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Our Original Collaborative Dream
Perception is a collection of writing, drawing, and photography by various artists demonstrating the power of art to challenge a person’s perceptions on different subjects. Why was this an important collection for you to put together?
In my junior year of college many of the writers of “Perception” including myself published our poems within “The Grackle”, Chestnut Hill College’s literary magazine and were a part of the Poetry Club. In a small college everyone typically cross paths in one facet or another – mainly our paths all crossed at the open mic spoken word poetry events we held on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights. We would at times have up to a hundred people sitting in attendance to enjoy the ambiance or to read a piece they wrote.
When I returned from winter break of junior year I decided to gather a collection of my best poems at the time. While I was putting the collection together and editing them to be publication prepared I started to think it would be a wonderful idea to put together an anthology of some of my friends poetry collections who I’ve interacted with in the poetry club and open mic nights. I selected fourteen writers, including myself, altogether to participate in the anthology: J. A. McGovern, K. G. McLaughlin, Alex Garcia, Kairi Suswell, Nicholas Raspanti, Zachary Grubb, Marcus A. Hayes, R. S. Flores-Drennen, Yannick Wallace, Ashley Lynn Pavone, Christopher Dunn, Jr., Zander Donaldson Calomeni Tippett, Colleen Laura Tozer, and Ariama Long.
After I found my team of writers I realized this anthology could be truly special to not only represent writing: poetry, prose, song lyrics, and short stories – I found an illustrator, Christopher Lee, and photographer, Keaton Shane Nahan, to participate.
While I was handling the details of searching and finding a publisher and after finding one creating the book layouts and finding an editor to clean up the illustrations; I told my team to only focus on their work and gather the best collection of all their pieces they had or were creating for the anthology by the publisher deadline.
I selected the members of this team very carefully, I had a vision when describing what the message of the anthology would contain – there are no boundaries to art, only the ones created within our minds. Every artist within this collection, I had up to that point in putting together the team: many different conversations, listened to their work at open mic nights, read each other’s work to provide feedback, and looked through all the illustrations and photography ahead of time. I was systematically building a diverse team coming from even further diverse backgrounds with each artist creating work differently from one another. I wanted to create a project which could lead not only to discussions from all the different themes presented within the anthology but at least one piece would speak to the reader: bring joy and laughter, sorrowful tears, help with an issue they may be experiencing, or possibly inspire them. Every artist I informed there wasn’t a particular theme, each artist had their own creative space within the anthology and used their creative liberties to write, draw, and photograph whatever they desired. There wasn’t a selection process, whatever they wanted to put in the book to express themself creatively I completely supported and through this method I believe we were able to express ourselves best and provide the audience our best work.
Along with the purpose of reaching a vast audience with the project, the most important purpose for creating “Perception” is every artist in this anthology was a friend to each other and I wanted to create a moment in time, after years pass and when each artist picks up this book they will smile and reflect to a special project they created. I’m honored and privileged to be published along side every artist within “Perception” – and to see the project finding an audience and receiving recognition is fulfilling to our original collaborative dream.
With so many different contributors to this project, what was the collaboration process like?
The collaboration process between the team of artists is similar to every collaboration process with a group of people. I knew working with the publisher would be very tedious and at times frustrating to achieve the project exactly how I envisioned it – it was. I probably edited through twenty different rounds of proofs through the two to three year process but overall I was able to keep intact the original creative vision and obtain exactly how I wanted the anthology to appear.
Also, at the time I understood how a long and arduous process such as this can be discouraging for people, even creatives, which is why I took that aspect on. Since this was a self-published anthology the issue of money can typically come into play. I was happy to see with an evenly distributed full cost, there were no issues, everyone paid their portion in a timely manner.
