Murdering Mediocrity

04/5/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 11: Mystery Interview

How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it?

I was working for a community arts organization in Oklahoma City when the theater director there suggested I apply for a position as a Children’s specialist with the Public Library. I got the job and have never looked back. I have always been drawn to the following qualities:
organizations that foster creativity, both in their employees and in their communities
organizations that can be a catalyst for community change
the idea of self-driven knowledge & access to information and ideas 
I found that the Public Library can be all of these things. I feel honored and inspired by my profession.

What inspires your creativity?

The people & places around me. For example, I am inspired by the community I currently live in. It is a city that had its expected future taken away by the decline of the steel industry, and now it is struggling towards a re-birth and a re-envisioning of itself. You can see pockets of change in the communities. That inspires me to lead my institution in a way that can enable the positive change. I see community gardens popping up, decrepit houses being re-painted, and people taking their communities back in to their own hands instead waiting for someone to rescue them. I am inspired by the stories of the people I meet, and their challenges and success. My employees inspire me to be a better leader, too. And my family inspires my joy, my playfulness and the desire to leave them a legacy. It is oversimplified to say this, but I think my job is to enable people’s ability to make their lives better. 

What challenges have you overcome?

At a basic level, I had to overcome the narrative we too often learn to tell ourselves- that I can’t do it, that I’m not worthy, I’m not the right (fill in the blank). We all to have fight to make that narrative die, so it isn’t a challenge unique to me. I struggle with the challenge of staying true to the “urge to do good”. Making sure you are driven by a desire to bring about a common good is important to what I do – you have to push aside ego and pettiness and fear. 

And fear of failure can be a challenge for everyone. Sometimes you’ve got to just close your eyes and free fall in to a situation and hope that your parachute opens. 

What motivates you to keep going?

Above everything, my husband - he’s my best friend and he takes care of my other two motivators– our kids. I love my family. Also, music, literature, paintings & art in all of its forms – the act of creating something is amazing and it makes me believe rebirth is always possible. That can carry over to communities and institutions, too. I think that’s why you always see community murals crop up in neighborhoods that are “coming back”. The human urge to create something new and reflect our experience is an innate motivator. 

If you could be any food item, what would you be?

Coffee. Does that count? Or chocolate. Something with caffeine. 

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?

I’m currently the director of a 16 branch library system. 

04/5/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 10: Margo Stutts Toombs – Performance Artist, Internal Humorist and Filmmaker

I saw “Margo 0-60 and Insensitive” at Super Happy Fun Land as part of last year’s Houston Fringe Festival.  The Fringe Festival website described it thus:  “a variety show with monologues, songs, dances and multi-media selections”.  That doesn’t even begin to do it justice.  It was sexy, sassy and so hilarious it had me laughing on the outside.

How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it? 

When I was in high school, I thought that I was destined to be on Broadway. That was until I saw myself on videotape. What I thought was a stunning performance was just stunningly bad acting. With my theatrical tail between my legs, I left the study of drama to pursue a career in something less potentially embarrassing.

At the turn of the century, I performed at the Laff Stop Open Mic Night as a joke…I’ve been embarrassing myself ever since.

What inspires your creativity?

I am inspired by the crazy bad things that happen to me. Sooner or later most of the horror in my life becomes a performance piece or video. FYI: Sometimes people, who are mean to me, show up on stage or in one of my movies.

What challenges have you overcome?

My inner b*tch. Need I say more?

What motivates you to keep going?

The mirror keeps me going, because when I look at my reflection I think, “Girl! You better keep going, ‘cause you ain’t gettin’ any younger!”

If you could be any food item, what would you be?

A watermelon – sweet; juicy; refreshing on a hot summer night. Best eaten with the hands while naked, cross-legged on a sandy beach…wait…What was the question?

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?

I’m working on a couple of videos – “A Day at Work” and “Sidewalk Psychic.” You can check out my website for upcoming events - http://www.MargoStuttsToombs.com

\ | | / Margo
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U Top o’ the morning (or afternoon) to ya

03/29/2013 Friday facebook Interview# 9: Michelle Meachen Johnson – Jewelry maker, Writer, Librarian

See, it’s like this: Michelle is great at stringing things together, whether it’s words (she is a thoughtful and hilarious blogger and facebook poster) or beads (and a fabulous jewelry maker).   

