Book Review: "Voices Of Women Artists" by Wendy Slatkin

BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez





"Voices Of Women Artists"

by Wendy Slatkin


Even in today's day and age, unfortunetly, the arts are still a male dominated field. Those bastards. Oh, do I sound bitter? That is because I am. I am a solitary practicing Guerrilla Girl. That's how we do.


I was given this book YEARS ago by an artist friend of mine. She had forewarned me it was more of a textbook. I didn't realize how textbook it was until I recently read it, (which I dragged out, and took me a few months). Disclaimer: this book is for SERIOUS art students, artists, and art aficionados. If you are not, do not even bother. A shame such a fascinating subject that is basically my life wasn't written interestingly enough. Well, not for me, anyways. I believe this is one of the reasons people stop reading after school, be it highschool, college, or whatever. Text books are BORING. Can't text book writers spice it up just a bit? How can you expect to keep students interested and really learn somethin' if they are nodding off on chapter 18 or pressing pause on their reading assignment to log on to Facebook?


After growing up around art all my life, I believe it is just downright shameful that most of the women in this book I had never heard of. Some of them I related to, some I didn't. I'm almost embarrased to say that most of my artistic influences growing up were from mostly male artists. I feel now that may have been different if I had been exposed to more female artists. I think a lot of the turn off was that many of the female artists/art shown to me I considered to be more of the "girly" arts, if that makes any sense. Such things like the fabric arts, quilting, knitting, all that folky stuff which back then I considered to be "not real art". Art that apparently has always been deemed okay for women to do. Of course, today that has changed, and over the years I've developed a true appreciation for all of that and realized the importance of it.





I realize the type of art I'm more known for would be considered stepping into male art territory. There is NO daintiness about my work. This ain't no macrame. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) It's the rough, raw, brut shit. I'm okay with that. I also notice it's usually more popular with a certain type of female base. Guys are usually alright with it. Those that aren't afraid of it, anyway.


A couple of artshows that were a HUGE influence on me as a woman and an artist were the infamous "Bad Girls" (Part 1 and 2) art exhibits at my favorite museum, the New Museum Of Contemporary Art in New York City. Look it up, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Exhibits like that, and the popularity of artists like Frida Kahlo because of the feature film and such help us tremendously. That is the only major motion picture of a female artist that I can remember.


As women artists, we have definitely come a long way. It's so appalling the bullshit that women went through back in the day just to be artists, to do what they love. Many times while reading the book, I'd find myself yelling out loud, "Geez, just let the woman fucking paint!"





I did learn much about these wonderful artists I read about. That's why with this mixed review, I give it a mixed rating. As a just reading for fun book, I give it two stars. As a text book, I give it three stars.


To focus more on the positive, I'll let the artists from the book do that in their own words. There are MANY great quotes, but here are a couple of my favorite ones:


Janet Scudder, sculptor (1869-1940), arguing with a local politician regarding her rejecting an offer from the city to make a sculpture:


"I won't add to this obsession of male egotism that is ruining every city in the United States with rows of hideous statues of men--men--men--each one uglier than the other- standing, sitting, riding horseback- every one of them pompously convinced that he is decorating the landscape!"

I LOVE that.


Louise Nevelson, sculptor (1889- 1988), on women artists:


"No one has a monopoly on creativity. I never recognized that whoever created humans gave a brain only to one sex or the other. I never recognized that distinction. It seems to me that I was quite sure I was born this way, and I wanted to live my life as I understood it. I was so absorbed into what I was doing, the creative problems, that at the time I wasn't so aware of that kind of prejudice".


This was exactly my mentality growing up.


So yes, we've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. What else is new, right? Oh well, we just keep trekking along.

Book Review: "Vincent Van Gogh" by Marc Edo Tralbaut

BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez

"VINCENT VAN GOGH"

by Marc Edo Tralbaut






Years ago I was inspired to make a mold of my ear and slap it on a piece of cardboard with a splash of red paint. Thus was my first tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. The overall reaction I recieved was, needless to say, less than enthusiastic and understanding. "That's disgusting!", "What the hell is that?", "What's wrong with you?" This heartwarming response to my sincere gesture to one of my all time favorite art heroes made me truly realize two things: 1- Vincent was right all along, people just don't understand. 2- Everybody's a critic.