Team interactions with each individual artist I didn’t see any serious issues, a couple meetings to keep us on track with deadlines but that was about it. I believe there weren’t many issues in collaboration at the time because we were all working through school: classes, activities, and part-time jobs – while simultaneously working on all our individual collections of work for the project. There wasn’t much time for difficulties between each other. It’s refreshing when projects work out in the long run with minimal issues.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Since there were no specific ideas or themes for the anthology and all of the artists expressed creatively any theme they wanted I feel it was a wonderful way of not only expressing different points of views on shared themes between the different artists but touched on a variety of themes. I’m an advocator in reference to any artist creating they maintain their creative liberties and don’t change anything for the sake of an audience, benefactor, or feedback with the only exception being if the artist takes the feedback to heart reflecting and decides to alter the work with purpose. In reference to themes within “Perception” when I had the first set of proofs all put together and it was my first time reading through each artist’s section and I was happy to see universal themes: Love, Peace, Racism, War, Inspiration – what I most enjoyed was seeing the different depictions of the themes where they began to cross into intertwined themes which made very interesting reads. Also, I found another aspect I most enjoyed even flipping briefly through the pages to reflect on this particular moment in time – the styles of each piece, which was wonderfully noted within the review of the anthology, are not similar between any of the writers, photographer, or illustrator. I believe we all did a wonderful job, whether intentional or not, creating a completely original concept – I’m most proud of this accomplishment.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers will take away from “Perception” there are no boundaries to the concept of art, only the walls within our minds. Allow an artist to work and create to their desires and expectations and don’t dictate what an artist is creating – the results and originality of the creation will always surpass if allowed to be created only through the artist(s) vision. I truly hope “Perception” inspires people to create for themselves and believe in their work strongly enough to find the inner courage within themselves to share with the world their personal endeavors and expression.
A group of sixteen artists, of various walks of life with even more different perspectives within the concept of art, came together overcoming struggles and defiance and published their first book, “Perception”, together, not only as friends but as an artistic family. They will be remembered.
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | IMBD
Perception
Perception is an enjoyable collection of poetry written by multiple authors, which includes different forms and styles for every reader’s preference. Each author has their own section with a dedication page that precedes their poetry. A collection of drawings and photographs from different artists are scattered throughout its pages incorporating the different ways poets and artists perceive life. Its concluding pages contain a meet the authors and artists section. Written from a college-age perspective, this poetic and artistic compilation makes for a pleasurable read.
The collection of poems contains a variety of styles of poetry which is perfect for those looking for an unpredictable read. The writing differs in style, which is a pleasant surprise as no two poems are identical. Each author has several intriguing poems that are worth reading, especially for those who have a great appreciation for art. I appreciated that the compilation of poems contains the perspectives of both male and female writers making this a diverse read.
One of my favorite poems is titled Euphoria, I felt that the author perfectly described what it means to be in a state of euphoria, and I felt at peace while reading this poem. I appreciated that at the end of each poem, the author’s name was placed so that we know who the writer of a specific poem is. In the introduction, the author shares with the reader, “Our work is meant to be seen, collected, discarded, diagnosed, broken down, analyzed, criticized, admired, hated, discussed, etc.” This sentence stood out to me because I can feel each author’s sense of pride and accomplishment for their work. The images included in the poems are an excellent touch, as some were humorous, and others were a piece of art. At the end of the collection is a Meet the Poets/Artists section which I felt was an excellent way to connect with the authors, and I enjoyed reading a little about them.
Perception is a creative collection of distinct pieces of work from authors who are humble, creative, and unique. I highly recommend this book to those studying art or poetry or who want to enjoy a fantastic art collection.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 1456763016
Life Is A Grand Adventure
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art is a unique blend of memoir, cookbook, and artwork that all combine to tell the story of your marriage and life together. Why was this an important book to create?
