Tag Archives: Reflection and Response

Jan 30 2012
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Music, Visual Arts

The Patchwork Series: An Introduction

Welcome to the Patchwork Series! In this series we use earlier work to inspire new creations. This is collaboration through space but also through Medium. We’ll be collaborating from NYC to Madrid with V using a visual perspective to reflect and respond to P’s audio tracks and vice versa. For example, on our first patchwork series V is creating an all new graphic piece based off of P’s The City Swells. We look forward to expanding our craft with this series. As always, thank y’all so much for riding with us!!!

-P and V

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Jan 30 2012
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Music, Visual Arts

Patchwork: Landscape

Landscape

Patchwork: Landscape.

For this patchwork I used a sample recorded back in Berkeley from a nearly forgotten session with some old friends. I found an accordion track that seemed to go with the idea of the bicycle journey. I wrote the lyrics the next day (January 30th post day). V’s piece uses motion is such interesting ways- both the narrative and detail of V’s piece stuck out to me and were influences on this patchwork.

Full track

Instrumental

A Capella

Patchwork: Landscape

A friend said they look something like mountains/ obstacles to get around in/ a hill of wheels/ peaks an valleys/ bars and steel/ falling freely/ the feeling of a thousand movements suddenly still/

He said he’ll never again depict bicycles/Minute curves made many lights dull/Into morning/He’s pouring over each individual frame/3 panels later the piece became/What it is today/

Off in the dusk/ Johnny gets up/ Brushes off his must/Hops on two wheels starting to rust/ Heads downtown because it’s market day/ Grabs his mackerel two jars of lard mayonnaise/ Sets up his stand right by the French fry place/ Amsterdam’s morning hours are an early grey/ These surly markets will surely pay/ For a fresh fish sandwich that he’s still learning to make/

To the Southeast/ The second prayer is sounding/ Sarah peddles between beggars and sheiks/ Already the second quarter she’s missing her team/ Qualifying for championships/Rides her 6 speed over the mountain back to her crib/ Fast as shit/ Shifts to evade pebbles/Her gown nestles / Her nerves/If they score she needs it that’s passion for sure/ Cousin sees her fly fast a blur/ Blurts out Salam in time for the third/

A friend said they look something like mountains/ Obstacles to get around in/ A hill of wheels/ Peaks an valleys/ Bars and steel/ Falling freely/ The feeling of a thousand movements suddenly still/

He said he’ll never again depict bicycles/ Minute curves made many lights dull/ Into morning/ He’s pouring over each individual frame/ 3 panels later the piece became/ What it is today/

Back in Seattle/ Northwest’s saddle/ Steve’s done working/ He straddles the lake path’s rambles/ Got miles turned up with Chet Baker on the way/ Goddamn these Husky fans sure crowd up Montlake/ As he turns up that hill on forty-fifth/ Burning in his legs lets him know he’s still fit/ Prefers this to constraints of his car/ Gets home stows the Bianci in the backyard/ Feet up opens that peanut jar/

Joanna in the city where Steve’s bikes are spinning/ In the plant where this week her hours way past 60/ Used to make Ipads till her friend started feeling shitty/ Now can’t move her hands just turned 15/ Lives on the facility/ Her faculty is limited to assembling the same 4 millimeter part times infinity/ But she remembers when she arrived here on her two wheels/ Proud with work she can provide her own meals

A friend said they look something like mountains/ Obstacles to get around in/ A hill of wheels/ Peaks an valleys/ Bars and steel/ Falling freely/ The feeling of a thousand movements suddenly still/

He said he’ll never again depict bicycles/ Minute curves made many lights dull/ Into morning/ He’s pouring over each individual frame/ 3 panels later the piece became/ What it is today/

-P

-Reflection and Response.

