Alicia Smith-Where Fireflies yet shine : on death and dark matter
Bio : Alicia Smith is a Xicana multidisciplinary artist currently based in Oklahoma City. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in Contemporary Sculpture and Printmaking and her Masters of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work utilizes ancestral prayer technologies, oral tradition, Indigenous Futurism and New Weird Science Fiction to interrogate colonial narratives and explore identity. Through this practice she advocates for cultural perpetuity as a response to the unfolding anthropocene.
Artist Statement: Through her project "Toci", the story of a group of Aztec women who escape the colonization of Mexico by establishing a space colony on Mars, Alicia Smith has been reflecting on the delicate balance between existence and oblivion. As these women live in such a hostile environment, they must rely on each other and the organisms they brought with them for their survival. Their survival, which is also predicated on their observations and understanding of this planet, its life and history, and their place within it. Living so closely to death they must adapt their personal experiences, technologies, and traditions to this new setting. My ancestors believed the darkness of space was the darkness we all emerged from and the darkness we all returned to. We had many ways of personifying it, from Tzitzimime, Star Demonesses, to Citlalicue, Skirt-Of-Stars, to Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of the Underworld. What would Hueymiccailhuitl, the traditional festival of the dead which became Dia De Los Muertos, look like on Mars? How would it change? How does grief behave like Dark Matter? Through this exhibition she explores the mysteries of life, death and the cosmos as well as critically examines the implications of the current discourse around the colonization of Mars. Fireflies are just one of many species impacted by our "fairy tales of eternal economic growth" and in Toci, one of the species who is saved.
Link to your website/social media:
Instagram: @AliciaSmithArt
Favorite Poem Currently/ Title of the exhibition:
"Where Fireflies Yet Shine" comes from the work of 2 poets. Rebecca Elson who is also an astrophysicist and Richard Selzer who is also a doctor. In her poem "1992" Rebecca Elson writes about the challenges of studying something with indirect detection (as it only interacts with things through its gravitational force and doesn't emit photons):
Explaining Dark Matter
As if all there were, were fireflies
And from them you could infer the meadow
**Side note: I love that she used something that gives light, the Luciferin of Fireflies, to describe detecting Dark Matter which doesn't emit, absorb or reflect light).
Since matter only makes up 5% of the universe, and 95% is something invisible to us, it's a potent comparison in scale as well.
Richard Selzer writes about the process of dying:
“You do not die all at once, some tissues live on for minutes, even hours, giving still their little cellular shrieks, molecular echoes of the agony of the whole corpus . . . There are outposts where clusters of cells yet shine, besieged, little lights blinking in the advancing darkness. Doomed soldiers, they battle on. Until Death has secured the premises all to itself.”
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I've been teaching at OU again and it's been a wonderful semester. I'm also in a little show in Oklahoma City "Herencia" with other Xicano artists in Oklahoma so I'm very excited for that and in November will be doing some art making at the Norman Public Library. I'm extremely honored that I will have work on Project for Empty Space's mobile exhibition "BODY FREEDOM FOR EVERY(BODY)" also.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
For Chapter 2 of the project I wanted to make a cape out of corn husks but using a backstrap loom (traditional weaving from Mexico) for something like that wouldn't really work because it would crush the husks, so I had to research Maori, Haida and Navajo weaving techniques which was a lot of fun. I built myself a standing/tapestry loom and am completely hooked. Like, I made cloth from a bunch of string!? The next thing for Chapter 2 is a ceramic Axolotl effigy/sentinel. But I'm also wanting to play more with all these materials I'm using to maybe make work that isn't regalia or props for the video project but are stand alone pieces inspired by the same concepts. What I started exploring with this show at Oscillator honestly. This is extremely difficult for me lol because I need a story haha there has to be some logic. I envy people who are just intuitive with collaging images and materials who don't let anything hold them back. It's going to be challenging but I want to try.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Take good care of your hands! Bone broth, tiger balm and good salves. Ginger on my whole life lol.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Entirely too many. I saw Marguerite Humeau's work at the last Venice Biennale and I strive to be that awesome. Alejandro Garcia Contreras has an amazing show up at Pioneer Works in NYC right now which makes my brain explode. Candice Lin, who I had the privilege of working with when I was an artist in residence at Banff a few years ago is exhibiting at MUMA "The Sex Life of Stone" looks incredible. I wish it will still be up when I plan to visit Australia next year. Terra Keck at Field Projects <3.
Any stories you want to share?
Stop me if you've heard the one about a group of Aztec women who escape the colonization of Mexico by flying a pyramid to Mars.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I will be traveling to New Zealand and Australia next summer to get some footage for Chapter 4 of the project.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I can't stop listening to "Triassic Love Song" by Paris Paloma. I think because its about an amphibian and mammal holding each other while they're dying and that feels like very Chapter 2 of my project.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Names I can't stop writing in my journal:
Jacqueline Surdell, Elise Wehle, Catherine Blackburn, Cathy Hirchenhahn, Jemila Macewan, Fabiola Jean-Louis, Dominique Rousseau, Phuong Nguyen, Klara Hosnedlova and Rachel Marks.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?https://www.bodyfreedomforeverybody.org/ !!!
