FIRL - Symphonic Melodies

After 25 years of crafting high-energy, electric performances with Bond, Eos Counsell, and Gay-Yee Westerhoff have taken a new musical path as FIRL. For FIRL’s upcoming album, Wildwood, which is set to be released in April 2025, Eos and Gay-Yee draw deeply from their travels and love of nature. Inspired by places like Hokkaido's hot springs and Costa Rican forests, the album uses elements such as birdsong to create an immersive, calming soundscape. In addition to music, Eos and Gay-Yee use their platform to support humanitarian causes. Recent contributions include donating prize money from their appearance on Celebrity Eggheads to CARE International and performing at events like Vietnam’s Typhoon Yagi benefit. Their dedication extends beyond fundraising, as they continue to use their music to connect listeners to the beauty of nature and the importance of supporting global humanitarian efforts. Read on to learn more about FIRL.

SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNovember 19, 2024music artist, music, Art, nature, wilderness preservation, #Nature, save the planet, female artists, PovertyComment

Diana Weymar - Voicing Politics Stitch by Stitch

Diana Weymar, an artist and curator, discovered her creative voice through an unexpected medium—thread and textile. This newfound love inspired her to create public projects centered around activism, eventually leading to the birth of the Tiny Pricks Project. What began as a desire to document the Trump presidency has evolved into a global initiative, with over 5,000 contributions from participants around the world. Through workshops, social media, and public participation, the Tiny Pricks Project has grown while staying true to its original mission: to document a pivotal political era and foster action and activism. To learn more about Diana Weymar and the Tiny Pricks Project, read on!

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanOctober 4, 2024Author, climate change, book, words, Trump, project, Voice, Art, politics, political artComment

Thomas Deininger - Trash to Treasure

In a barn studio brimming with creative chaos, Thomas Deininger redefines the boundaries of art by transforming discarded materials into colorful narratives. With a childhood shaped by ADHD and dyslexia, Deininger found solace in drawing and building, laying the foundation for his unique artistic approach. His pieces, often revealing different facets from various angles, invite viewers to experience a range of emotions and engage with pressing environmental issues. Despite the challenges of working with non-traditional materials, Deininger views obstacles as opportunities for innovation, creating art that evokes a range of emotions. To learn more about Thomas Deininger and his work, read on.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanSeptember 18, 2024Art, artist, recycle, trash, sculptor, animal, eco-friendly, environmentComment

Creative Minds Against Climate Change

In an era marked by rising temperatures, a growing number of artists are using their creative talents to shine a spotlight on global warming, the environment, and the profound impacts on daily life. From breathtaking paintings to thought-provoking structures, these artists are harnessing their craft to convey urgent environmental messages and inspire action. As these artists highlight the urgent need for climate action, they also prompt crucial questions: What steps can we take in our daily lives to combat global warming? How can we use art as a catalyst for change in our own communities? By blending artistry with advocacy, these artists not only highlight the urgent need for climate action but also offer compelling, emotional connections to the scientific realities of global warming. Their work fosters a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and encourages us to reflect on our role in addressing one of humanity’s greatest threats.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanAugust 16, 2024Art, artist, climate change, climate crises, AwarenessComment

Reflections with Janet Sternburg

There is something special in the way a woman looks at the world. There is a different type of sensitivity that is highlighted when a woman looks — really looks. And Janet Sternburg likes to look. Over the decades she has used her camera to document these moments and found unique ways of capturing the world around her. She has always been enamored with reflections and you can see this throughout her work. As a powerful female in the arts she hasn’t taken this job lightly. she has authored nine books, helped create films and worked with the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and PEN Center USA. Please read on to learn more about this passionate woman and her latest creation Looking at Mexico / Mexico Looks Back — a photography book of Mexico that isn’t just a gringa’s way of looking at the country.

Vertical Show Returns To San Francisco For Three Weeks of Magic At The Great Star Theater

Do you live in the San Francisco area? If so, I have wonderful news for you!! The Vertical Show is returning to the Great Star Theater in Chinatown San Francisco from April 4-21st. There will be shows every Thursday-Sunday for three weekends. You can buy your tickets here (promo code: kira).