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Jan 30 2012
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Music, Visual Arts

Patchwork: The City Swells

Patchwork: The City Swells

The City Swells

In this European capital invaded by lights/ Travelers who have taken flights to come and see the sights/ The crowd swells to dangerous heights/ In the distance street performer yells “That’s all for tonight.”/ Santa’s sleigh on display various nights/ Parents brave the cold with jackets and tights/ Earmuffed Munchkin children hold on tight/ This city’s alight

I walk gingerly/ On this history/ These streets a mystery/ What happened here and when?/ Centuries of women and men/ Holidays spent in different fashion Ramadan back then/ Then the Christian kings established the crown/ And the lights went up and never came down/ Today’s the same way a slightly changed town/ These streets fit for horses not porches you find now

So I live in this city that slowly becomes mine/ Discovering places I’m still waiting to find/ No distractions of home memory clouds the mind/ Watch friend’s successes look how far they climb!/ And in such a short time/ Congrats on the victories/ I know we’d rise to infamy/ In our prime/ And while I keep busy I find I miss you/ i hope you’re missing me/ Sometimes

P hit us with The City Swells back on December 5, 2011 in Callao, Madrid – an original, perceptive, and deep track, to say the least!! When I sat down to create my Patchwork piece, I aimed to capture and interpret what The City Swells really meant. I went through a process of deconstructing P’s written lyrics, his a Capella recording, and finally the full track that I re-posted at the top of this post. For a couple hours deep into the night, before I even got to working on my final piece, I listened and analyzed this track over and over, trying to re-create “the city,” thoughts, and feelings P expressed through his work. Through 3 initial studies on 18″x24″ newsprint where I just put down images, words, and gestures that I felt were central to P’s track, I gradually built up developed my ideas, and using india ink, oil pastel, and white watercolor paint, I created Patchwork: The City Swells.

Reflection and Response.

V.

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Jan 28 2012
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Music

Feature: Claudia Rojas

Claudia Rojas is a true craftsperson. Growing up in Argentina and Uruguay, Claudia studied various creative mediums including voice. Choosing to pursue her education at the University of San Andrés in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she continued to use music and performance as Refection and Response. She played briefly in a group with Peter called Harold and the Gauchos, see The City and Solitude. Claudia has recently graduated and now works for the historic Teatro Colon and assists with Classical performances. Peep the interview to see a unique youthful perspective on the realities of Classical performance in the contemporary world!

(Reflection and Response) is a very creative process that involves seeking messages in things that might not necessarily speak to us.

Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?

 CR: I am from Buenos Aires and I still live in Buenos Aires.

 What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

CR: Reflection and Response could mean many things, however, should I try to reduce the meaning it to its bear essentials, I would place such a meaningful thing in the productive interaction between a human mind and anything else. It is a very creative process that involves seeking messages in things that might not necessarily speak to us.

 It seems we cannot bear to live in a meaningless world, and so, we engage in conversation with anything in the same way a little girl does so with her seated bears at her tea party: pouring out the faint infusion and happy with the endearing delusion that things are put out there for a reason.

 Now I could go on about the incredibly creative process that is the engagement between two or more minds in naturally dysfunctional conversation, but a lot has been said about the destiny of anyone to be misunderstood. What interests me, rather, is what happens when someone reflects and responds to something someone made a long time ago, especially when that something is artistic. I believe it is then that we become those furry things that, in stillness, we feel the warmth of the calling from a vessel that remains true, and all that we’ve been handed at one glance, or hearing, is a cup.

 How does your work at ISA Teatro Colón fit in with that definition?

CR: The greatest challenge of any opera theatre is to keep opera, ballet and symphonic music alive and current. You must encourage, in the words of this interview, reflection and response between artists and the general public.

What makes this challenge difficult? There has been a great divide between art and the public. Centuries ago, art and public sensibility were much more connected through the understanding of the sacred. There’s a ritualistic side to art that was understandable sometime ago thanks to religion and the aperture to a more symbolic life. Contemporary life has diluted such sensibility; indeed, there’s been a lot of talk about art’s death through its loss of aural qualities.  Art has become so conceptual in some ways that it runs the risk of thinking itself purely divine instead of a humble representation of something much greater.