 My grandmother was an artist working in all mediums, and she especially loved painting. But in her retirement years she started making really pretty jewelry and when she passed away I got a bunch of her beads. From there I started making jewelry of my own…for about 8 years now.

New designs and interesting color schemes inspire my creativity. The other day I was looking at a box of detergent thinking “Those oranges, yellows and blues work really well together.” Or looking at a sunset I’ll see pinks, purples, grays, and oranges and think “If it works well in a sunset, then I bet it’d look great in a necklace.”

As for challenges, I have no formal training so I pick up new techniques via You Tube…which works quite well. If I see a piece of jewelry and want to know how to make it, chances are someone’s posted a You Tube video of the technique. Some designs work better than others…and the ones that look wonky either get better with practice or never look good no matter how I try.

Motivation…I like trying new things…and the extra cash from selling on Etsy isn’t bad either. I suck at things like Pampered Chef or Mary Kay…so I prefer to sell my jewelry on Etsy to bring in extra money.

If I could be a food item, I would be an orange…Thick skin on the outside but really sweet on the inside.

Currently, I’m working on Chainmaille jewelry and I should have some new things posted on etsy in the next week. My etsy store is:

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadyWhite

03/22/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 8 - Audra Marie – Body Artist

Once upon a time, there was an awesome Houston amusement park called Astro World.  Many face painters and body artists, well known and not, got their start there slapping paint on sweaty, wiggly kids and drunken adults.  Good times! Audra has taken those basic skills and raised them into a higher, more sensual art form. Check out her work and contact her to transform your next event.    

 How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it?

In the spring of 1999 I just had just moved back to Houston from living in California and I needed a job. I saw that Astro World was hiring face painters, and even though I had taken one art class in high school and never thought of myself as a artist, I decided to go for a interview. Luckily they hired me and I had some great painters there that trained me, including Norola and Jennifer Evette.

What inspires your creativity?

For face painting children usually always know exactly what they want, it’s the adults that say paint whatever you want and that’s when I usually do swirls and tear drops along with their favorite colors. I always try to pick something that accentuates their eyes and face.
As for body painting, I pick themes that I enjoy or is my favorite. I try to pick bright colors although I like dark colors. It seems that when I’m painting I’m not myself. I’m normally a anti-social, dark wearing, hermit but when I’m painting I turn into a sociable, happy person who enjoys turning people into a work of art.

What challenges have you overcome?/What motivates you to keep going?

Money. Seriously though, I have a degree in dance and I did minor in music for a while because I also play the violin so I guess because I have these different gifts I want to show the world that there are talented African-American women in the world who can paint, are a musician, and can dance. Not to mention showing little African-American girls that you don’t have to be a product of your environment. I was in no way rich growing up and had to struggle without things but the fact that I’m able to make a living off of face and body painting shows that anything is possible through God’s help.

If you could be any food item, what would you be?

I would be peanut butter, because who doesn’t love slathering it on bread or crackers and chocolate.

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?

Right now it’s festival season so you can probably find me at a festival on the outskirts of Houston. In the summer time I’ll be painting at Trader’s Village on the weekends if I’m not doing any festivals or photos hoots. My website is:

www.beyondvisuals.co

03/15/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 7 - Alissa Barlow – Cake Diva!

Just how does one become a Cake Diva?  I don’t think we small town kids suspected in elementary, middle, and high school that Alyssa had this whole other identity.  She’s like this awesome super hero, except with flour, sugar and frosting instead of a mask, cape and tights.      

How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it?

I guess it started a little over 8 years ago. My sister in law came over to my house with some icing bags, tips, and a Wilton yearbook, and we started playing around with different icing techniques. I never had any intentions of actually going forward with decorating cakes, I just thought that adding something special to family/friends cakes would be more meaningful and special. Over time, I started baking for my kids’ school activities…then their after-school activities, and before I knew it, I was known as “The Cookie Lady” at Fairfield ISD. I eventually longed to learn even more. I started looking online at different cakes and tried to do my own interpretations, which looked more like science experiments gone bad. It wasn’t all bad though, after all, we could eat the mistakes! 

What inspires your creativity?

