Monday, October 3, 2016

Artist Interview Artists interview 14 : Claude V Peralta by Anthony Andujar Jr 9/23/16

Artist Interview Artists interview 14 : Claude V Peralta by Anthony Andujar Jr

Recorded 9/23/16

Posted 9/26/16

Interviewer: Anthony Andujar Jr

Interviewee: Claude V Peralta

artist-interview-artists-showcase-13.html ). That's when I had to strike at the opportunity and keep to my word. I took out the sketch pad while Claude was illustrating Geometric shapes, and thus, the interview was concocted.

Q1. What art always apart of your life?

CVP: I was doing it, it was natural. I just so happened that I had a paper and a pen and things would happen. My mother was the one who would hold me down with a lot of shit, buying me the color markers and always believed in me, that I could create. I would build legos and break shit just to make it into something else. If you consider that art, then I guess I was always around it since early ages. I can remember only so much.

Q2. What are your influences? Music and art wise?

CVP: What influences me besides everything? I get influenced by anything. From life , emotionally, through people , nature. It’s a therapy, that brings me into a reality where I don’t have to worry about anything. It’s like a trip, like a vocation in the present. As of late I’ve been bumping a lot of Tupac. Lyrically I’ve started to see the power of poetry. It’s like a chemistry when you mix stuff it works.

Q3. If you could make a movie or a series or remake a film, which series, person, or franchise would it be and why?

CVP: I can’t think of any..uh.. Oh! I know one, High School of the Dead. That show is dope. I don’t watch a lot of anime but it was dope. Would I turn it into a movie? I don’t think so, I don’t really like movies, what I mean is that I don’t really watch them as much as I watch tv shows. Although I like movies, there is no continuations because movies tend to have a short life. I’d be tight if Walking Dead actually ends.

Q4. What is the most difficult part when creating art?

CVP: When you have something in mind, and you for some reason don’t get what you wanted. Even with that, it taught me how to improvise with situations or to get to another level of creativity. There is always a nook and cranny that you can get through.

Q5. If you were to make a film, book, or comic based on an album, which album or artist would it be and why?

CVP: Damn, I’ve been bumping Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar’s How to Pimp a Butterfly, and Untitled. But I think Pac, since he is just too real. I mean I was born in his time period and still connects themes of events that are relevant to this day. But MF Doom, and Major Lazer. Hell Mozart deserves a film. Even Gang Starr deserves a film.

Q6. If you could speak to a deceased creator, who would it be? Why? And what would you hope to discuss?

CVP: Back in the day I would have said Jesus, maybe in the future I might say Jesus haha. Definitely Pac, definitely Picasso. Also Gang Starr. Man, who else? Uh, Da Vinci , just to see where his state of mind was at. Einstein , Bob Marley too. In addition to a couple of crazy people that I won’t mention but psychologically, I’d like to hear them out in a public setting. What makes them behave that way? As human beings we have potential to do or mimic whatever our mind thinks. But it’s the motivation that causes us to bring things to reality that makes us who we are. Like what made Da Vinci challenge the catholic church? Or If our culture in today’s world didn’t go through what we went through, would we be where we’re at?

Q7. If you could speak to any living creator, who would it be? What would you hope to collaborate with them on and why?

CVP: MF Doom, I’d love to meet him. I’m so mad I didn’t get to meet George Clinton. I wish I got to see him. He had a free concert. Kendrick Lamar, he’s a lyrical god. He’s a beast. I’d like to Kanye and get to see the real him. Tyler the Creator would be dope. I kinda wish I met Shaq haha, Micheal Jordan too. I would just want to chill on a real level. No anxiety, just a relaxed, and cool conversation Nas Is another person that I’d like to chill with.

Q8. What advice would you advise to the next generation or to your past self?

CVP: Myself.. Haha ,I’m playing, I would tell him myself to exercise and get healthy everyday, and keep learning everyday. Keep going for stuff that keeps you productive and build a healthy habit overtime so that you can prepare yourself for any situation. Stay busy in doing things that are right of course. To be honest I am at that state of mind. Time has passed, I’m in college and feel that way with that kind of mindset or way of thinking.