This doesn’t mean I’m saying that art has lost its power at all, but I can think of examples in which artists have become irresponsible. Art in general has become so plural and so hard to keep track of that one needs institutions to show us different narrative paths to art, just like one needs writers/journalists/historians to understand what has happened so far in any national or international setting.

 Places like Museums or Theatres have the great challenge of coordinating sensibilities pertaining to different intellects, imaginations and times.  They remind us that there is an emotional parity between different people that express such sensibility in different artistic currency. But people are not wrong in feeling intimidated; we do tend to appreciate some more than others.

 Who or what inspires you?

 CR: The idea that there is so much work to be done!

 Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

 CR: Yes. I am no one to tell you what art is or is supposed to be. My impressions of the art world are quite personal.

 Shout out to/ Thanks to…?

CR: I would like to thank Peter for inviting me to participate in this amazing blog. He has been the only person that has persuaded me to publish anything this year. I’m sure there’s quite a bit of talent in achieving that.

Reflection and Response.


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Jan 26 2012
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Music, Visual Arts

PETER MULLER LIVE LRR

Friday January 27th 2012 is the date of my first show here in Madrid. I will be performing originals tracks featured on the LIFESTYLE, such as Jade Eyes, in addition to covers with some talented vocalists. We are also supplying the PA for the show as well as the microphones and cables. We’re turning a room of the Anglet Cafe in Madrid into our own performance space in Reflection and Response fashion. Anglet Cafe gigs hopefully will be a regular occurrence and feature performances from other local artists and new LRR #Collective members.

 

Peep the Facebook event page for more info:

http://www.facebook.com/events/283765688343885/

 

The above flier was finished by V late Monday night. Using only 2 permanent markers, he was able to include a whole array of brushstrokes, from the razor thin border to the block letters of my name, to the central piece of the name of the cafe complete with shadowing and subtle textures. When I ask V to help out with publicity for shows It’s always dope to see what he comes up with.  He included both Spanish and English and threw up the LIFESTYLE along with the info for the gig.

LRR LIVE @the Anglet Cafe in Madrid.

-Reflection and Response

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Jan 23 2012
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Music, Visual Arts

These People Are My People: A Story

The Organ Song/ Tools of the Trade

This week’s original post is a collaboration between V and P. Back in the Basement of the 55thandBrooklyn house in Seattle, P wrote a tune with a story. V later wrote up the lyrics on parchment and together the two pieces “The Organ Song,” and “Tools of the Trade,” become These People Are My People: A Story.

Instrumental

Acapella

Full Track

Lyrics

Reflection and Response.

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Jan 16 2012
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Music, Photography, Visual Arts

The Lay of the Land

the LIFESTYLE has been low key for a few weeks and we hope everyone has had a great start to the new year! We are continuing to strive to be a place for dialogue and thoughts of Reflection and Response. Our weekly schedule has changed a bit so here’s the breakdown for the LIFESTYLE moving forward:

Mondays: Original work from Peter and Vicken

Thursdays: Snapshots from the Collective

Fridays: Fridays will alternate each week between Talk of the Town (Discussion Questions from the Collective) and our continuing Feature series of collective members and their work.

Meanwhile, on the Twitter we will be continuing Peter’s Saturday Flows From Madrid (SFFM) as well as throwing up thoughts, articles, and quotes that connect with Reflection and Response. We will also be shouting out RR Artists of the Week, linking to influential craftspeople whose work inspires us.

With the new elements of Snapshots from the Collective and Talk of the Town we will be looking forward to email submissions from Collective members. Snapshots consists of photographs that people want to get out there and share. Talk of the Town consists of Discussion Questions focusing on any topics interesting to any viewer that feels like it can spark dialogue. Photographs and questions should be sent to the LIFESTYLE’s email at: the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com. One photo will be posted each week and a question will be posted every two weeks, with dialogue following up in the comments sections. Come one come all!!

the LIFESTYLE’s power lies in its collective; a communal place whose axiom of Reflection and Response drives creativity, collaboration, and dialogue.