Almost a decade ago there was a little used book shop on the main street in town that lasted about eight months. My then girlfriend happened to walk in one day, and stumbled across a huge, studio book on Van Gogh. This book, it turns out, worth over forty bucks, she practically stole it for a mere twelve dollars, and gave it as a gift, to me. Since then, it's been moved around a lot, mostly sitting around my art studio collecting quite a distinct moldy, dusty, basementy, type of scent. For some reason lately, I was moved enough, which I haven't been since MY "ear" incident, to dive once again into the world of Vincent. I knew this time, he would be in my life for good, and there would be no turning back...



This book has to be the most comprehensive book ever written on Van Gogh, and from what I understand Marc Edo Tralbaut is supposed to be the biggest authority on the artist. It was first published in 1969, at a time when certain people in Vincent's life were still alive. Of course, they were all about 100 years old when interviewed by Tralbaut, even still, it's amazing to hear first hand accounts of their stories regarding their interaction with the actual legend.


That combined with a preface written by Van Gogh's own nephew, name sake, and President of the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation makes this a truly unique literary masterpiece that can never be duplicated in any way.








This treasure also contains many other jewels for the hard-core Van Gogh fanatic. Of course, one being a large, studio book it contains tons of great pictures of his work, photographs, sketches, and plenty more illustrating his upbringing and travels. I'm not kidding when I say this book is big. It can probably be registered as a lethal weapon in most states.


Especially from an artist's perspective, as part of the illustrated segment of the book, I found it particularly delightful that they included real photographs of places where Van Gogh placed his easel to paint certain works of art. They position them side by side so you can see the actual locations.


Another plus is all throughout the book, you can read Vincent's own words through his letters to his brother Theo, whom apparently he used as a living journal. You gain a true appreciation of Van Gogh's sister-in-law, Johanna Van Gogh-Bonger and Vincent's nephew for saving and preserving all the correspondence that guides us into who the artist was.


The book takes you on a journey from his childhood to his inevitable final act, and all the beauty he created in between. For two weeks while absorbing his entire life, I dreaded reading the last chapter, knowing what was coming, and experienced my own mourning when I was done.









Many eye opening myth busters are also included, such as about the whole ear thing, about his three kinds of "crazy", among others. He apparently really was one of the most missunderstood of our time.


I've been so touched by this book I've decided to do my first solo art exhibit in almost five years. I'm calling it "Starry Nights In Allentown: A Tribute To Vincent Van Gogh", in which I am creating modern day, urban interpretations of his paintings. This is set for the end of February of 2010.


This "mad man" genius I have accepted as my Guardian Angel. This book has changed my life. Artistically and personally. I've always felt a connection but now more than ever doing my own independent study has really opened up a whole new world for me. It was more than just reading a book, it was a destination.













BONUS BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez


"THE ESSENTIAL VINCENT VAN GOGH"

by Ingrid Schaffner








Go to your local museum or certain galleries and you'll most likely find at least one of the "Essential" books on some artist. Apparently this series was created some time ago featuring a number of famous artists for people to get their favorite artist in a nut shell.


One of my fellow Book Sluts, (book club friend), lent it to me during our last meeting, seeing that I was still on the high of my Vincent book.


In one night, this book immediately followed my above Van Gogh big book experience so of course it felt like cliff notes for that one. I thought to myself, "Oh, how cute, it's like a 'mini-me' of the one I just read." After lugging the above noted book all over the place, this one was like carrying a little feather around.


For all art fans out there, who would like to know more about your favorites artists but don't necessarily need or want an entire 101 course on them, this series is for you.


What I liked about this particular one on Van Gogh was that it actually includes a few pictures of his work my big book doesn't, which at first I found hard to believe. I've already used it for one of my own pieces.


As I go through more "Essential" books from the series, I'll get into more of it's features that come with each book.


This series is also a good way to know which artist you really relate or connect to, personally or artistically, which can help you decide if you would like to study a particular one further.


You never know. One of these little, portable, books can definitely lead to bigger, and better things later on.













(SIDENOTE: A little announcement. I'll be guest blogging on other sites now as well as being a "regular" here. I'll post which ones they are on my staff profile at Lesbiatopia.)

Art Review: Francis Bacon at the Met, NYC

This is my first art review...