Anything else?
Thank ya'll for having me again and letting me try some new things! Exhibiting is one of the only ways a lot of artists can get feedback for their work outside of academia. Its really helpful and I appreciate what you guys do!
prairie house preservation society
prairie house preservation society
Our main goal and focus right now as a non-profit group dedicated to restoring and preserving the Prairie House so people can enjoy it for decades to come is repairing the exterior cladding. This house was built in 1961. 60+ years of Oklahoma weather have taken a remarkable toll on the cedar boards that cover all the exterior walls. The tornado that came through east Norman in 2022 did not hit the house directly but the strong winds did rip off a lot of this exterior cladding. We partnered with W Design out of Tulsa to complete a Historic Structure Report for us and to produce a full 360 degree, 3D scan of the house. The report prioritized areas in need of repair. The house is structurally sound which was wonderful news. It is the aesthetic character of the house that needs the most work. The 3D scan will help us when we undertake the major task of removing exterior boards, rewrapping the house in waterproofing fabric, reinstalling usable existing boards and cutting/placing new boards to replace extremely damaged and missing boards. We have been applying for grants and fundraising to help us with this endeavor. We are in the process of getting the home on the National Register of Historic Places in order to be able to apply for more grants.
The Prairie House is an important representation of the American School of Architecture movement that came out of the University of Oklahoma. It exemplifies principles of organic architecture, using every day materials in new ways, and allowing the character of the landscape to inform the design of the house. We have a close relationship with OU’s Gibbs College of Architecture. Every year we host multiple architecture classes on tours through the building. This house was built by a graduate of OU’s College of Architecture, Herb Greene, when he returned to OU as a professor. Students of his helped build the house. It’s important to us to continue this collaboration with students.
Currently, the Oklahoma Contemporary Museum has an exhibit titled Outre West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California.
Outré West | Oklahoma Contemporary
One of our board members and OU Architecture professors, Stephanie Pilat, was heavily involved in the curation of this exhibit. The Prairie House is mentioned in this exhibit as part of a much larger discussion around the American School of Architecture’s philosophy and influence. It is a wonderful exhibit open until January 2025 and we encourage people to go see it.
I think a lot of people would be surprised at the level of quality architecture that can be found in Oklahoma.
Norman has already lost one such piece of exemplary organic architecture, the Bavinger House designed by Bruce Goff. We do not want to see the Prairie House befall the same fate.
Care-A-Vans
Hello! Would you mind introducing yourselves?
Hi! No problem! We’re the drivers for Norman Care-A-Vans. We’ll introduce ourselves briefly while also telling a bit about the history of the organization.
Russell Rice has been around from the very beginning. His connections with folks on City Council really paved the way for creating Care-A-Vans. In 2020 or so, the City had commissioned a strategic plan to end homelessness in Norman. Part of the plan involved providing transportation for unhoused folks. Since Russell was deeply involved in homeless advocacy, some council members approached him about developing a local nonprofit to address this issue. Russell worked closely with another founder of ours, Harold (who has since moved: we love you and miss you, Harold!) to get things off the ground. So soon Care-A-Vans was born.
Alan Hatcher has been driving with us since the beginning. Like the other folks who founded Care-A-Vans, Alan got started building community with unhoused folks through SILN, an organization that delivered home-cooked meals to unhoused folks in town. Everyone who drove for SILN already knew very well what City had paid consultants a stupid amount to tell them: that transportation was a need for our friends. During deliveries folks kept asking for rides to doctor's appointments and the like. Since the funding strings were dangled by the City, Russell and Harold invited Alan to join them in creating Norman Care-A-Vans.
Steve Lett got involved with Norman Care-A-Vans right after the organization was incorporated. He had moved to Norman in July 2021 and quickly got plugged into Red Dirt Collective and their organizing work going on in town. This led him to get involved in building Care-A-Vans at the turn of 2021/2022 just when things were taking off. He’s been driving and doing lots of behind the scenes work for us since.
Mike Davidson joined us in late 2022 after seeing us in the news protesting the destruction of our friend’s homes in the woods by Crest. Those woods have sadly long since been bulldozed to make room for more parking and box stores (which haven’t been built yet). That happened back in July of 2022, right after the City had abruptly closed the only low barrier shelter in town. That was a rough summer. But Mike loved our very vocal approach to advocating for the folks we work with, so he jumped on board and actually became our first employee starting at the beginning of 2023.
Max Geiszler joined us as a regular driver during the fall of last year. He’s a philosophy student at OU and learned about us through Steve Ellis, one of his professors who has also been on our Board of Directors from the start. Like everyone, Max started by doing meal deliveries, and has just recently started driving for our shuttle service.