Q9. What would you hope to see yourself have 30 years from now on terms of accomplishment and what would you reflect on? I’d hope to have my mother fully stable where is she is allowed to do whatever she likes in her own space. Being some benefit to people I care for. I’d hope to have something for myself and have things up and running.

CVP:

Q10. What era of your life would you write a book about?

CVP: Can it be in the future? So I could write something in the future? I can say in the beginning it would be very dark and almost blinding, but it would eventually find more light and understanding. It would suck If I get to the end. It’s like what I said before about the movie thing, It would only be focused on an era of time and be too short. Didn’t think I answered the question but thank god it isn’t court. I’d forget details about where I’ve been.

Q11.What do you feel as an artistic medium best represents you?

CVP: SHit.. sigh, represents me best? I really couldn’t answer that because when you think of what representation is, you start thinking about what you are. I write because of joy. I draw because it’s my therapy. I make music .I can’t give any of these things up, If that was the question.

Q12.What character in various forms of fiction do you feel represents or reflects you ?

CVP: Back in the day I’d relate myself to Fox McCloud. I do want to live my life like Batman due to being incognito, you wouldn't see much or know much about me unless it’s like a sit down at a small shop. I don’t know why I’m thinking of Gumball haha from Life of Gumball. No to video games, I can’t think of anyone right now. Even Dr Manhattan and Dr Doom, , they’re so real. Doom dead has his own kingdom! I don’t know much about him, but Aqua Man is real as fuck and I’m saying this before the Aqua Man movie. I’d love to live in Atlantis. I’d probably have to be vegan. I’d say "Hi my best friend salmon, I hate his mother, she tasted great !" haha.

Q13.If you had a superpower what superpower would it be and what would you use it for?

CVP: Probably manipulate time, that would probably be it. But that would pretty much suck too. But if you’re the only one with abilities the other people should have powers too because how could anyone tell ya different about time itself? How would you know how things are?

Q14.What is your biggest flaw?

CVP: I have trouble breathing, sometimes it affects my way of thinking. People don’t know that. Trust, knowing people cannot be trusted eats me up a lot. Patience, I have it, but much like a camel, even they can only take on so much weight. If you’re dealing with bullshit, does that mean I’m not patient? I’m human, that's a flaw for better or worse.

Q15. When did you start taking art seriously?

CVP: The moment I I’d say it got real serious , I’d say is when I got into college and though that I could make that into a film or album. If you’re asking me what I wanted to do with this? I’d say saw when I wrote my first rap verse in my freshman year of High School. It was cheesy, but my level of confidence boosted. But then it went down. I don’t know how if the level where I’m at is humble, It won’t be long because i’ll boost up to a new level and platform.

Q16. Biggest fear?

CVP: Not being able to leave anything behind for my family. Tupac said his biggest fear is being brought back to this place haha. But biggest fear? Is losing significant other, or family or people close to me and living to have to cope with that. Not living past or beyond limitations.

Closing Statement:

CVP: Create as much as you can, don’t hold back, push forward and don’t forget to balance. Don't forget to have a laugh and remember that options are always open. If your back is against the wall, enjoy that wall . #2021MadeInTime

Note: Going forward, I’ll post these interviews on the home blog, but i’ll also make a separate blog for people who are just interested in reading the interviews. I’ll keep you posted.

Artist interview artists showcase 13 : Jamal Dundas written by Anthony Andujar Jr 4/27/16

Artist interview artists showcase 13 : Jamal Dundas By Anthony Andujar Jr

Conducted 2/9/16- 4/12/16

Published 4/27/16

Q1. Was art something you stumbled upon or was it always apart of your family?

JD: I'm from Guyana originally. My older cousin always drew and I guess I was inspired by him. Other than anyone else, my mother used to teach and had illustrations and stuff.

Q2. Who are your creative influences?

