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Artistories
By KXCIArts
Artistories episodes
- Bibi Harris - Business Owner, Dancemaker and Bi-National Teaching Artist
In this episode, we hear from Bibi Harris, business owner, dancemaker, and binational teaching artist. Bibi begins by sharing her experience of leading the Voces Migrantes project in Nogales, SON, with a team comprised of her family and fellow artists of the region, including Yvonne Montoya, Ammi Robles, Aaliyah Rubio, and Gerardo Alfonso Mendez Gallardo. She speaks about her connection with the region and the people who cross the border, recalling the importance of always remembering where you come from. Bibi then takes us back and shares the roots of her career as a binational artist and the influence of growing up in an artistic Mexican household. She then shares what is moving her as a creative, and her new project centers on the stories of elders who live in Douglas, AZ, and Agua Prieta, SON.
To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Bibi-Harris-Artistories_mini_mixdown.mp3Image Courtesy of the artistImage Courtesy of the artistImage Courtesy of the artistImage Courtesy of the artistMore about Bibi:
Adriana Harris is a mother, choreographer, studio director, and business owner based in Douglas, AZ and Agua Prieta, SON. She was born and raised in Agua Prieta and began her dance career at 8 years old. At 18, she developed and presented her own repertoire of choreography under the guidance of Alma Dolores at the Alma Dolores International Dance Center. In 2011, Adriana opened BB Danceur Academy in Douglas, AZ where she currently resides and continues to present her work regionally, in Arizona and Sonora. Under her direction, BB Danceur Academy has received over 100 Platinum and Gold accolades at national competitions including 3 High Gold Awards for First Place Overall at the 2018 Hall of Fame Dance Challenge in Phoenix, AZ. Bibi is a recipient of a Project Creosote Grant from the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona and Creative Aging Grant from the Arizona Commision on the Arts.
15 min - Ashley Walden Davis - Arts Administrator, and Founder & Executive Director of Unlock Creative
In this episode, Chezale Rodriguez leads a conversation with Ashley Walden Davis, arts administrator, thought leader, and founder & executive director of Unlock Creative: Coaching & Management Solutions LLC. Ashley begins by discussing her connection to the Southwest and the program called Creative Flowers that connected her with Black women creatives in Tucson and Phoenix in 2020. She describes the period of leading the Arizona Creative Flowers cohort during the 2020 presidential election, a social uprising, and a global pandemic.
Ashley then takes us back and shares the story that reveals the roots of her career as a creative and arts administrator. Then, she generously shares advice for anyone considering “taking a leap of faith” and points to consider as you set those plans in motion. Finally, Ashley drops some shoutouts to her influences and mentors and leaves us with what is “moving her” as she continues her work in the intersections of art, social justice, and building cultural and economic power for communities of color, especially black women creatives.
To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!
https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ashley-Walden-Davis-Mini_mixdown.mp3Ashley Walden Davis is the Founder and Executive Director of Unlock CreativeCreative Flowers Black Pearlz Cohort, Fall 2020 (art work and image by Jordan Hood, CF Alum)Episode Host: Chezale Rodriguez
Chezale Rodriguez, multifaceted teaching / performing artist and arts administrator31 min - Alex! Jimenez - Public Artist, Illustrator, Printmaker and Mother
In this episode, we hear from Alex! Jimenez, Public Artist, Illustrator, Printmaker, and Mother. Alex begins by sharing a story about the exciting project that started through an initiative of the US Water Alliance and Tucson Water. As the selected artist for the Tucson Water team, Alex shares the goals of the project and how she decided to mitigate the “bad history” in South Tucson in relationship to water and the path to building trust. Sharing the historical context in which the project took place, Alex then gets into how her process led to collaborations with the community and Tucson artists to develop a library of monsoon storm sounds. She then shares her motivation for working in the intersections of art and science.
