Conversation with Artist Bethany Edmunds

Miss b.Me  Photo Credit: NativeLight Media Photography 

I feel so proud to be able to share the work and world of multidisciplinary Māori artist Bethany Matai Edmunds (Miss bMe). Through the scratchy channels of our cyberspace Skype interview, all the way from her home in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Edmunds' creative determination radiates clearly and straight to the heart. Edmunds reminds us that it is the larger circles we are creating today that will sustain our cultures and create new opportunities for growth and evolution of indigenous ways. By continuing to be innovative we will retain the strength of our ancestors and 'never forget'. 

"As a descendant of the far north living in the city, it’s the taura here of my whakapapa that connects me to my cultural identity and the land that my tupuna are from. I often feel like a manu aute, with my wings spread and my eyes wide open, riding wind currents, and soaking up sights and smells, acknowledging influences and celebrating and creating connections and reference points in this multi-cultural global world we live in, asking myself what does it mean to be urban indigenous? For so many of us whose whakapapa Māori is diluted our connections to the north are dislocated, how do we achieve the success that our grandparent’s generation strove for when they moved to the city? Reclaiming knowledge and sustainable practices and at the same time embracing our Māori identity to innovate, interpret and be proud of the influences and materials available in our immediate environment." - Bethany Matai Edmunds BAA, MA (Ngati Kuri, Pohotiare) 

Here is the conversation with Bethany Matai Edmunds:

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Miss bMe (aka Bethany Matai Edmunds) performing with her band Kinaki on the Aotearoa stage at Pasifika Festival, March 2014

More about the artist:

Bethany Matai Edmunds a.k.a Miss b.Me is a weaver, artist, fiber sculptor and Hip Hop lyricist. Edmunds visual work is grounded in traditional Maori weaving which she conceptually translates using traditional materials and fibers, combined with contemporary denim and mixed media, which further expresses her experiences of being a culture bearer of 'pART mAOri' descent. Lyrically, Edmunds also called Miss b.Me, explores similar concepts which she poetically expresses through cultural references and feminine flows, combining stories inspired by her Maori heritage and her unique worldview of life as an artist, poet and MC. Edmunds has a strong focus on the enhancement of taitamariki, young people, through the use of the arts, and ensuring that nga taonga tuku iho, the skills passed down from our ancestors, are retained for future generations.

Learn more about Miss b.Me and her band Kinaki HERE

'In the Hood' Woven out of Kuta a lake reed which is a traditional weaving material used to make rain capes. This piece is about retaining cultural identity while operating in an urban reality. Weaving by Bethany Edmunds, January 2014

'Raninikura' Kuta and Pingao (sedge grass that grows in the sand dunes) This garment is a woven personification of Raninikura the daughter of our famous tupuna Tohe, and references the transient tribal connections of Te Hiku o te Ika (the Tail of the fish of Maui/ the far north). The materials are sourced from Muriwhenua (another name for the far north), and the golden colour palette of Kuta and Pingao suggests the glistening image of Raninikura that Tohe held in his memories. Weaving by Bethany Edmunds.

Conversation with Artist Frank Buffalo Hyde

Frank Buffalo Hyde

Frank Buffalo Hyde's approach to life and his work is refreshingly honest. In our interview he explains the multiple layers of his existence, growing up in two worlds, on and off the reservation, and how this opened his mind and amplified his awareness and reaction to American society and culture. This interview is truly a revealing and sincere look at the artist Frank Buffalo Hyde. I am proud to share his story with you.

"When working on a piece, I tap into the universal mind. The collective unconsciousness of the 21st century. Drawing images from advertisement, movies, television, music and politics. Expressing observation, as well as knowledge through experience. Overlapping imagery to mimic the way the mind holds information: non linear and without separation. I don't need permission to make what I make. Never have...no artist should." -Frank Buffalo Hyde

Here is the conversation with Frank Buffalo Hyde:

Subscribe to Art Beat Conversations on iTunes HERE and download this episode

Music featured on this podcast by the following artists: 2Pac, The Clash, DJ Krush, The Legendary Shack Shakers, Quannum MC's, Freddie Cruger and Guru.

Frank Buffalo Hyde at Modern West Fine Art Gallery 2014

More about the artist: 

Frank Buffalo Hyde traces his heritage to the Nez Perce and Onondaga people, Hyde is recognized for breaking through the boundaries commonly placed around what is considered Native American art. His work confronts stereotyping of culture and informs the viewer that they are participants in the conversation. He is defining himself as a Native American without being a stereotype and dealing with what he calls the "fragmented contemporary life" of a Native U.S. citizen. 

