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Posts tagged ‘poetry’

Shiva’s Muse ~ Emily Carpenter

Friday, June 17th, 2011

I am so excited to introduce my readers to dear, sweet Emily. To be honest, I haven’t officially met Emily in person yet. We’ve exchanged emails numerous times, we are facebook friends and I keep an intriguing eye on the artistic movements of she and her sister Mercy but we have yet to meet.

Perhaps, I should give some background. Almost a year ago, I first saw Emily.  We were both waiting for the train and she stood there as if she owned the world. First I noticed her big afro and a very large flower in her hair. She had on many layers and textures, patterns and colors, jewelry and bangles, boots and tights and her smile. Her smile lit the train station up. My impulse was to approach her and ask if I could take her picture but I’m shy about that so I just watched her.

Luckily, I saw her quite a bit around New York. I believe our circles almost touch. Yes, she’s ten years younger than me but I think with her work in the art world and theater and fashion and considering the people I associate with, we must have mutual friends. Or we just travel the same route. One day, many months ago, while purusing blogs and tumblrs, I saw her again. This time she was on Le Coil. After some research I found out her name, found her on facebook and sent her the geekest email ever. Imagine me, a 26 year old women feeling shy and star struck by a 16 year old gorgeous artist who walks the streets of NY like they were made for her.

Emily was gracious and kind and sweet. She told me to not be shy when I saw her on the train again… but I must admit, I’ve seen her perhaps 10 more times since then and I still can’t muster up the courage to officially introduce myself. Am I a geek or what? Even still, Emily was more than happy to participate in the Shiva’s Muse interview. She’s our youngest artist featured yet but age is nothing but a number. This powerful woman is someone you should know.

Everyone met Emily Carpenter

SLY: What kind of artist are you?

EC: I am a poet, a singer, and an actress. I love fashion and I’m teaching myself and getting help wherever I can to play the piano.

SLY: How old are you?

EC: I’m sixteen years old. But I will be seventeen in September!

SLY: How have you learned what you know? Education? Experience?

EC: Well I’ve always wanted to be an actress. Ever since I can remember talking and thinking I wanted to perform. When I was four I used to walk around the house and make up my own opera songs. When I moved to New York I joined a Theater Company, then I went to a performing arts school. Since then I’ve taken an AMAZING acting class called Committed Impulse with Josh Pais. I was the only teen but his class helped me really be in the moment.

With poetry my mom started writing first and then she introduced me to people like Suheir Hammad. They both really inspired me and I started writing and doing poetry in Urban Word.

SLY: Why do you think art is important?

EC: I think art is important because it gives a space to really express yourself. Also I think it’s one of the ways people bond and I think that’s the most important part. It is a way to relate. No matter the difference in appearance or beliefs something every culture has in common is art. I think art is one of the most powerful ways to achieve peace.


SLY: You have a DOPE sense of style. Every time I’ve seen you, you are always rocking what ever you are wearing. What influences your style choices?

EC: Why, thank-you!! Many things influence me. My mom has influenced my style. She is a painter and I’ve got the way I put colors together from her. I’m also influenced by the funky combinations and colors from style from Japan. Just walking around New York City, from posters, to sculptures, to people are all inspiration. Also I realized how much I love the 70′s,  so that has been an influence as well.

SLY: You also rock natural hair! How long have you been natural? What’s your favorite style?

EC: I’ve been natural my whole life!  I actually relaxed my hair once when I was going on auditions; they said my hair was too wild. But then it weakened my hair and I got locks. I cut my locks about 2 years ago.

SLY: I’ve learned from other blogs that you are a poet? Can you tell me about some of your favorite experiences as a poet?

EC: I love writing poetry. I’ve performed two times in the Urban Word finals at the Apollo, the Knicks Slam, and I’ve done various other features. I think my favorite experience as a poet is when someone comes up to you and is like “That really connected with me”, or “You just spoke my story”…there’s something about that, that adds to life, it strengthens the connection of humanity, I think.

