theartfulactivist-blog

[theartfulactivist-blog]

His work is making resistance irresistible.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MIAMI ARTIST & WRITER STUART SHELDON 3.6.17  |  By Melanie Oliva

I first stepped into Stuart Sheldon’s “whorled” world at Fancy Nasty two years ago during Art Basel. Stuart and his collaborators transformed a soon-to-be-demolished house in Morningside into a gold-gilded art installation.

My husband and I talked about it for days. It was one of those experiences that made an impact on how I viewed art, collaboration and their limitless potential when combined. I didn’t expect my path to cross with Stuart’s again, but thankfully it did.

The winding road I traveled when forming The Artful Activist was complete with signs telling me where to go. I know enough now to follow them without resisting. Funny that this path of least resistance led me to Stuart and others whose work is most about resistance.

One sign on my journey was so large it was a billboard. Through mutual connection Lisa Predko, I was led to artist Michele Pred, who created a powerful set of thought-provoking billboards last November. They were sponsored by For Freedoms, the first artist-run super-PAC. Several weeks later, while walking through Wynwood on a solo stroll, I found myself in front of Stuart’s mural, also sponsored by For Freedoms. Finally after ending up in Macaya Gallery’s space at SCOPE, where his I’m With The Banned series was featured, I decided to connect with Stuart. I’m so glad I did.

It’s not only Stuart Sheldon’s work that is so inspiring, but also his work ethic. He seems incredibly driven to expose the truths that many cannot see, via his artwork and eloquence. Many communities are lucky to benefit from Stuart’s generous, collaborative spirit, including The Artful Activist.

*****

How do you describe yourself & what you do? Metaphorically, I’m a chef who finds deep pleasure in the cooking and even greater satisfaction knowing others find meaning, provocation and nourishment in the eating.

What inspired you to get involved in political art? What was your journey like? My friend, the poet Aja Monet, said it best recently, "It is the duty of artists to make revolution irresistible." My art has always been intention-based, aimed at manifesting specific outcomes in my personal journey. Early on I painted to find a soul mate, then to have a child. Now, the pitiful state of humanity weighs so deeply on my heart and mind, that I no longer feel compelled to save myself as much as to save the world.

What specific issues do you address with your artwork? My issues are truth and fairness. My fight is to perfect democracy so that equality becomes implicit. My recent exhibition, I’m With The Banned, focused on the corrosive power of false narratives in political discourse, specifically relating to:

The Myth of Voter Fraud – which has been used to disenfranchise millions, and though statistically non-existent, is believed to be a problem by 40% of Americans

Censorship – books have changed my life and when we ban profound works of literature, we stunted progress and wisdom in our society

Gun Sense Laws – how do we dispel the baffling notion that any safety-driven restriction of access, no matter how reasonable, is a violation of our 2nd Amendment rights?

Have you witnessed your work change or open minds? I’m With The Banned opened purposely two weeks before the 2016 election – lot of good that did. I do believe my work fuels respectful conversation. The challenge now is getting it out of the echo chamber of my reality and in front of those who do NOT share my worldview. That’s when the work can move the needle and hopefully build bridges.

You're extremely prolific and determined. What keeps you going? I revel in the making process, watching something evolve from a revelation to a sketch to an actual thing with layers of meaning. I feel privileged to wake each day able to explore my thoughts in a variety of media, be it painting, installation, magazine columns, my blog. I slogged it out for a long time, as a sales guy and an aspiring artist, so now that people are actually paying attention, my appreciation level is red-lining. I just installed a site-specific work in the lobby of the Dupont Building in downtown Miami. I’m eager to do more of this type of work, that responds to events in real time. My newest project is a TV series called Meet Your Makers coming out this month on PBS. Watch for it on the show Art Loft.

Who have you collaborated with (individuals, collectives and/or organizations)? Harry Truman really nailed it when he said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” My practice has always been rooted in sharing strengths. I love the genius unicorns at The New Tropic who are my co-conspirators on Meet Your Makers. I was honored when For Freedoms, America’s only artist-run Super-PAC, invited me to join their 100-foot mural activation in Wynwood for the election. I had a blast making Fancy Nasty with my good friends at Primary Projects and The Fountainhead. I’m off to Berlin in May to join forces with a group of cutting-edge digital philosophers called re:publica to present my gun-sense installation and video, “How Was School Today.” And the pipeline for some yet-to-be-announced collaborations is full.

Tell us about your experience with finding gallery representation. It’s easy. Just toil in obscurity for fifteen years. And the moment you stop giving a shit, and your work matures, galleries start calling you.