We should say that we’re always open for more folks to join us! So hit us up if you’re interested in helping out! Just shoot an email to us at ncvoutreach@gmail.com
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Our biggest ongoing project is making Care-A-Vans sustainable. When we started this, we hoped money wouldn’t be a huge issue because we were hoping to get a City contract. So the initial goal was simply to create the organization that would receive money the City of Norman set aside in 2021 following abolitionist demands to fund care, not cops. The City had decided that money would go to unhoused transportation, so we built Care-A-Vans and started operations in hopes of getting that money. Several months later, after the city put out its Request for Proposals for the project, we applied. We were the only applicants. But in the end the City decided to give the money to no one. That sucked. Another awful part of the summer of 2022. Though the city decided we didn’t deserve to be funded, their Human Rights Commission did give us their Human Rights Award that year—a nice gesture with no money. (We were a little saucy in our acceptance speech.)
Anyway, since we didn’t get City money, we’ve had to figure out how the hell to raise funds to keep this going. Doing the work is the easy part. So easy. Making it a sustainably funded thing is made ridiculously hard. This is, of course, on purpose in our horrifyingly careless capitalist world. And we’re still trying to figure it out. It’s an ongoing struggle. But we believe that both what we do and how we do it is valuable. So we keep plugging along, trying to raise funds while also performing our values as much as possible—both through internal policies and our external messaging.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
There’s so many beautiful projects going on. We developed out of Red Dirt Collective, so we’re always loving seeing what they’re up to: mutual aid fairs, their community garden, tenant organizing, community conversations, and such. They are awesome folks.
We love SHRED the Stigma, a harm reduction org based in OKC. We head up to OKC and assemble harm reduction kits with them every other week and distribute them in Norman. The work they do is saving so many lives. We love being a part of it.
Other cool things include the labor organizing that’s always happening around us. A recent win that we were excited to learn about is the new union of workers at Natural Grocers: NG Community United.
There are also so many cool citizen driven groups that have been engaging in direct democracy and mutual aid—from the broad coalition of Normanites that regularly advocate for our unhoused friends at city hall, to the folks that keep our many free pantries and fridges stocked and operational.
What music do y’all listen to on the road?
Each of us has a different approach. We all deeply care about music and think a lot about the kinds of space it makes.
Steve: My approach is to simply play the radio and toggle between stations when commercials come on. It’s not really the music I listen to on my own. But because many folks recognize the music played on the radio, it lends itself to recollections that lead to great stories. And of course, we’ve also had some epic sing-a-longs with bangers like Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License.” Basically I stick with music familiar to folks in hopes of building relationships through shared and sharing musical experiences.
Mike: Rolling up at A Friend's House in the morning with some good tunes and a strong cup of coffee is becoming my favorite part of the day and has led me back to having a small renaissance with the music I was raised on. My playlist varies, but leans heavily into classic blues, soul and rock n roll. Some personal favorites while driving are Otis Redding, Little Feat, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Van Morrison. If there’s laughter and singing on the bus, I’m a pretty happy guy. Music is an incredible universal connector, and a bus load of folks singing “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band, as we slip down Main St at 7:20am is a pretty magical example of that!
Alan: I enjoy finding and creating playlists of interesting genres that I'm less familiar with and seeing what our friends vibe with. I'll admit that this can occasionally be a polarizing approach and the phrase "Alan, what the hell are you listening to?!" has definitely been said more than once, but I think overall everyone has fun hearing some music you don’t hear on most radio stations. I had a Dub Reggae playlist with artists like King Tubby, Scientist, and Lee "Scratch" Perry going strong for quite a while last year, which a lot of folks were digging. Musically, I think Dub’s slow rhythms, deep and full bass frequencies, and use of the echo effect create a peaceful mood in the vehicle, and the themes of spirituality, struggle, unity, and liberation seem to resonate as well. Some other recent favorites have been a few playlists by the Numero Group record label, one called "Private Beach: The Numero Group Guide to Surf," which is full of super vibey old surf rock instrumentals, (including a song called "Caravan" by the group The Caravans, which always gives me a cheeky grin when it comes on), and another called "Country Dreamin'," which contains classic country songs, many of which explore social issues such as poverty, incarceration, substance use, labor exploitation, gender roles, and mental illness in a way that feels honest and direct, with a compassionate sense of humor, and always on the side of the downtrodden and brokenhearted. Sometimes we'll do some traveling around the world and back in time through compilations of Turkish Psych, Cambodian Garage, Peruvian Cumbia, Nigerian Funk, Soviet Disco, Ethiopian Jazz, French Yé-yé, Italian film scores, and the list goes on. Lately we've ended up back into more familiar punk and indie territory with The Clash and The B-52's, as well as a visit to New Orleans via the Funk icons The Meters and the "Queen of New Orleans Soul," Irma Thomas. Being able to share my love of music is one of my favorite parts of driving for Care-A-Vans.
Any stories you want to share?