More about Frank Buffalo Hyde and his work on his Website. 

Follow Frank Buffalo Hyde on his Fan Page.

I-WITNESS CULTURE. FBH 2014 acrylic on canvas

Puck-Ficasso. FBH 2014 acrylic on canvas

Conversation with Filmmaker Sophie Rousmaniere

Interviewing Sophie Rousmaniere reminded me that we all could probably be doing a little more to help the world be a better place. Sophie lives to create positive change and to fight for social justice. Her films are only one small piece of the work she creates to educate and speak about issues plaguing global society. In this interview we learn about the experiences she and husband Jay Minton have had through various film projects, travel, fundraising and even their life on the road with punk rock band The Elected Officials. If you want to get inspired to be the change you wish to see, then listen in to this episode and hear how Sophie Rousmaniere keeps the inspiration fueled in every aspect of her life.

Here is the conversation with Sophie Rousmaniere:

Subscribe to Art Beat Conversations on iTunes HERE and download this episode

All music featured on this podcast is performed by Sophie's band, The Elected Officials.

More about the artist:

Sophie Rousmaniere has worked as a filmmaker and freelance journalist in the US, Canada, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Guatemala, Pakistan, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. She has produced, edited and directed over thirty documentaries, short films and music videos. Sophie’s work is largely social issue based, having worked on topics from child prostitution in Thailand to environmental issues in the four corners area in New Mexico. Currently Rousmaniere is wrapping up a documentary slated for broadcast on PBS; “Yellow Fever – The Navajo Uranium Legacy”. She has also been busy working on her latest project, " Radio Taboo", a development project and documentary film about Issa Nyaphaga, an artist and activist returning to his small village Nditam, in Central Africa to build a community radio station to address human rights issues.

Learn more about the work of Sophie Rousmaniere at Iron Thorn Productions

Information on the film Yellow Fever

Information on the film Radio Taboo

Sophie Rousmaniere, Lead vocals for punk band The Elected Officials.

Sopie Rousmaniere and Hilda Bih. CRTV, Camaroon

Sophie Rousmaniere and Jay Minton on location for Radio Taboo.

Conversation with Artist Loriann Hernandez (Elle Seven)

Loriann Hernandez, also known as Elle Seven, is a roller skater, curator, artist and educator.

"My goal is to affect the fields of art and skating in ways that will bring a positive transformation to the world.  I’m an unconventional curator and so far I have accomplished this locally, but the world is a big place, I can probably keep skating, painting, curating and teaching for the rest of my life and in my 80’s finally start seeing the affects of my commitment....but hopefully sooner!" -Loriann Hernandez 'Elle Seven'

Hernandez is currently living, working and skating in Mississippi, and is creating imagery of various 'skating saints' that will become a series and also be exhibited as a solo show. I am honored to share the story of this truly amazing human being and I am really looking forward to further introducing to the world this incredible woman, skater, activist and artist!

Here is the conversation with Loriann Hernandez 'Elle Seven':

Subscribe to Art Beat Conversations on iTunes HERE and download this episode

Music featured on this podcast by the following artists: Rufus Thomas, Jose Feliciano, Portugal. The Man, SACH, Mala Rodriguez, T.V. On The Radio, EDIT, and Warpaint (Eby Le Beatz Remix).

Elle Seven at Port Orchard Skatepark Opening. Photo by MRZ. Thrasher Magazine 2013

RIDE Exhibition Opening

Tommii Lim, Cory Oberndodorfer, Loriann Hernandez, Reanna Ruby, Doug Miles

RIDE Curated by Loriann Hernandez 2011 

Photographer Heather Rose

RIDE Exhibition

RIDE Curated by Loriann Hernandez 2012

RIDE Exhibition

RIDE Curated by Loriann Hernandez 2012

RIDE Exhibition

RIDE Curated by Loriann Hernandez 2012

Whatever. Digital Mural. Elle Seven. 2006

More about the Artist: 

American Woman Series. Ink and Acrylic on paper. Elle Seven. 2010

Loriann Hernandez 'Elle Seven' grew up in Riverside, Ca where both of her parents are also from. Her mother and father grew up down the street from one another but didn’t know each other until High School because of integration. Ironically in school Hernandez still had some of those teachers that had been there since integration.  Hernandez reflects,

"I think this pushed me away from being interested in what was being taught in school and more towards the art education my family brought to me from inside of prison walls.  Some of the first things I drew were naked women and low riders and at age 11, and at that age I decided to take my art seriously.  When I took art classes, my teachers told me what I did was not real art.  Even at the college level, where I thought the teachers would have a progressive approach towards art, I was told my California prison tattoo line drawings would never be taken seriously."