Alex takes us back to when she was pursuing a career as a veterinarian, and we learn how her career trajectory shifted to visual arts and the excitement of being awarded an artist grant as she completed a BFA degree in Illustration from the University of Arizona. Alex provides advice for emerging artists and emphasizes the importance of seeking grant funding to develop projects and the value of collaboration in her practice. Finally, she shares what is moving her in this moment and the big plans in store for the coming years as a public artist working in her home community of South Tucson.
Lear More about Alex’s residency here!
Additional audio provided by Alex Jimenez featuring collaborations with Logan Phillips, Cazo, Karima Walker, and Kevin Larkin.
To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!
https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Alex-Jimenez-Mini_mixdown.mp3Alex Jimenez. Image courtesy of the artist.The Talking Mural, 2017. This mural has QR codes that you can scan to listen to short stories told by the business owners whose signs are featured on this mural. Image courtesy of the artist.Our Pond, Our Planet, 2021. An editioned screenprint that plays with the idea of our shared water both on the micro level of an ecosystem but on the global level of our planet. The animals along the perimeter of the pond are natives of the Sonoran Desert. Image courtesy of the artist.Trabajadores, 2018. An editioned screenprint that plays with the icon of the ‘Sleeping Mexican’ and challenges the stereotype of laziness by displaying icons of the many forms of work that immigrants labor in. Image courtesy of the artist.Te-Gila Sunrise, 2020. A mural on an electrical box in Sahuarita, AZ that plays with the design of the Gila Monster and turned into a Rorschach inkblot design. Image courtesy of the artist.C is for LeCaves, 2016. An editioned screenprint from the series Abecedario del Sur that pulls the letters of the alphabet from signs of buildings on the Southside of Tucson. Image courtesy of the artist.Tucson Toonland, 2018. This mural spans 3 sides of a drive-thru archway into the Hotel McCoy. It features a rising moon on the east wall that becomes the talavera style half moon/half sun across the arch and then sets on the western wall. Image courtesy of the artist.34 min - Natalie Brewster Nguyen - Artist, Activist, Educator, Founder and Director of Splinter Collective
In this episode, we have a conversation with Natalie Brewster Nguyen – Artist, Activist, Educator, Founder, and Director of Splinter Collective. Natalie begins by sharing a story about how the Splinter Collective came to be and how they became the owner of a 90-year-old adobe warehouse built by the Ronstadt family. They reveal the building’s deep history in serving creatives in Tucson since the 1960s and how it’s activated on a weekly basis by artists and activists through poetry, drag, performance art, and more!
Then, Natalie discusses the roots of their artistic practice and the story of how they landed in Tucson all the way from Chicago. They later get into the power of working at the intersections of art and social justice, the joys of co-parenting as an artist, and the incredible community of creatives that is moving them at this moment.
To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!
Follow Natalie and Splinter Collective on social media!
@nataliebrewsternguyen @splintercollective520
https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Artistories_Natalie-Mini_mixdown.mp3Natalie Brewster Nguyen. Image courtesy of the artist.An image of Nat and their child from Love Letters Leave No Trace, a collaborative and ritual installation project spanning the last decade. Image courtesy of the artist.Exist 2019: an image of Nat narrating a circus play they wrote about astronomy, mythology, and the history of women in astronomy. Image courtesy of the artist.Nat and Sir doing partner acrobatics in fox masks 2021. Image courtesy of the artist.Nat and their daughter Sula 2021 portrait. Image courtesy of the artist.Nat performing Bodies of Work/Criminal Acts 2018, a piece about labor, sex work, criminality and surveillance. Image courtesy of the artist.40 min - Tony Plak - Artist, muralista, community organizer and co-founder of Nogaleria
We are proud to present our first Spanish language episode of Artistories. To listen to an English-translated version of the podcast, click the link in our bio and locate the audio track on the bottom of the podcast description.