For sure! We’ll hand this over to Lauri, one of our friends who stays at A Friend’s House, the shelter in town. We published this in our first issue of our community journal The Dispatch, which is going to be shipped with every merch order from this pre-order!
Any favorite poems recently?
Currently we’re working on putting together the second issue of The Dispatch. In that issue we are excited to be publishing two poems from one of our long-time friends, Dawn. So keep an eye out for that coming out sometimes this fall!
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get the news of when it’s out!
Any other future things you‘re looking forward to?
Oh yes! We are looking forward to living in a world where everyone is able to readily care for one another: abolitionist futures. We understand our work to be part of building some organizational infrastructure to make such a future possible. Of course, it’s a massive uphill battle because this world’s powerful careless, violent institutions seek to foreclose our capacity to care. So we look forward to a future where we can care-take with ease, where resources aren’t hoarded, and where tending to all our relations animates all institutional forms. This means, among other things, the abolition of capitalism, returning land to Indigenous sovereignty, and smashing the heteropatriarchy.
While this is a future we are looking forward to, we should also point out that this future is both already present and has a long history. We are here, after all, as are so many others around the world. But these vibrant histories and insurgent presents are violently suppressed in order to naturalize life-destroying carelessness. So we try to counter that bullshit by being as loud as possible about how there are actually life-affirming ways of dwelling, relating, and producing in the world. And we are always trying to perform this through our work.
Anything else?
Nah, we gotta get back out on the road! But before signing off, we just want to send our love to you, Eric and Jenna, at Oscillator Press. We are so happy to have an awesome print shop here in town that supports local artists. Much love. And take care.
natural Grocers union
1. Hi! What is your name and position at Natural Grocers? How long have you been there?
My name is Bridget and I have worked at the Norman Natural Grocers for 8 and a half years. I have held several different positions over the years, but for the past few years I have been a general staff cashier. I enjoy cashiering because I have more opportunities to connect with our regulars. I make it a practice to try to genuinely connect with everyone who comes through my line.
2. What events led up to your store's decision to form a union?
Natural Grocers is no longer the small mom and pop private company it once was or still promotes itself to be. It is a publicly traded corporation with over 160 stores nationwide; turning a profit of 326.5 million dollars in 2023 alone. I have seen the company becoming more and more corporate. Our benefits have been consistently getting worse. We have been micromanaged more and more. People who have been with the company for years have been getting written up or fired for minor policy violations, before and since the union effort started. And my pregnant and nursing coworkers have been consistently mistreated by a company that claims to "empower health."
I work very hard to connect intentionally with each customer I encounter and to find them what they need. I have brilliant and kind coworkers and former coworkers whom I have witnessed do the same. I have seen our store act as a community center in many ways. Whenever I go out in Norman, I almost always run into one of my regular customers and they greet me. I have watched children grow up in our store. My apron is filled with buttons and pins, many of them gifts from customers and others in my community. To this day, this is my favorite job I have ever had. But I am sad to say that the company and my little store are rapidly changing, and not for the better.
Particularly throughout the pandemic, longtime coworkers and I began naming to each other how the company seemed to be treating us as more and more disposable. We saw people give over 10 years of exemplary work to the company, risk their lives as essential workers during a global pandemic, only to be fired for minor policy violations that could easily be addressed by a conversation and resulted in no loss to the company, save the expense of flying someone from Colorado to Oklahoma to fire them. We decided we needed to organize to protect what we still love about our store and the company, and to fight for better healthcare and worker protections.
I want a union because I do care deeply for my coworkers, my store, my community, and the future of the company. I believe that a union would provide a more accessible feedback and representation system for workers and that this would enable the company to better uphold their principals and goals.
3. What was the early process (before the vote) like? Was there a lot of support? Opposition?
The early process of organizing the union, really starting in late 2021, felt natural and exciting. Every coworker we talked to said they were on board. We were able to build solidarity with each other by naming the issues we were facing or had faced over the years. There was some confusion about where to start. None of us had organized a union before and did not readily know many examples, aside from the odd story from a friend out of state or a grandparent or a history teacher.
We were eventually able to connect with UFCW Local 1000, which currently represents and organizes grocery workers in our region, through a coworker's connections in the punk music scene. Once we chose a union to work with, we were assigned an organizer who went over the process with us. First, we had to establish our bargaining unit, which includes all the workers at the store who do not have a say over hiring and firing. Next, we needed to get 70% of our bargaining unit on board before filing for an election. This is a common practice, even though workers only need 50% plus 1 vote to win a union election, but company opposition and union busting usually flips some people. As we talked to people, we were making a growing list of what we would want in a union contract, and making sure that that list reflected and met the needs of the group.
