lot more fun. But if I actually had telekinesis, I’d probably wouldn’t be able to make art because I’d be too busy saving people and thwarting evil like all the other superheroes.

FEATURED ARTIST: AMY PUTNAM

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

I make quilts that seek to challenge the commonly accepted distinctions between “craft” and “art.”   Why is “art” sold in galleries, and “craft” sold in fairs?  How do we determine worth?  Why is something whose purpose is to be admired so much more valuable than something whose purpose is to be used?  By celebrating the artistic functionality of quilts, I explore the multiple facets of usefulness:  objects that are created to be used, which simultaneously delight our spirits with beauty, imagination, and whimsy. Useful objects hold the same power of poetry, theatre, sculpture or murals to remind us to notice, care for and explore the world around us.  

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I have always been a maker and an artist.  I view the world through that lens, whether I am teaching, designing, or  building - I always think, what can this idea become?

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

I believe strongly that art is given to us by those who came before us and are the foundations of my inspiration. My parents had communities of artists and thinkers who surrounded and inspired me.  My work as a theatre designer, builder and educator has brought me a community of students, teachers and fellow artists who taught me to see that my growth exists at the edge of my comfort zone.  Most importantly, with the participation of my husband and son, art is at the center of our lives together, and that has been the greatest gift and inspiration of all.

Which habits help or hinder your creativity?

Self-doubt and the need for approval are what I work the hardest at overcoming.  It is so hard to give myself permission to make something that speaks to me, without thought for how someone else will judge it. 
When I finally gave myself the permission to redo an element that I did not like, and feel it  open my imagination, rather than sink me into failure, I opened doors to my creativity that I had not realized were closed.

Favorite or most inspirational place in the Valley?

I draw most of my inspiration from the outdoors.  Colors, the architecture of trees, the patterns in the flight of birds, the cannon of shape in a pine cone or fungus, and the never ending overlay of textures that exist in the woods.  The valley is my favorite inspiration. 

FEATURED ARTIST: STACEY PHILLIPS

Tell us about what you do.  

My work combines painting and movement with divination, in an effort to focus intention upon  areas of myself (or on the behalf of others) that have been closed off. I created the Tarot of the  Undiscovered Self to tap into these areas. Unlike traditional tarot, it focuses upon the process of the reading. The visual representation of that interaction can be joined by a multitude of  activities including: dance/movement, organizing, writing, meditation, spellwork, direct action, or  lucid dreaming. 

So your visual art is connected to your movement practice as well as your spirituality? 

Yes, it’s all connected. As an artist, I feel I need to figuratively and literally inhabit the realms of:  philosopher, activist, historian, storyteller, mystic, teacher...as well. That’s what’s most exciting,  but most challenging. Recognizing these undiscovered areas is crucial. Because of colonialism,  white supremacy, capitalism and other systems of oppression, everything is in distress,  including internally. As a person of African descent, I have to continuously become conscious of  how space is defined by the status quo, so that I can redefine my boundaries and try to undo  external and internal blocks caused by oppression. This carries over into my work, adding a  political/social justice focus. Whether it’s on a canvas, stage, safe(r) space, sacred space or  ritual, these are concepts that define intention as well as power.  

Can you tell us about the art in the picture that accompanies this interview? 

This piece was designed specifically with the intention of answering questions about my work.  The short paragraphs seen here are highly edited (lol), and I’ve actually learned a lot through  this invitation. Sometimes I can’t get ‘out of my own head’ so to speak. Therefore, I use the tools  I created to do just that. The Tarot of the Undiscovered Self keeps creating and revealing. It is  an unfinished map. There are three cards, or three rings of concentric aspects of existence.  Within this piece, they are titled- The Dance of Reflection, the 7 of Water and Fire Dancing  Water (traditionally: The Moon, the 7 of Cups and the King of Cups).  

What are you currently working on?  

I have a regular practice that involves my tarot. Sometimes the work is printed, but usually it’s  private. Later in the year, I hope to begin a group/class that uses my tarot as the starting point  for art, movement (with live music), dreamwork and discussion within a conscious framework  

that attempts to acknowledge internal as well as societal systemic oppression. Within the group we examine the power structures that frame the energy behind these  subjective concepts. It spans art, social justice and our spiritual journeys- focusing in on  unexamined areas where power corrupts and oppresses, as well as rejuvenates and enlightens.  The emphasis is upon developing individual tools as well as a communal process.  