In this episode, Ammi Robles has a conversation with Tony Plak – Artist, muralista, community organizer, and co-founder of Nogaleria. Ammi begins the conversation by congratulating Tony and Nogaleria on their Project Creosote award. Tony shares about the grassroots organization and details about the community-driven project that will take place this year. Then he shares childhood memories of witnessing family members in creative professions such as architects and make-up artists and how he admired his grandfather’s exceptional drawing skills. We also hear about the first time Tony was exposed to the world of graffiti art and earning his degree in architecture at the University of Sonora and how that training prepared him for a career as a public artist. Later in the podcast, Tony shares his artistic influences, what moves him as an artist, and his best advice for emerging artists!
To hear all this more, listen to the full-length Spanish podcast by clicking the link above!
To listen to the English translated version, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TonyPlak-English-Full-Podcast_mixdown-A.mp3To listen to the mini podcast, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tony-Mini_mixdown.mp31 hr 1 min - Jessica Gonzales - Muralist, Painter, and Designer
In this episode, Woods Fairchild, Arts Foundation Public Art Project Manager, has a conversation with Jessica Gonzales, Muralist, Painter, and Designer. Woods begins with a big congratulations to Jessica and Rock Martinez for their new public art commission for the Rillito Wash Flood Control Mural Project. After the first public announcement for this commission is made, Jessica expresses the “surreal” feeling when reflecting upon this new opportunity considering the expansiveness of the project. She shares her excitement for the collaboration with Rock and her views on the possibilities and brainpower of working alongside fellow artists. Raised among a family of creatives, Jessica describes how deeply she has been influenced by family, especially her mother, a trained commercial artist, graphic designer, and pastel artist. She takes us back to her childhood in Germany and how she navigates her multicultural upbringing while continuing to learn about her family roots, a source of inspiration in her personal and public artwork.
Jessica then speaks to the moments that launched her into the world of public art, which began with an invitation to paint in front of a live audience to the music of local hip-hop artists. Jessica also reveals how and when creative ideas come to her and even shares her favorite mural in Tucson!
To listen all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!
https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jessica-Gonzales-Mini_mixdown.mp3Quetzalcoatl Gila Dragon for Amazing Discoveries in Tucson, 2021. Photo courtesy of the artist.The Loft Cinema in Tucson, 2020 – originally designed for Loft Film Festival in 2019. Photo courtesy of the artist.Woven Bonds We’ve Grown Upon, Sahuarita, 2021 – acrylic on recycled street signs. Photo courtesy of the artist.Private residential mural in Tucson, 2021, Photo courtesy of the artist.48 min - Amber Doe - Textile artist, Printmaker, and Jewelry DesignerIn this episode, we hear from Amber Doe, Textile artist, Printmaker, and Jewelry Designer. The episode begins with Amber sharing how she reignites her creative development as an artist and how current events play into her thought process. Then, we go back in time and gain insight into Amber’s artistic root, which stems from her family’s influence and trips to museums such as the Louver! Amber shares how she is inspired by David Lynch and the “personal freedom” in his work and the fact that he is not interested in literal language but his love for “dream logic.”Further into the episode, Amber conveys the story about how she landed in Arizona all the way from the art scene of New York City. She reveals how family brought her to Arizona and how the desert environment changed her perspective as an artist.Later, Amber describes the moment that led to her decision to become a full-time artist and even offers advice for artists in all stages of their careers. Finally, she updates our listeners on what she’s working on including her participation in new exhibitions across the country.To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/02.01-to-02.14-Artists-Amber-Doe.mp3“Self Portrait” photo by Patrick Wilson, The Urban Institute of Contemporary Art, Grand Rapids, MI“Ho for shame! S.S. All of history is in my body,” The British School at Rome, Rome, IT“La Madrada Pendant, Bronze, photo by Aerin Vanhala, Barcelona, Sp“All of History is in my body : AIA, The British School27 min