What advice do you have for artists? Activists? Gallerists? The only advice I have for a creative person is to be true to what lies in the deepest part of you. THAT is your truth and that is the most interesting, inspired and inspiring thing you have to say. Say it loud and unapologetically.

What is your biggest fear about the next four years? How do you respond to that fear & what would you like to tell people who may also be fearful? Life in America is Orwellian right now. Up is down. Black is white. Just this week, the new regime at the EPA voted to relax clean water standards. This is not a liberal or conservative issue; it’s a basic human health issue. And it’s emblematic of the wave of false narratives gutting the soul of America, in this case that “regulations” are inherently bad and profitability trumps poisonous water. I’m all for minimizing bureaucracy, but let’s not commit suicide in the process. Let’s be clear, I am afraid … that our country has been hijacked by bad actors who lack compassion and have mastered the game of messaging. Whoever controls the message controls the future.

Tell us about your show opening this Thursday, March 9th. What do you want viewers to take away from it? Who do you most hope it reaches? In the work I’m exploring right now, I cut American flags to shreds, deconstruct and then reconstruct them into beautiful new forms. This is both a call to folks to take action, any action, which makes them part of the solution to our current crises. And my wish for our country – that we survive these dark times and come out the other side with an even brighter future. In addition to these flag works, select pieces from both my recent series, I’m with The Banned and The Best Books Ever Written, will be displayed. So you get a juicy taste of what I’ve been cooking up the past two years.

The exhibition opens March 9th, 7:30-10pm and runs through March 30th - Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more info, contact gallery director Karen Sepsenwol karen@mbjcc.org, 305.534.3206 x214. 

See more of Stuart’s incredible work at stuartsheldon.com.

[theartfulactivist-blog]

Envisioning a world where compassion reigns.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SYLVIA GRIMALDI GOMEZ, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST 2.27.17  |  By Melanie Oliva

Sylvia Grimaldi Gomez is a self-proclaimed “citizen of the world” who dedicates her free time to the liberation of her fellow citizens. These citizens once knew true freedom but are now contained within manmade borders – hard, unforgiving tank walls that amplify the smallest sound, cold metal bars that keep out the screaming crowds or forests dense with loud, startling shots and the smell of blood.

I met Sylvia last year through Imagine Our Florida when my municipality, the Village of Biscayne Park, passed a Resolution against the FWC Florida Black Bear hunt. Sylvia and a group of dedicated activists came to the commission meeting in support of the Resolution. Sylvia and I kept in touch afterwards, and I learned about her efforts on behalf of Lolita (Tokitae), the Orca at Miami Seaquarium.

She and a group of activists spend their weekends outside the Seaquarium educating potential patrons on the terrible conditions in which Lolita is suffering. She’s been kept in the world’s smallest Orca tank for over 45 years, with no shelter from the intense Miami sun. While other groups and activists speak out for Lolita, this group of individuals are perhaps Lolita’s most consistent and dedicated advocates. They convey her pain to the humans who don’t understand. They are her voice.

Sylvia’s efforts inspired me to paint Lolita in “Miami After-Image #3” (shown). In hopes that visualization may lead to manifestation, Lolita is depicted without her boundary walls that keep her from her family, who are awaiting her return in the Puget Sound.

I’m grateful that my and Sylvia’s paths crossed, and I don’t think it was by coincidence. Sylvia sees the world differently and has the ability to help others see – not so different than what I do as an artist. In Sylvia’s world, compassion reigns. Perhaps Sylvia’s ability to envision this world keeps her going. Maybe that’s what keeps Lolita going, too.

*****

Where do you live and where are you from?   I live in Miami, Florida. I am Cuban-American, but a citizen of the world. In my world there are no boundaries, no borders...we all should share this planet in harmony with each other and with our brothers and sisters, the animals.

How long have you been working on behalf of animal rights? I started getting involved during the years I lived abroad, mainly in Istanbul. I became outraged by the way animals were treated there. One day I found myself in a war of words with an Imam who had kicked newly born kittens out on the streets in the middle of a blizzard. I fed their mom every afternoon at the park where the mosque was. I even looked up the verse where the Prophet tears his own long sleeves so not to bother a cat that had fallen asleep on it. The Imam threatened me, I continued feeding and rescuing cats/dogs in hopes of finding homes for them, paid for their vet visits, etc.

What inspired you to get involved? The fact that animals don’t have a voice. The fact that we take advantage of their innocence and inability to stand for themselves. Then I became their voice, their advocate and along with many other activists, their only hope for change.