Where can we find your work?  

I’ve created an intuitive portrait of my good friend, Angela Luna. She’s using it for the cover of the album, Champagne Apocalypse, by Luna and the Lost Souls. It will be released soon in 2021 on Spotify as well as on physical vinyl! https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vKXldAQUZficoOvQlEyWd?si=mkORuOaWQSy0wDQL_n3hhw&nd=1

FEATURED ARTIST: ABBIE STEINER

Why did you decide to become an artist?

 When I was a student at the Museum School in Boston, my flamboyant painting teacher liked to proclaim that you don’t choose to be an artist, and if you don’t need to be one, better to do something else.  As pretentious and suspect as this sounded to my 19-year-old mind, as with most cliches, there is truth in that statement. All to say, I did not choose to become an artist.  As a kid, I played music daily and envisioned my adult self as some sort of academic researcher or journalist. But as far back as I can remember, I always drew and painted. At seventeen I spent a year at the New School for Social Research studying the social sciences. Whenever I had time, I rode uptown to the Art Students’ League to attend figure drawing classes.  For my New School feminism class I chose to write about “The Situation for Women in the Contemporary New York Art World”.  At that time, I did not identify with these women.  But thinking back, I believe I was searching for a road map.  Then at eighteen I went off to a liberal arts college, ostensibly to continue studying social science and to play music. A semester later I was using the music composition paper not to compose string quartets, but as a background for experimental drawings. So as my life-long interest and involvement in visual art began taking center stage, I left college, moved to Boston and enrolled in art school where I studied drawing, painting and sculpture. This did not feel like a decision but more like a necessity.  And no regrets, forty years later.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist?

Chinese fast food server, laundress, stable hand, children’s party planner, flutist, typist, administrative assistant, mother, physical therapist and I still work as an Alexander Technique teacher.

What are you currently working on?

 I am working on a series of mixed media paintings focused on bodily experience.  This interest has been evolving for many years and is related both to my work as a physical therapist and Alexander Technique teacher, and my personal journey of recovery from several accidents. I am interested in expressing what it feels like to do ordinary human things, like swim, or be eight months pregnant, or practice qigong exercise. I try to paint experience from the inside out, rather than focusing on what people “look like.”  This impulse is largely a reaction to years spent admiring remarkable (and not so remarkable) paintings, where the subject is often, at least in part, the male gaze upon the female figure.  My own interest is in the possibility of creating an engaging image in which the subject is not so much appearance, but the lived experience of moving through one’s days within a female human body.  

Which habits help or hinder your creativity?

 Hindering work is easy!  Worry, judgement, too much time in my head removed from nature and not enough time drawing creative inspiration from others. Forcing change, forcing imagery, and striving to make “good work” are traps often needing circumvention. Letting work hang around long enough that ideas for resolution appear on their own is very beneficial.  The busy brain is my nemesis. Too much news is a problem.  Again and again, I look for a balance between absorbing some of the world’s difficulties and finding means to offer my share of help, all while staying focused on the artwork. Engagement in creative work does not always have obvious social merit in a time of crisis such as this, but helping people to stay deeply connected and to know themselves and each other better, which art can support, is fortifying and often necessary sustenance. 

So, what helps my creative process?  Patience, in particular, not rushing to “get to work” when entering the studio. My intention is to approach painting with anticipation, curiosity and willingness to take risks.  When I struggle to settle into my work, I remind myself of the interconnectedness and continuity between all things, breathe, and try my best. 

Where can we find your work?

I am not much of a social media maverick…yet.  My Judaica prints, which I exhibited last year at the Northampton Center for the Arts, are on my website: abbiesteiner.com.

I will publish more work on the website soon.  Stay tuned.

Feel free to contact me with inquiries or ideas: abbiesteiner3@gmail.com

FEATURED ARTIST: CARLOS MCBRIDE

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

I am an educator, life learner, and musical aficionado – DJ, vinyl collector, rhythm rocker, photographer, filmmaker, student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a super dad!