Reflection and Response.

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Dec 09 2011
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Music

Feature: Stefan Paul George

the Collective builds.

The last feature of 2011. We are thrilled to present the immensely talented Stefan Paul George, whose songwriting and performing abilities have made him a popular performer around Washington state. His 6 albums make up a prolific beginning to his career. His material is original and always just sounds right. Stefan is an artist who has invested in professional recordings that provide a fit showcase for his songs. He also was a core member of the the old Husky Music Community, whose work increased performance opportunities for students at the University of Washington. This is an artist who has used his voice, guitar, saxophone and pen and paper to reflect and respond to the world that’s around him.

Check it – Peep Stefan’s Reflection and Response interview, followed by his original track Save it for Someone Else. Respect!

Each response leads to new reflections…

Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?

SPG: I’m from Yakima, Washington.  I moved to Seattle in 2007 to attend the University of Washington and have been here ever since.  I love the city.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

SPG: Great artists tell stories.  When I write I do my best to not only paint a picture of what is going on, or what went on, but also to make a statement about it.  Great artists provide with a set and a setting but also a way out, something that makes the situation unique to that artist.  Reflection is important as it gives listeners somewhere to be during the song and a place to feel comfortable, but response stays with them long after and inspires them to move from that comfortable place.  Each response leads to new reflections which creates a cycle that has me documenting my life musically.

How does Save it for Someone Else fit in with that definition?

SPG: ‘Save it for Someone Else’ is a song I wrote while looking back at the time spent with a past friend.  I reflect about reflecting in that I write about driving and thinking.  I reflect that I may have not done things right with this person and hint there may be another way.  I respond to these thoughts in the chorus by repeatedly saying that if someone gave me the option to go back and change my past, I’d tell them to save it for someone else.  So, in response to my reflection of the past, I’m content with it and can’t imagine a different way.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

SPG: Currently, I’m working on a project with my brother Brandon who also plays and writes a bit.  It will be the first time we’ve really recorded together so we are really excited about it.  I’m also working on a solo album and a couple music videos.  I’d like to get into someone a little less acoustic soon, maybe mess around with some electronic sounds but that may be a little too far up the road to talk about…

Who or what inspires you?

SPG: I’m very inspired by my mother.  I like jazz too.  I’m inspired by working in restaurants and being away from home, I love home.  I’m inspired by my friends who constantly travel, and the ones who already have jobs.  I’m inspired by religion though I don’t think it drives my work.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

SPG: If you’re interested in my music and want it all for FREE, hit up- http://spgmusic.bandcamp.com

and if you like that, like me on Facebook! 

Shout out to…?

SPG: Shout out to Peter Muller, 55th and Brooklyn, Big Fun, HMC, and the entire UW community.   Shout out to my parents for helping me more than anyone else, ever.

Save it for Someone Else

Reflection and Response.

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Nov 25 2011
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Creative Writing, Music, Performing Arts

Feature: Diana Cervera

 The Collective really brought some solid Reflection and Response this week. We at the LIFESTYLE are proud as hell to present Diana Cervera, a woman who took the idea of a feature and turned it into a piece of art. Eclipsing the idea of multi-talented, Diana’s various skills in Sonic, Dramatic, Literary, and other mediums inform and reinforce each other to make each piece a comprehensive collaboration between different parts of the expressive self. Peep the interview for some key knowledge, check out the soulful strains of “TE BUSCO,” and read up on the powerful words of LATINA HEAT.

The Collective Speaks.

Leading off with some basics where are you from? And where are you at?