4. How did Natural Grocers react when they learned of your plan to unionize?
The unionizing process was going very smoothly, and very quickly, until the company found out. It was unfortunately another worker who ratted out the campaign, and that person gave the company the name of the worker who reached out to them. I will never understand why they did it, but the company had a whole playbook ready. In 2022, the company sent a revolving door of higher ups who all used the same language and similar tactics. They would tell us they were there to help and listen. They would tell us they care about us. They would tell us that we could get our concerns addressed by talking to HR or higher ups directly. But when we did raise concerns, they were pushed off, not addressed, or we were told they actually weren't real. All the while, the higher ups were looking for anything they could use to target pro-union employees and write them up.
It is illegal for a company to tell workers not to unionize, so Natural Grocers brought in a third party to do it for them. Labor Relations Consultants are often hired by companies to do this. Miko Penn, the first Labor Relations Consultant hired by Natural Grocers, was featured in the "Union Busting" episode of John Oliver's Last Week Tonight. We started having to attend mandatory captive audience sessions, ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours, where we were told unions just want to use us and make money off of us. We were told that corporations actually care a lot more about workers than unions do. We were told that membership and interest in unions is constantly declining. We were told a lot of half truths, out of context, to dissuade us from unionizing. This eventually led to the union campaign losing a great deal of support and we had to rebuild over the next couple of years.
In January of 2024, we saw our store manager fired, our assistant store manager pushed to quit, and 14 workers written up in one day. While we had been rebuilding our union campaign, the company had been making plans to clean house. We decided we needed to go public and rely on our wider community to expand our capacity and put pressure on the company to halt their union busting tactics. I launched a petition on coworker.org to raise awareness about what had been going on at the store and collect public support. The company sent an even longer line of higher ups and store managers from out of state to observe the staff. Pro-union employees continued to be written up for minor infractions, like clocking in 8 minutes early or hugging each other with mutual consent. Captive audience sessions became weekly if not bi-weekly occurrences. The company spent so much money in such a short period of time. They were paying for flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, gas, food, and more for all of the managers and higher ups they were bringing in. In addition, the labor relations consultants were being paid $450/hour plus expenses. The company was able to pin workers against each other. This was all extremely taxing on our small and close-knit crew.
Finally, we had the 70% of our bargaining unit file authorization cards, and we filed for an election on Monday, April 8th, 2024. This was announced at the store by some workers bringing in a cake that read, "It's a union!" That final month, leading up to the election on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, was a new level of union busting intensity. We really had to rely on our wider community to keep up morale. Many supporters signed our petition, offered words of support when they came in to shop, wrote Google reviews of the company, and called the Home Office to let them know they saw what was going on and supported us. The most beautiful expression of solidarity and support I think we received was in the form of two pickets in front of the store in the week leading up to the election. We had over two dozen people on two different days show up to hold signs and chant and let us know we were not alone.
5. How did you feel during the vote itself? What about that situation did you find surprising or interesting?
I was extremely anxious the day of the vote. I knew we had given it our best, but I could not let go of the anxiety that all that work was about to be for nothing. What if the company had flipped more people than we thought?
I was selected to be the union election observer. Both UFCW Local 1000 and Natural Grocers chose a worker to be their observer. I was not expecting the company to choose the person they did. It was a strange but polite atmosphere. Our union organizer and I walked in together. We were greeted by a handful of Natural Grocers higher ups, the company's legal representation, a labor relations consultant, my coworker, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) representative. We went over the rules and processes of the election and had some time to raise any issues we might have. Then my coworker who was chosen by the company and I sat in a room with a representative from the NLRB for 2 hours while my coworkers came in the room one at a time to vote.
With all the union busting done by the company, as well as our work to counter it leading up to the election, it felt strange to have all that culminate in a small room. We had to work so hard, and so many workers before us had to work so hard, to carve out a space for a fair election. We had 20 people in our bargaining unit. The final tally was 11 for the union and 9 against. The company had managed to flip more people than I thought they would, but it was not enough and WE WON. That cannot be contested.
6. Since successfully voting to unionize, what comes next for your group?
We have now entered our campaign for a union contract. This could take a few months or a year. It depends on how effectively we can pressure the company to negotiate. Several labor board charges are being filed with the NLRB against Natural Grocers. If Natural Grocers is found guilty by the NLRB of violating labor law, they are required to sign a contract with us. It is also very helpful to keep building public support and pressure. Solidarity from our community is really what helped us win this campaign. Other Natural Grocers workers at other stores have tried to unionize before, and the company has been successful in stopping them. The community support and solidarity helped keep my coworkers and me from being fired while we were organizing. Solidarity expanded our capacity to advocate for ourselves. We want to offer appreciation and expand that solidarity through this t-shirt fundraiser through Oscillator Press for Norman Care-A-Vans. We hope to accomplish a few things with this fundraiser.
First, we hope to spread our message that unionizing is an act of love. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unions are statistically shown to benefit not only workers but their surrounding communities - helping to improve income and economic protections, improve health and wellbeing, and help combat voter suppression laws. It is also important to us that this message is spread by supporting a local print shop and that we showcase the NG Community United logo developed by workers in Oklahoma. There is a rich history of union organizing in Oklahoma, but it has been widely suppressed and erased. We want our community to have the opportunity to wear these shirts with pride, that a store in Oklahoma was the FIRST Natural Grocers to successfully unionize.