Now, many years later Hernandez' “not real art”, has become a vital voice in the art movement known as, Low Brow. 

Hernandez' work is influenced by her family foremost. Her other biggest artistic influences are Patrick Nagel, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Alphonse Mucha, Religious art, Chinese and Japanese illustration, graffiti art, music, fashion, her subconscious connection to Indigenous pattern making and of course skating and her friends. 

In her work, Hernandez is currently using Sumi ink, watercolor and some gold, silver or metallic colors to transform skaters into saints.

"I’m a vertical quad roller skater and besides some coaching from veteran skaters, I’ve taught myself everything. I didn’t start skating parks seriously until I was in my mid 30’s.  Being a female on roller skates in a male dominated skateboarding world has been a challenge.  Occasionally a guy might find it funny to knock me down while I am skating but I try understand because it is their world I’m imposing on.  It is pretty dangerous to be knocked down on skates because you have your wheels attached to your feet so I work hard to earn their respect and after they see my skating abilities I’m usually left alone.  This situation makes me reflect back to my origins and at times really feels like another form of integration.  But I don’t think about it too much, if I did, I would probably be too intimated and never show up to the park.  90% of the time I am the only female skating at the park and 99% of the time I am the only roller skater.   Having the right to be a lady skater at male dominated skateparks may not seem as significant as racial issues or for females to have legal say over their bodies, but it is an underground way to fight against people’s misconceptions, stereotypes, even beliefs about themselves.  Lots of people my age watch their kids at the skatepark but none of them would dare even try to learn because they think they are too old, and then they find out that I am 39." 

Currently, Hernandez is working on an image of pro skateboarder Mike Carroll and more skating saints for a series and solo show.  The last painting Hernandez completed was for a friend who is the only other female vertical roller skater in the State of Mississippi.  

"We (roller skaters) are such a small family, world wide there are only about 700 in our 8 wheels ramp riding family.  No matter where you go, as long as there is another vert rollerskater, then you have family and that is the only reason I agreed to move to Mississippi from California after accepting a job." -Loriann Hernandez

Follow the work and skating of Elle Seven HERE!

Conversation with Artist Patrick 'Cloud Face' Burnham

Patrick Burnham, better known in the art continuum by the handle Cloud Face, is a Navajo/Hopi painter, musician, dancer, dj, producer and all around true expressionist.

Cloud Face

Much like the constant evolution of form and direction we see in a cloud making it's way across the sky, Cloud Face the artist, possesses the ability to enter an environment and enhance every aspect of his surroundings, shape shifting seamlessly through his crafts to create an inspiration that is comparable to a modern day renaissance man, now often known as the B-Boy . 

"A cloud, changing shape across the sky..."

Here is the conversation with Patrick 'Cloud Face' Burnham:

Subscribe to Art Beat Conversations on iTunes HERE and download this episode

All music featured on this podcast is from Cloud Face's own debut album Secrets of the Invisible.

The heart knows. Painting by Cloud Face

Painting by Cloud Face.

The 12th Letter. Painting by Cloudface

Hopi Girl. Painting by Cloud Face

More about the Artist: 

Cloud Face representing indigenous art crew XFRX

From live painting, to dance, from Dj'ing to teaching, from composing, to collaboration, Cloud Face represents community and the true definition of a B-Boy. Obsessing until he feels he understands each fundamental aspect of Hip Hop, he then adds each piece carefully to his tool bag, to be incorporated with elegance and jaw dropping precision visible in all of his work. Cloud Face has a new and visionary approach to surviving and thriving as an artist, proving, with his shear will and skill, the ability to maintain self sufficiency and to survive as an artist is possible. By using his hustle, learned at a young age from growing up in an artisan family, mixed with his self determination, and a hit of what I like to consider 'soul', Cloud Face stands out in a crowd, or actually he doesn't stand at all, he is too busy getting down to stand around, but if he is involved in a project you will take notice, his style requires our attention. Cloud Face is currently an active creator in the indigenous hip hop scene in New Mexico, incorporating whichever element necessary to create his artistic dialogue. Always in motion, as a cloud floating through the heavens, inspiring us all to keep creating.

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