What animals and/or issues do you speak out for? Lolita is my main focus right now. This poor girl needs out asap. Her retirement is long overdue. I also speak out against trophy hunting, the cruel treatment of primates, against aquariums, the bloody dolphin drives in Taiji, the Florida black bear hunt, animals used in the entertainment business, such as the case of the tiger used for shows at Tatiana Russian Nightclub. The Miami Herald wrote a nice piece about the demo staged there. I have also protested against Ringling Brothers, Santa's Enchanted Forest (they also had to remove the tiger show) and most recently the Pegasus race at Gulfstream Park. I was escorted out of Seaworld last April when I tried attending Joel Manby's town hall meeting. I believe I have been banned from the park!

How have your actions made a difference? In the case of the tiger at Tatiana Russian Nightclub, after the Miami Herald picked up the story and the restaurant was about to be fined, they decided not to have the tiger as part of their show any longer.

What methods have you found most effective? Education one-on-one. It doesn’t matter how many leaflets are distributed, we need to take time educating others. The same way we were blinded once, so are those we are intending to persuade. Do not give up – use scenarios others can identify with. Most people can relay to that message, especially children. 

Have you attempted to change local legislation, in regards to animal rights or protection? If so, what action did you take? I have written to several commissioners, congressmen and City Mayors about banning orcas in Dade County, the animal cruelty at Santa's Enchanted Forest and the primates used for lab research in Hendry Country, FL.

How do you use creativity in protests? Every situation calls for a different approach. Fake blood works wonders. I participated in the Zika protest organized by Peta in Wynwood last year. We all had "fake bumps" at the demo. People understood the message right away.  

Who have you met along the way? Who have you collaborated with? Former Governor Bob Graham, Chuck O' Neal of Speak up Wekiva

Tim Canova, Howard Garrett, Ric O'Barry, Robyn Kaamil, Samantha Berg and Dr. Naomi Rose.

How do you think artists and galleries can help activists?  Find your inspiration, execute your vision and ask local galleries to showcase your work. We can work on so many fronts together.

What pushes you to keep going? Who inspires you? Seeing progress keeps me going. Every activist out there inspires me.

What was your reaction to Tilikum’s death? One word, he is finally free.

What was your reaction to the news that Ringling Brothers And Barnum & Bailey Circus will be closing after 146 years? Although in part this is good news, we are now faced with yet another battle, the animals must be moved to real sancturies, not sold to other circuses, etc.

What would you like the world to know about Tokitae (Lolita), of the Miami Seaquarium? Tokitae deserves her retirement. Her pod still swims free in the Salish Sea, she is healthy, Ocean Sun is calling her daughter back to her native waters, the ocean is claiming her return. We don’t own her, no one does, she was born free, freedom is her birthright.

What would you like to tell people about animals in general? We are in this planet together, animals are not ours to exploit, torment, eat. We are all part of a perfect ecosystem, in which animals are part too. We can all live in harmony, we are not that different after all, we all feel love, pain, sorrow and fear. Animals want to LIVE and they have the same right to it as we do.

Compassion reigns....

If you’re inspired to be a voice for the voiceless, please attend the Miami Miracle March for Lolita on April 1, 2017. Visit the event page for details.

[theartfulactivist-blog]

Celebrating Oneness Through Art

Essay & artwork by Nathan Miller.

Growing up as a member of the Baha’i Faith, I learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity, the power of cultural expression, and the common link that unites all of us. As a child and adolescent, I was extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to countries far from home often enough and for periods long enough that I began to see the entire planet as my home and myself a world citizen. The one thing that became foreign to me was the concept of division. My circle of friends was international, my homeland was planet earth, and borders and nationalities were simply man-made, having no impact on the intrinsic value of a human being. We were, and are, after all, one human race.

But oneness is greater than the unity of one species. How can we live in harmony if we disrespect and disassociate ourselves from nature, if we strengthen ourselves only to jeopardize the ground we walk on, the air we breath, the water we drink, and the millions of other species sharing this planet with us? For nearly five years, I have been spending most of my time in a small beach town in Costa Rica where I am surrounded by nature and wildlife. Countless times I have sat on my surfboard in the soothing waters off the coast of Playa Guiones, peering back at the horizon line, struck by the majesty of the natural world and the lush green forests, breathtaking sunsets and the sights, sounds, taste and smells of nature.

Because I have a great appreciation for the beauty in diversity, spiritual reality, the power of nature, and the oneness that connects us all, I was thrilled to receive a commission from a like-minded individual who enabled me to explore these themes. This was a chance for me to express through art what has always been close to my heart. These three paintings that depict a Tibetan, African and Indian child are complete on their own, each expressing a link between the human spirit, nature and divinity, but, when seen together, they reveal the beauty of diversity and the oneness of humanity. Together I call them the Oneness Series.