ART REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez

FRANCIS BACON AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NYC
A Centenary Retrospective May 20, 2009–August 16, 2009




I have discovered a new kindred spirit. Francis Bacon. The painter, that is. Not SIR Francis Bacon, the philosopher/politician/scientist. I used to confuse the two. I was never really a fan of Bacon. Now I'm hooked. I learned of his latest exhibit during my New York City stay last week through an art magazine I happened to pick up at the hotel. "Gallery & Studio: The World of the Working Artist". "Monster Master" by Ed McCormack, who was one of the original writers for "Interview", Andy Warhol's magazine.

Francis Bacon, 1909-1992, was a European figurative painter. His artwork was known (and at times notorious) for being controversial, bold, homoerotic, violent and nightmarish. Like alot of artists he had it rough growing up, in a very conservative household, in extremely conservative times and an abusive father. Also being gay did not help his situation either, especially in a time and place when and where homosexuality was illegal. At one point, he even worked as a "gentlemen's escort" to get by.





When I go to experience a major exhibit, I usually prefer to go alone. That way I know I can take my time, read EVERYTHING, and just stroll around with my little audio tour head phones. It takes me HOURS to go through one of these, and I love every minute of it. In this particular one I happened to be wearing my "QUEER." t-shirt. I thought of how lucky I was to be able to do that, because I know he couldn't.

I felt a serious connection with the artist in several ways. Many people see his art as twisted and morbid. I say there is nothing wrong with that, it's reality. I understood where he was coming from with his themes of mortality, death, and anti-religious tones in his work. His "deforming and reforming" portraits of individuals.





I always get such a kick out of the audio tours. I believe people really miss out on alot of little things when they don't take advantage of those. Most of the time you can hear some interview, and having the actual artist's voice in your ear while looking around can truly add a whole new dimension to the experience. It's like having their ghost walk around with you.

I found myself laughing out loud a bit at some parts of the audio tour. One painting of a dog on the sidewalk gazing at some gutter, the artist says that he was inpired for that piece by a pile of dog shit he saw one time on the curb. "That's what it's all about..." he said. Deep. Another part mentions how he had created some famous triptych "while he was drunk". Duh. What artist hasn't or doesn't do that?




The exhibit is of course divided into certain sections, earlier work, later work, portraits, abstracts, and so on. My favorite pieces were all the "crucifix" ones involving hanging slabs of beef you would find at the butcher shop and the twisted portraits of the pope with his signature open, gaping, mouths. I love the fact that he was able to get away with this stuff at that time. Apparently, he was pretty obsessed with collecting tons of photos, particularly dark themes, such as crime scenes, butcher shops, and Nazi propaganda.





My other favorite part of the show was the room where they had on display covering one entire wall, a life-size photograph of his studio. I did a double take when I saw it because I had felt like I just stepped back into my own art studio. It was amazing. It was such a wreck. Stuff all over the place, paint and other supplies, papers, cardboard, all kinds of junk. I had never seen another space that looked like mine. I wasn't alone. All the constant shit I get about my little dungeon didn't seem to matter, anymore. There are some great interview videos out there with the artist, in which he states, "...it's a dump. No one else would want it, but I can work here...", "...chaos for me breeds images...". He UNDERSTOOD. He got it. Being self-taught, when asked if he went to art school, he says, "No, thank God. I would've been taught techniques I don't want to know." It's interesting how they had in that same room little "artifacts" from his studio under glass, some that were probably just crap laying around. Of course, people always seem to have the need to analyze every little thing. Sometimes, though, a Snickers candy bar wrapper is just that. It's like, "Ooh, maybe this was some type of commentary on society". No. Sometimes the artist just gets hungry. The end.




In order to appreciate this type of exhibit, you need to drop all pre-conceived notions on what art is supposed to be, and open yourself up to the possibility that not all art is meant to be "pretty". Some of the best art ever created is very dark.

The Adventures of a Community Curator

THE ADVENTURES OF A COMMUNITY CURATOR

by Cynthia Rodriguez

" I agree that contemporary art may not be simple to understand, but if it is presented in the right way people can enjoy a lot. "
~David Elliott






Artists are a pain in the ass. I should know, I AM one (both). When you are a curator for distinguished places such as the Guggenheim or the Whitney, you get paid big bucks, have a big budget to work with, and all the prestige and respect in the world.

