Interview

Q: I have heard you say that you sing because there are so many others who can’t. Can you tell us what that means?

A: As an Iranian woman raised during the reign of the oppressive regime of Iran, women in particular were stripped of many basic and fundamental human rights including the right to sing, perform and record music. This unjust continues today. Had I still been living there I would not even begin to dream of having any kind of singing career, let alone of such innovative musical explorations. Many women both older and younger than me have no such hope and so every note I sing on stage is in remembrance and acknowledgement of their lack of freedom. Of course sadly this is not restricted to Iran as oppression of women is nothing new. Even after living in Canada all my adult life I have not fully gotten used to how free I am really to explore my dreams.

Q: Trauma and a need for a safe environment hinders many women in your country from perusing the arts. Can you tell us about the challenges they face?

A: In Iran, often being a woman is enough to make one a target, regardless of what a woman is wearing; how old she is; what her level of education is; what her social status is or what she does for a living. Now add to this toxic mixture the desire to be a performer, a trendsetter, an explorer in the arts and you are then definitely asking for it: to be harassed and accused of bogus charges including spreading immorality in the Iranian society. more » “Interview with the Artist Farnaz”

Art & Power

Power is essentially about influence and the control of others.

Money, position and even Art are all manifestations and symbols of power.

From the shamans in tribal communities, to our tech driven culture, it is always power that decides what is important and beautiful. Artists do not always agree, and this is why Art and artists always remain difficult and problematic.
more » “The Artist Cristian Townsend”

Q: A big part of self empowerment is overcoming the circumstances we are born into, and the challenges that life puts on our path. You had more obstacles to navigate than many people. (Can you share a little about your childhood… how and what encouraged you?)

A: When I think back to my childhood, I remember good times, lots of them. I Also remember terrifying times of fear and hopelessness. At the age of ten, my Mother had to share the reason my Father was absent from the home days or months at a time. She had to explain why Christmas gifts would go missing within a week of unwrapping them under the tree or birthdays being left with unfulfilled promises.

more » “Interview with Antonio Harrison”

Visual artist Daniella Batsheva is a self-proclaimed “Illustrator with a design habit” whose aesthetic straddles the line between underground and mainstream. Her art boasts the beautiful detail-heavy, intricate linework of the Victorian era mixed with the dark goth imagery inspired by horror films. Softly stylized figures with deep color palettes. Whimsy with a creepy twist.

Q: When did you begin to take an interest in art and for how long have you considered yourself an artist?

A: I can’t remember a time when art wasn’t a part of my life in some capacity. I was always drawn to any utensil that could leave a mark, so I’ve been scrawling on different surfaces all my life, even before I could grasp the concept of art.

I still struggle with calling myself an artist, actually. To me, “artist” is a title that carries tremendous weight, something that, in my mind, would place me on equal footing with old masters. A title has to be bestowed and, while I have had others that I view as artists bestow that upon me, I’m still uncomfortable with presenting myself that way.

more » “Interview below with visual artist Daniella Batsheva”

Art is about capturing the world as we see it. For centuries, oil paints were the best tools for fine art and it was the commonly adopted medium for the Old Masters.
Today, while traditional media is just as important to art, new tools like digital cameras are coming to the fore. Photographers are now playing with the past and present in their work with the aid of tools, such as cameras, lenses, lighting, and mirrors.

more » “5 Top Contemporary Photographers and Their Best Tools”