Why they do what they do

sept | Artist

I decided to pursue an artistic career because I got tired of having to conform to what is societally acceptable. Everything from the way that I talk, my behaviors, my interests, the way that I dress has to be adjusted when in a conventional workplace setting and that was something that NEVER sat right with me. Don’t get me wrong I’m good at turning it off and on to get a check but I’m tired of being somebody that I’m not for the satisfaction of others or their pockets & I’m not the type to do too much to get my bag…. anymore lol. I really wanted to start showcasing exactly who I am, speaking on controversial topics, and making music from the female perspective that I really want to listen to and feel we NEED in female rap. I stand for my morals and I stand on them too; I wanted to make music to inspire little girls to think for themselves, get they OWN bread and have fun while doing it. I wanted to show myself what it means to be sept, forever sept in my ways. I got tired of trading my happiness and time for steady income and decided I gotta make a change and chase my dreams! The day I decided that it’s been like premonition, everything that’s happening I already saw in my dreams and its amazing. So please for your sake, chase your dreams! As cliché as it may sound it’s really true. Know yourself and know what you can do. There. are no limitations, if you can dream it you can achieve it Read more>>

Tyler Greene | Lighting Designer

I choose to pursue an artistic and creative career for a lot of different reasons. The main reason is I enjoy seeing people be happy. My job as an entertainment lighting designer is to create environments that allow people to escape their current reality. This is the most fun part of the job which also brings up another reason I choose lighting. Shows and live events are a collaborative effort usually involving a large team of creative individuals. It can be a lot of fun to make art with others on a large canvas. This creates a strong sense of belonging while providing individuals the opportunity to showcase their art and talents. Being able to express myself through art is a critical part of my existence and happiness. Read more>>

Cathryn Henning | Farmer and Co-Owner

Farming is a vocation that allows me to continually problem solve, be challenged and confronted, and as a result be continually creative. I didn’t know what farming could be for me, I just stumbled into it from a curiosity of gardening, which led me to connecting with a friend that milked goats. Goats were the gateway into farming. When I was milking goats at a beautiful nursery in the middle of the city, something calmed in me in a way I never felt before. There was a stillness in me such that I could finally listen. The land was calling me back, and I simply answered the call. I’ve just been following that good feeling ever since. Read more>>

Tree Herrera | Visual Artist & ASL Teacher

My love for art officially began in grade school, where I was introduced to arts & crafts. I enjoyed the process of creating with my hands and enjoying the beauty of the finished product. No matter what task or career I explored, I have always been drawn back to art. I dabble in painting, drawing, poetry, zines, prints, and most recently started making earrings. I use acrylics, colored pencils, markers, pens, etc to make my artworks. My artistic themes are centered around self-love, disability, communication, mental health, community care, racial justice, humanity, deaf culture, and sign language. Read more>>

John Bullock III aka Sylint | Artist & Mental Health Advocate

Since a child I have always been a creative thinker. From writing poetry to short stories and drawing. Creativity just oozed out of me. Also through out my life I had a lot of hardships and struggles. Art saved my life during my darkest times. I would listen to a lot of music of various genres that made me feel like i wasn’t alone in the world and I wanted to be able to hopefully give that salvation to someone else who needs it. That’s the biggest reason I became an artist. Hopefully I can save someone’s else through my art like mine was through someone’s else’s. Read more>>

Amadi Williams | Multidisciplinary Artists & Student

I chose to pursue an artistic career because I wanted to see myself within museum and gallery spaces. I remember the first time I went to the MET. I walked around with my father playing a game called spot the Black people and it was so difficult to find anyone that looked like me. When I finally stumbled across someone that looked like me, my father told me to really sit with the painting and think about how the Black people were represented. I realized that all the Black people I was seeing in the paintings were indentured servants and weren’t usually in positions of power. It made me realized that I wanted to represent Black people in a positive way and to represent our histories without re-traumatizing a viewer. Over the years I’ve also started to think more about how my practice can make an impact and I wanted to make sure that I’m amplifying voices of people that have the tendency to go unheard. Read more>>

Eric Dahl | Host of the Rock & Review with Eric Dahl and Writer

I didn’t really feel like there was any other choice. My Dad was a weekend musician and my Mom was an Art teacher, so I was always around creative people from a young age. Video content, media and music have provided me with those creative outlets. I find it fascinating to interview Music Artists, Authors, Documentary Producers and Artistic Painters that are related to music and feature them on the Rock & Review each week. I find myself constantly learning and growing as I surround myself with creative minded people and share their stories. Read more>>

Lords of the Satellite | Band

If the question is “Why do we make music?” it’s because we don’t have a choice. We each have something inside of us that we have to get out and, as friends and musicians, we find a way to do that together through our music. Even if Kurt and Jow don’t speak to one specific member for weeks or months at a time due to some stupid disagreement, we know the music ultimately finds a way and we will never stop creating. Read more>>