- Bob Stevens and Robert Wilson - Apache Language PreservationIn this episode of Artistories, we hear from Bob Stevens and Robert Wilson, staff members of the Apache Language Preservation office on the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Bob Stevens, Apache Language Instructor, begins by sharing the goals, inspiration, and urgency of the Apache Language Preservation program on the San Carlos Apache Tribe. As an instructor, Bob talks about the broad dissemination of the Apache Language Preservation services across the tribe and throughout Arizona. He reveals his deep passion for the language and the importance and intricacies of “expression” in one’s delivery to communicate multiple meanings and sentiments with the same words.We then hear from Robert Wilson, who supports the department through digital media assignments and technical support. He shares his perspective as a staff member and as a student in Bob’s language courses. Bob and Robert conclude by sharing intimate stories about how the Apache language has impacted their lives and family relationships, and their charge to keep the language alive and accessible for all generations to come.To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Language-Preservation-MINI_mixdown.mp3Field activity on hunting for winter food. Photo: Language Preservation ProgramClassroom teaching with community youth. Photo: Language Preservation Program31 min
- Joseph O'Connell - Artist, Innovator, Founder and Owner of Creative MachinesIn this episode, Woods Fairchild has a conversation with Joseph O’Connell – Artist, Innovator, Founder, and Owner of Creative Machines. Joseph takes us back in time and shares how his upbringing in a creative and “maker household” set the foundation for a life and career as an artist and innovator. He discusses the founding of his company, Creative Machines, and how he got his start creating interactive exhibitions for museums. We learn how the Arts Foundation, formally known as TPAC, helped set the foundation for his launch into the world of public art.Joseph then speaks to his connection to Thomas Edison and how he has not only influenced him as a creator but also his approach to leadership and facilitating innovation at Creative Machines. Finally, we get an insight into how Joseph sees and values collaboration, the importance of “preparing the brush,” and advice for artists!To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Joe-Oconnell_mini.mp3Joseph O’Connell – Artist, Innovator, Founder and Owner of Creative MachinesChasing the Stars, 2021, stainless steel. Chasing the Stars is a monumental, kinetic sculpture that is powered by both wind and human interaction. The form of the sculpture sweeps through space, reaching upward to grasp and gather the universe into its arms. The Sculpture’s mandate is to invite curiosity and physical engagement; the audience is then rewarded with a magical, interactive experience of motion, light, and color. Image courtesy of Creative Machines.piole Kabuto, 2014, stainless steel. piole Kabuto is an abstract sculpture made from polished stainless steel. It is made from many curved scales that fit together in a way reminiscent of the roof tiles at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site that can be seen from the rooftop the sculpture sits upon. The33 min
- Senna Flora - Botany Artist, Single-Independent Parent, and Creator of Remedy RisingIn this episode, we have a conversation with Senna Flora – Botany Artist, Single-Independent Parent, and Creator of Remedy Rising.Senna begins by sharing the roots of her art practice and the moment she knew she wanted to pursue a career as a creative, revealing how her journey began in elementary school in the presence of an inspiring art teacher, Mrs. Artclark. We learn of Senna’s minimalist lifestyle and travels throughout the US and abroad, which enabled her to combine her love of art and botany into a career. She then shares a story about how art and her love of learning about her natural environment served as a healing mechanism during a pivotal moment of social isolation in Northern California. Mothering as an artist takes center stage when Senna describes how her children have experienced and participated in her practice, from going along on nature excursions to participating in art markets in Southern Arizona. She then describes her dream and vision for an expansion of Remedy Rising that would serve as a hub for botany and wild plant identification through the creative process.We learn how Senna’s Project Creosote grant impacted her career as an artist, from purchasing new equipment, environmentally and ethically responsible art supplies to hiring a friend to design her website! Finally, Senna shares what is moving her at this moment and what is next for Remedy Rising!To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Senna-Flora_Artistories-Mini-Session_mixdown.mp342 min
About Artistories
From the publisher's feed
Original programming produced in Tucson Arizona for KXCI Community Radio