John is an artist. I am a writer and an art historian. Our mutual love of good food and wine initially played a role in bringing us together and it has continued to be a mutual passion for more than sixty years! So, our collaboration on “The Kitchen and the Studio” is a true legacy of our life together throughout all the places we’ve been and the people we’ve known. It’s been a constant anchor for us through good times and bad and has sustained our love of life and of each other.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In the first part of the book, I wrote about one of. our visits to John’s artist friends, Bill brown and Paul Wonner. I had just finished my sophomore year at U.C. and was pondering what direction to go. Should I stay a fine art major or move more toward art history? I had a long conversation with Bill and at the end he told me, “The most important thing is to live the artist’s life.” For a long time I tried to figure out what he meant. What did you have to do to “live the artist’s life?” I finally realized that he was telling me to “open my eyes and see what was there.” And to build my life one stroke at a time, as an artist would create a painting. Our LIFE was meant to be a work of art and we needed to approach it with care and delight and make it as beautiful and as significant as possible. That’s the message imbedded in our book. “Live the artist’s life” and make your LIFE a work of art. And always remember that an artist can take humble materials and transform them into something beautiful and unique. Just as you can with food.
If you had to pick one recipe for your readers to try from your book, what one would it be and why?
I think I’d choose John’s Crab Louie for two reasons. 1. It was the “beginning” of our mutual love affair with food (and with each other) and 2. Even if you’re not a meat-eater, you can enjoy this wonderful mix of fresh vegetables ad seafood. Or even leave the seafood out and enjoy it as a lovely salad. It’s pretty, it’s delicious and it’s healthy. Great combination!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Life is a grand adventure. Accept. Learn. Experiment. Enjoy. You don’t need lots of money or expensive surroundings to create a beautiful and meaningful life. Find out what/who you love and let that be your guide. By following the path, you will co-create your destiny.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
“The Kitchen and the Studio: A Memoir of Food and Art” is a cookbook, an art book, a memoir, and a love story. Artist John A. O’Connor and Art Historian Mallory M. O’Connor met at the University of California, Davis, in 1962. They were married in January 1963. From the beginning, they shared a passion for good food and wine that has continued for over sixty years.
This book is both a memoir of their life together as artists and teachers and a collection of the special celebrations that they shared with a wide variety of guests over the years. The book includes more than one hundred recipes from their collection, each illustrated with John’s original paintings. Every occasion has a story to tell about a time and a place when friends and family came together to share their lives, their passions, and their daily bread.
In this unique love story of a creative couple who have always “lived the artist’s life,” John and Mallory O’Connor share their favorite special occasions and recipes along with the places and the people who made them memorable.
Empower Their Unique Purpose
The Unstoppable Artist: Discovering the Artist Inside Yourself is a step-bystep guide to help artists reconnect with their passion for art and create art that speaks to their souls. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was an art instructor for over 30 years. Students would ask me for specific ways that they thought I could help them, and to the best of my ability, I did. After a while, it became apparent to me that what many of them were really asking for, was to achieve the feeling inside that they really were an artist, not an imposter.
After looking at other art instruction books, I felt that the artist could be better served by empowering inspiration and motivation before expecting the student to spend the time required for skill development.
My message is holistic and/or alchemical because achieving a high level of personal creativity is the result of a vision that their life is a weaving of many elements which combined contain the potentiality to empower their unique purpose.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I really believe that a fresh start with a new direction is possible for any artist who feels that they have reached their peak or have become frustrated with trying and failing to achieve a perceived success.
I am passionate about inspiring beginning artists to see themselves as potential super-heroes, using their talents to change the world.
I hope to encourage artists to explore the variety of ways which their myriad of talents can be combined, so that they can have alternate streams of income.
Fears and anxiety are normal for all people, but for the artist who has such potential beyond themselves, it is critically important to recognize that their creative blocks can be looked at honestly and then released.
