Art’s Explanatory Comma

We spoke with Moe penders about their work. What is it about? Why does it exist? Who is it for? What drives it? The answer is culture. The things, people and places that make Moe, Moe. The things, people, and places that Moe holds near and dear and help Moe be even more Moe than they knew they could be. Those things that have taught Moe what life is, can and should be. These are the things that drive the work. These are the things that radiate from the work and resonate with the viewers. We enjoyed this conversation and Moe's company. We love the work, and we hope you do too. Listen, enjoy and don't hesitate to let us know what you think. --M.

Raquel is back!!! This week we were granted the pleasure of sitting with my boy! Brian Ellison. Brian is an amazing and hard working man, who is able to capture some of the most authentic moments, both big and small, all over his community of 3rd ward. He approaches with a trust of himself that many of us can aspire to. His work has been seen at Museum of Fine arts Houston and various other institutions. He once said I inspired him, but he is definitely an inspiration to me. Look, as always, we love you all and please continue listening. --M.

Off top, let me apologize for the absence of Raquel Symone for this interview, but she will be part of the next. I think you will still be pleased though. This week is more specialer (not a word) than others in that I had an opportunity to sit down with my brother. His work deals with, self, representation, reflections of self and identity all through the vehicle of portraiture. There is so much more to say about him and his work, but just trust me it's a great interview where you even learn more about me, not that that matters. As Always, enjoy and listen. --M.

This week we share our wonderful conversation with Tony Paraná. Tony is a teacher of Brazilian culture by way of copoeira, music and other forms of art. His perpetuation of the culture that shaped him are odes to places he's been and the people and experiences have shaped his country and subsequently him. While that is and we want you to know about all of it, the real reason we spoke with him is his ambitious and noble way of taking his work of arts education on the road! Enter MASA Houston. We'll let him explain all of what he has in store, so just take a listen, and as always... Enjoy!!!

--M.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Rabéa Ballin (Ru-bay-uh B-eye-een). She is a woman I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with since 2008. Her work reeled me in and helped me make some important decisions. The time Raquel and I got to spend with her was confirmation that I made the right decisions and AEC is on the right path. This was a great moment in time for both Raquel and myself we hope you both enjoy and glean something from this conversation. Also, please excuse the obvious fan boying that was going on lol.

--M.

We spoke with Moriah Alise about juggling her various roles as artist, gallerist, curator, and her experiences navigating the art world as a young black woman. We also got off topic a lot, but we had fun recording this and we hope you have fun listening. Peace

--M

Our hosts introduce themselves, and let you know a bit more, but not that much more. Just listen... and then stay tuned for more.

--M.