Anything and everything! From the patterns on an argyle sock, to the sparkle of jewelry—I want to get lost in the deep colors and different textures we see everyday. I love being able to have free reign in designing someone’s special event. Though I recieve many online pictures of cakes that customers love, I try to put my own special twist on the designs so each cake is truly one of a kind.

What challenges have you overcome?

Oh my I’m still working on balancing family life, and work life. Working weekends is hard on anyone, but every weekend having to spend up to 48 hours straight filling orders takes it’s toll. My husband and kids are taking a trip this weekend to the beach for my oldest son’s birthday, and I won’t be able to go due to wedding orders.  I have my family time during the week, which isn’t so bad because I homeschool my children. They do their studies while I work, and during a normal work week, we can go on trips or to the movies, and it’s not so crowded. 

Another challenge, I have to say, I’ve lost over 89lbs, and work with sugar! LOL! It may seem strange to a lot of folks, but I cannot stand cake or frosting. I don’t ever eat any leftovers. I attribute it to the fact that I grew up with Walmart or Brookshires cakes, and eventually “burned out” on cake. Now cookies are a different story! Lol!

What motivates you to keep going?

I love what I do! It is highly motivating seeing the customers rave about the cakes I made for their children, husbands, wives, etc. Seeing small children jump up and down when I’ve made their favorite character out of marshmallow fondant, knowing they can eat it…seeing a little girl squeal when she sees a sparkly, edible tiara on her very special pink princess cake..seeing a bride tear up because her wedding cake was exactly how she pictured it in her mind—THAT is what motivates me and keeps me coming back at 4 or 5 am to turn on my ovens.

If you could be any food item, what would you be?

Bacon…because I don’t know of many people that don’t like bacon.

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?

As of right now, almost every weekend, I have wedding cakes—two in most cases. I’m also planning my next competition cake/cakes to be entered in a cake show in November, which will be posted after it is judged on my facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rogue-Cakery/278829088801111?id=278829088801111&sk=photos_stream

03/08/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 6 - Toni McClenon – CEO & President at I’m a Proud Mother, Wife, and Homemaker

When I saw the above tagline on Toni’s facebook page, I knew I had to interview a woman who takes being a stay-at-home wife and mom with a serious sense of humor.  I’ve known Toni since kindergarten, and, growing up, I’d always admired the sweetness and stability of her home life and her personality.  Now, she’s passing on those lessons imparted to her by her mom and passing them on to her children.  If we ask nicely, maybe she will adopt us all. 

 How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it?

My mother was a stay-at-home mom with 7 kids, so it’s normal to me. I watched my dad go to work, and my mom handled the kids and the money for the most part. At one time I thought I wanted to be in corporate America. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from SHSU, but over time my interests shifted from being part of the business world to to taking care of my husband and children full-time. With my last pregnancy, we had a “it may be twins” scare. Oscar said to me, if it had been twins, you would have been twice as happy wouldn’t you? Of course, my answer was yes. With that being said, I feel this is where I’m meant to be for now.

What inspires your creativity?

Children inspire my creativity. I love a child’s enthusiasm about everything. Their minds are open to new things and new possibilities. Kids don’t worry about things not working. A child will rattle off an idea to you and ask can we do it now. I can think of so many things that I have put off until tomorrow or next week until they never happen.

What challenges have you overcome?

I think my greatest challenge is giving up some of my financial independence. I don’t have a paycheck with my name on it, but we manage to make it work.

What motivates you to keep going?

The love and gratitude from my husband and kids keep me motivated. When I see my husband or children happy and successful, then I know I have played a part in making that happen.

If you could be any food item, what would you be?

I had to get some help on this one. Oscar described me as a potato…sometimes I’m hard and sometimes I’m soft. LOL!! I feel it matches my personality. I like other people to feel comfortable and happy even if it means sacrificing on my part, so it makes me somewhat soft I guess. I can also get aggressive or hard if I feel it’s necessary.

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?

I want to start my own business. I want to pursue my business career but be able to make adjustments so that taking care of my family is still a priority over a career. I like teaching children outside of a traditional classroom setting and hope to be able to incorporate that into a business. It may be awhile yet, but I will keep you posted. 

03/01/2013 Friday facebook Interview # 5 - Kiki Maroon – Burlesque Show Director, Performer and Producer, Costume Designer, Stripping Clown

I saw my first Sordid Sideshow last year on a night when it was cold, raining, and all the major freeways were closed down because President Obama was in town.  For all that, Last Concert Café was packed with grown and sexy people who wanted to have a real good time, yes sir!  And, we did. 

