Shot by Pete Monsanto of FlyLifeImages
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art
Came across this here article from Tribe member, Kenji Summers, and I found it facsinating. In it, 20 cities, around the world, are identitified for their lending hand to the creative process.
Their order is as follows:
1. Sao Paulo, Brazil
2. Hong Kong, China
3. Beijing, China
4. Berlin, Germany
5. London, United Kingdom
6. New York, United States
7. Syndey, Australia
8. Singapore, Malaysia
9. Istanbul Turkey
10. Rio, Brazil
11. Capetown, South Africa
12. Tokyo, Japan
13. Seattle, United States
14. Mexico D.F.
15. Shanghai, China
16. San Francisco, United States
17. Dubai, UAE
18. Los Angeles, Unites States
19. Moscow, Russia
20. Abu Dhabi, UAE
I've been to LA, NYC, Tokyo, Berlin, Hong Kong.
I met Abigail tonight while walking to the 4 train, at the Union Square Street Station in NYC. My favorite park and station in all of New York City, mainly due to the performances both outside and inside, and the cesspool of types of people that journey through it's underbelly. I've seen quite a few performances here, from dancers, to beatboxing, to folk singing, but tonight it was something rather silent that yelled so loud.
A young lady (Abigail) has a typewriter (love), a table and chair set up, and a sign. "Name a price. Pick a Subject. Get a poem." It doesn't matter the price. Follow directions and you are blessed with a unique piece of art based around whatever you ask her to create. Before long, a line forms and you're mesmorized by her typing keys, anxious to see what it is she has created for you.
"Can you create something about traveling the world," I asked.
"Ok."
(Abigail creating my poem)
About five minutes later, I was handed a piece of paper. I would have asked her to read it to me (a la 'Before Sunrise') but her line was already long enough. I left so fulfilled and I hadn't even read the poem yet.
I wanted something that could be dedicated to the Tribe. It reads:
'Murmuring through ancient hallways,
Cobble steps that echo
memorous feelings of THIS ManMade
CREATION
is IT
New Centuries Eclipse--
Fields, stones, nature in lushness
It sweeps by
in ceaseless wind
Fluttering new worlds in."
Abigail Mott
Jan 10, 2012
NYC
I love it. It immediately, upon reading, transported me back to Cambodia. Of all the places I've traveled, it took me right back to Ta Prohm, in the Angkor Wat Ruins, to this very photo.
The image I recollected was so vivid I couldn't shake it.
On the train a gentleman was sitting next to me. In oblivion, I was woken up by his words, "Sorry to be reading over your shoulder, but that poem is very beautiful."
I said thank you, and that slight introduction led to an indepth conversation about Abigail, my travels, and the purpose I intend to fulfill through Nomad•ness. Great guy. Greater conversation. I hope he checks out the website, and I hope you all check out Abigail.
South Korean artist Choi Jeong-Hwa hit us in the head with this amazing art installation. You can catch it in the streets of South Korea, compiled of 1000 reused doors.
shouts out to Nomad•ness Travel Tribe Member, Kimberley and her 'truth' tattoo in Japanese. She copped it in Osaka. Tonight the Tribe got into convos and posting photos of tattoos we got either while abroad or inspired by our travels. This one took the gold for me. *drops the mic and walks off stage*
To all my backers of this project, thank you so much for all the support. This is the web version of the pilot episode that your donation helped fund. Check it out! You all are so amazing, and the gratitude that I have for all your help is unparalleled. Movements on the business side have been made, that I can't release just yet. I will when I can. Again, thank you!!!!!!!! I fu*king love you guys...
-Evie
As you all know from previous posts, not only do I live for Berlin, but I also am a huge advocate on keeping their artist colony TACHELES Open. You can check the little snippet I put together on TACHELES below.
During this past week, while on my Facebook Berlin nostalgia ish...
I came across MADE SPACE in Berlin, in the video above. Needless to say, I'm kinda sorta obsessed with the idea of doing something there. Be it a screening or whateva, I need this place in my life, just like I need TACHELES to stay open for all of our lives...Peep the video!
