Meglena Visinska: Windows 2 her soul

Photos courtesy of the artists.
Cover by K.K.W

Meglena Visinska: Windows 2 her soul.  By K.K.W

In almost all cultures eyes are of great importance, "the windows of the soul". The eyes will tell your life's story and that you will make it to glory, but in your own way. Meglena's eyes looks mainly inward, but whenever outward they can spiritually burn all that appear before them, like Ziva or Lamya.

Meglena Visinska, photo courtesy of the artist.

In the frozen forests of Ohrid , or the gritty, sunny streets of Skopje , her eyes gaze out at the scene, feeling the intimate details of many things. The light reflected on the snow and ice crusted to the limbs of a tree, strange shadows mingling with the light on the surface of a puddle of water. Not just for itself, for what it makes her feel; alive and free in the moment. 

Untitled images #2, photo courtesy of the artist.

Image #2 functions on many levels, as all 3 major parts have great meaning-hands, eyes, and the butterfly. In all cultures the hands and eyes are sacred, unique to each person, which gives us our individual make-up. Butterflies are considered as a symbol of enlightenment of the soul- "...my soul is painted like the wings of a butterfly..."(1). In religious paintings of Buddhists and Catholics you can see its beautiful wings. In a way the image is like a holy trinity of art.

In some Catholic icons the Christ child holds a butterfly in hands-symbol of the resurrection of the soul. Looking at the image, its as if she holds her soul, or someone's in her hands surrounded by the dark (symbol of the void, life and death). The eyes look hard at the viewer as if to say beware, be true, honest, lest ye taste my wrath. As butterflies are the symbol of change and metamorphosis, it could be seen that she holds that power in her beautiful hands.

Image #3, photo courtesy of the artist.

Image #3 could be looked at as her defensive gaze, the seeker, a forceful personification that seeks to understand that which stands before her. The eyes stare at you in calm peace, drawing you in with a sense of the sacred- not unlike women who display only their eyes. Or like a beautiful owl gazing from the dark of the night, ready to strike @ its prey. "Blood on the shoulders of Pallas"(3). 

If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/meglena.visinska, or:www.studiophoenix.blogspot.com/2011/11/meglena-visinska-amazing.html, and for more info on Butterflies in myth & philosophy go to:http://aarticles.net/animals/5934-chto-filosofy-vidyat-v-babochkax.html. Quote #1-Queen: 'The show must go on', #2-From the article "What philosophers see the Butterflies?", #3-from the graphic novel "Watchmen".  "Art is the reason, art is the way"       

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Lady Visinska of Skopje.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

Eva Duran-"Bonita"

Photos courtesy of the artists.
Cover by K.K.W

Eva Duran: "Bonita". By K.K.W

Somewhere in Barcelona Spain, Eva Duran is creating something beautiful, even if its just a simple meal, a drink, or a work of art that we may not fully understand, but will love just the same.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Photo courtesy the artist.

Unique, hand-crafted designs that bring together the strange , singular beauty of nature, with the individual creativity of an amazing woman from Barcelona. Colored stones held together by gently twisted wire fixed to a large beautiful sea-shell, evoking the elegance of some lost culture, that may have existed, or in her mind, if only for a moment time. 

Vine-like wire and the smooth thin limbs of odd trees, pieced  together by gifted hands, along with what looks like dried leaves or hand-made paper and sometimes feathers. You can see the clever creativity of Alexander Calder and Nani Marquina in her great works. Her lamp designs are the joining of nature and a women's touch, resulting in an example of modern life's need for a return to where it all began.

The light from her lamps are symbols of the power of human ingenuity and creativity in the darkness that sometimes is our would. A brief, wonderful look at the greatness of production using some of the gifts of nature without the harshness of industrial production. They are a rugged, delicate, spiritual design that leaves you wondering who their maker is, and what she's doing at the very moment you see them, and can't help but wish to possess each one. 