DC: I am from Rialto, CA where I currently reside but my roots lay in the lands of Yucatan, Mexico. I am currently looking for my footing for a truth I am at the shoreline where the waves crash staring at the sea…contemplating what it all means.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

DC: Reflection and Response is a way to Evoke and provoke. Its a means by which to question, critique, explain invent and reinvent. I think that it encompasses the art making process in itself and the constant search for ourselves. To truly reflect is to look within and understand whats there, where it comes from,why it is and our response is perhaps a way to try and understand that meaning that feeling. Its a spark, a chispa. I believe that we must constantly reflect but dont take the time to do so enough. I personally am looking within myself to try and really see whats inside whats there and what I can do with it.

How does “Latina Heat,” and “TE BUSCO,” fit in with that definition?

DC: The name of the first piece is “Latina Heat” a monologue I performed for a production I directed last year at UCSD entitled In Lak Ech, Tu Eres mi Otro yo (You are my other self). This show in itself encompases the idea of reflection in that we are in some way a reflection of one another if we could only look past our preconceptions and socialized forms of knowing ourselves in relation to others. In Lak Ech comes from the Mayan saying meaning you are my other self which was considered one of the deepest forms of respect in that each other we see ourselves.This piece was a “reflection” and “response” to the ways in which Latina women are portrayed in the media and therefore come to exist in the public imagination. This piece explores not only the concept of stereotype but also explores the idea of love and self love. Our love for ourselves is the most powerful understanding we can come to know and give to others. This piece aims to critique the hollywood stereotype of what  a Latina woman should be but it also is a very personal reflection of my dreams hopes and visions of love.

The other piece entitled TE BUSCO is a song I recently wrote and is a reflection of one of the most beautiful and trying emotions I have ever felt, Love. This is a raw take that took me a few nights to really get together but its from the deepest places in my heart. This song speaks of a search, it speaks of a moment so present yet so far, of a feeling so powerful that it can withstand anything. I think this song is a reflection of emotions ones heart can feel but may never be known, perhaps only the moon or the stars will be witness to these unspoken dreams. This piece speaks to the idea of a feeling or emotion that can perhaps only be sung in order to be understood or felt.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

DC: I am currently working on a short play which is an extended version of Latina heat. This play, like the monologue , will delve into various concepts such as the idea of love, sexuality, femininity and the search for the self. The play will have various characters and multiple realities, you gotta see the end result because it all makes sense in my head. Right now I think it sounds like a locura but thats when I know Ive got something. For now Im seeing fairy godmothers dancing Bomba and novellas coming to life…haha its gonna be wild but I promise its gonna be good. This will be my first time writing, directing and acting in an actual play so wish me luck!

Who or what inspires you?

DC: The coincidences of life inspire me the moments in which a person you never thought you would meet teaches you something so profound and beautiful about lifeand about yourself. These moments have proven to be the most inspiring moments in my life. With this is my families love which is unconditional and never ending its so beautiful to me. Love inspires me.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

DC: Always listen to your heart even when its wishes seem illogical or impossible. Siempre sabe el Corazon. Always believe in your own power you can really do anything you dream, nobody can tell you that its impossible.

Shout out to…?

DC: I would first like to make the biggest shoutout to my Mom and Dad Maria Casanova and Alfonso Cervera who have given me character virtue and most of all life. To my brother and sister Ponchi and Denise for always supporting me and loving me and the rest of the familia in the US and in Yucatan. I would like to give a super special shoutout to my friend and Mentor Jade Power Sotomayor who has taught me to believe in myself and always follow my heart. To never fear nor doubt my own strength  as a Mujer. To the one and only Leslie Quntanilla, Joanne Gomez, Qui Qui, Mars, Sarit, Moni and all my friends who have loved me through the many phases of my life and locuras. To the ART COLLECTIVE @ UCSD. The Bostick Family, your lovely thank you for all your blessings. Of course to the cuates in NY! Megan Branch and Mr. Vicken Donikian!!!! Your beautiful and your work inspires me to keep up the grind siempre! Last but most certainly not least, the most loving shoutout to the one who has my love, un beso siempre.