JD: There's an artist called Andrew Bomis. He had a series of drawings like gesture drawings and stuff. Brandon Boyd (lead singer of the band Incubus) also has some solid art as well.

Q3. Are you focused as a internal or external ?

JD: I'd say that my art is more of a psychological thing. Essentially you have to draw what you feel. Also I use art as a stress reliever.

Q4. Which film or franchise would you do your own interpretation, or continuation of? What would you keep? Or Change ?

JD: I'm definitely into movies. I love titanic. So I'd say that a continuation of titanic. Years have passed and I don't think Rose has found love.

Q5. What is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?

JD: Coming up with concepts. It can be anything that inspires me, from posters to music. I'll hear something and see if I could come up with visuals inspired by it. Painting or drawing has its issues though. It's hard when you run out of inspiration. So you try to go out of your comfort zone.

Q6. If you could make a comic, novel, or film based on an album, which album and artist would it be and why?

JD: I'm a big Eminem fan, anyone of his albums I would draw. He always goes in depth with his life story. So I would utilize that material for.

Q7. If you could speak to a deceased creator, who would it be? Why? And what would you hope to discuss?

JD: Rembrandt. I remember one time in Dennis D'Amelio's class, I saw Rembrandt's cross hatching and portraits and stuff. His style of painting has so much emotion and color. He progressively experimented as he got older. I'd ask him about how he drew mirrors. Did he draw from the top of his head? Was he that nice!?!

Q8. If you could speak to any living creator, who would it be? What would you hope to collaborate with them on and why?

JD: Any medium? I find a lot of inspiration with Eminem a lot. His words has been therapy a lot. He's a real guy, in particular I like that. He's been through so much. I would ask him about what was it like being a white rapper in a genre that is predominantly black. Who were his influences? Was hip hop really it or was it his ex wife?

Q9. What advice would you advise to the next generation or to your past self?

JD: Both. For the next generation, it's cliched and simple, stay true to yourself. If you're good at something, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zones. Talk about your ex, or stuff. Everyone thinks artist's write all this happy stuff when there is a lot going on behind it. What I'd say to my past self, I was more restrictive, so I would tell myself to get out of your comfort zone and don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. When i was in High School my mother wanted me to be an engineer due to that job earning a lot of money. But money isn't everything. When I was growing up, I thought that I couldn't be an artist. To every career path, you do what you enjoy, because if you're good at it and continue in it, then things will come your way. You can be happy and still have money. It's your life, live it your way.

Q10. What would you hope to see yourself have 30 years from now on terms of accomplishment and what would you reflect on?

JD: 30 years from now, hopefully I'm not dead, graduated college, and be an art director / film director. Just to be able to an accomplished director in the movie industry. I'd be 50 years old right? Damn! Haha. I'd hope to have a family. I don't know about you, but I want to get out of the city, live in L.A. So I could do film. I'd reflect on all the people I've met over the years, as well as this interview at 8pm at night in the painting studio of LaGuardia in the M building haha.

Q11. What era of your life would you write a book about?

JD: Um.. middle school. High school isn't like the movies in terms of living in the city. I'd say middle school because of girlfriends, lost a friend who passed away, etc. A lot of stuff I reflect on the past and draw from it.

Q12. What do you feel as an artistic medium best represents you?

JD: For a while writing, but then in a way, it's kind of easy. But I'd say illustration because not only does it feel normal, but it feels right and it's the basics for me. In terms of painting, well, I'm getting there.

Q13. What character in various forms of fiction do you feel represents or reflects you ?

JD: in fiction? Oh, have you seen the show Prison Break? Michael Scofield. I always try to help people no attest what. He goes above and beyond to help his brother in the show. I'd say I draw that from him. In terms of film, I'd say Jim Carrey character in Yes Man. It's so hard to say no.

Q14. What is your biggest flaw?

JD: In art? I'm not as expressive. I'm always restrictive. In life, be more open to things. If you stay in your comfort zone , you'll end up stuck there forever, never growing.

Q15. If you had a superpower what superpower would it be and what would you use it for?

JD: The power of persuasion, why? Because I could be able to get out of any situation.