This Time with Anwen O’Driscoll and Jennifer Gibson

The new queer film “This Time” is in many ways the more serious current version of “But I’m a Cheerleader” as a young girl runs away from her family who is trying to send her to a conversion camp, to go on a world wind adventure searching for the secrets of her recently deceased elusive father. You will celebrate and cry with Grace as she comes to understand and accept herself and make real friends a long the way. Please read on to learn more about the film, our star Anwen O’Driscoll (Grace), and Jennifer Gibson (Producer and Anne) as they walk us through the importance of “This Time”.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Kira BuccaMarch 29, 2024film, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ rights, actress, ArtComment

Mai Khoi - Bad Activist?

I went into Mai Khoi and the Dissidents' show “Bad Activist” only knowing that she had a crazy back story, was a refugee from Vietnam, and that she was very talented (like everyone Joe’s Pub has!). What I didn’t expect to experience was an incredibly educational, cultural, and art explosion! Mai Khoi walks us through her story, and the story of many Vietnamese who criticize their government, through spoken word, music (most that was sung in Vietnamese with translations on a video above her), costume changes, and visuals.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 53Jejeune MagazineFebruary 6, 2024refugee, Refugee, singer song writer, singer, Art, vietnam, activist, Joe's Pub, review, live shows, nyc, Obama, asian artist, asianComment

Unleashing the Power of Queer Art: Beautiful Forms Break Free with Bia Ferreira and Lama El Homaïssi

The Beautiful Forms: Queer Art Unbound festival was presented by the Artistic Freedom Initiative in October. The festival showcased the talents of international artists who have faced persecution or censorship due to their queer identities. Two of the featured artists were Bia Ferreira, a Brazilian singer and composer known for addressing important social issues, and Lama El Homaïssi, an actor, singer, and writer whose work often focuses on the LGBTQIA+ community. In this interview, Lama discusses their experiences engaging with the diaspora and highlighting injustices in Egypt and Lebanon, while Bia talks about their upcoming international tour and their approach to different music genres. Continue reading and discover how this festival provided an important platform for queer artists to express themselves and address pressing issues.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 53Jessica MoraJanuary 18, 2024Art, LGBTQ+, Artists, singer, Actor, festivalComment

Parvati Kumar - Creating Etherical Art From The Heart

Let Parvati Kumar take you on a surreal and beautiful journey with her music and art. This disabled transgender female artist taps into her Punjabi heritage and her connection with the female spirit when creating. With a background in writing and painting, all forms of creation are at her finger tips. Read on to learn more about Parvati and her art.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 52Jejeune MagazineJanuary 4, 2024Art, digital creator, digital art, trans woman, Transgender, PunjabiComment

Breath-taking Art - ALIMA USA and Six N. Five's Artistic Collaboration Improves Medical Oxygen Access in Africa

ALIMA USA's executive director, Charlie Kunzer, and the talented digital artist, Six N. Five, have come together to create the innovative artistic nonprofit campaign, "Breath for All." Through captivating 3D artwork and immersive 8D sound, this campaign aims to raise awareness and support for ALIMA USA's mission of improving medical oxygen access in sub-Saharan Africa. With stunning visuals and peaceful narration, Six N. Five's avant-garde style brings African landscapes to life, creating a backdrop for each meditation. Continue reading as Charlie Kunzer and Six N. Five discuss the inspiration behind "Breath for All" and the importance of medical oxygen access in sub-Saharan Africa. They also highlight the power of art and storytelling to drive impactful change. Through this campaign, they hope to create a world where everyone has the breath they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

K. Osei Williams and the Art Is Alive Festival - Uniting Communities Through the Arts

K. Osei Williams is the driving force behind the Art is Alive festival, a dynamic event that brings together the community through the power of the arts. Located in Brooklyn, this festival strives to create a sense of unity and connection among its attendees. The festival offers a wide range of offerings, including free classes, workshops, and performances, all with the goal of providing access to artistic expression for all. This year's festival was especially significant as it marked the event's return after a challenging period of pandemic-related disruptions. This shows the festival's commitment to supporting artists' professional development. The event included performances by both youth and professional companies, making it a platform for artists at all stages of their careers. There were also African Diasporic dance workshops and an art showcase celebrating Africa's rich cultural heritage. To support this remarkable festival, readers are encouraged to attend events, explore the festival's website, and contribute through donations to ensure the ongoing success of the programs and initiatives offered by Art is Alive.