SLY: What and Who Inspires?

EC:  My life experiences. Images from the street. Documentaries. Movies. Music. Everything really.

SLY: What is your favorite medium to use in creating art?

EC: Hmmm….I’m not sure. If speaking is a medium I guess that’s my favorite. I love talking and relating to people.

SLY: What are you currently working on?

EC: I’m currently working for the Jazz Foundation of America, an organization that helps elders of the jazz community.  One man I’m trying to work with is Jimmy Norman. He’s an amazing artist who has worked with Jimmi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and the Rolling Stones. Unfortunately he hasn’t got all the credit he deserves. If I can plug here for a second def check his new album: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-way-i-see-it/id43069673. Also, I’m currently starting to help organize jam sessions to help bridge the gap between young music artists and older artists.

Also me and my friend are creating a ‘zine, which is like a homemade magazine. I’ll give you more details as it develops! I’m really excited about this project.

SLY: What has been the highlight of your artistic career, so far?

EC: I think I have yet to have a highlight. I’ve done a lot that I’m proud from stand up comedy at the Gotham Comedy Theater to poetry at the Apollo, but I have a long, fun way to go!

SLY: What, if any, artistic mistakes have you made?

EC: Quitting when it gets hard. I quit comedy when it felt too much like work. I stopped Dj-ing when it got hard. And I ‘quit’ poetry plenty of times. I’m going to start Dj-ing again, but I think if I REALLY liek something I need to really commit.

SLY: What is your favorite quote?

EC: “Sometimes you have to take the leap  and build your wings on the way down” –Kobi Yamada

SLY: Do you have any encouraging words for those who want to be more creative?

EC: Take time for yourself. Listen to what YOU really want to do. And if you judge yourself, that’s ok, acknowledge it and move on.

SLY: What legacy do you want to leave?

EC: This sounds really corny, and I haven’t told many because a lot of people roll their eyes when I say it. But I want to have a world without war. I think war stems from hatred and hatred from fear of the unknown and ignorance. I think there are people who want world peace but they all don’t think it can happen. I have a lot more learning to do but I think that through art and with everyone’s help, we can live without killing each other. I want to work towards understanding through art.

SLY: Where can we find you?

Facebook and I have a tumblr and twitter coming soon for my ‘zine, that I’ll send to ya! :-D

Emily!!!!!!! You are so delightful and adorable and talented and wonderful to know. Considering how busy you are, I am so grateful you took the time to participate. It’s wonderful to get to know you more and I must say I LOVE your favorite quote. I’m going to have to write that in my journal. I look forward to hearing about ALL your future projects and one day you and I must sit at a cafe and just talk for hours. Actually, you’d probably get along more with my 17 year old sister but I’d hang with both of you too! Thank you sweetheart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you Shiva’s Muse? Interested in being featured on Artistic Liberties? Check out the link and see if its something that interest you. Or check out some of the other artists who have been featured.

Wondering what other creative artist I like? Check out some of my resources. Artistic Resources and Intriguing Resources. Please note these pages are constantly being updated with all the fabulous things I discover and happen upon.

All the photos came from Emily’s facebook page to which she gave me permission to use.

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Mr. Omission

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Omitting may not technically be lying

BUT

it is intentional deception.

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Shiva’s Muse ~ Tuan X

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
I met Tuan a little under a year ago. I happened upon an open mic that he was hosting. As time progressed, I kept coming back to the monthly open mic event. I encountered so many amazing and interesting artists and it was like a breeding ground for my creative thought process. Throughout it all, I kept a watchful eye on Tuan X. I followed his tumblr. I read his blog. I friended him on facebook. And during the open mic event itself, I’d often tweet his hash tag in support of such a great outlet for creative expression. It wasn’t until a couple months ago, when I heard Tuan sing a number of his songs, that I realized I needed to get to know him better. After hearing him that night, I promptly wrote, Creative Artist: Tuan X. But those are my words about him. Its time to hear the man himself.
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Everyone meet,

TUAN X

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SLY: What kind of artist are you?
Tuan X: Primarily a vocal and lyrical one. It gets difficult to pick a genre for myself because I delve in many. My most noticeable art may be the modern R&B, Soul and Hip-Hop music I create. Musically I also intend to display my prowess as an engineer of sound. I’d also like to experiment in and create great Alternative, Rock, & Pop music; not necessarily vocalized by me.