Closing Statement:

JD: Be you, Don't be negative , think positive.

Artist interview Artists Showcase 12 : Ralphy Marcano. By Anthony Andujar Jr 4/12/16

Artist interview Artists Showcase 12 : Ralphy Marcano.

By Anthony Andujar Jr

Conducted 2/14/16

Published 4/12/16

Q1. What was the first set of drawings that you remember creating as a child?

RM: My first set of drawings that I ever made was Digimon characters, Dragon Ball Z, (specifically Goku only) , Loony Toons, and Pokemon characters.

Q2. Was art something you stumbled upon or was it always apart of your family?

RM: I would say that art was always apart of my family. My parents used to draw, My older sister Natalie, My cousins Louis, Benjamin, Justin, my uncle Manny, (I think) all used to and /or still draw. Drawing, coloring, writing, music, fashion, it was always there.

Q3. Who are your creative influences?

RM: My artistic influences in music: Jay Z , Chris Brown, Michael Jackson and Kanye. In terms of film actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Daniel Day Lewis, Sean Penn, Johnny Depp. In terms of sports : Koby Bryant, A-Rod, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Ray Lewis, Ken Griffy Jr, and Serena Williams. In terms of cartoons: Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dexters Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Tom& Jerry, Thundercats, Flintstones, Batman, Transformers, Loony Tunes and Gargoyles.

Q4. Are you focused as a internal or external creative?

RM: I like that question. I'd say in general I would observe the surroundings and see the struggle, try to understand and put myself to feel the struggle and relate it to my own personal struggles. I would seek something that I could relate to whether it's lyrics to songs that touch the soul. It creates a thought in my mind in the way changing / getting out my environment. It gives me confidence that I could do it in whatever I want to do. I see Jay Z, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Eminem, Nas, or writers like JK Rowling, actresses like Tina Fey, getting out and making something of themselves is motivational. I see them as motivators, from the environments that they came out of and where they are now.

Q5. Which film or franchise would you do your own interpretation, or continuation of? What would you keep? Or Change ?

RM: Um, I would do Transformers. Starting from Revenge of the Fallen to Age of Extinction. I would do those over. Why? I feel like it was everywhere in terms of plot. I'd make it more realistic, exciting and intense and not repetitive or predictable. Another film I'd redo would be Man of Steel. I believe it could have been better. I want superman to have super scenes, action and excitement. As a fan of superheroes, comics , DC and Marvel, (in this particular case, DC) it's just something that people want to see in a superman movie. It wasn't a bad movie, it's just that in terms of expectation, it wasn't what most were expecting or hoped for it to be.

Q6. What is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?

RM: the most difficult part in creating is just.. Creating!.. Where do I begin?! When you go for the first draft, you don't know how or where to build on in terms of beginning , middle and end. Especially in terms of what can come before and after in a story. The excitement of writing the ideas and feeling certain about the placement of it. You could brainstorm and won't know ow to organize it all until you do. Whether it's words, drawing, a beat, or designing clothing , it's gotta feel like it's Alive. It's gotta be more than just words. It's gotta make you expand as a person and make you flow confidently.

Q7. If you could make a comic, novel, or film based on an album, which album and artist would it be and why?

RM: That's good! Whew .. I'll be honest, I'd make a book about Kanye West's Graduation. The stories behind every track is just me. I feel like Kanye really did himself on that album with stuff that you can relate to. Songs like "you can't tell me nothing", "good night", "good morning", "how I wonder" , etc. that album itself had tracks that were placed so perfectly like a chapter book. The reason why I chose the format to be a book is because starts as words on paper. Soon after that , they end up on the big screen. There are some novels, and comics that don't make it to the big screen. Just the stories in each track is just a perfect match. You want to visualize the experience in what I lived, if not me, then others. It's crystal clear what Kanye is saying and how he relates to us.

Q8. If you could speak to a deceased creator, who would it be? Why? And what would you hope to discuss?