Eva Duran's designs are like the opposite of Louis C Tiffany's amazing creations. They represent the do it yourself feel of old, when hand crafted beauty was prized above all else because no two would ever be the same. Like women filled with knowledge- similar, yet no two are alike. Eva is also an amazing photographer with a varied style to her work. She's a dedicated animal lover and one of the most stylish and interesting women in Barcelona, Spain, with talent to spare.  


If you would like to know more, go to:www.etsy.com/listing/91322169/handmade-tibet-turquoise-embroidered, or:www.facebook.com/pages/Eva-Durán-Design/119675134724949, "Art is the reason, art is the way"   

Photo courtesy of the artist

Photo courtesy of the artist

Eva Duran, the great lady herself.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

Yinka Oyewole- Q&A

Photos courtesy of the artists

Yinka Oyewole: Q & A interview. By K.K.W

Arguably one of the most talented, up-and-coming musicians from south London, Yinka's sound is imbued with his personal outlook on life, and places he's been.

Yinka Oyewole,
photo courtesy of the artist.

SP: Yinka, thanks for taking the time for Q&A

YO: Your welcome, and thanks for your interest.

SP: Your sound is dope, when did you start pursuing it seriously?

YO: Well I've been doing music for awhile, I've been in a few bands, this project is about a year old. ND so is the sound:)

SP: South London has fueled your musical output along with your Nigerian heritage, but are there other input that has helped bring your music to this level?

YO: I make music for people, I try to! I try to be real about what I feel in my music, enjoy it, feel it, talk about things that touch me. I try to open up about experiences and share them with people. Music to me is the greatest from of communication we have in that its universal. I just try to do what others have done in making me feel happy, sad, reminisce or feel apart of something.

SP: For every musician inspiration come from certain kinds of people they meet are there any people like that for you?

YO: I wouldn't say there is specific type of person or persons that influence me, but I'm definitely interested in how people relate and what they do. I think people who have a goal and go for it, whatever it takes are inspirational. People who have overcome lots of obstacles to succeed and those who have usually striven-in the face of adversity to make the world a better place spur me on!

SP: What are a few moments when  the basics for a song came to you so you can build it into something else?

YO: Well it comes in different ways. I have what I call the "3amers"-I've written a few of those. Basically just about the time when a song comes to me in the middle of the night and I just write it-vocals and guitar. Sometimes the bass-line to. Other then that it may be a melody. Occasionally I dream them and wake up and write on the guitar. But however it comes when that initial riff or melody comes the song is basically there. Sometimes I might change the subject matter but really its the music and if you dig it and wanna keep it, then its generally good. Main thing is not to force it.

SP: On soundcloud you only have one track uploaded, is that just so for now, or would you prefer not to upload to it?

YO: Ha ha! Yeah I did it on purpose. I have 14 songs  ready to go but I want to create a demand. I think with your next question you kind of answer why-its overstaturated so if you just give, give people get spoiled. People should visit  facebook.com/mryinkaoyewole. You can also check out sabatta.net- which has the new track up.

SP: Every musician has a cool story to tell when they were on the road, any stories like that for you?

YO: Ha ha! I got a couple, not all to share! LOL! Nah-

I once played under a huge animatronic elephant-with a cockpit to drive it in the head. That was in France, 2010-that was pretty cool!  

SP: Yinka, damn good interview! thanks so much for taking the time. If you would like to know more, go to:facebook.com/mryinkaoyewole., or:www.sabatta.net "Art is the reason, art is the way"  

 Photo courtesy of the artist.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Audrey Chen-"Thus let the light shine"

Photos courtesy of the artists,
digital augmentation by K.K.W

Audrey Chen: "Thus let the light shine". By K.K.W. 

Somewhere between light and dark is the work and world  of Audrey Chen (one half of the duo 'Kamana'), a stunning mix of classical elements, modern analog electronics, and improvisation. Just listen to "Train" or "Jupiter tracked down Lolita" and you'll see what I mean.

Audrey Chen, photo courtesy of the artist.

Its hard to believe she was born into a family of scientist, doctors, engineers, and yet parted ways with the family convention to play the cello age 8 and voice at 11. Chen spent years in classical training but deviated from it in 2003 to develop her own sound, and venture into new areas of musical creativity.

