Contemporary Artstyle Nomads: Transit Antenna

Parked by the tracks behind the Phil Mechanic Building in Asheville

This device recharges batteries

Artstyle: A lifestyle created artfully

Artstyle is a term I hereby coin to describe the way we creatively navigate our lives.

Yesterday I had the opportunity of meeting a group of artists originally from South Carolina who go by the name Transit Antenna. Their amazing converted bus/living quarters was parked behind the Phil Mechanic Building for a few days last week, and I was allowed a peek inside. The first thing that struck me were the herbs that were growing out of the dashboard! Then group member Bob Snead proceeded to show me the kitchen, bathroom, air conditioner - it was all very eco-friendly and provided a comfy living space for the group which is comprised of two couples, one child and a dog named Kentridge. (after William Kentridge)

Transit Antenna has committed to living for two years on the road and pursuing a nomadic life, traveling from town to town, settling in to work random jobs as necessary. There seems to be a greater and surge towards this sort of lifestyle given the limitations of the economy these days. Approaching the project with a sense of creativity, innovation, and flexibility is ultimately what will sustain it.

We consist of writers, filmmakers, painters, chefs, and musicians, though these roles do not define our collective goal. Collaborating leads us to work beyond our individual interests and to inhabit roles not readily available to us as graduate students or careerists in our fields. In refusing to plan too far ahead, we allow the Transit Antenna project to define itself as the unfolding road carries us to new places, people, and experiences. These experiences are the pearls handed to us along the way.We no longer have permanent addresses, nor do we have jobs for which we punch the clock. We’re doing it for the challenge of living on the road, of living frugally, and of finding ways to support ourselves.

For lots more info, writings, videos, and pictures about Transit Antenna and their two year nomadic art project visit www.transitantenna.com

A new blog is in town

Introducing Pollinating Asheville, a blog created by local arts activist Susanne Hackett to raise awareness and showcase individuals, businesses, non-profits, groups and government projects that creatively pollinate the community.
With a mission to develop stronger communities by building collaborations between local businesses, government organizations and non-profits, Hackett has created Pollinate Consulting to provide creative contract and consulting work.
For more information contact Susanne at pollinateconsulting@gmail.com
www.pollinatingasheville.com

Nothing is sacred in advertising

I was watching this video and thinking about how awesome spontaneous guerrilla art happenings are. But my heart sank when I visited the link that appears at the end and I realized this was all set up by A&E to promote their Hammertime television series - yet another example of how corporations co-opt cool underground art trends and movements.
I wonder how much the dancers got paid.

I wrote this play to make you love me.

With a title like "I wrote this play to make you love me" how could you not go see this show which is currently running at NC Stage Company in downtown Asheville. I realized the other day that 95% of the plays I've really enjoyed or had the most interest in attending played at NC Stage Company. As far as seeing good theater in Asheville - this venue seems the most reliable.
Written by and starring Anne Thibault, IWTPTMYLM is a terrific piece of theater which literally made me laugh and cry. Thibault carries the play with her powerful presence and her timing between vignettes is dead on. Using minimal props and no scene changes, the strength of the piece lies in Thibault's uncompromising script about a struggling actress - Lysette - who is dealing with the emotional woes of her married boyfriend. Along the way, we learn about past love affairs, her emotionally torn childhood, and her Catholic upbringing via really hilarious conversations with her brother.
When I read on the website that "only adults will be admitted" of course I rolled my eyes a little. I was thinking, okay, what does "adult content" exactly refer to - how risque is this really gonna get? In retrospect I can see why you wouldn't want to bring your kids to see this but I think teenagers could appreciate most of the content - especially girls. I know I could have handled it as a teen (Just not while sitting next to my mother. OMFG.)
They say we laugh to keep from crying, and the humor of this play is born out of some intense life experiences. I'm still giggling over that scene where she's comparing the guys tongue to a minnow. I have to admit, I shed a tear (well, many tears) the second act and was holding them back in the first one.
While you're at it, check out the two other plays that are running at NC Stage this season. Bitch from Bitch and Animal was sitting next to me in the audience and she filled me in on the fact that she and Thibault will be performing in a piece together beginning June 17. Sounds like a intriguing combination to me.
www.ncstage.org for more information and schedule