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I never chose to be an artist or even considered me as one.  I grew up in the ’90s when music, poetry – word ‘smithing, Style Writing, dancing, fashion was all evolving to create new narratives that spoke to the rest of the world from the crevices of urban communities from throughout the country.  It was a golden time for young folks with little to no resources, a fractured public school system, and challenging social situations – to create and magnify talent on a major level. 

Tell us about some projects, you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

I was the Director of New England Public Radio’s Media Lab.  This was before the merger with WGBH.  Media Lab was an afterschool program for high school students. They learned all facets of audio journalism.  I had the privilege to help build this program up during my tenure there. These students who had little to absolutely no audio experience what so ever, flourished & produced some of the most moving content I ever had the experience of being a part of.  Most importantly, to see the young folks realize themselves in a different way and begin to harness the power of their own voice was truly remarkable.

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

I have worked as an educator for over a decade and have always infused music and art in all of the classes I taught or facilitated and the result of what students create has really been a driving force in how I get inspired.  Anyone that creates inspires me.  I don’t care if it’s cooking, gardening, making your own clothes, etc.…I am always intrigued by a person who makes, creates, or offers a different perspective through non-traditional platforms.  I would also add that being a father is truly what has kept me creating and moving into new terrains of fusing life, art, and person into the mix.  My kids are really the gems that I draw my creativity from. 

 Which habits help or hinder your creativity?

Pray. Meditate. Listen to music every day. Read. Train. Love heavy & laugh as often as I can. I would say this is about what keeps my creative tank full.

https://digital.nepr.net/podcasthub/medialab/

FEATURED ARTIST: DANIELLE SMITH

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Danielle Smith and I am a dancer, artist activist, and educator. I create a lot of pieces on the intersectionality of being a woman and being Black. I enjoy connecting with people that have different perspectives and backgrounds than me, so I try to incorporate that within my work as well. As an educator, I’ve been able to teach students in underserved schools and schools with state of the art dance departments. I value this because it pushes my creativity and allows me to be open to diverse experiences.

What does your typical workday look like?

A typical work day incorporates a lot more screen time nowadays! In a day, I will teach a virtual class from my living room, lesson plan for my dance classes the following week, and create marketing for promoting those classes on social media. I’ve also been curating a video archive of dancers from all over, to share their experiences with the dance community; so I will either edit those videos or conduct interviews for that project as well. So again, a lot of screen time which doesn’t include taking online technique classes to keep up with my own technique!

Which habits help or hinder your creativity?

So much of being a dancer is being in tune with your physical instrument, so when I am too tired because of poor sleeping and eating habits, it makes me sluggish and less likely to be open to creating. On the flip side of that, to try to combat that I try to do yoga 1-2 times a day (it helps me know if I’m sore, tight, have pain when I activate a certain muscle). I also like to listen to music A LOT, daydream, and take dance classes to give myself the freedom and space to be creative.

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

Apart from dance, I really like working with my hands. I love creating new clothes out of old clothes and costume designing for my dance pieces as well. So right now, in addition to dancing I work for a Black-owned boutique called Dru Christine Fabrics and Design. It’s fun and calming and it still allows me to express creativity. I’ve also worked at an amusement park as the wardrobe assistant to help make sure everyone had the correct outfit, made alterations to outfits and overall just made sure what the employees were wearing, looked good on them.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work and keep up with me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube @dsmithdance. I post my dancer tings interviews and choreographic works on there all the time.

FEATURED ARTIST: CARISSA DAGENAIS

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

Hello! My name is Carissa and I’m a drama therapist, a teacher, and an actor. Drama Therapy is creative arts therapy that uses theater and performance elements/expressions as clinical interventions, as means for exploring internal and external conflict, and as a way to help with social and emotional growth. It means I am trained as a mental health counselor, currently I work as a therapist with adults and children at CSO, and I am trained as a theater practitioner.

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I started doing theater in middle school and never looked back. There are a million reasons to do theater- the power of storytelling, the process, the people you meet, etc. Theater helped me find myself and along the way I saw that just like everything else, it could be harmful if used the wrong way. So, I vowed to use theater for good and while I was in college became determined to figure out how to do that. Drama therapy was my answer. Using theater to help others process, express, and explore emotions. Helping others feel seen and heard- that’s the magic for me now and why I stay an artist.

 Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

I’ve loved working with almost every company around that has blessed me with a role in their productions- this area is such a goldmine. Some notable favorites include: Meta/Pine Project with Serious Play! Ensemble (an incredible process-driven physical theater piece), Skyscraper by David Auburn (a labor of love with Chris Rohmann in your building between it being a gym and your beautiful space!), Slowgirl by Greg Pierce (at Smith College with Keith Langsdale and directed by Ellen Kaplan ), and most recently How I Learned To Drive by Paula Vogel with Ghost Light Theater (a piece incredibly close to my heart, directed masterfully by Sue Dziura).

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Talent” only takes a person so far. If you want to be in the room be the kind of person others want in the room. (I think presence and authenticity is what artists mean when they say “talent”- and that can be learned over time so please don’t let that capital T word deter you, ever).

FEATURED ARTIST: TONY LECHNER

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do? 

I’ve made the Pioneer Valley my home since attending UMass, Amherst for both undergrad and graduate degrees. As a composer, arranger, and songwriter I enjoy creating original music. As a music educator, I built the music program at PVPA Charter Public School and taught music there for fourteen years. In 2012, I founded Rock Voices, an 18+ community rock chorus for people who love to sing rock music which has now expanded to 16 locations and counting. Rock Voices is all about creating an opportunity for adults to rediscover the joy of singing in an environment that makes them feel accepted and supported. Our mission statement is ‘healing ourselves and others through song’. We provide financial assistance for those who demonstrate need, as money should not be an obstacle to having music in your life. Through all of this I’ve been supported by my wife and two children. 

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I don’t know if anyone truly decides to become an artist; it feels like the arts choose you. I’ve studied and performed music all my life, which eventually led me to try my hand at teaching. My mission now is to bring music to people who have lost it from their lives, or haven’t done it in a very long time. 

Tell us about some projects you have worked on.

I’ve formed and played in several bands over the years, starting back when I was only fifteen years old. After college some of my closest friends and I created an original rock band called Yellow Brick Ed, playing in Boston, western Mass, and even NYC. A few years later I started the indie-folk/pop band Wild-Wood, inspired by the sound of Nickel Creek. Both of these bands featured a lot of my original music, and while I’d say my songwriting has matured since then, I’m still proud of some of those early attempts. After that I gathered a few former students and some local artists to record an album of my original jazz songs. I called this The Rosewood Project, and several of the songs on it have gained international recognition (first prizes from the Billboard World Song Contest & John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and even a movie placement!). Earlier this year I created a music video parody describing what happens when a community choir has to stop rehearsals. (Click here to see my parody of Steely Dan’s Hey 19.)

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist. What are some memorable responses you have had to your work? 

I worked a variety of part time jobs in the summers during my college years. I once spent a week shoveling mulch, leading to a lifelong hatred of the smell. Another job was answering phones for a conference-booking company, which was as boring as it sounds, but I passed the time by writing parody lyrics of pop songs to entertain my co-workers. Since college I’ve been lucky enough to work as a music teacher. I think the most memorable response to my work as a teacher is when former students reach out to tell me how much they appreciated what I did for them. You don’t always get that from students while they’re in school, so it’s always a nice surprise when it happens later.

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine? 

The COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine have changed everything about my process. We suspended all in-person rehearsals very early on in order to protect our singers and the greater community, quickly shifting gears to make the choirs an entirely online experience. Our directors hold weekly rehearsals where members can still learn and connect with their community despite not being able to meet in person. We’re in the process of producing several ‘virtual choir’ videos, and we’re even going to make a CD! Each month we’ll learn a new song, and at the end of a year we’ll release a compilation of our work. (Click here to see our first virtual choir video: Lean On Me by Bill Withers.) We all miss singing together in person, but the beauty of our new virtual format is that geographical location is no longer a limit to singing with our groups. Now anyone from anywhere can join Rock Voices and even be on our upcoming album. More information is available at rockvoices.com.