Next, we hope to illuminate the connections between workers rights, the rights of the unhoused, and the rights of those who are incarcerated. Earlier this year, AP News released an article exposing many grocery stores and other food businesses utilizing prison labor. Natural Grocers was not among the companies listed, but many of their top competitors were, including Whole Foods and Aldi. We are observing an industry trend of utilizing the free or cheap labor of incarcerated people, while effectively degrading the rights of employees to unionize. Meanwhile, according to Labor Notes, minimum wage has remained mostly stagnant and wealth inequality has skyrocketed as "owners and managers of large corporations have waged a relentless and highly successful campaign against the collective power of workers." This is especially important in Oklahoma, where we have an incarceration rate of 905 per 100,000, far above the national rate of 608 per 100,000, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. There is also a clear link between being unhoused and being criminalized to the point of incarceration. According to an article released by KGOU earlier this year, "People experiencing homelessness are far more likely to have run-ins with the legal system than those with stable housing, For people experiencing homelessness, daily activities like using the bathroom, drinking alcohol and, starting Nov. 1, sleeping on state property are criminalized." This is about to be compounded by the Supreme Court decision on June 28th of this year, which states that cities can criminalize unhoused people for sleeping outside, even if there is no city shelter or other shelter that they can access.
It is very apparent to me that my ability to advocate for myself as a worker is connected to my ability to stay employed, which is connected to my ability to stay housed. If my employer can exploit the unpaid or cheap labor of incarcerated people, that also takes power away from me as a worker. If I am unable to advocate for myself or protect myself as a worker, I could be fired and become unhoused very quickly in this economy. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness increased 12% nationally between 2022 and 2023. And if unhoused people can be criminalized for simply existing outside, we truly are all in danger of entering this cycle of exploitation. The solidarity of our community at the Norman Natural Grocers expanded our ability to advocate for ourselves and protect ourselves. We see and admire the way Norman Care-A-Vans builds solidarity with our unhoused neighbors and we hope that by spreading our message that unionizing is an ACT OF LOVE, and by fundraising for Norman Care-A-Vans, we can help build awareness of shared interests and objectives across our community.
7. Are you working with other stores to do the same?
We are in communication with other workers and organizing is happening at other stores. However, the company is working very hard to suppress organizing efforts. For example, many pro-union employees at the Tulsa, Oklahoma, store were fired and people from upper management in Colorado were brought in to run the store. As of now, one other store in Tuscan, Arizona, has filed for a union election. Two pro-union employees have been fired at that store since the election was filed. UFCW will be filing charges with the NLRB for this retaliation, but public support and customer support can be especially helpful in this fight. We ask supporters to look for action steps at bit.ly/NGCommunityUnited and support the t-shirt fundraiser as we work towards retaining a union contract.
8. Would you agree with the claim that there is a rising labor movement in the U.S.? If so, do you feel that you are a part of it?
I absolutely agree that there is a rising labor movement in the U.S. and I am proud that we are a part of it. When I started looking into unionizing a few years ago, I had no idea where to start and I didn't really know anyone in a union. As I have gone through this process, I have been in communication with family and friends who are also working to unionize their workplaces or have successfully unionized their workplaces in the last few years. I have seen more and more stories in the news about union campaigns and wins. I think the pandemic really shifted something in people, it is time for workers to take back our power in the United States.
9. What would you like to see happen in the future for workers? For your company and others?
Ultimately, unionization is about power. Right now, corporations have an absurd amount of power. Corporate greed affects all of us daily, from inflation to the poisons being pumped into our food and water. I want to see all workers have a voice and protections in their workplace. One of our union buttons reads, "United we stand, divided we beg." I want to see a future where working people do not have to beg for basic protections and a living wage. I want to see working people mobilized, empowered, and connected in solidarity. We have so much more power than we realize when we work together.
10. Any final thoughts we didn't cover? Thanks!
I want our community to know that this is just the beginning. This process taught me that there was so much more labor organizing happening around me than I realized. When we filed for the union election at our store, we had multiple members of other unions stop by the store just to congratulate us, worker to worker. This process also taught me I have access to more labor organizing histories and resources than I realized. Organizing this campaign also gave me the opportunity to hear stories from my retired neighbor about his decades of experience working in a union job in Oklahoma City; it activated memories for my parents of their family and friends who had organized or worked in unions; it gave me the opportunity to organize and trade resources with loved ones who were states away or just down the street working to unionize their workplaces; and it grounded my relationships with my coworkers, former coworkers, and regular customers in solidarity. Together, I truly believe that we can build a foundation to grow our collective power every day.
Good Vibes Union
We interviewed Bay Areas Good Vibes Union member and the artist behind their t-shirt design, Nola Mccue.