Art, zIssue 51Jessica MoraOctober 4, 2023Art is Alive, festival, Art, Community, performersComment

The Olympics of Pole Sports

Tis the season… for Pole Sports! Well, really it is just starting to be the season. Let me explain. Like many sports the athletes train year round, but there are particular times when the different competitions happen. I am a US based athlete so I will be speaking more about the US, but it is much the same across the globe. The summer is when most of the national competitions happen for the athletes, then late fall and early winter is when the International competitions occur. One must first qualify on the national level, creating the US Team in our case, to go to Worlds. While we are not an Olympic sport yet, we are handled in much the same way.

Articles, zIssue 50, Editor's Pick, Most PopularKira BuccaAugust 11, 2023pole dancers, pole, sports, Athlete, female athletes, pole sport, Olympics, pole dancing, ArtComment

Chris Jordan - Stories Through the Lens

More than ever, it is important to consider how human activity affects the environment. Chris Jordan is an activist who uses his powerful images that capture human activity to advocate for awareness. As an artist who immerses himself in his work, he demonstrates the power of photography by employing it to amplify emotion and change the negative connotation of the environmental crisis into one that advocates a positive attitude. Continue reading to learn more about Chris Jordan's artistic vision!

Tess Elena - Songs About Sex, Life, Rock & Roll

Tess Elena is well versed in human emotions, gender, sexuality and love, and translates that beautifully into every song she writes. The singer songwriter has a unique perspective on day to day situations which she uses as inspiration for her music. Experimenting with genres, she not only writes songs for herself, but also for fundraisers like the one she did to raise money for the NYC Food Bank. Tess is also an advocate for abortion rights and has worked in support of organizations like the Yellowhammer Fund and The Lilith Fund. Let Jejune Magazine introduce you to Tess Elena and her music!

Jenny Kendler- Giving Rise To Beauty In The Natural World

Jenny Kendler makes the invisible visible through her elaborate initiatives that bring to light the climate crisis we are facing. As a long-time advocate, Jenny Kendler has persisted in standing up for her beliefs and is deeply passionate about using her work to communicate her message to people from all walks of life. Her unique artistic approach explores beyond the established and continues to demonstrate the purest form of beauty. Her optimism and influence extend beyond her work, as she works with organizations to support local artists and advocate for change.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Chelsea ChanApril 28, 2023environment, climate change, climate crises, activism, Justice, Art, social activismComment

Diane Burko - Encapsulating Time Through Art

The planet and it’s people are constantly changing, and Diane Burko is helping us bear witness to it through her unique and beautiful way to documenting our world and climate change in her paintings and photographs. As a life long environmentalist and and advocate for indigenous rights, Diane encourages others to take in the world around us and work toward protecting it together. Her inspirational "time-based media" and collaboration with scientists to analyze and disseminate information has helped to educate viewers about the changes we are seeing on this planet. And while it might feel like a tough battle, Diane feels so much hope for the younger generations and their passion for our planet. Please read on to find out more about Diane Burko and how she sees the world.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Chelsea ChanApril 21, 2023enviornment, climate change, climate crises, lanscapes, photography, ecosystems, paintings, education, advocacy, ArtComment

Being A Hero Over The Generations

In celebration of Women’s History Month Joe’s Pub has an amazing cast of women coming to their stage! I had the pleasure to watch one of their monthly shows, Generation Women. This heartwarming show of female empowerment will have the audience laughing and crying in their seats in no time!

An Ode to American History Through Fashion

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we can’t ignore the impact of Native American fashion on the fashion industry. With more voices in fashion advocating for cultural awareness and speaking against the appropriation of Indigenous and Native American culture, the wave of the rise in the number of designers coming from these tribes has led to a new revolution. On this note, Jejune Magazine has culminated a list of Native American designers to be on the lookout for!

Akilah Newton Is A Big Dreamer

Akilah Newton has a dream to have all kids have access to the arts, at least in Montreal, and she is making it happen through her organization Overture with the Arts (OWTA). OWTA offers inexpensive or free education in music, dance, drama and vocal training to children. In addition to this, Akilah has released an inspiring book series “Big Dreamers”, which helps to educate Canadians about their own Black history. With most education systems in Canada focusing a heavy emphasis on American Black History rather than Canadian, Akilah has been inspired to help highlight notable Black Canadians to help educate the youth about their own history. Again, Akilah is stepping up to the plate to help! To learn more about this incredible woman and her many endeavors, please read our exclusive interview below.