Was on the phone with Mom dukes this morning, and it goes a little somethng like this:
"If I didn't do all this traveling, I'd have no debt. No maxed out credit cards. Student loan payments wouldn't be an issue. My credit wouldn't be shit.
I'd have a very comfortable 'normal' life. But I also wouldn't have traveled the world, seen the places I have, and had the experiences that are what I am building my career, and Nomad•ness off of.
Once it blows up, I'm looking to pay off all my debt in a month."
India+Japan+China+Thailand+Cambodia+France+
Netherlands+Germany+ Jamaica+
Burma+Scotland= My $$$
PS. When Salliemae calls I'm directing them to this post.
The first time I met Pete, it was through an Inbox message from my old school website, evitaspen.com.
At that time, I was a well known spoken word artist in the college circuit, and he was a stranger to me who felt the need to spin a male version of one of my signature pieces, "I Have..." This was circa 2003.
I read the piece on my computer and was equal parts "I have to meet this dude..." and "Who does he think he is sending this to me?" Needless to say, it got my attention. Pete's got a knack for thinking outside the box.
Stepping outside the online veil, I found out that his sister attended my school, and he'd seen me perform a number of times. The performances compelled him enough to rewrite my sh!t. Thus, our friendship started.
A few years back, Pete divulged in me his blossoming love for photography. He'd always been a sneaker head (take him to Dunk Detox) and a hip-hop junkie, so him bridging his two loves was inevitable.
He had those preliminary jitters, and I was on my Nike steeze, telling the dude to 'Just Do It!' He did. And through some of the most horrendous ups and downs in his personal life, he kept doing it and...doing it well.
To the point where he is now noted as the go-to photog in the industry, and the Official Def Jam photographer, in his most recent interview with www.respect-mag.com. Through the storms, you have to keep the seeds planted. I'm proud of Pete in more ways than one. Check out the interview link below and show support.
Photo by Pete MonsantoPS. Another reason I adore Pete...I call to congratulate him on the interview and he utters:
"I'm trying make enough money to just bounce to Europe with Evie for like 9 months!"
Love this dude.
Happening just a little faster that I expected, the Univere answered another call, and this is to get my DRT•BGs moving in the community, along with the story of Nomad•ness travel series. I always envisioned me talking to people in my neighborhood and making them aware of the movement...well it starts up Saturday at the Domo Arigato Festival.
This festival is a Japan Relief fundraiser! As we know, I lived in Niigata, Japan for a year and it is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I miss it dearly. With that said, having the opportunity to not only promote my experience there, but also raise funds for their benefit, I'm there. No questions asked.
In lieu of it being festival number ICHI ('1' in Japanese), I'm running a sale on the bags. If you come to the festival,
ALL CANVAS BAGS ARE $15. ALL BOOKBAGS are $30.
So it's definitely worth it to come out and support the movement! Keep me company! Let's talk Japan, and New York, and life!
I can't wait to see you all there. There will be performers, including previous Nomad•ness Gal: Trezure Empire. Come Support and get your bag!
College Park Community Garden presents...
"Domo arigato" Japan Appreciation Festival
With performances by:
Bronx Über Villain
Cavalier/
Emjae,
EYE2025*
Green Street
MeccaGodzilla
MioSOUL
Raye6
TreZure Empire
Hosted by: TastyKeish
Japanese dancers:
GAIYA of Block 3 Addiction and Hip Hop Dancers Rei, Rie and Natsuki
Live Art by Ignite Designs & John Smalls
Special guest performer: Spaceman.
Saturday Aug 6th / *rain date Sunday Aug 7th
2pm - 8 pm *Live performances begin at 4PM
Fun, Music & Activities for all ages
1420 College Ave btw 170st and 171st
Bronx, N.Y. 10457
Donation: $5.00 to support victims of the japan earthquake
via the Japan Society
For Updates : http://domoarigatofund.tumblr.com/
My viewpoint, backstage, during Cypress Hill's performance at splash! festival 2011, Germany
So, Ive had a number of people ask how the hell I get backstage at many of the events that I cover. I'll say that's it's not premeditated to the extent that I have a plan. It's usually some type of ebb and flow that occurs, patience is necessary, and I have found that there are a few consistencies that I've found. Those patterns are a few of the things that I've listed below, as my pointers to getting behind the red tape at events.