When you're a political, community curator like me, there's no pay involved, and you have a small budget to work with (usually your own). It's a thankless (until people praise you at the opening reception for a "great job"), stressful job.


The literal definition of curator is "someone who has care of or superintendence of something such as an exhibit". The actual definition is true. All of a sudden, you become guidance counselor, babysitter, and whip cracking task master, among other titles. Preparing for the art opening itself is nerve wrecking enough, much less being "master of ceremonies" throughout the evening.

Everybody's issues come out of the wood work when I work with them on a show. Suddenly, I get to know more about these artist's lives than I would really like to know. I mean, it's not that I don't care, but c'mon. Do I really need to constantly hear about your dysfunctional relationships, three part time jobs, your physical ailments, mental issues, substance abuse issues, your nomadic existence, your philosophy on life and your dying cat?

All the while, I'm just thinking, "Okay, so...are you working on your piece?"






Deadlines. In general, I don't believe that artists grasp the idea of deadlines. They seem almost phobic of the word. Submitting their information, dropping off and picking up artwork seem to be a foreign concept. Some actually get extreme anxiety from it all. I attempt to explain it's supposed to be fun, a creative outlet, sharing their talents with the world, and a way to express how the individual feels about a particular political subject.


I feel that working at an art gallery for seven years taught me everything I need to know to run a gallery and put some decent shows together. I believe that would be considered an "apprenticeship". Something that really doesn't exist anymore. I began as a volunteer, then a member, then a resident, then Assistant Director. People go to school and become art majors to learn the things I did. I feel very blessed and lucky to have had the hands-on education I did. I may not have an art degree, and I know I am considered to be one of the "self-taught" artists. I may not be Mary Boone, but I believe I can hold my own.

The few solo art shows I've done is when I concentrate on my light, fluffy, fun side. The "softer side of Sears" so to speak. They are very personal and allow me to share with the audience certain facets of me they probably wouldn't see otherwise.

When I do any genuine curating is when I do the group shows. When it's myself and certain other local artists in the neighborhood. When this happens, I ONLY stick to political themes, basically anything I feel that is relevant to the community, and the times.





Over the years I've curated art exhibits dealing with issues such as women's empowerment, domestic violence, the sensation of the media, the pro-choice movement, gay issues, and the homelessness and mortgage crisis. To me, an endeavour like a group art exhibit is not worth doing if it's not not dealing with an important topic.


It's better than just sitting around, bitching and moaning about certain issues, and putting it out there for the world to see, and help create an awareness about them, and hopefully contribute to changing the world in your own creative way.
















" The educator and the public need to have an opportunity to discuss why certain art is important. "
~David Elliott

"Queer." You've been recruited.

"QUEER."

you've been recruited.

by Cynthia Rodriguez







This year so far has been a good gay year in certain ways. In an enlightening way, almost in a spiritual way, in the gay sense. No, I am not becoming a Scientologist. I already went through my L. Ron Hubbard phase back in the day. I guess it's a new level of gayness, if that makes sense at all.





It all began towards the end of last year, when I participated in a local rally for the whole "FIGHT PROP8" ordeal. Then later that year I went to see "MILK" with a group of people, and acquired a new hero. Then this year at the same theatre went with the same group of people again to see "Execution of Justice", a play that followed the trial of Harvey Milk's killer after his assasination. Watched the premiere of "Prayers for Bobby" on Lifetime television. Attended the annual, local, Oscar party for the 4th year in a row (as you know, that is the "gay super bowl"), and won a "Milk" movie poster, which is at my art studio.





In the spring of this year I curated a month-long, group, political art show in Philadelphia called "QUEER."


It consisted of several mediums of art dealing with a range of issues from sexual identity to hate crimes. Included in the exhibit was a temporary installation piece I created just for the duration of the show. It was my version of a replica of the Matthew Shephard crime scene.










I'm glad I did this show when I did. After all these years of being out and about in the scene, I guess I was ready to put something like this together. It was the accumulation of familiarity in the gay movement, and of being "in the life". Relationships, clubbing, drag shows, performances, benefits, a diverse, endless amount of experiences relating to this matter. Not saying that I'm a "gay authority" so to speak, but honestly, yes, I feel that I am by now.