Outside of music, I’m a writer; often performed poetically. I’m an actor. I’m also an amateur web designer, videographer, & photographer.

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SLY:How old are you?

Tuan X: I’m 20-something. I’ll claim that for the next 16 years; by that time, I’ll be 40.

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SLY: How have you learned what you know? Education? Experience? Formal Training?

Tuan X: I’m a great sponge, absorbing all that interests, intrigues, & inspires me. I take the knowledge I’ve acquired and attempt to implement it in a more creative & unique way. Formally I’ve had choir training. I went to and dropped out of Brooklyn College, while studying Theatre.

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SLY: Why do you think art is important?

Tuan X: Art is the line between the sane and insane. It provides the human existence a creative buffer of expression; keeping many from collapsing into themselves.


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SLY: What and Who Inspires?

Tuan X: Beautiful people, dogs, nature, the sociological nature of humanity, love, hurt, loss, me, the stars, science, sex, & Jesus … Jesus works at my corner store, you’d really have to know him to understand.

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SLY: What is your favorite medium to use in creating art?

Tuan X: Science, technology & astrology are my favorite mediums. All used in relation to life.. as I understand it.

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SLY: What are you currently working on?

Tuan X: Musically.. I’m currently recording & writing for the upcoming ‘Black Boy – EP’. A concept extended play in the perspective of a nerdy, conscious teenage black boy.

Immediately after, I will continue working on EP’s … tentative titles are; ‘As I Lay Dying – EP’, ‘Behold A Pale Horse – EP’, ‘Invisible Man – EP’, ‘Fences – EP’, & ‘The Piano Lesson – EP’.

That’s all I can speak on at the moment.

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SLY: You host an open mic featuring artist from across the east coast and perhaps beyond. How did this happen? Why do you host a free open mic? How are you connected to so many artist?

Tuan X: Yes, I currently host ‘Rewind!’ Open-Mic in Melanie’s Juice Bar & Bakery at 1285 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY every first Wednesday of the month around 7PM. I’ve featured artists from as far away as Australia to as nearby as “around the corner, on the right hand side, up the blue stairs with the reddish light post in the yard.”

I’ve for many years curated or hosted events. I first co-hosted an open-mic back in 2007 called ‘Eargasm’ at what was Solomon’s Porch. Recently, in February of 2010, I was approached to host a theme based open-mic in, what was, Soulé International Restaurant. I dubbed it, ‘Last Request’ Open-Mic. I hosted there for 12 consecutive months and have now relocated, renamed and refocused my free open-mic.

I think free open-mic’s are a necessity because mufukaz are broke; and entertainment, a quality message, and good vibes shouldn’t be limited to just people with more than bus fare in their pockets.

Networking is a necessity, even for an introverted person like myself. It’s definitely a difficult task for me, but it’s an artists lifeline.

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SLY: You recently released an EP, can you tell me about this album? Why should we listen?

Tuan X: I released my first collaborative extended play entitled ‘Of Mice And Men – EP’. It features a small few of the numerous talented MC’s living in the NYC area; SoSoon, Mega, Cavalier, Faro Z, Jerry Wess, Sean B., & RIP The Ruler (R.I.P.M.C.).