I hope to encourage multiple skillset exploration because just like the inside matrix, artistic development benefits from thinking alchemically.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
That even if I didn’t go to college, I could still be an equally valuable and valid artist. I was handicapped by a messaging of traditional educational hierarchy, which was impossible for me to achieve. Even now, I notice and fight my tendency to compare myself less favorably than those artists with higher education and degrees. It’s the old excuses, the “Yah-But’s” that still occasionally make their presence felt, that prevented me from fully developing my artistic self much earlier in life.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I would love to inspire readers to see and feel the depth of their creative potential; to recognize that their unique creative skills woven together with their highest aspirations can become an unstoppable empowering force to affect change in the world.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
In The Unstoppable Artist, author Barbara L. McCulloch guides you through step-by-step projects to empower you on your journey as an inspired, creative artist. Part one helps ignite your deepest passion and opens the door to growth through inspirational stories, exploring possibilities, releasing creative blocks, and projects to discover your higher purpose and empower your artistic journey.
Part two gives you an experience of creating unique art. It offers projects designed to guide you forward with confidence to develop drawing and painting skills, design strong engaging art, master color schemes to create a powerful mood, and explore techniques to develop your personal creative expression.
Through the contributions of ten artists, The Unstoppable Artist shows eight discovery projects, forty-seven skills projects, nineteen study examples, and forty-one illustrations to transform you from stuck to unstoppable, from dreaming to doing, and from craving to creating.
The Kitchen and the Studio
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art by Mallory M. and John A. O’Connor is an alluring read. As the title implies, it combines a cookbook, an art book, and a memoir detailing the couple’s long and storied marriage. These elements are expertly blended to form a book that contemplates love, family, friendship, and the meals that bring us together.
We follow Mallory and John from their first meeting in a UC Davis art class in 1960 through moves, career changes, and heartaches over the next 60-plus years of their life together. Along the way, they share stories of the fascinating people they befriended and, of course, the food they shared with those people.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with stunning landscapes and still-lifes peppered throughout, along with photos and documents from the couples’ prosperous lives. Much of the art is by the co-author himself, though there are also some lovely pieces by the couple’s many friends in the field. I thought it was a nice detail that, rather than photos, many of the recipes are accompanied by paintings of the dish in question, bringing a personal touch you don’t often see in recipe books.
As someone interested in food history, this book was a fascinating resource. Coming from the perspective of one couple and how food has been a part of their own story and journey over the past 60 years, it tells a very personal story. In addition, the authors made sure to include some historical background for many of the dishes, which was incredibly enlightening.
The recipes sound delicious and include some more exotic ingredients that the standard household may not always have in stock. Readers may have to make adjustments when attempting to replicate these menus to take into account ingredient availability. This is one area I would have loved to have seen in this book, some substitution options for hard-to-find ingredients, just to make the dishes more accessible. That aside, this collection offers readers a chance to expand their cooking repertoire and experience something they might not have thought of trying. The authors have included in this informative book some helpful resources for those looking to experience the dishes for themselves, including a wine list and some information on small businesses that make quality ingredients.
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art is a highly original presentation of food history and personal memoirs. The authors clearly have enjoyed their life together and share their passion for cooking with friends and family. The stunning artwork and poignant reflections make it an unforgettable read.
Pages 412
The Unstoppable Artist
The Unstoppable Artist by Barbara L. McCulloch is a detailed guide that will help readers find purpose, meaning and creativity in their art. The author discusses how many artists get stuck creating “art” for money. Being an experienced successful artist, she explains how to make art speak to your soul while still making money. She puts her readers through a series of exercises that will help them discover their own signature style using an artist medium they are most comfortable working with. By creating a unique style, it will speak to an audience that is willing to buy their pieces and add meaning to their life.
The author does a great job of assigning projects that give artists a way to free themselves of the struggles of making art and just focus on the joy of creating pieces that speak to one’s soul. She does this through the use of projects which teach practical techniques on how to work with various mediums as well as discusses the proper tools to have to create the best art one can, therefore creating art that appeals to an audience.
This is a fantastic resource for artists. I would’ve liked a little more elaboration on how to sell my art as what was given was useful and I thought a bit more information would help me understand better. I enjoyed the various projects that it offered because I felt like every bit of it was designed to inspire creativity. I certainly walked away from this book feeling like I was a better artist.