1. LEAVE THE ENTOURAGE AT HOME...GO ALONE
This is by far the most important. There are things you can maneuver and places you can get into, if you're by yourself that simply won't happen if you're running with a crew. I have gotten into most places because it's one thing to let one person (especially a female) sneak by, but the more you have the lower your chances of getting anywhere are. I'd say the ratio is that your chances are cut in half x how many people you have. Just one other person cuts it in half. Trust me, go it alone!
2. STAY LATER THAN EVERYONE ELSE
Even when most people attend concerts for people they LOVVVVVVVE, they don't really cool out and scope the scene afterwards. They want to get on the train before the crowd, or get the car out before the traffic, or their hells are hurting their feet. Attention spans run thin and that's when you go in for the kill. Cool out and see who is around the artist and go to get their attention! That's key. Patience. Be calm, cool, collected, and wait to get a good idea of venue and people navigation.
3. NEW YORK STAND UP!
If you're from, or live in New York, say it! I don't know what it is, but this works! The world opens up like parting seas when you let people know this fact, particuarly in foreign countries. I learned this first in Japan, and second in Germany.
4. HAVE A LEGIT PURPOSE
No one wants a crazy fan in their midst, but if you have a solid purpose for wanting to get backstage that works best when you are stopped and questioned...which you will be, everytime. Even if it's a blog, magazine, what have you. Have something legit in your back pocket when questioned.
5. BOOBS WORK
Sorry guys this one is for the ladies. I'm not saying slut it out or go around flashing, but it helps to look nice, and boobs many times do the trick. Cleavage is enough. It sometimes diverts the attention. That purpose you created from above doesn't matter as much.
6. GO INTERNATIONAL
You have a higher likelihood of getting the attention of your favorite artist if you catch them when they're abroad. First off, we're like vultures in the States and that guard is already up. If they're abroad they assume they aren't going to meet anyone that is where they are from. It's the homesickness effect. Travelers know. If you travel to a far off land, and meet someone from your neighborhood, weirdly enough you become these fast friends and could talk for hours with a stranger. Same deal here.
7. VIBES ARE EVERYTHING
Go with the ebb and flow of the situation. Don't push too hard, and also don't be a push over. You are going to be a little nervous because you're trying to enter an area that you know good and well is off limits to you. Play like you know the surroundings and move with everyone else. And seriously, if it isn't going to work LET IT GO! You do not want to be pegged as that person at the event. They take note, and so will the artist.
Photo By: Eva Sandorova
There's another Nomad•ness Gal to add to the list of phenomenal ladies already present. Today's shout out goes to a Xianix Barrera.
I first met Xianix in an art class at Iona College. Both 2006 graduates, and full of art lust, we ended up in a number of the same studio classes before getting our diploma. Her talent on a canvas was immediately apparent to the students, and faculty, but her passion for art took another turn. A turn that couldn't be explored in our own Iona classrooms. Xianix was in love with Flamenco dancing.
Years after school we would randomly run into one another. But I really think our relationship changed during one phone conversation. I'd returned from Japan, and she called for advice on moving abroad. Nerves were kicking in, approaching what would be the first of many trips she'd be taking to Sevilla, Spain to perfect her craft. MUST check out the video posted below of her in action.
This love of Flamenco fuels her traveling, an awe dropping personal weight loss initiative, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led her to open up her own New York City Flamenco Group, Sabor Flamenco.
"I had no idea that the one decision to take a Flamenco class on January 8th, 2005 would change my life forever. I found my calling, my passion, and my dream. I was told that I must get myself to Spain to truly understand what Flamenco is all about. Through extremely hard work (holding down three jobs, working seven days a week, for three months after graduation) and sacrificing my summer, I got myself to Spain for a month in 2006. I’ve since gone to Spain every two years for 3-4 months at a time. Immersing myself in the tradition and lifestyle of Flamenco. That which cannot be taught in the US, that which can only be experienced at the root of its creation," she says.