Like any other political theme I've dealt with in exhibits, it never fails to be an eye-opening glimpse into how far I've come regarding the subject, and how much work is left to be done, in the activist's sense, and in a personal way.

The Underworld Art Studio: An Urban Legend

THE UNDERWORLD ART STUDIO

by Cynthia Rodriguez

Greetings Lesbiatopians from the bowels of feminism. The artistic-political firepit of Center City, Allentown Pennsylvania known as THE UNDERWORLD. What is this mysterious, deep, dark place? No, it's not my vagina. It's my art studio.




I thought I'd share my other artistic side with you all, not just the literary, but also the visual artsy-fartsy side, including performance art. Of all my artsy pursuits, the visual arts is my first love. I won't bore you with any "ever since I was a little girl" crap. I'll just get down to the dirty, nitty-gritty which actually, probably describes my creative space the best. You can see more about other aspects of my creative journey on the "Kissed by Venus" website, when I was interviewed by writer Alexandra Wolfe.



Anti-established since 1999 (in the basement under the town's then main art gallery), then in 2002, I got my own independent space, (again in a basement). What can I say? Over the years I became a "basement rat" and learned to work well in very dim light. (I have very good night vision.) This year marks The Underworld's 10 year anniversary. Some people celebrate wedding anniversaries and so on...this is what I celebrate. It's lasted longer than alot of businesses around me, right on the block as a matter a fact. You get to know your area pretty well after being around it for so long. I've seen alot of things go on and go down in the neighborhood. Alot of stories.



Plenty of history in that little den. Over the years, get-togethers, rehearsals, happenings, underground events, paint jams, performances, exhibits. Most people find it fascinating, be it in sometimes a creepy, dungeon kind of way. It's been compared to certain NY hangouts back in the day, East Villagesque, or Lower East Sidish. Originating from New York City, I take that as a compliment. You can take a video tour of my little batcave on youtube under UnderworldArtStudio . I've only posted a couple of studio "Vlogs" so far.



It's my little safe-haven, and I like it to be that for anyone who comes over. The "mission statement" is "providing a home for an alternative way of being". By that I mean for people to just be themselves. To leave any bullshit at the gate, and not be afraid to take that step outside their comfort zone. For me, it's not just an art studio, it's a way of life.

(Okay, this is the part where I'm going to be a total media whore and tell everybody to join The Underworld Art Studio's "fan" page on Facebook. Thanks, see you there.)

Book Review: 'Banksy: Wall and Piece'

"BANKSY: WALL AND PIECE"

BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez

Banksy. I don't even know where to begin. He is truly one of my art heroes, influences, and inspirations. I'm sure you have admired some of his work and didn't know you were looking at a Bansky piece. Who is this Banksy you ask? He is a brilliant, intelligent, revolutionary, visionary, political street graffitti and subversion and installation artiste and prankster and world traveller and life size stencil artist extraordinaire. He has taken this ill-reputed art form to a whole new level. He has raised the bar for all street artists. His art is truly FOR the people. Out in public for all to see, and enjoy. No admission fees, no censorship, no hoighty-toightiness. His work is both entertaining, and thought provoking. In his own words, "People either love me or they hate me, or they really don't care".


I recently had the pleasure of purchasing one of his many "coffee-table" picture books with what is known to be the best collection of his work in one book. I needed a break from all the heavy duty, deep reading I've been doing lately, and was just craving a big, fun, art book to digest. I found it during the last BOOK SLUT CLUB at the book store and I couldn't take my eyes off it. I knew I needed to buy it. I truly got my money's worth, and then some.

They are many arguments for and against graffitti and subversion art. Personally, I love graffitti. Not all, but some. I consider it an artform. Like any other medium, there is good and bad. It depends. Personally, I prefer pieces with a political thread. I definitely believe there is a time and place and purpose for it.

Banksy, originating from Britain has certainly created his share of political art, poking fun at authoritative figures such as the local police to the government. I absolutely LOVE that. He has also used figures such as his signature rats and monkeys and other unlikely subjects to make poignent statements about society.

He has also created some exquisite street installation pieces that I wasn't aware of that are just as powerful as his wall art. One such piece was his version of Stone Henge made of portable potties. That makes me smile every time I think about it.