What's been going on in your world and circles lately? Anything in particular you've been working on?
- The Good Vibes Union (the labor union I designed these shirts for) is preparing to head into bargaining soon after their landslide victory in February. I’m excited to see what they win for themselves.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
- I don’t know man, I’m still at a place with my art where I almost feel like when I make a good drawing it’s almost by accident. I guess fuck around?? Throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks. Try to draw things you think you won’t be good at drawing, experiment with different mediums.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
- The labor movement has been having so many big wins lately, especially in retail and fast food. I’m thrilled for all the workers out there getting involved in organizing and winning elections, and am honored to have had a place in that myself.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
- I’m super excited about the Stop Making Sense tribute album coming out soon!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
- I’ve been loving Ragana. They’re a two-piece metal band based in Olympia and the Bay, it’s super impressive how much sound and texture they create with just one guitar and drums. Also lowkey queer icons imo
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
- I’ve been a big fan of Kristen Liu-Wong (IG @kliuwong, heads up her work is very NSFW) lately. I like how bold and colorful her work is, and I love how she draws faces.
To stay up to date with Good Vibes Union, you can follow their IG account: @goodvibesunion
Nola Mccue’s design for the Good Vibes Union is currently available for preorder!
You can order the shirt on our website here: https://oscillator-art.com/good-vibes-union/preorder
You can also donate to their Mutual Aid Fund through the Venmo Account: @notsarahwilder
The Opolis
The Opolis is a worker-owned music venue and vegan restaurant in Downtown Norman! Our neighbors, our friends and a local music gem!
We interviewed local musician and member of the Opolis co-op, Sarah Reid.
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Preparing for NMF at opolis :) and a lot baking in general. Breads, lots of breads.
Photo of Sarah Reid by Mark Elliot
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Trying to sample and make lil beats. Tryin to keep cool. Journaling. Seeking inspiration and carving out time for creativity
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Lather, rinse, repeat
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Dissociation record label and noise music renaissance in OK
Modern Slasher during Weirder Wednesday at the Opolis
Photo by Jesse Edgar of OAF playing Weirder Wednesday at the Opolis
Any stories you want to share?
There once was a cat named Kevin
Who was sent here straight from heaven
She was in command
Of a kitty cat band
And her amp went up to eleven
Droida during Weirder Wednesday at the Opolis
Photo by Cody Giles
Future things you are looking forward to?
Sleep when I die.
Cool stuff before then
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Randy Newman
Warren Zevon
Poem?
Oh yes
There are worse things than being alone, but it often takes decades to realize this, and most often when you do it's too late... And there's nothing worse than too late.
-Charles Bukowski
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Michael Lombardo
Anything else?
I’m psyched for the tshirts! Been needing a Department of Food shirt myself
To see what’s going on at the Opolis, follow them on IG at https://www.instagram.com/opolispix/
or check out their website: https://www.opolis.org/
We currently have two Opolis designs available for preorder on a t-shirt or tank top! The preorder will help raise funds to help the Opolis gear up for Norman Music Fest on April 25th-27th. Orders can be picked up at the Opolis fundraising event on March 28th. Place your preorder here!
Jelliii Art Duo: Jasmine Jones and Skelley Queen
JJ - Jasmine Jones, KQ - Kelley Queen-Reidy
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
JJ: Teaching, making, aerial silks, adjusting to having a cat in our 2 dog household, and (most importantly?) reassessing dreams and ideals for life. All on top of, you know, general life chaos. But life still feels fulfilling and good!
KQ: It’s been a lot of wonderful, big moments in my personal life within the last year! I got married last fall, about to move into a larger space, and am now a very proud aunt! As far as my art practice, I want to explore more with the mediums I love using and experiment with new ones too! Getting a website together has been on my mind for awhile and is definitely a goal for the near future! I’m just very grateful for everything going on lately!
Anything in particular you've been working on?
KQ: Preparing for our show here at Oscillator has been so fun! We’ve been working on the cute new little conversation heart pieces! We’ve also been working on a fun new painting to submit to the ONE fundraiser at Mainsite, which we’re really excited about!
I recently picked back up on crocheting this large tooth that I want to eventually give a large eyeball and possibly wings and more. I’m treating it like a big soft sculpture and that has been fun to see take more shape lately.
JJ: We’ve been re-igniting our collab powers with what Kelley’s mentioned. It also gets us so excited for future Jelliii projects/ideas, that may or may not involve our delicious tea, Dream Bits... Stay tuned!
Personally, I’ve also been working on more collage work as well as a solo show that’s happening at OU in August called Candied Garden.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
JJ: Don’t be afraid to play or “fail”!
KQ: Definitely collaborate with other creatives when you can! It broadens the scope of what y’all can accomplish, plus making art with a pal is always a blast!
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
JJ: The Artist Closet!
Future thing you are looking forward to?
KQ: More and more Jelliii endeavors! Possibly more wearables even! I’m feeling like big strides will be made in both Jelliii and each of our personal work as well!