FEATURED ARTIST: JUANITO PASCUAL

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

Born and raised in Minneapolis, I remember wanting to play guitar starting at 3 years old. Minneapolis is famously a vibrant musical scene, and I was lucky to be exposed to a wide range of music my entire childhood, ranging from pop and folk music to classical, Jewish music, classic rock, and early hip-hop, I got a guitar and lessons in 7th grade, and knew from that first day I had my own guitar that I'd always play. I sought out anything and everything that could be played on guitar whether it was a genre I liked or not. I just wanted to play guitar. At 14 I got exposed to flamenco and jazz and then at 15 started taking flamenco lessons. I went to Spain the following summer for the first time, and the rest is history. I decided at age 15 to develop a style that I considered to be the reverse of what Paco de Lucia did with flamenco. He brought jazz and other influence into flamenco. I thought wouldn't it be cool to bring flamenco, into my blues/jazz/rock/classical background and see what happens. I went to New England Conservatory's Contemporary Improvisation program starting in 1993. Since then my activities have been a mixture of getting deeper into all of my influences, with composition, teaching, recording multiple albums, touring, some really wonderful collaborations, and some session work being my main activities. Collaborations have included the meaningful opportunity to tour with Grammy-winning sax/flautist Jorge Pardo, who toured for 20 years with Paco de Lucia's Sextet, which was the band that really inspired me to start the journey I'm still on to this day.

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

Well, like for most musicians the list is long. Here are some top inspirations in order of discovery:

Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Paco de Lucia (solo and Sextet), John McLaughlin, George Benson, Vicente Amigo, J.S. Bach, Miles Davis. In addition to these legends, currently I am a HUGE fan of Julian Lage and most recently the amazing Jacob Collier.

What are some memorable responses you have had to your work?

Without a doubt the most memorable response I've ever had, which was both very beautiful and a little bittersweet, was a man coming up to us after a concert in the fall of 2105, who said "you've reminded me there is still good in the world." What a poignant testament of the power music can have to penetrate "the noise" of daily life, and be an oasis of love, creativity and life affirming energy. That was very moving.

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?

This quarantine has wound up having a profound effect on my process in an unexpected way. In April, as all of my May and June concert dates were cancelled, I decided to seize the opportunity to pull my playing apart in a way I have not done in many years. Over the past two years I have been exploring some improvements and modifications to my technique, but not had the time to unpack it. Initially, I did a 40-day "campaign" to explore and internalize these changes, and now as summer has progressed (and gigs are still cancelled) I've been letting the stuff soak in and become the new normal. It has been very transformative and fruitful.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I've been blessed with many, many incredible teachers, and many life-changing pieces of advice, but one that sticks out came from a great flamenco guitarist named David Serva, whose wife Clara Chinoy happens to be a flamenco dancer from Western, MA. He once said to me "the hardest thing is to listen." There you go. That is one of those pieces of advice that seems simple, but for me at least, every time you think about it has more and more meaning.

Where can we find your work?

www.juanitopascual.com

FEATURED ARTIST: TRENDA LOFTIN

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Trenda Loftin (she/her) and I am a Black, queer, femme artivist and an art-integrated social justice consultant. Whether I am cultivating a theatre piece or facilitating a workshop, I utilize theatre techniques and social justice frameworks to examine social patterns, explore the nuances of identity, elevate artistic expression and imagine the possibilities of greater justice in our communities. Body-centered and collaborative, I work to create performances and trainings that anchor in connection and the (re)memory of collective power. 

Why did you decide to become an artist?

My calling was made clear to me before I knew I could design my own path.  6-12th grade acting was a long run of housekeeper and derelict roles surrounded by white kids in brown face performing West Side Story. When 11th grade came, I was already tired. Being an artist wasn’t a decision but I did choose to be an artivist. I chose it so I could remain a practicing artist.  I chose artivist so I could be in charge of the stories my body was used to tell and to support others looking to do the same.

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

My favorite creative projects have been the ones that are highly collaborative, deeply personal, and that not only address injustice on a variety of levels but also articulate possibilities for change. I’ve worked with the participants of Voices From Inside to create their first play. Utilizing writing and physical prompts, we co-created a piece that highlighted some of the realities of incarceration, addiction, and resilience. Other projects include a 6-week theatre series at Franklin County Jail which culminated into a staged reading of my play “When the System Swallows You” and included original works of the participants. 

Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.

Every job I’ve had has influenced the way I move creatively and as a consultant. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry, was a middle and high school teacher, and a youth programs educator at a social justice organization.  As I’ve shifted away from working full-time for other people or organizations, I’m finding myself closer to my ideal life/art/work balance. I’m working closely with theatre companies to increase their accessibility and address inequity within programs, practices, and policies. I’m getting to provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training and support for organizations interested in interactive and creative approaches. 

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?

Creating an ensemble, with mostly strangers, solely through virtual engagement is both challenging and incredibly powerful. When each person is moving through the familiarity and distractions of home space, there’s an intimacy that can’t quite be replicated. Internet and device speed, access to quiet, family dynamics, and the mental and physical health impacts of COVID-19 have become key factors in the ways we are able to engage- they are in the virtual room with us- there’s an invitation to hold those truths. This echoes one of my core values - always inviting the whole person into the creative process. 

Where can we find your work? 

Some of my work can be found on my website www.trendaloftin.com and through Real Live Theatre’s website www.reallivetheatre.net.

FEATURED ARTIST: MARY WITT

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

I am a musician and a painter. I enjoy the conversation between them and have always been inspired by Joni Mitchell going back and forth between music and visual art. I sing and play bass with my band, The O-Tones (www.theotones.com) and love the collaboration on our Swing and Soul music with other singers and instrumentalists. I always listen to music when I paint in my studio. I'm very visual so when I'm singing a song I think about the story of the words and when I paint, I feel music on the canvas since I paint intuitively and abstractly. 

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I love music and art and was raised by German parents who exposed me to both, always nurturing my education with those focuses. Although raised on classical music, my sister and I listened to many genres including Soul, Jazz, Folk, and Rock & Roll. After a few years of piano and 20 years of french horn, I started playing bass when I was 30 to have an instrument I could sing and play all styles with other people. I was exposed to a lot of abstract art through my family and still love seeing, creating and teaching it at NCFA. 

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

Sing for Peace, a recent online video collaboration because I was able to write a song about working for social justice and collaborate with others, making it a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-generational project. Participants were musicians I work with, an 83-year old dancer, and neighborhood kids singing and dancing on it.

An online concert with Annie Patterson to raise money for the Movement Voter Project and send more positive music out to the world. Some people watching from home probably sang along during COVID time and that is good for the soul! (https://youtu.be/rHFzDE_AqiA ) 

I love teaching painting at NCFA! 

What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

I was raised on German Abstract Expressionism so have seen a lot of intriguing abstract paintings, but when I started painting I did a lot of experimenting with tools and thick paint. I have ended up using a wide palette knife most of the time using wet and dry layers to create depth and texture. I really like Kandinsky, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Miro, Hilma af Klint, Paul Klee, and Joan Snyder, among others.

In music, I have been inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Lyle Lovett, The Temptations and many more. 

Where can we find your work?

Paintings:

https://www.mewitt.wixsite.com/marywittpainter

https://www.instagram.com/marywittpainter/

https://www.facebook.com/marywittpainter

Music, my band, The O-Tones:

https://www.theotones.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/OTonesBand/videos

https://www.facebook.com/The-O-Tones-457251670789/?ref

https://www.instagram.com/theotones/ 

Sing for Peace on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/wGAfV-hddfQ

Anything else you'd like to mention that we didn't ask?

I am grateful for how supportive Northampton is to artists and that continues to evolve with the various organizations, as well as adjusting to COVID times! 

FEATURED ARTIST: JORDAN REED

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Jordan Reed. I'm a theater and performance artist that enjoys wearing a lot of hats- actor, divisor, dramaturg, costumer, writer, and producer. I enjoy creating and engaging with work that generates spaces of healing, as well as community. Within my work, I aim to critique the varying oppressive systemic structures within American hegemony and the politics behind them using movement, ensemble, horror, comedy, sensuality, ritual, and glamour.

Why did you decide to become an artist?