Con todo mi Corazon

Diana Cervera

TE BUSCO

LATINA HEAT

(Lights Dim..blue perhaps)

Deja que salua la luna….(song by pedro infante plays..)

Demetrio enters…

Mujer- Demetrio, llegaste!! (smiles.. holds his hands in hers)

Hombre- (hugs her tightly ) Como no, tenia que verte, antes de ..de que me vaya

Mujer- Quisiera que, que esta noche nunca se acabe’..…. Que pudiese estar contigo siempre que no tenia que decirte adiós. …..Llevame contigo, ay llevame contigo

Hombre- NO NO! eso no….la guerra no es para una mujer. No me perdonaría si te pasara algo….

Mujer- Pero tengo miedo, miedo que te olvides de mi que , que encuentres a otra que nunca regreses y yo me muera de la tristeza

Hombre- No NO…. eso nunca. Yo solo respiro por ti, (caresses her face)  mi corazón solo latte por ti….. mis ojos solo te ven a ti! YO solo soy para ti… (pulls her coser) ya sabes que TU eres la duen~a de mi corazón….

Mujer- Pero….siento que algo en mi se muere lentamente…mi espíritu no esta tranquilo cuando estoy lejos de ti…

Hombre- Mira, mirame a los ojos, (holds her face intently). Yo te amo…te amo…y aquí te dejo mi promesa. Te prometo mi amor.  Te prometo que regresare por ti..… (pause). Te puedo pedir algo??

Mujer- Claro

Hombre- Te pido..que me esperes que me esperes hasta que regrese por ti…te juro que eres el amor de mi vida la unica mujer que hace que mi corazón pare. que mi mundo se pare…siento algo aquí (ponits to his heart) que me dice que tu eres mi amor, la única que yo amare’ (places necklace in her hand)

Mujer- (pauses, thinks for a moment, in love. scared) Te amo…te amo,  tanto que me muero pensar que no te podre ver (comes closer) ni besar tus labios que tu estaras lejos, lejos de mi, mi amor….pero te esperare!! Te esperare hasta que regreses hasta que regreses por mi.

Hombre- (pulls her closer) Te amo. Te amo y vas a ver que pronto estoy de regreso y vamos a ser muy feliz, nada puede parar lo que siento por ti….

(both move in as if to kiss…)

Diana- Have you ever been lost in a dream, or an illusion. Have you ever been so enamored by something or the idea of something that you lose yourself in imagining, what it would be like….

(sings) DEJA QUE SALGA LA LUNA..…PA QUE EMPIEZE NUESTRO AMOOR. Love, la promesa de lo eterno the promise of the eternal, THAT which can conquer all ..you see I fell in love with with love , with the stories on the bronze screen as I watched novellas with my abuelita and my mom…. I would always pretend to be the characters. My favorite was always the protagonist the mujer who finds true love whose destino leads her to to fall into a love battle but whose passion in the end allows her to survive the war…”Estoy tan feliz madre de que mi vida es perfecta y que dios me ha mandado el amor de mi vida!!! hay Miguel Ramon me haces tan feliz..” I dreamed with her ….what would my love look like, how would he sweep me off my feet?? would he bring me serenata? roses!!!! Maybe both! I couldn’t wait to fall in love!!! She was always played by a beautiful mujer who was petite, dainty, and meek….

And then there was the villainous cousin corrupted by greed and jealousy …. she was usually played by a mujer who was also beautiful except she seduced men with her voluptuousness and her uncontrollable passion….

“Todo lo que amass será mío!! Maria Jose, todo! Miguel Ramon sera MIO!!! aver quien puede mas primata mosca muerta….…..!”