RM: That's hard bro, that's hard. There are so many great creators that walked this earth. Shakespeare was a creator ? right? I would like to know how he prepped his creativity, the stories and how did he get his ideas. I'd like to hear the real Shakespeare speak to me, and not in the way that the people tell us. I would ask about his own experience and how stumbled across art and whether it was something he wanted to do or something he was surrounded by. I'd like to pick his brain as a writer myself to see what I could improve and expand upon, learn what he knows and be my teacher. There's more to creativity than what you see. Artist I'd add would be Micheal Jackson, Tupac, Biggie, along with Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Andy Warhol, and ancient Egyptian Artists who created the art and tombs .

Q9. If you could speak to any living creator, who would it be? What would you hope to collaborate with them on and why?

RM: Ha! That's easy! Hov (Jay Z), Kanye West, and Chris Brown. I would love to talk about our personal lives, and where they get their creativity from in terms of music and transitioning to rapping/ singing about it. I'd like to talk to them and hear their views on the industry and what keeps them going. Jay Z , I'd talk to him about business, I'd collaborate with Kanye on fashion and I'd collaborate with Chris Brown on drawings and art in general. All three of them I'd talk about relationships and how they deal with the spotlight through one on one conversation. I'd ask their real thoughts and feelings about it.

Q10. What advice would you advise to the next generation or to your past self?

RM: I'm gonna go with my younger self and it's gonna be deep. To my younger self: I'd say always stay focused, life is what you make it. Enjoy being you, being young and don't rush growing up. Make the most out f every moment. Appreciate, cherish learning, love, be at peace. Take care of others and take care of yourself more emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. Don't give so much to others that won't reciprocate. Live by your world and word. What people show you, take it as what they really are and

Q11. What would you hope to see yourself have 30 years from now on terms of accomplishment and what would you reflect on?

RM: 30 years from now, wow! To be honest I'd reflect on now, the present. As of now I don't have it all, I have nothing. But I know that nothing defines me. 30 years from now I will do what I accept and expect for myself to be, very ambitious, with a family , a great house / apartment, good salary, career etc. 30 years from now I won't be the same person, my character will change, I'll speak will be different. I'll reflect and say "wow, I was there and now I'm here." It would be emotional because it would be a drastic change. Not everyone gets to accomplish their dreams. But just to achieve the dream and to become the dream, just to take pride in the idea that I brought myself to this point despite the blood , sweat, tears, the overall struggle, that I could see the beauty of it all.

Q12. What era of your life would you write a book about?

RM: Wow, in terms of era that I'd focus a book on, I'd focus on the past 6 years (2010- 2015). Within the past 6 years it was life changing. The females, the pain, heartbreak, relationships, sex , drugs, alcohol, fatherhood, young adulthood, education, adapting to change and change of self.

Q13. What do you feel as an artistic medium best represents you?

RM: My writing as art best represents me. I believe my writing best represents my thoughts , my feelings and what I can't say to anyone. I write it all down on paper. The paper, the pen, my fingers, it all just connects. I don't want what I write to fall on deaf ears. I just want it to take me somewhere. I make love to the paper and release my thoughts. I'll just write and write and write until it's all out.

Q14. What character in various forms of fiction do you feel represents or reflects you ?

RM: Relate to the most? I don't know , I was gonna say Iron Man although I'm not a billionaire. But I relate to Wolverine and Iron Man. Why? Because it's their character , wolverine is aggressive. He's not with the bullshit and the misconceptions he gets from people. He doesn't back down, he's a badass. Iron Man , I relate because he's a playboy and confident. I have the confidence.... I'm advanced.. Haha! Very simple. I relate to his class and make my presence felt as soon as I enter a room. I'm just someone that people want to know what he's about.

Q15. What is your biggest flaw?

RM: My biggest flaw is that I have too big of a heart.

Q16. What is your biggest fear?

RM: My reflection in the mirror. I see me, but a different version of me, being heartless, going against everything that I stand for. I see me not giving a fuck when it comes to relationships. Not being loyal, becoming a liar, being lost, losing my purpose, drive, dedication, to doing or seeking what I love and losing the journey of becoming a better me.

