I’ve met so many wonderful people this past year. Thanks to everyone who helped us out through this little blog. We’re shutting down and moving on to bigger and better projects that are probably way too ambitious for our own good. See you around.
Didn’t really think I would make it this far, but the last student show of my college career, the senior capstone exhibition, is this Sunday from 2-4PM. I know, I know, it’s the same day as Norman Music Fest, but this is early in the day, so you’ll have plenty of time for a little art before your music. Get there early, before all the fruit’s gone.
Photo by Spring Houghton.
Some would say you know you’ve made it when your films are consistently winning awards at Sundance and being shown at the MoMA. And if that’s the case, Sterlin Harjo has arrived, everybody. His film Barking Water has been taking home awards like nobody’s business and will be shown at the Museum of Modern Art for a full week in May. Did I mention it’s only his second feature film? Sterlin is fast becoming an icon of Oklahoma filmmakers, and for very good reason.
Where are you from / where did you grow up?
I grew up in Holdenville, Oklahoma. It’s about an hour and a half south of Tulsa. Population around 5,000. It’s on the dividing line between Seminole Nation and the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation which explains why I’m both Seminole and Creek. I loved growing up there and I’m always hanging out down there still. It felt very magical as a kid, especially as I look back. I remember getting lost in the woods by my Grandma’s house with my cousins. We would have to find some farmer to give us a ride back home. So much folklore and so many stories.
Photo by Rachel Anne Seymour
What’s your first creative memory?
I can’t remember… it was so early. I remember that I used to draw people that looked like potato people. I remember that my uncle and my dad gave me a lesson one day in how to draw the human form better. I was about four.
How much do Oklahoma roots play a part in your work today?
I feel like without Oklahoma my work doesn’t really exist. It’s about Oklahoma, the people and the landscape. It’s so hard to separate Oklahoma from my work so at some point, early on, I quit trying.
Photo by Chuck Foxen
Does living in Tulsa help or hurt your creative process?
It really helps it. I’m close to home. It’s hard to make a living here doing the work that I do but it’s a trade off because this place really inspires me. I don’t think I could make it in LA. I would probably end up being some sad Hollywood story if I moved out there. Hollywood isn’t interested in making the films I make so it seems pointless to go out there and rub elbows with the “industry”.
Your films Barking Water and Goodnight Irene were recently shown at the University of Oklahoma as a part of the Puterbaugh Festival which also featured one of my favorite writers Sherman Alexie. You two have any possible collaborations in the works?
Actually, we are talking about collaborating on a project. I can’t talk about it now because it’s not for sure, but it should be interesting.
Can you expound a bit on the community or lack thereof between Native filmmakers and artists? Is there pressure to make Native-themed work, or is that just how it happens?
I was recently asked by a lady if I “participate in my Native American culture” and I didn’t know how to answer it. Mainly because it’s not a class that you take or anything like that… it’s just how you come up in the world… it’s your family and the way that you do things. My work is similar I think in that I don’t really set out to write Native themed work or not… I just write about things that I know and that interest me. So, I put no pressure on myself really. I have scripts that I’ve written where the main characters are non-Indian… but I really didn’t set out to do it, it just happened. The Native art community is spread out… sometimes I wish Tulsa or OKC would try and attract Native artist to stay here in the state and work here but for the most part there is no center right now. As far as young contemporary native art goes. Oklahoma is in a unique position because it is home to something like 38 tribes… it could really be a hotbed of cutting edge native art. I’m very excited about the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum that’s being built in Oklahoma City.
I love your video collaboration with Sam Crain. Is that something you would like to do more of, or you just being a good friend?
I met Samantha at a show in Tulsa. I went up to her after the show and told her that I’d like to make videos for her. It was that simple. The friendship came later, once we started working together. She’s so talented and very Oklahoma. I loved her music from the moment I heard it. We just finished a video for her new album You (Understood) that’s being released pretty soon. We went down to Santa Fe and shot it (The song is called “Santa Fe”) in a day. I’m very proud of it.
Where should we be looking for your next project? Film / book / TV / internet . . . ?
I’m working on a few things. I am working on a TV project that I’m pretty excited about. I always put stuff on the internet (Like the New Moon Wolf Pack Auditions). And I’ve got a feature script that I’m working on. I’ve actually been wanting to do some audio documentary stuff for radio as well. Maybe a book? Who knows. I Just try to keep ‘em coming.
Lately, everybody has been talking about how cool it is to stay in Oklahoma and do something awesome, instead of moving away and doing awesome things elsewhere. Lauren took it a step farther. She moved to Oklahoma and decided to make it cooler just by being here. Then she opened Sonder Music, which is pretty cool, too.