Xianix has visited London, Paris, parts of Morocco, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Jaen, and Sevilla Spain.
"My travels started in 2005 when I went to London for spring break. I remember being amazed by the round-trip ticket price of only $300. It was great for me because while everyone was heading south to Cancun, I was heading east for a bargain. I loved it so much I went back the following year. That first experience with traveling outside my bubble of Washington Heights (NY) opened me up to the world that is out there. The world that I thought I’d never get to experience myself."
It was one of the reasons I needed to visit Berlin.
I have now traveled to the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat Ruins, and the Berlin Wall itself. Yet, I would have to say, in my artistic mind, Tacheles should be put on the list of World Wonders. Luckily enough, we were able to shoot this piece of art history while in Germany. Through a guided tour we were told about the history of this place, and its current fight with the local government to keep the place open. Not unlike certain plights artists have in NYC, there is a give and take going on between artists, and the business of art.
The 'Support Tacheles' movement is one I take extremely serious now, as I've walked through its walls myself. More is to come, in the Nomad•ness episode, but this is a short snippet giving you a peek into what it was like on the inside of this fortress. Shouts out to the staff at Tacheles, especially Linda, for allowing our cameras inside.
As the sticker says, I support Tacheles! You should too. Some history on the building is below, but if you can please DONATE to their cause. This building is too important to be turned into hotels and apartments...DONATE HERE!
***
“Tacheles” is an old Jewish word meaning to disclose, to reveal or to speak clearly. The slang meaning of the word was bringing to an end.
The Art-Centre Tacheles is situated in a ruin in Berlin Mitte. Located in former East Berlin, the area was a Jewish quarter in the past and has now become a meeting point for people interested in arts and culture and for those who think they are.
After the Berlin Wall came down in November 1989, a subculture which had its main focus on autonomy, spontaneity and improvisation arose in the former East Berlin areas Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain. Artists and individualists from all over the world used the plurality of available free spaces to put alternative lifestyles to the test.
Kanye West & Jay-Z: Watch The Throne Documentary from introspective on Vimeo.
The music game is changing. it's more personal. It's more behind the scenes. It's more about what went into, not just what was created. Up and coming artists of all kinds should take note. Be and document...you.
The dopeness that is the Berlin Wall...
Again, a history that I was not familiar with, nor really interested in, until I knew Germany was on the itinerary. This wall was the physical representation of the divide in West and East Germany. It was on November 9th, 1989 that it was finally broken down and the city merged. Lives were lost in front of this wall. Memorials sprinkled up and down it, but for the most part this is a rejoice in graffiti art. Original pieces run all up and down the longest stretch of the wall that is still up, now dubbed the East Side Gallery.
There will be a scene in the pilot, of me biking to East Side Gallery. I'll also be posting some behind the scene snippets over the next few weeks, so you all see what really went into everything in the photos and eventual pilot.
Constructed in August 1961, the German Democratic Republic on the East, erected the wall to block out the near, West side. A city divided.
In part of the Public Enemy interview I did (that you all haven't seen yet) Chuck D really reminiced about them performing in Berlin back in the day, and there being a real issue because they had fans on both sides of the wall, yet they all were permitted to see them perform. Guard towers were placed along the wall and it was even known for awhile as the 'death strip'.
I have to think....how would life change if NYC was somehow divided in half? How about your town or city?
So it started on our first trip to Tacheles... we were trying to find our way around the back, from the front, and there were a select few artists who were either performing or selling art. He was sitting there, long haired, on some Johnny Depp, starving artist type shit and I fell in love with his necklaces.
His smile was sly, ear to ear, and laugh was infectious. Intrigued by him and his jewelry, I bought a piece and asked for his help putting it on.
'Wow, I want to kiss your neck," he said.
"Oh yea," I responded.