The author’s passion for art shines throughout the book, which I expected, but I didn’t expect to also feel how passionate the author was about educating others, which was key to me fully embracing the lessons. The Unstoppable Artist is a critical resource for budding artists, or anyone looking to develop their skills and take them to the next level.
Pages: 179 | ASIN: B0B62XQYYT
ACTing Now: A New Approach to the Old Techniques of Acting
ACTing Now by Norman B. Schwartz is an enlightening book that provides guidance that will help actors prepare for the demands of the contemporary acting world. The content of this book provides advice on topics beyond acting and includes areas such as commercials, film, and even television. The techniques highlighted in this book are not mere postulations and conjectures as Norman Schwartz has experience as an actor, director, film editor, and teacher of creative writing and he brings that experience to bear in this informative book and shares key principles that will help budding actors get and keep an acting job.
The chapters of this book are grouped into three parts – Acting Then, Acting Now, and Acting Next. This organization is essential as it helps guide the reader, and future actor, on what acting used to be, what it is today, and what it will be in the future. Beyond the keen insights, I enjoyed the historical evolution shared here.
In Acting Then, Schwartz covers some of the techniques that theater actors used as far back as the 1920s such as the Strasberg method which leaned on some of Stanislavski’s writings. Stanislavski is one of the first to offer formal training in theater acting. When the first generation who studied at the American Laboratory Theatre began their study of acting, they also based their variations on the Stanislavski system.
Thus, the system evolved to the present form where there is little accommodation for improvisation to performing monologue exercises, being mindful of camera angles and self-taping. Schwartz covers all these old techniques and suggests new ones that embrace the old ones but also better prepares the actor for the new reality of modern acting with lots of multimedia coverage.
One of the outstanding qualities of this book is that it is as expository as it is suggestive. It focuses on the history that has driven acting to where it is today. For instance, Stella Adler’s disagreement with Strasberg’s methods and teaching of tapping into emotions from one’s personal life as opposed to one’s imagination helps one glean some lessons on how best to trigger an emotional response while on stage.
ACTing Now is a must read book for any aspiring actor as it contains actionable advice that can help their career. This is an illuminating book that will also appeal to performing art students who are interested in the evolution of acting and the industry.
Pages: 163 | ASIN: B0BFPP1N2S
Obadiah Hunter Art
Obadiah Hunter Art by Obadiah Hunter is a heartfelt and humorous recount of his life as an artist and a globe trotter. It begins in New England, where Obadiah spent his teenage years, recounting the moment he decided he wanted to paint for the rest of his life. Traveling fifty countries, from the ‘90s to the ‘10s, Obadiah carries his few belongings, his paints, and a vision that inspires kindness and curiosity in the people he meets. He dwells on the struggles, such as the time he slept in a capsized boat, and the highlights, like meeting his wife. He even injects little bits of humor, like the time a gang of kids ambushed him with water guns. Mr. Hunter’s book was a relaxing and heartwarming read.
I found myself smiling at the bits and pieces of ordinary life that Obadiah Hunter injected into his story. He writes conversationally, taking readers on the journey with him, always making sure to return to those moments that made the greatest impact on him. I found myself getting lost at times, realizing that the story wasn’t necessarily told in chronological order. At times the memories could be prosaic—rundown showers and the meal he had at a bar, but these are grounding features that allow the reader to connect with the author and understand that this is not all about grandiose adventures; sometimes the beauty is in the humdrum of life. I stuck around for the ride, seeing the world through his eyes and imagining these exotic countries I haven’t had the privilege of seeing yet.
My favorite painting was his Luang Praband Waterfall from Laos. His landscape scenes are exquisite. Particularly, I found myself enthralled with the Laos and Sonoma landscapes later in the book. There’s a scene for everyone in this book. Whether you read memoirs, art books, or want a conversation starter for your living room, The Stories and Plein Air Paintings of a Globe-Trotting Traveler is an excellent art memoir.
Pages: 126 | ASIN: B0B8JX7YDY
LITERARY TITAN 