Where are you from?
I was born back East in New Jersey and spent my childhood in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Some people think I’m from Boston because I did my undergraduate there.
What do you do?
I run the music/dance/art school Sonder Music, Dance & Art in Norman. We’re on Gray Street, which is a little lonely sometimes, but luckily Gray Owl Coffee just moved in next door!
We opened one year ago as Sonder Music, but the scope quickly expanded to a comprehensive arts school/multipurpose arts space. We’re now offering world dance classes for kids and adults, art classes for kids, as well as music lessons and classes. We have a lot of events too, including concerts and art openings.
Who or what do you use for inspiration?
Other people. I see all the cool things that people around me can do and I try to create programs that support them.
What artists do you respect right now?
I respect lots of artists, but in terms of community arts leadership in Norman, I especially respect Christian Pitt who runs Mainsite Gallery and is a vital force behind the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, and Marc Jensen, who created the Oklahoma Composer Association (http://oklahomacomposers.org) that has spawned a really cool series of concerts held in our space. They feature different composers and songwriters and the audience gets to ask the composers questions about their music.
What are you sick of?
Negativity. Most people around me are really positive, so negativity catches me by surprise and brings me down.
What music are you listening to recently?
My friend Allie made me a mix of hip-hop tracks that contained piano, keyboard, or organ samples and called it “The Keys of Hip Hop.”
What is your first creative memory?
I think that would be my imaginary friends when I was a kid. There were lots of them!
What is your favorite food/drank spot in Norman?
The Earth Cafe and Deli on campus corner. And Gray Owl Coffee!
Anything else?
I love Norman! It’s the coolest town ever.
It took me a while to find out about Olivia’s brilliant creative work, which just added to my amazement when I finally did. Her portfolio site is full of beautiful patterns, textile sculptures, sweaters, crocheted hats, and various other smart, fun things. Plus, apparently she has a pet pig, or maybe just likes taking photos with them. Either way, it’s awesome.
Where are you from?
Norman. OK.
What do you do?
Usually, I like to have multiple projects going at once, because I get bored or frustrated very easily. I have been trying to get back into drawing everyday especially from my head instead of reference. I guess I just make things out of whatever material and technique most accurately fits what I envision. I fund such endeavors by making delicious drinks at Gray Owl and decorating cookies at Cookies by Design.
Who or what do you use for inspiration?
Inspiration isn’t too hard to come by… I usually have an idea festering for a good long while before I ever attempt to execute. I like seeing what other people are doing and try to stay motivated and positive. “arting-around” ie. Making art with friends all night.
Nature is usually a safe bet.
What artists do you respect right now?
Forever the Clayton Brothers.
Jen Stark.
Williams
Mars-1
Albrect Durer.
Egon Schiele.
Frida Kahloe.
At Savannah College of Art and Design I met a lot of really motivated and amazingly talented artists such as: Lionel Williams (llionell.com), Erin Baird (bairdillustration.com), Alex Soto ( ), Daniel Farah, Jen Hallsley ( ), Anna Dewey-Greer ( ),
What are you sick of?
Don’t even get me started…
What music are you listening to recently?
The Dodos, Pixies, M. Ward, Portishead, and Bon Iver are keeping me focused. My lack of wireless internet at home is a mega music-dling buzz-kill. (anyone internet savvy and willing should probably come aid this situation. And yes, you will be compensated with cookies.)
What is your first creative memory?
In pre-school and kindergarten I got really into coloring-contests at grocery stores. It was boring just coloring in the lines so I started adding to the pictures with other drawings and collaging. I was ashooing.
I also did an arial perspective of a baby chick when I was three or four but I have only been told of this and do not specifically remember said chick.
What is your favorite food/drank spot in Norman?
food- Taco Stand in Bill’s Used Furniture parking lot. PORK TORTA SO GOOD!
drankin’- Blu…it’s $2.00 and I’m broke as shit.
Anything else?
Come to my group art show during the Norman Art Walk this February at Studio Zen on Asp.
There will be a Live paint (I haven’t painted in years so my apologies ahead of time) which should be really fun and all proceeds during the auction go to help Haiti (holy crap they need it!).
and there has been talk of a cash bar!
Mike is awesome. That’s about all there is to say. His portfolio site is here. It’s pretty cool, too.
Momentum has recently become kind of “the show” to see in Oklahoma. Featuring local artists under the age of thirty, it has provided a popular venue for young creatives to exhibit their work for the better part of a decade. Check it out this Friday and Saturday from eight to midnight at the Goodwill Warehouse in OKC. Ten bucks in advance and fifteen at the door.