How did you get into doing your chosen art form/business/career, and how long have you been involved in it?
I just kind of stumbled into it, honestly. I’ve been a costume designer by trade for 7 years now. It’s my passion, my ‘day job’, and the thing I will be doing long after my body stops being ‘burlesqueable’. I’ve designed for all kinds of different theaters and performers, including burlesque girls. I’d go watch their shows and had this running joke about how I would be THE WORST burlesque performer ever. I can’t sing, I can’t dance, and I’m terribly clumsy. I still wanted to get to be pretty and glittery and feathery like the girls on stage though, so KiKi Maroon The Burlesque Clown was born! It’s so much fun. I get to be the most extreme version of my self on stage. A drinking, cussing, stripping fool. And the best part is, those moments that would be absolutely mortifying for other burlesque girls (a zipper getting stuck, a prop malfunctioning, jewelry getting tangled in your hair) happen to me ALL the time, but I get to just play it off as part of my act. It’s been 2 years now and I’ve grown from a performer, to a talent buyer, show producer, stage manager, and host of my own show: KiKi’s Sordid Sideshow, a circus themed burlesque and variety show. It’s my baby.

What inspires your creativity?

People. I love people. I try to meet and work with as many different types of artist as possible, which is what keeps my mind fresh and me constantly inspired to try new things. I work with modern dancers, aerialist, actors, sideshow freaks, sculptors, photographers, models, fire dancers, musicians of all types, comedians, makeup artist, poets, puppeteers, costumers, art car makers, and plenty of other things that I’m sure I am forgetting. Everyone has such extremely different backgrounds and a their own unique way of seeing things. Just listening to people talk is a constant reminder that there are a million different ways to approach any given situation. 
        That being said, there are a some people who inspire me so much that I just end up bringing them into any project I can.  Ms YET, who’s honesty and freedom is so admirable, Tifa Tittlywinks who can choreograph an amazing dance number to any theme in a matter of minutes, Troy Stanley who’s art always stands by ‘go big or go home’, and Bianca of La Catrin who I am fairly sure sees the world in Lisa Frank vision. They are all my muses in their own way. 

What challenges have you overcome?

Ummm… Being taken seriously as a stripping clown. Duh

 Also, rejection. It sucks. I’ve been rejected by venues, festivals, and other burlesque performers. The worst though was the very first Sordid Sideshow. It was cancelled by the venue THE MORNING OF THE SHOW! I waisted 2 months and lost well over a thousand dollars. I had to sew curtains for their tall ass ceilings (the only way we’d have a back stage), tons of flyers, and pay all the out of town performers who had come in for it. It was so depressing. I was so jaded and sure that it would never be worth it, I didn’t think I’d ever feel comfortable attempting another show. I’m so glad I didn’t quit though. I would have missed out on so much fun 
Also, fuck Hughes Hangar.

What motivates you to keep going?

The post show fun! I run around like a crazy woman the entire show week. It’s stressful, and tiring, and scary (the reoccurring fear: “what if no one comes?!”). But once the show is over, I get to hang out and drink with the audience and their feed back keeps me going. “We had so much fun!” “My favorite part was…” “I can’t believe you did that!” “How can I be in the show too?!” “What if next show you did…” It just feels so good to be reminded that I’m not crazy for putting all my time, energy, and money into something, and makes me want to make the next one even better.

If you could be any food item, what would you be?
Ooooo is this like the dating game? Ok, I would be brie because I’m smooth and buttery and feel so good in your mouth. Hehehe.

What current project(s) are you working on, and when and where can we come see your latest project(s)?
Right now my next big step is taking KiKi’s Sordid Sideshow to Warehouse Live. I’m so excited to be movin’ on up to such a nice venue. It’s Saturday March 23rd and I have some wonderful talent coming up from Dallas and Austin, as well as some lovely Houston ladies. It’s going to be a great show, so don’t miss it! I’m also working on my classic, prohibition style show ‘KiKi Maroon’s BurlyQ Lounge’, the last one sold out the Mucky Duck, so I’m hoping to do another one soon!

 http://www.sordidsideshow.com/