Note: I've been busy since March working on creative writing and oil painting assignments so far in this semester. I will resume posting new Interviews soon. keep an eye out!! New stuff coming soon!

Artist Interview Artists Showcase 11: Radhaysa Guzman by Anthony Andujar Jr 2/12/16

Interviewee: Radhaysa Guzman.

Interviewer: Anthony Andujar Jr

2/12/16

Q1. Was art always apart of your family or something you stumbled upon?

RG: It's part of my family. One of my brothers used to do art, he liked to draw people. One of my older brothers was a photographer and a model. I won't say it was apart of my life by my mom and father but it was apart of my life.

Q2. Who are your artistic influences?

RG: In music, I could name a lot of people. I like a lot of the legendary people who have been in the game that I like. Like Nas , Biggie, Pac, the poetic people. In terms of film, Freedom Writers, I guess The Color Purple, Django , stuff that shows true history and stuff that makes a point.

Q3. Was art always apart of your desired career path?

RG: In terms of writing, it was pain. I realized I couldn't draw for shit. I realized that I was more descriptive and was more different about how I wanted to express myself. It was something I always wanted to do.

Q4. If you were to make a film, novel, comic or show based on an album, what album would it be, and why?

RG: An album? hmm. It would be between Nas Illmatic and Bob Marley, It would be the album with the Wailers. I like Bob Marley's song "war" and "Zion " like getting to desired land and that's my inspiration to see the world not for profit or for gain, but to provide for your people. You could put anything from any of their albums because it's inspirational.

Q5. What other ventures would you want to pursue transitioning from your art/writing?

RG: Personally I would want to make a radio station.I would have hot topics where people can engage. Shit is really crazy in the city. Go to queens, get on the E train and get off the last stop. There is someone on the corner try to offer you a bag of sour. I look around myself, and you don't want to be a girl in the city walking around in the city thinking shit won't happen to them. I mean there is some stuff that blows my mind.

Q6: What themes would you discuss ?

RG: ha, I remember I was taking a class and I had this professor who basically in his own way tried to dismiss the fact that humans don't have individuality, or an actual mind of their own. That we only follow what we're told. And I was like, that's some bullshit. Because if you take a group of people, and you have them the option between navy blue and baby blue, the people would choose what best compliments them. They wouldn't choose because they are just told to, they would be presented the option, and then from then on, they would pick what is best for them. So I would definitely have some interesting conversations about shit like that.

Q7. If you had a superpower, what power would you want and why?

RG: I'd honestly choose to embody Catwoman with the ability to fly. Dope shit.

Q8. Which deceased creator/ writer/ artist/ director/ actor/tress would you want to speak to , why and what would you discuss with them?

RG. I'd want to meet the artist known as Celia Cruz, 2pac, and Bob Marley. What would you I discuss with them? I'd discuss with them their career start and awakening period. I'd also discuss world events.

Q9. Which living creator would you want to collab with? why? and what would you hope to discuss with them?

RG. I'd have to say I want to work with many creators and they aren't famous or anything but I see potential and talent in these people.

Q10. What theme inspires you more to create? Happiness or tragedy?

RG. Tragedy inspires me to create more that happiness, because I believe pain, is the best brush, for the release of profound expression and creation.

Q11. 30 years from now what would you hope to have and reflect on?

RG: I hope to have a creative space were I can produce and host creative projects.

Q12. If you were to write a book, what era of your life would you write about thus far?

RG: I'd honestly write about bits and pieces of my life. I learned something new every years, I'd say.

Q13. What would you advise to the next generation or to your younger "past" self ?

RG: .I'd tell them to live wisely and understand that fun can really just be a book and a stressed mind. Id advise myself to stick with the plan.

Q14. What are your hopes about the future in terms of yourself and the world?

RG: My hopes for myself are along the lines of early retirement but never a person off the market. For the world I hope it expands in love and diversity.

You can follow her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmgp_rmg/
and her poetry at https://www.instagram.com/rmgp_writtens/