I’ve been really diggin’ the fun stuff Bryce Tucker has been printing lately. He updates his Bot Blog pretty regularly. You should check it out.
Ten years ago the design scene in Oklahoma was somewhat bleak. Heck, four years ago, when I was a sophomore beginning my design classes, we were told to look to Dallas and Austin if we wanted to stay close to home and actually get a graphic design job. Want a paid design internship in the city? Nope. Nope.
Today is a different story thanks to fresh creatives who are choosing to stay in Oklahoma and cultivate something great. Foundry Collective gives me hope for the Oklahoma design state of affairs. Please check out their website, blog, and Twitter and marvel at their raw talent and impeccable style.
What is Foundry Collective?
An excuse for neither one of us to have a 9-5…
For the sake of public relations though, Foundry Collective is the collaboration between Scott Hill and Paul Wilkes for making pretty things. We bottom line it at making great and beautiful work that functions well. We’ve worked together on anything from campaigns to print pieces to photographs to events. We have a quite the passion for the film and music industry that shows through in a lot of our portfolio.
How long has Foundry Collective been around?
That’s a tough question…
It probably started in Intro to Ad/Design our sophomore year of college…or in 2007 at the Non’s release of Paper City when we joked about starting a business…or a year ago when we started working together on a bunch of projects…or 2010 when we just up and incorporated because we were working together full time on a number of contracts. We kicked it all off with the release of The Non’s sophomore album, Tadaima in January.
Do you have a favorite project that you have done so far?
It has to be a tie between two projects we’re currently working on, both campaigns. We’re working on an extensive campaign for Buffalofitz’s upcoming EP release of “The Belle of St. Louis” that includes a website, photography, release shows, album artwork, and the whole works to have a great album release. You can see the beginnings of it at www.belleofstlouis.com. The other is a custom campaign for Parsons Construction to help get the word out about the gorgeous work they do. We’re working on a documentary about his work with local cinematographer Andrew Patterson, new site, a line of shirts, and a number of other collateral pieces.
You know you’re in a cool line of work when you get really stoked for meetings because each meeting brings something new and exciting to the table.
What is your take on design in Oklahoma and Oklahoma in general?
We’re really excited about the state of Oklahoma’s creativity. I grew up in Dallas and Scott is from Tulsa. We both made the conscious decision to stay in Oklahoma. In doing so we also made the decision to contribute to the culture and life of Oklahoma by making things happen. At the end of the day it’s a bit of a mantra that we live by – Do. Cool. Stuff. Whether that’s throwing a music event this year or being a part of a festival or just creating things that people want to go to and be a part of. I was talking with another art director the other day and we had the conversation that if (Peter Drucker style) every business did their part to help the community around them then what a cool community we would have.
Oklahoma has a really great community and we’re excited to be a part of it. There’s this amazing feeling here that everyone is rooting for the success of the state and it’s culture. In all of my travels I haven’t seen that anywhere else. (that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist elsewhere but it’s prevalent here)
Dream Client?
Nickelback….a full rebrand. Seriously though, think about it. If we could somehow successfully make Nickelback cool….what couldn’t we do??
Advice for aspiring graphic designers/creatives?
Remember all those cool ideas that college classes cultivated? Find a way to translate those into the ‘real world’ and make them happen. Do whatever it takes. Don’t be afraid to be creative and don’t let anyone take that away from you.
For entrepreneurial creatives that jump off into self employment, don’t let it get you down. When you’re up it feels like you have the whole world and when you’re down it feels like you’ll never be up again. It’s a roller coaster of a ride but it’s worth every single minute of the experience. I’ve been on my own for 5 years now and it’s a killer place to be.
Chris Harris started Nice People last year, and has been releasing free songs on a podcast that is available here. He has also been recording with a few of my favorite bands lately, and even described one of these unreleased recordings to me as one of the best albums he has ever heard. Looking forward to it.
When did Nice People start?
The concept came together last summer. I didn’t grow up with the internet. I was one of the last generations to finish high school without any exposure to the internet. Having seen both sides of the line between that old world and the new internet world, it’s easy to see how remarkable the new access is. But, it’s also ballooned our bubbles into something that’s not at all like what we traditionally think of as a “community”. I’m all for “shooting for the stars”… But, it’s these little “communities” that we live and exist in every day. And, I want to expose the fact that you can have a wildly successful and enriched life by embracing the community that surrounds you. Nice People is about helping artists to recognize that right here at home, there’s a community of people who appreciate creative work, and who will get behind locals.
