Tuesday, May 31, 2011

HIGHLOW PROJECT

http://www.highlowproject.org/ is a collection of photographs and audio narrations that capture high and low moments from the lives of VT youth at risk.

Photographer Ned Castle collaborated with youth living in difficult situations throughout Vermont.  This project is a collection of their photos and audio recordings that tell their stories.  The collection is traveling around the state.

The main purpose of this project is to make people aware of the plight of homeless and at-risk youth.  It is sponsored by The Vermont Coalition of Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs, a coalition of thirteen community agencies who provide a safety net for these youth.
This is an example of the tribe looking out for the young.  With the outlet of photography provided to them, these kids have had the arts door opened.  If you live in Vermont please support these artists and the agencies who are helping them.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Describing ‘The Tribes’

Over the past four years I’ve crossed paths with many artists. At the beginning most I knew as musicians. Over time I’ve learned that most of them also work in numerous mediums from film to clay to pen and ink. These folks also tend to gravitate towards each other and take up residence in art communities within the locations they actually reside.
Truly established U.S. tribes seem to be strongest in southern California with other outposts being in Seattle, Chicago and parts of Texas. Surprisingly, the large numbers of artists in New York City tend to keep to themselves with only small close-knit groups with a few cross-overs. Boston seems to be the same with one band of hippie/gypsies that I have been able to pick out.
The point of this blog is to be a beacon to all the tribes mainly in North America but also internationally. As more artisans come forward to identify and define themselves and their communities, the picture should become clearer and the definition more precise of modern neo-tribalism amongst artists.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Come join the circle

Peace. Shalom. Aloha. Pax.
Here is a meeting of the tribes.  You will be introduced to members, communities, troupes, and events.  There are gypsies, troubadours, mistrals, acrobats, painters, sculptors, weavers, smiths, and bards.  We come from every corner of the globe and share a love of languages of the arts.  Even though we may not speak a particular dialect, we understand it and revel in its unique beauty.
Here will be shared color, sound, texture, smell and taste.  You will find all the elements; earth, air, fire and water in this place.  You will be encouraged and inspired while sharing that encouragement and inspiration with others.  Muses will be revealed.  Young ones will be taught.
Over the next day or so, I will introduce you to three artists I interviewed a while back.  Two are members of the West Hollywood, CA (WeHo) tribe and one moves between the Wicker Park (Chicago) tribe and the New York City tribe.  Going forward there will be other conversations with all manner creators.  There might be an occasional review of a performance, gallery show or museum exhibit.  Maybe a topic for a comment discussion amongst the readers of this blog.  It will be a creative space.
Pour your favorite libation, bring your own version of a peace-pipe, pull-up a chair and join in.  If you wish to add your own tales to this tome, please contact me and we’ll schedule a chat.
The Scribe