Using the cello, her voice, and analog electronics Audrey Chen has created music that often tells a story, and speaks to the listener on a deep mental plain. Dark ambient sound-waves as sublime as the waters that lap @ the shore of eternity, that is the mind ('Kamana' live in concert at Wilkes Barre, May 30th 2010). Its somber, chilling, full of undisguised love, and a mystery that can never be completely be understood.   

Strange voices layered against the aching cords of her cello, with percussion's, reaching out to you with a pattern that's odd and haunting. The tracks on Kamanaband.wordpress.com are startling, innovative, and played with conspirito by Chen and Luca Marini. There's a rage hovering just beneath the surface of the sound, a griping, dark beauty that sometimes scares the shit out of you @ certain points. Audrey Chen's work via 'Kamana' and outside of it is a stunning body of music extending from classical and conservatory training, on into the realm of analog/digital sound. Its a sometimes Macabre, often beautiful, interesting, innovative, created on the cusp of modern musical advancement. She is among other great young women delving into the unknown, producing amazing music. Chen has toured in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, sharing her gift and creativity.


This year she will be touring solo, with 'Kamana' and Phil Minton. She also has two album releases coming out with Nate Wooley and C. Spencer Yeh on Monotype (Warsaw), and Phil Minton on Subrosa (Brussels). Chen will be also be working on project with the widely acclaimed 'Kronos Quartet'. If you would like to know more, go to:http://kamamaband.wordpress.com/, or:www.myspace.com/audreychen, "Art is the reason, art is the way" 

Melissa Lockwood: 'IQTEST'

Photos courtesy of the artists
on the cover.

Melissa Lockwood: 'IQTEST'. Article and photos by K.K.W

Its strange to think that Melissa Lockwood came to New York City on tour with a band, as their photographer (shes from Iowa) in the early 1990's. She made the move permanent in February of 1997. Around 1999 she started designing "wearable art", more from a strong need to create, outside the consumer driven market then anything else.   

Melissa Lockwood,
photo courtesy of the artist.

Her label, 'IQTEST', came about while she was working with designer Norbert Fiddlers (Born Label), he had an IQ test book laying around. After going through it and giving herself a few tests, she thought of putting the IQ test image on one of the dresses she made. A friend told her she could make the name her label, and the rest was history. 

Preferring to work with recycled fabrics these days, wool, cotton/t-shirt fabric, her method is to use as much as possible with little if any waste. "Make the clothes precious so people will want to keep it, until they can't wear it anymore. It is important to think about the value of items beyond the usual uses. If one looks for potentials beyond the original purpose, lots of resources exist not wastes"(1). Her idea of using discarded fabrics is beginning to get notice, as she always informs those she can. And she spoke about the factories trying to sell bags of it, instead of letting people take them for free (funny how life works). 

Melissa's designs were featured in Williamsburg Fashion weekend, with much fan-fare. They were not only amazing given that they were made from scraps and unused cuts of fabric, but also for the simple, practical, and stylish look of them. There's a slight post-economic boom feel, eluding to the current state of affairs in America, and its textile industry. The outfits have a sharp casual feel, dark in mood (depending on your outlook), but always in good taste, while the t-shirts added a great bit of color. Most of this is probably due to chance, as black fabric was most of what she could get. Either way its a great show of style and practicality, as I can see people buying and wearing her one of a kind creations. 

Melissa Lockwood's current method of creation could lead to a major trend, that would have a serious impact on reducing wasted fabric, and off-setting cost for emerging designers, while fueling creativity. And given her obvious talent, I can't wait to see more from her. She is one of many modern women doing amazing creative things, and something good for the environment. "IQTEST is focused on raising awareness about the environmental impact of the waste and toxic pollution the mass disposal of textiles is causing on the worlds environment. 28 million tons of fabric reaches the landfills each year. No environmental laws are in effect to control what the companies do with fabric waste"(#2, taken from the IQTEST website. #1, first line taken from an interview, the rest from IQTEST website). .If you would like to know more, go to: www.iqtest-nyc.com , "Art is the reason, art is the way"      

Miranda Cuckson: Where words leave off

Photo by J. Henry Fair-
text & visual augmentation by K.K.W

Miranda Cuckson: Where words leave off. Article & photos by K.K.W

At various point's one comes to find an amazing form of talent that speaks beyond the everyday barriers. When you listen to Miranda's playing on Erich Korngold: Violin Concerto 1 & 2, this becomes abundantly clear. 