The reality is, you can work your ass off, day after day, schmoozing the right people, and wearing the right clothes, and chasing trending genres, and you still won’t have any better chance of major label success or worldwide celebrity than the band who writes good songs and catches some very lucky breaks. Why not focus on the smaller community where your hard work pays off and your schmoozing is less of a charade and more like just being engaged in your community? If the big time success of the next level is in the cards for you, you’re certainly not gonna hurt your chances by being a better ambassador for your local scene.
So, with the idea of shrinking my world to something more manageable and personal, I decided that I needed to do something to facilitate local artists getting their music into the ears of listeners. I just wanted to make it something that would maybe be a rallying point for people who care about local music. But, I also wanted to do it as an example that you don’t have to wait around for big labels to notice you. If you want to be on a label that’s respected by your peers, then go and start a label and earn your peers’ respect.
What have you been involved with in the past?
My main gig is recording. I love making and listening to records. I operate Hook Echo Sound out of Studio B at Bell Labs. I’ve also done a lot of live sound work at various venues around town. I’ve done a few tours as a sound engineer for Starlight Mints and Evangelicals. I’m kind of “retired” from live sound, unless it’s a band or a tour that I’m really excited to work for. I’ve also organized the Locals Only Series of shows for the last several years. I don’t get to throw those parties as often as I’d like. But, it’s something that’s still very important to me. And, I organized a local music compilation CD to raise money for The American Red Cross in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. That project was called Sometimes… Everybody’s Local. Half of the bands on it are broken up now. That’s the downside to doing a local comp. The upside, is that we raised a lot of money to help with relief efforts down in the Gulf Coast.
Who have you worked with so far?
Well, we haven’t done any physical releases yet. So far, we’ve been trying to build a name for Nice People by releasing quality singles, from great local bands, for FREE. I wanted to put them on iTunes… But, iTunes won’t let you give away songs for free. So, we went around that little restriction by creating a podcast. Instead of uploading a podcast episode, we simply upload an mp3 single. So, not only can you get it for free… But, you can also subscribe to the podcast and get all of the singles delivered automatically to your iTunes library, when you log in.
The Nice People Podcast currently features singles from Gentle Ghost, Feel Spectres, and my band, Depth & Current. We had a limited edition Holiday Single this year, which was a killer cover of Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Jeff Richardson (Locust Avenue) and Steven Drozd (Flaming Lips). The reason that it was “limited” is because it costs a lot of money to license a cover song for distribution. I paid for 1000 copies. We reached 1000 downloads on Christmas night! It was a Christmas miracle!!
What are some of your goals for the future?
Well, we’ve got some exciting new FREE releases coming up for the podcast. We should have something from Early Beat & Electric Primadonnas. Student Film is putting the finishing touches on an EP that will be released one-song-per-day on the podcast. We’re pretty excited about that.
We’ve got some physical releases coming up as well. Gentle Ghost is preparing to record for a full-length vinyl LP release sometime in the Spring. Feel Spectres are close to wrapping up recording for their first full-length CD release. And, when Scott Twitchell gets back from his Alaska adventure, Depth & Current will be recording for a 7″ vinyl release and a slew of free singles for the podcast.
What are your thoughts on the Oklahoma (and specifically Norman) music scene/community?
I love it! It’s not as simple as a singular “scene”…. There are so many little sub-scenes around here. And, that’s ok. You shouldn’t feel pressured to like or support something just because it’s local. But, trust me, whatever you like or whatever want to support, there are some cool local people doing it. Go seek them out and BECOME a part of the community. It’s really that easy. Wanna be part of the scene? MAKE YOURSELF part of the scene. Make friends. Be Nice People.
The Norman scene, or at least the part that I seem tied to, is really great! It’s filled with really nice, creative, intelligent, artistic people. The scene here is encouraging and inspiring. It changes a lot with the University here in town. But, one thing that seems to always stay the same is the nice people.
Bands to keep an eye out for in the future?
Hmmmm… Most of my exposure comes from bands that I work with. Copperheads are a really cool new garage punk band from OKC. They’re young. But, they’ve got their heads on straight and they’re doing fun, cool stuff. Mickey Reece has got a new band in the works. Last I heard, they were gonna be called Gangstarr Museum or something like that. I think that The Mean Spirits are gonna end up surprising a lot of people. They seem to make huge progressions every time I see them. Trent’s working with a band called Deerpeople that I really love. There are a lot more. I could talk all day long about bands that excite me. And, if you meet me at a show, or someplace around town, I probably will!