In an age when too many of us celebrate division, vulgarity and ego, I think we could use a reminder about our higher nature and how we are all connected. The more we are in harmony with nature and with one another, the more we will get in touch with who we truly are, and the more quickly we can work together to transform this world.

Nathan Miller is a U.S. and Costa Rica based portrait and wildlife painter with a background in graphic design and web design. Visit nathanmiller.gallery to see more of Nathan’s work and learn about how he uses art for activism.

© 2016. All images are property of Nathan Miller.

[theartfulactivist-blog]

#BELIEVELAND

Written by Melanie Oliva. Photos by JohnBob Carlos.

Miami, FL (Oct. 31, 2016) – There’s a popular hashtag being used by Cleveland Indians fans to express their hope that the Indians will win this “historic” World Series against the Chicago Cubs. I #BELIEVE this hashtag’s meaning needs a re-do. While Cleveland’s mascot will take some time and money to change (but isn’t it time?!), a hashtag’s meaning is something we can alter immediately, if only in our own minds… and #BELIEVELAND happens to be #FAIRGAME. 

I #BELIEVE meaning exists in everything and nothing is coincidence.

I also #BELIEVE the universe or a higher power repeatedly orchestrates events for a greater purpose. With a hashtag campaign, enough people have to see the hashtag, understand its meaning and replay those same letters on social media for the campaign to be successful.

I #BELIEVE it’s no coincidence the Cleveland Indians are in the World Series while thousands of Native American Water Protectors are purposefully occupying the #LAND near Standing Rock that was first granted to them by the Sioux Treaty of 1868 and then taken away by Congress.

I #BELIEVE the universe is waiting for enough of us to see, understand and replay the meaning of two historic events colliding to consider this “campaign” a success. But for that to happen, we must first all be aware, and that process has been slowed considerably due to lack of media coverage. In case you need to catch up:

Five hundred distinct tribes have come together over the last several months in what’s the largest show of Native American solidarity in 100 years, near the Standing Rock reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Hundreds of supporters have joined the thousands of Water Protectors, including some all-stars, and more are on their way according to social media. The Lakota Sioux and many others are there to peacefully advocate for their right to clean water, their right to be heard and their right to be treated fairly, after hundreds of years of mistreatment by the U.S. government. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which is already under construction by Energy Transfer Partners, threatens water quality of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers near Standing Rock and has already destroyed sacred Sioux burial grounds. It’s important to note that the project was first routed through Bismarck, but that plan was rejected by residents due to its proximity to municipal water sources.

Meanwhile, a sports team with a degrading mascot and logo is getting more media coverage than Native Americans who are taking a monumental stand for their future.

As a former Chicagoan, I can understand how big of a deal it is for baseball fans that Chicago and Cleveland are in the World Series. I agree that people need outlets for fun and things to be excited about, especially in this age of 60-hour work weeks. However, when the mainstream media deems entertainment more important than Native Americans’ right to clean water – after they’ve endured hundreds of years of broken treaties, discrimination and disenfranchisement – there’s a major-league problem. The fact that a sports team’s mascot is the “Indians” in 2016 further emphasizes just how behind we are as a society in understanding the meaning of anything.

Yet, I #BELIEVE we all can learn from these brave Water Protectors, who are so closely connected with nature, actively caring for the #LAND that we all live on. It’s time for the rest of us to see, understand and replay the meaning behind the carefully-orchestrated collision of these two historic events.

I also #BELIEVE that if a sports team exploits a group of people by using them as their mascot, that team should be obligated to use their power with the media to support that very group of people… and then expeditiously change their mascot.

Because, I #BELIEVE we are all equal and should all be treated respectfully. That all of Earth’s inhabitants have the right to clean water. I #BELIEVE we should stand up for each other and ourselves. And there is strength in numbers. I #BELIEVE this #LAND should be cared for by all of us.

I also #BELIEVE that if just half the fans watching the World Series stood with Standing Rock, the universe could finally stop replaying this clip that enough of us need to understand, and the government might just say #NoDAPL. 

#BELIEVELAND expresses my hope that the Standing Rock Water Protectors will win this historic fight against injustice, with all of our help. #ISTANDWITHSTANDINGROCK. Will you? To help the stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, please sign this petition to the White House or support the Standing Rock Sioux by making a monetary or supply contribution.

© 2016. All images are property of JohnBob Carlos.