He has snuck into places such as zoos into certain animal's cages and inserted signs that say things such as "I'm bored".

He is also infamous for sneaking in his subversion art into famous museums in NYC and in Europe. Some have hung for several weeks before anyone even realized they were not part of their legitimate collection, a fact I find very amusing, and I believe it says alot about these places, how they are run, and the art society. Some of his pieces are now part of some of those museum collections. How 'bout that?

An excerpt of an example of one of Banksy's subversion art piece statements he left at a museum of his "stone age" art:
"This finely preserved example of primitive art dates from the Post-Catatonic era and is thought to depict early man venturing towards the out-of-town hunting grounds..."

Bansky, his true identity is supposedly unknown, including his real name. In this day and age of the internet, paparazzi, and all types of media, I find this alone to be a true feat. At first considered an art outlaw, is now a very sought after artist. People capitalizing on this urban legend, are selling posters, prints, t-shirts, and everything else you can think of. They even sell "I AM BANKSY" t-shirts. I wouldn't be surprised if they were selling W.W.B.D ("What would Bansky do?") bracelets.

If you are a fan, and/or want to know more about this fabulous rebel artist, you have to own this book. It's a must. It will become a favorite among your collection. It is absolutely one of my favorites now.

Whoever, and wherever you are Banksy, and whatever you're working on now, keep on keepin' on. As far as I'm concerned, you are a true artist and hero of the people.

(side note and correction having nothing to do with this review: I have been a little too generous with my "star rating". Just for the record, I am changing my "Wuthering Heights" star review to 2 stars, instead of 3. Two stars meaning "poor" read, Three meaning "average/it was alright" read. Thank you.)

If you are a lesbian author, and would like your book reviewed for Lesbiatopia, please contact me at: resident.book.worm@gmail.com

Butchlalis de Panochtitlan Dissect Gender Identity in 1980s East L.A. Barber

What was it like for you when you first saw two women kissing? Do you stay in the place where you grew up even if being out is dangerous there? Can you move past discrimination, or will memories of it haunt you? And how much of your butchness is in your haircut?

The Butchlalis de Panochtitlan—Raquel Gutierrez, Mari Garcia, and Claudia Rodriguez--explore these questions and many more in their stage show The Barber of East L.A. I saw a staged reading of the show directed by the legendary Luis Alfaro last night at Cal-State L.A. as part of the larger Joto Caucus supported by the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies.

This witty trio produces consistently capitvating work, their most recent feat no exception. The performers use humor, personal homages, historical anchors, and their monumental moral compasses to challenge and skewer traditional notions of gender conformity. The Butchlalis are uniquely clever in their treatments of somber and complex subjects, rendering deeply thoughtful statements into a provokingly sensuous and unfailingly entertaining medium.

The show’s story revolves around Chonch (played by Gutierrez), a butch lesbian in 1980s East L.A. returning home from barbers’ school to the hostile climate she left behind. Chonch reconnects with the ghosts of her past, some expected and others a surprise, all the while processing loss, harassment, and her own stubborn perseverance. Another protagonist of the show, young Betty (played by Rodriguez), must confront her own identity as bicurious latina punk from a broken home in an area increasingly inhabited by skinheads and cock-rock. The two characters mediate between the extremes of return and escape, love and anger, past and future.

Other notable characters include Martinez the shithead male cop (played by the inimitable Garcia), Betty’s best friend young gay boy Julian (Gutierrez), recurring Butchlali superstar Juana Chingas (Rodriguez), and the ethereal Isabel (Garcia). The three Butchlalis are assisted by a plethora of wigs that also serve as scenery when not in use.

I learned of the Butchlalis at their last show, Dickwhipped!, for which I got tickets on a whim last April at the Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica and could not believe my good fortune. That show was composed of a series of vignettes, most notable in my mind a video about anal submission play and a sketch about the oldest living butch lesbian in East L.A. about to die. I had a friend with me, and we both were starstruck--and super-turned on. In full disclosure I admit I have major problems deciding which Butchlali is the hottest, even though my companion and I debated it for the rest of that evening, and even though I have given it much thought since then.