As I grew older this enamoramiento, this love turned into a dream that I would be a STAR!!! LA PROTAGONISTA ESTELLAR!! Except instead of novellas I would go straight HOLLYWOOD. I spent hours online looking up auditions or trying to figure out the way it works how I could  get in. I was convinced I needed an agent that it was only a matter of time before Id be found! Discovered…. But sometimes I felt that this dream was inalcanzable almost unreachable… calls for hispanic actors would catch my eye…but the only women I saw making it in hollywood that were Latina were Penolope and Salma. As I followed my destino I soon realized that I didn’t exactly look like the women on the screens that I adored Im not skinny and I didn’t really have nice clothes from expensive stores and so I thought I could never be beautiful or sexy.  In middle school I wouldn’t eat because I wanted to make moves towards my dream I remember crying and thinking that I wouldn’t make it that there were no women like me in hollywood that no one would ever notice me. I don’t have an accent. Im not what their looking for……

You see dreamed that I would light up the screen!!! That hollywood wouldn’t know what hit them!! Id have my own show you see and it would be different from anything else because my show would  be about people like me it would represent my gente tell their stories show what their life was like (lights change dim) “12 woman have been found dead in the desert of Juarez there are no leads the police are afraid to dig too deep… OR is that they themselves are a part of the whole murderous plot!”

Director- CUT!!!! (from offstage in sound booth) Diana I don’t know how to tell you this but the ratings are down you see at the end of the day this is … well American Television and the people they see you and well… they want something more spicy something more Latin….these ratings gotta go up…were selling an image and if people don’t buy it then were gonna have to cancel the show….

(moment)

Diana- Alright lets take it from the top…… (dim to black) I think we can put something together

Director- alright lets take it from the top…your on in 3,2

Diana- (in the dark) Ladies in gentleman….your watching …LATINA..HEAT…

LIGHTS! MUSIC! (LA COMAY by Sonorra Carruseles PLAYS)

(enter 2 dancers 3 woman dance)

(music cuts!)

Diana- Latina HEAT!!! Donde aqui traemoooo puro (all) FUEGOOOO!

(lights change)

(beat)

But I guess hollywood doesn’t care about las Mujeres de Juarez or a woman that can speak her mind. It’s only interested in consumption of the Latina body, my body the way it can sell what it can do for men in american households but the truth is the reality is I’ll never be Latina enough! never be sexy enough for you…and the moment I become too Latina you boot me off every channel! see you cant have too many people like me in hollywood because hollywood is what tells the rest of the world what this place looks like and I’m from California and all but I’m not exactly the California girl the rest of the world imagines even tho California’s demographic population is almost 50% Latino or Hispanic

Ratings wont go up if I’m not sexy enough if I’m not spicy enough if my body cant be packaged and sold in sealed with a stamp that reads AUTHENTIC LATINA. JLO adorns the cover of people magazine with a headline reading most beautiful woman in the world but she’s not on that cover because she looks like Selena and besides the allure of her nalgas and her now blonde hair I question what classifies as beautiful in hollywood…This predicament of being caught between virgen and puta, Latina or white, Mexican or American taught me to hate myself…taught me to think that I could never be beautiful to anyone…that the curves I had could not be desired I started to believe that my dream could not come true because no matter how great of an actress I was no mater how much talent I had I could never be what they wanted.

These feelings changed when I started to create my own art and carve out my own spaces for teatro and musica and dance. When I met mujeres who empowered me with their words because they danced on the hyphens and could not be labeled their art was chicano the best of both worlds.I became strong in my identity proud to not fit in, happily resisting the heat of the melting pot. But the feelings of not feeling beautiful never went away……

Our hombres have also been taught to seek beauty only in the slenderness of a woman’s curves they are taught to see through the lens of a hollywood camera rather than with their own eyes, with their own alma and sometimes they cannot see fire within our hearts, the passion with which we move throughout the world.

I want to reclaim these hips these curves not as symbols to be exotified or our ticket in but as markers of our strength pride in how we stand and the dignity our history carries even if we cant roll our r’s our shake our hips. To believe that we are beautiful just as we are….even when we are taught that our fuego within is too much to handle….