Most have known me primarily as a rhythmic vocalist. I felt the need to display my talent beyond R&B/Soul rhythms into the Hip-Hop/Rap vocalistic and rhythmic realm. It’s a great listen, with great production, great energy, & a vibe that any pure Hip-Hop or Rap fan could enjoy. Their are gems in all of my lyrics; I dare listeners to hear past the rhythm and mine through my wordplay and metaphors.

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SLY: You know that I love Crazydopetastic.com. I’m assuming this website is devoted to things that inspire you, intrigue you and interest you. Knowing that, how does your mind work? What goes on up there when you are alone and left to your own devices? I guess I’m asking about your thought process and your mentality. How does it work for you?

Tuan X: If I understood me, I don’t think CrazyDopetastic™ would exist.

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SLY: What has been the highlight of your artistic career, so far?

Tuan X: My ghostwriting helped sell over 900,000 copies of a talented artists album in the UK. I’m extremely proud of that.

I’m excited and thrilled to be creating and sharing my own music. Being able to do what I love on a week to week basis has been a dream for me. My upcoming performance on March 4 at the Apollo in Harlem, NY will be icing on that cake. If I don’t cry on stage, I’ll cry off. It’s hard to explain how much I love what I do.

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SLY: What, if any, artistic mistakes have you made?

Tuan X: Trying to portray something I wasn’t. Be that being too conscious or too hood. I’m a well blended mix of the two. My mistake was trying to please the listeners of those two polar opposite spectrums instead of trying to reach out and embrace all who sat in between the two realms.

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SLY: What do you do when you have “artist” block? (similar to writer’s block)

Tuan X: I watch and read up on world news, a lot. More so than I do on a normal day to day. I try to reconnect myself. I sit on life. I sleep. I listen to music I love.

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SLY: What sort of artistic liberties do you find yourself making?

Tuan X: I speak on god a lot more than many do; my pantheistic views & belief that god is all & that all is god. My overall disbelief in deities is something I speak very liberally on.

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SLY: What is your favorite quote?

Tuan X: “I realized, love doesn’t sing a sad song. Sad people do & harmonize wrong.” – Tuan X

Yeah, I tooted my horn.

I honestly don’t have a single favorite quote. So much has been said.

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SLY: Do you have any encouraging words for those who want to be more creative?

Tuan X: Sex, Pizza, & Netflix will inspire, fatten, & make you lazy. Not necessarily in that order.

Oh.. you asked for ENCOURAGING words?? … hmm … Stay black!

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SLY: Of what, are you sure?

Tuan X: That I LOVE life.

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SLY: What legacy do you want to leave?

Tuan X: I have many astounding dreams. In the end, I just want to know I was appreciated, respected, cared for, & maybe even honored. I hope to have a daughter one day, she will be my legacy.

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SLY: Where can we find you?

Tuan X: At your local Subway Restaurant, Apple Store, Engadget show, or open-mic. Otherwise you’ll find me online at http://www.tuanx.com … or any major social networking site with a .com/tuanx … Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, LiveStream, Vimeo, etc.

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SLY: Any last words?

Tuan X: Be happy.

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SLY: Is there a question I didn’t ask that you wish I had?

Tuan X: You nevered ask what my favorite position was!? Like, what the F? LOL

[all images taken by the one and only: Sirreal Photo]

Thank you Tuan X for taking the time to do this interview. It has been a pleasure to learn more about you as an artist. I find you so refreshing, funny and I enjoy all the layers of you that are beneath the surface. I can’t wait to see the line up at the next open mic, I’m hoping to catch you at the Apollo and I’ve already purchased your EP on iTunes. I’m all about supporting artist and you are one who’s praises I’ll sing any day. Well, I don’t sing. You do. I’ll stick to writing! :)

Are you Shiva’s Muse? Interested in being featured on Artistic Liberties? Check out the link and see if its something that interest you. Or check out some of the other artists who have been featured.

Wondering what other creative artist I like? Check out some of my resources. Artistic Resources and Intriguing Resources. Please note these pages are constantly being updated with all the fabulous things I discover and happen upon.

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