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

Miranda Cuckson is a violinist and violist who is highly acclaimed for her performances of a wide range of repertoire. A soloist, chamber musician and composer, she doesn't just play the instrument, she empowers it. Her violin exudes an intensity along with the notes being played, through her great skill, with a passion for music,  thats rarely seen.

Watching her during the performance "Where words leave off.."(Ode to Napoleon Bounaparte-Arnold Schoenberg, [1942]string quartet, piano, reciter)she vibrated and swayed with the power of the music. The notes and arrangement of it flowing from her mind, through the violin and out into the audience. You could almost feel the subtle hum of the sound-wave's reverberating through the air. Miranda picks up "Where words leave off..." She becomes a force like the light, illuminating the dim-dark, and stuffy realm of man; and we, no more then flowers in need of her light, without which we might shrivel up and die in the dark. 


On Beethoven Sonata op.96 for violin and piano I Allegro Moderato, she causes the music to swim inside you, keep you spellbound and following every delicate note. The strings of her violin exuding joy and sorrow the likes of which many of us have never known. To listen to her play is to be @ peace. In another time it was said that "all the worlds a stage..." if this is true, Miranda Cuckson is one of the finest to grace the stage that is today.

The performance "Where words leave off..." featured the pieces, Dal Niente(Interieur III)-Helmut Lachenmann, 1970[Clarinet],  Fragmente-Stille, an Diotima-Luigi Nono, 1979[string quartet],  and Ode to Napoleon Bounaparte-Arnold Schoenberg, 1942[string quartet, piano, reciter].

Miranda Cuckson is a member of the musical collective "Counter)Induction" and is a major supporter of new musical compositions in classical. At the age of 9 she began her studies at The Juilliard School, and went on there to receive her BM, MM, and DMA degrees. As winner of Juilliards presser music award, she made her recital debut at Carnegie Halls Weill Hall.

If you would like to know more or listen, go to:www.mirandacuckson.com/about/, "Art is the reason, art is the way" 

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

"Where words leave off.." @ The Italian Academy
3/4/12.

Photo by J. Henry Fair
courtesy of the artist

Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols

Photo by Dejan Vekic,
courtesy of the artist.

Music Now: Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols. Article by K.K.W

With a mix of folk sounds reminiscent of Bosnia & Herzegovina,  and contemporary arrangements carried on a digital wave, Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols brings you into a strange and enchanting world. 

Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols.
Photo by Shannon Greer

More then just a good song, "You move me" has a dual feeling of the exciting, and the somber. Her innovative use of electronics with traditional sounds creates a musical path that unfolds in your mind. There's a Mediterranean quality to the music that melds perfectly with her voice, the haunting sound of the stringed instrument, and the percussion. Her sultry voice fusing with a slight ambient/electronic feel,  the rhythms of the Balkans,  with a touch of a trance-like spell.


"Fruits of Eden" (excerpt) brings together the feeling of world long past, but not forgotten, with a movement towards something else. The tempo picks up and sharply rises, then stops, easing back towards the way it came. It brings to mind the thought of wandering through the older sectors of Sarajevo at night, under the watchful light of a full-moon.


"Over water, over stone" (excerpt) is a mostly instrumental piece that's somber, and yet spirited in its charm. 'Non-western microtonal sounds' envelop the mind beckoning you towards the sacred. Her music gives you elements of a people, through a sound that is a haunting modern take, on some of the various aspects of their past.  The voices in beginning are like reverberations from a dream of Bosnia & Herzegovina, fueled by "the green fairy". The string instrument(s) ache with joy and sorrow, while ambient sounds gather round and bring you closer,  to a place where days of the digital present, meet the past. 


Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols is part of a progress wave of contemporary music coming out of the Balkans that exudes aspects of western pop/electronic, alternative and or rock, but always with that peculiar, seductive and wild feel of the East of Europe. If you would like to know more, go to:www.reverbnation.com/svjetlanamusic, or:http://svjetlanamusic.com/ "Art is the reason, art is the way"

Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols.
Photo by Shannon Greer 

Svjetlana Bukvich Nichols.
Photo by Dejan Vekic

Steven C Griffin: Shae Parka

s.p_cover #12.
Photo by K.K.W

Steven C Griffin: "Shae Parka". Interview by K.K.W 

Spewing out tough, sometimes complicated lyrics with a flow all his own, Griffin really does bring something to the table, when it comes to Hip-Hop. After his first release, "From Gotham 2 Metropolis" he's already getting it together for his next album. 

SP: Thanks for taking the time Parka.

SG: No doubt, always try to make time for good peoples.

SP: 

What got you into sound engineering, and the tech side of music?

SG: I realized that Rappers come a dime a dozen and I needed to do something that sets me apart from all of the other artist. 

SP:

A lot of Kats try to break into Hip-Hop, industry or not, 

with the same old, same old, what made you go past that?

SG: I can't say that I am past that, be it that I am a true fan of the art form as well as a active participant. I just have a different ear. I am not afraid to experiment or try new things that are considered outside the box. 

SP:  'Shae Parka', whats in a name, is there a story behind it?

SG: I came up with the name due to the loss of my prior name Jak Fraust. The rules go that even if you patent or copyright a name the person who makes it a public success retains ownership. It took time to recover, because I had to come up with a name that best described who I re-invented myself to be. Jak Fraust was a younger and less mature personality and I had already grown more as a man by the time I had worked out what my new image was. I am a native New Yorker and my name had to express that hence the name Shae(smooth) came into play. I couldn't quite be called a Yankee even though I'm a fan! Style was also an expression to my character. Parka a hooded garment that protects you from cold conditions. That when applied to myself would mean one who protects you from the cold conditions of this world and relates to how it is to cope with everyday life for the everyday man and woman. 

SP: "From Gotham 2 Metropolis" was your first album, what was it like to get that up?

SG: It was and experience that I will always appreciate. It was my first independent project and can never be taken away from me. I  learned what was necessary to put together an album, and what it takes to give it a professional presentation. Long,  hard work,  and dedication.

SP: "...let it be known, yes when my story is told, that I will not stop till its etched in stone". What do you mean by 'etched in stone', and given the difficulty of this task, do you think you've gained ground? 

SG: Well that means till my last day on this earth as a physical being, and yes I have gained much ground through my years. I have always searched for a mentor to guide me throughout my career, but now I have seemingly become that mentor to others who have chosen the same path.

SP: "From Gotham 2 Metropolis" didn't exactly get you name out to most of N.Y.C, but was a major accomplishment, how do you think the next album could be better, and you could get it out to more people?

SG: Well,  "From Gotham 2 Metropolis" was my start and I'm far from finished. G2M is still getting my name out till this day. Better marketing strategies, more shows etc. I learned that you just can't rely on the project to make you famous. There are also many other aspects involved to be a successful recording artist. 

SP: Lyrics, beats, sound engineering, syncopation, and mixing it all with different cultural sounds is the key to producing something new in Hip-Hop. What's your take on that?

SG: Well,  I feel that Hip hop in itself is a culture and that is something important to remember. To intergrate different cultures into Hip hop increases the demographic of your listeners. There is a market for every idea in the world, and by combining these ideas you expand your horizons.

SP: What's the theme of the new album, and how long until its out?

SG: Well the theme follows the current times state of depression and how society thrives to push through it. There is no set date for the album release as of yet, but the first single will release in the Spring of 2012.

SP: Good interview Parka, thanks for taking the time. And like many, awaiting the next release. Cheers!

If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1402196887&ref=ts, "Art is the reason, art is the way"