(looks at necklace…)

The truth is hombre Im scared to love you. Im scared that you don’t exist… Im scared to believe in your words Im scared to let you look into my eyes and see my fear of believing in your promises because I thought love….love is supposed to be…like in the novellas. That you could truly only see me that my words could soothe your soul no matter where you are….that my love is enough to be your In’lak’ech, tu media naranja. Because the way I love is like the ocean. Fuerte y appasionando. Constant and flowing like the tide crashing along the shore of an untouched beach in the dream lands of Yucatan…….

I wish that you could love me…love me for me….love me for me….just the way I am….

(Deja que salga la luna begins)

END

______________________________________________________________________________

I am currently looking for my footing for a truth I am at the shoreline where the waves crash staring at the sea…contemplating what it all means.

Reflection and Response.

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Nov 11 2011
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Photography

Feature: Danny Kaufman

Here at the LIFESTYLE we aim to serve a community whose common creed is Reflection and Response. Throughout our previous 3 features we have seen various interpretations of this mantra and how artists incorporate R&R into their aesthetic works. Today we are proud to feature friend, mentor, and collective member Danny Kaufman. Danny’s experiences abroad sparked an interest in social justice that has led to a career in the non-profit sector that has taken him to positions in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Check the dialogue and join the conversation in the comment box!


Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?

DK: I was born and raised in Seattle and currently reside in Madrid, Spain.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

DK: For me, reflection and response is the conscious interplay between us and our environments; in so many ways, who we are is a reflection of where we are from, where we are at and where we want to be, so taking the time to reflect on that interplay allows me to be intentional in how I choose to interact with my surroundings.

How do you locate that definition of Reflection and Response in the work you do?

DK: Reflection and response is an integral component of the work I do and also has played an important role in helping me to define my professional and personal interests. The opportunity to study abroad in Havana, Cuba during undergrad, and later work with recent immigrants in the US gave me a first-hand perspective into the systemic inequalities that many underprivileged individuals and groups face, and also forced me to reflect upon my own privilege as a white, upper-middle class male. These experiences solidified my commitment to a career of public service working to address such inequalities in the U.S. and Latin America and inspired me to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in public administration. Since then I have had the opportunity to work for various non-profits in Seattle, Peru, Guatemala and most recently Spain, where I work for Women’s Link Worldwide, a non-profit working to advance gender justice and equality through strategic work with national, regional and international courts. In each of these experiences, taking time to reflect on my surroundings has allowed me to become more aware of the cultural biases I bring with me, helping me to avoid embarrassing cultural faux pas and learn about other cultures and people.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

DK: My most current project is building a touring bike to explore Madrid and — hopefully — go on longer trips around Spain and Europe. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to go on month-long bike trips with my dad, and continue to find cycling to be one of the best ways to travel. I am also trying to step up my skills as a photographer, and would love to publish a photo essay book exploring social justice issues in Latin America. As for future aspirations, my long-term goal is to start my own organization working to address social justice issues in Latin America.

Who or what inspires you?

DK: A true inspiration in my life was Roberto Maestas, Founder and Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza, a community and social service center in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. Maestas’ dedication and passion to address social inequalities, as well as his genuine care for people made him an incredibly charismatic, inspiring and bold leader, and one whose life work continues to make a positive impact on his community. More generally speaking, I am inspired by artists, artisans and activists, vibrant cities, nature, traveling, community, random acts of kindness, whale sharks and pho.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

DK: If you are interested in learning more about some quality organizations doing important work here are a few worth checking out:

–        El Centro de la Raza

–        FINCA Peru

–        WINGS

–        Women’s Link Worldwide

Shout out to…?

DK: Definitely have to give a shout out to my mom and dad, for all of their support and love over the years. To my brother, David, for being a good listener, a wise man and an all around great guy. To my partner, Katie, for taking a leap of faith with me and for always landing on her feet. And of course, to big P and V for inviting me to get up on The LIFESTYLE. It’s truly an honor and I’m looking forward to seeing y’all do your thing!

Saludos,

Danny

Reflection and Response.

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