I felt him tugging the wire around my neck. Snug and then I got chills down my back as he leaned over and kissed my neck. The photo above is our commemoration of the event, the day after. He's smooth and sooo alive. My temporary Mexican boyfriend, living in Tacheles.
Berlin State of Mind Randoms:
- Back to getting used to the sun going down at 11pm.
- Mercedes taxis and Mac trucks
- DJ's get a deposit charged directly from drinks
- Tagging and stickering up every crevice in Berlin is ok
- Thomas gets the award for VIP Lifesaver
- Cathi is priceless. Girl talk was warming and I can see she'll be a friend by the end of this trip.
- Best mojitos I've ever had were in Paris and now in Berlin
- Shouts out to the open drinking allowed in public and the 3 chicks on the train going in on a bottle of wine.
- Cars can legally park on the sidewalk
- Respect given to a country who allows the art of graffiti to enhance their streetss without trying to demolish it. The piece above is INSANE!
This past Saturday was 1st Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, and it was amazing!
I was all for the kick off to the July 4th weekend, and once I found out the DJs from my favorite Friday night party in NYC (FREEDOM PARTY @ Le Poisson Rouge) were spinning...I was in there like swimwear.
It was an amazing time. I finally got to pop the 1st Saturdays cherry of a few friends. Jason, Ivory, and even Australia's own stylist Chip was in the house. It felt so good to be around good people, great music, and positive energy.
I wasn't expecting to run into so many Nomad•ness supporters. Spotted through the crowd by my DRT•BG it was really all love and I adore you ladies. Fabianna, you are amazing. Trezure, as always I love catching up with you. Liz...even Nelson was in the house. Great times had by all.
Jason and Chip
The gorgeous Fabianna and I
The talented Ivory Snow, Chip, and I.
With the push of the DRT.BGs and promotions for Berlin, Nomadnesstv.com word is spreading everywhere. So much so, it caught the attention of another female world traveler, Dash Harris, creator of the phenomenal women's website venusgenus.com.
We linked yesterday, filmed a dope bit for the promotion of Nomad•ness TV, to be featured on her site, and talked for over two hours.
One of those people who you just meet but you feel as though you've known them for years already. We spoke about similar travels in Europe, being noted by foreigners as the only Black woman they've seen travel alone, ever. We're a rare breed....for now. Nomadness is working on that.
Dash has Panamanian, and subsequently, African roots. Dash put her 2 week notice in to her most recent job and is ditching the work force to pursue her passion. My kinda woman!
She just started a 45 day Kickstarter to help get her documentary, Negro, funded at $5250! The documentary takes an innovative look at the African Diaspora and its influences on Latin cultures. Dash found something that is personal, in some areas of the world controversial, but definitely poignant and is on her way to telling the story in her own way. I dig it!
If you can pledge, please do to her project of Kickstarter.
Link to her Kickstarter is HERE!
Yes, sketchy beginning I know. The fact that it was almost 3am only adds to the oddness of the entire situation.
I was thoroughly enjoying a little bit of Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point", strategically sitting in a position so that I could keep an eye on the entire train just in case any of the homeless or drunk made any sudden moves.
Then this guy got on...
Ladies, you know when you feel the staring blazing into you like some X-Men eye laser? I could feel it. What he did that was different from most men, is he approached. Now at almost 3am this can go either really good or severely bad. As when I'm tired or PMSing, I'm like that "walking down the street" scene of the film "I'm Going To Get You Sucka". If you don't know what I mean, look it up. Classic.
Anyhow, this wasn't an attempt to get a number, or to pitch game. In fact he said, "You look like you're into art. When I feel moved to talk to someone, I do." He had my attention.
was born in Ethiopia, raised in Ohio, and is now located in NYC. He's an artist with influences that range from my past object of obsession, Jean-Michel Basquiat to Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, all the way to my more recent obsession, Bansky. He's been painting since a child, so the idea of calling him a budding artist seems to belittle his talent. I will conclude with saying. So, I met this guy on the train, and he happens to be a great artist living in New York City.