I've always been a creative and artistic person, but realized theater was my passion in high school. When I was a freshman I got the lead in Bye, Bye Birdie and it was a magical experience. As a teenager, I struggled a lot emotionally and acting felt like the only way I was able to feel truly present and vulnerable. Once I landed on theater there were so many aspects of it that engaged my creativity, so wearing many hats always appealed to me. Growing up while struggling financially also influenced this versatility, because if I was able to do it myself I could rely less on outside resources. Then when I studied devising, Theater of the Oppressed, and traveled to South Africa to study and attend their National Arts Festival, I was like "Oh man- so this is a whole school of thought!"

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

A big one for me is FLAMBOYAN, which is a performance art piece that the Noho Arts Center has hosted a couple times. I love this piece because it's so deeply personal and interactive with the audience. It also is a spiritual experience, and I feel like I'm able to speak with my ancestors when I perform it. Through that work, I've been able to process a lot of trauma while still celebrating who I am, or anyone that sees themself in my struggle. Under lockdown, I've been deep diving into burlesque work, and collaborating with other friends and artists under the drag collective of Queer & Now (you can find them on instagram). We've been hosting zoom chats where we hold virtual cabaret parties with drag and burlesque. I'm so proud of this work in particular because I get to celebrate my sexuality and femininity on my own terms. Most important- we've been using this platform to advocate for Black Lives Matter, particularly Black Trans Lives, and over the last few shows have raised over $1000 for different orgs (ie Okra Project).

How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?

I've been working a lot through video in ways that I wouldn't have felt compelled to try if it wasn't for being in lockdown. Turns out I actually enjoy video editing a bit! I've also taken this time to try to lean into this forced pause so that I can concentrate and build my portfolio and body of work. I think the biggest surprise I've learned under lockdown is what a romantic I am, and manifesting that in ways I've never experienced before. I've been separated from my partner a lot during this time, so the love we share and missing each other has been a huge muse for me.

Where can we find your work?

I give updates and archive my work on my website and on instagram:

@jordanelizabethreed

Jxexr7.wixsite.com/website 

FEATURED ARTIST: GLENN SIEGEL

Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

I was born and raised in New York City, and have lived in the Valley since 1980. I am a music lover who has produced over 300 jazz concerts in the Pioneer Valley for the UMass Fine Arts Center (Magic Triangle Jazz Series, Solos & Duos Series, Bright Moments Festival), the Northampton Center for the Arts (A World of Piano) and Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares, a shareholder-based non-profit. For almost 30 years, I produced radio on WMUA-FM, where I served as General Manager. I write about the concerts I produce at  ,https://blogs.umass.edu/gsiegel/

Why did you decide to become an artist?

Well, I do not consider myself an artist, per se. I’m an enabler of artists. I have used my creativity to produce the world’s most accomplished musicians on shoestring budgets. I have always felt music intensely. I remember feeling thrills in my stomach listening to symphonic orchestras on school trips. As a young man, I remember listening to Charles Mingus and deciding that whatever else I did with my life, I wanted to be close to music. I fully embrace Albert Ayler’s dictum that “music is the healing force of the universe.” Sharing music is my way of repairing the world.

Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?

Producing Reggie Workman’s 25-piece orchestra and choir performing Coltrane’s “Africa Brass” in 1999 was a thrill, and seeing Joe Fonda incorporate a tap dancer and a sound healer into his band was certainly unique, but really every time I produce one of my heroes, I’m thrilled. The opportunity to work with Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Lester Bowie, Randy Weston, Bobby Bradford, William Parker and dozens of other masters, is a dream come true. I also enjoy turning local audiences onto young and under appreciated artists. I always say my favorite project is the next one.

What are you currently working on?

Although I recently retired from UMass, I’m producing one more year of the Magic Triangle Series for the Fine Arts Center. I am organizing an online project this fall to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Yusef Lateef, featuring movies, photographs, scholarly papers, art work, testimonials, live music and readings of his creative writing. Jazz Shares is producing a live backyard concert featuring the extraordinary percussionist Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Since the pandemic, I have been producing hour-long music podcasts using my personal library (soundcloud.com/jazzinsilhouette.) Oh, and I’m getting married to Priscilla Page in October!

What superpower would you have and why?

My super power would be to produce money legally in unlimited quantities. I have spent my career making due with puny budgets. If I had limitless money, or even the budget of a Lincoln Center or a Walker Arts Center, I would blow people’s minds. And I would be able to pay artists fees commensurate with their talent.