The Butchlalis will hold their next performance of The Barber of East L.A. November 22, 2008 at MacGowan Hall (MacGowan 1330) at UCLA as part of the Actions of Transfer: Women's Performance in the Americas event presented by The UCLA Center for Performance Studies. The video I am including below shows a staged reading--much like what I saw last night--but I understand the show next month at UCLA will be off-book. I urge you to join me in supporting these radically awesome butch artists; I can guarantee you will enjoy them.

Also, Butchlalis member Raquel Gutierrez performs tonight in her first solo performance piece at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. Click here for further information.

Stop! Or I'll Shoot... With my Camera!

- Renee Gannon

I've been known to carry my digital camera with me. Everywhere. The idea is that you never know when the perfect photo-taking opportunity is going to arise, and as 10 years of Girl Scouts have taught me, you must always be prepared. Yes, I was a Girl Scout for 10 years, and that probably explains why I drive around with the following items in the trunk of my car: 8 person tent, sleeping bag, heavy blanket, propane, swiss army knife, headlamp, LCD flashlight, hanging lantern, duck tape, firestarter matches & 15 piece car kit. Girl Scouts have been fine purveyors of Lesbians since 1912 and I’m just another wonderful result of their services. If you ever need someone to go camping with or survive in a forest with, I’m definitely your girl. Anyway, back to the topic at hand; photography.

I saved up my money for a while and finally bought that new camera I had been drooling over for months. It came recommended by a friend who said it was the perfect “professional-grade” starter camera for the “non-professional”. Perfect! That was me, to a “t”. The only true photography experience I have is from the photography class I took Senior year in High School. It was really fun and I toyed with the idea of going to college for it, but Zoology is my true love so that was the route I took. I joined the photography club in college, though, which gave me unlimited access to the darkrooms. Unfortunately, the University of New Hampshire was far from an art school, and their darkrooms were low-grade and unkempt . I was so busy with my studies and women’s rugby, that slowly my love (and practice) of photography slipped to the wayside.


Finally, armed with my snazzy new camera and several photography books, I have set out to revive my love for photography. I have dreams of combining my love of animals and nature with my love of photography. You could say that the show, Planet Earth, is my porn. I used to sit for hours way up in a maple tree in my backyard, as a kid, with nothing but a stack of National Geographic magazines and the cool ocean breeze in my curly red hair. I had endless daydreams of traipsing through the jungles of South America, camera in hand, capturing some of the most breath-taking moments nature could allow. I used to pretend I was Jane Goodall, and our two house cats were the Chimps of Tanzania and I was capturing them on film for the first time ever. Years later, my sophomore years in college to be precise, I was actually able to meet my childhood hero. I went to listen to Jane Goodall speak at Western Connecticut State University and was afforded the opportunity to meet with her after. I shook her hand and she signed one of her more famous books, “Through a Window: 30 years observing the Gombe chimpanzee”. It’s one of my all-time favorites.

The point of all this is that over the years I’ve been inspired by photography for many different reasons. I recently stumbled across this exhibit called, Earth From Above, which I HIGHLY recommend you check out. Earth From Above is a series of photographs taken by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand , who will bring his work back to the United States - to New York City - for the first time in 2009. Aiming to inspire people to think globally about sustainable living, Arthus-Bertrand has been photographing unique views of our planet, seen from the sky, since 1994 - and has produced an exhibit of over 150 4-ft. by 6-ft. prints which will be on display in New York City at the World Financial Center Plaza and along the Battery Park City Esplanade from May 1, 2009 to June 28, 2009. When completed in New York City, the Earth From Above exhibit will also move on to California in 2010. It’s truly inspiring.

Now, I’d like to share with you a few of my own photos, taken recently which range everywhere from Los Angeles to San Diego to Carlsbad, CA. My real love is capturing moments in animals and nature, but I like photographing people & places too. I plan on traveling to Sedona, AZ for Thanksgiving which I'm really excited about so you can be sure I will have more photographs to share from that trip when I return. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these!


Feline love

Dakota, the 12 year old wonder dog

The Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad, CA

Creature from the green lagoon

Holding on for dear life

Three sways to the right, you'll find Jimmy Buffet

San Diego hillside

The glow of the sun

The babies, Lily & Bonsai love the camera

The kind of spider you DON'T want to find in your house

"Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big Tylenol."

Just a few crazy kids waiting for the train

My girlfriend, the impatient

Smile for the camera

Dominic, the happy