JJ: I think I’ve got a lot of hope and excitement for 2024 overall as another big creative year, especially when it comes to Jelliii and experimenting with my own individual work.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
KQ: I’ve been listening to a lot of Yeule lately. They have an album called softscars they released last year and I just really love everything from the music itself to their fashion style; it’s so mystical and otherworldly. The songs “dazies” and “cyber meat” are some of my favorites and I recommend giving it a go! They also have a performance on KEXP that is super rad too!
JJ: My taste has been extra sporadic lately, but Reneé Rapp has me in a chokehold, especially with her rendition of World Burn. Also! Japanese and Korean Hip Hop, too many great artists to name there.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
JJ: Izzi Lee (@clownlifeizzi), Aurora Black (@aurorablackart), Li Speaks (on YouTube), and Darling Dollz (on YouTube). (Also endless love to the And That’s Why We Drink podcast forever and ever.)
KQ: I really love the work of this tattoo artist @nixxi_tattoos! Such a stellar style and very inspiring. I’ve been listening to/watching “Very Delta” every Monday and it’s one of my favorite podcast/talk shows! My spouse and I just finished watching the new episodes of Bluey that got released and they were all amazing! It’s such a well-made show and will totally enrich your life! (and make you cry!)
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
We’re both in Factory Obscura’s V-Day Bash and Art Show!
We’re still promoting our tea collaboration with Leap Coffee Roasters, Dream Bits!
Anything else?
KQ: Thank you so much for allowing us to do a Jelliii show and get the year started right! We love y’all and everything you bring to the community! It’s been sweet!!! <3
JJ: BIG shoutout to you guys for giving us this opportunity and supporting us! We appreciate you guys so much and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us and OSC! <3
To see what Jelliii is up to next, Check out these IG accounts:
We currently have a preorder up featuring Jelliii’s design, Furbina Valentina!
Available until March 17th (end of day) Order the Jelliii Collab. T-shirt here!
Skewed Press
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
We just recently made the decision to move into a bigger space! We are stoked to have an actual shop and are excited to actually have a retail space!
Anything in particular you've been working on?
We are in a very experimental mood lately! Trying out new ways to create together.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
NEVER GIVE UP!
make art for you not other people!
stay off social media!
Any stories you want to share?
-Bekartoe story-
one time a friend of mine asked me to go buy a happy meal so he could get the 2023 purple boo bucket from the great Mc Donalds! i was at the pumpkin patch when he texted so i just told him id try and get one after I'm done. Next thing i know i just look over on a hay bale and there it was, a mint condition 2023 empty purple boo bucket. didn't even have to buy a happy meal!
it just goes to show ya that times are really hard but sometimes you get really lucky!
Future things you are looking forward to?
I think after this show with y'all we are just excited for all of our future collaborations with people! community is important to us and making things together is really neat!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Grupo ju-juy, those armored core breakbeat mixes on youtube, KEN Mode.
been listening to a lot of Mon Laferte (as usual) and Creed
disturbed too obvi
Linkin park and Alcade la Senora
Poem?
A man said to the universe:
“Sir, I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation.”
-Stephen Crane
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Dear.Sergio is a really cool artist, also ebyczyk
been super digging cam_rackam, mataruda and what @grenudathreads has going on lately
All images are from instagram.com/skewedpress
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Tulsa Makers market is dope
oh yeeeeee TMM is in a bit of a hibernation rn. but we want to like start to make posts for past vendors to showcase what they've been doing and how folks can buy their stuff through the cold months when vending gets slow
Anything else?
A big thank you to y'all oscillators for having us and collaborating with us!
<3<3<3
Keep up with Skewed Press by following their instagram: Skewed Press
We currently have a preorder up featuring a Skewed Press design! The preorder is open til Sunday, Nov. 19th
Downtown Pantry
Meet the friendly faces behind Norman’s Downtown Pantry!
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Mikelyn Jones: Playing a lot of disc golf and traveling to Colorado.
Lee Hall: Traveling with my husband and caring for my Grandchildren when we are home.
Helen Grant: City of Norman stuff. Don’t forget to vote on Oct 10th on these Bridge Maintenance Bonds.
Nikki Howell: If I’m being real honest, the thing that has been bringing me most joy lately has been the quiet. Every little quiet moment alone has felt like such a gift. I only recently began making note of how nice it feels to have a minute of peaceful solitude. Maybe it’s the season of parenting I’m finding myself in currently 🤔
Cody Giles: As the current Public Arts Committee chair, I am getting to work with a wonderful group of humans try and grow the scope of public art in Norman. We are working to create an excitement for murals matched with funding to incentivize people/business/building owners to invest in them and the artists. We are also working on a VERY cool project that we hope to unveil soon!
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Mikelyn Jones: Knitting, I’m making a hoodie for my kid.
Helen Grant: I’ve been working on painting bisque fired skulls with vibrant glazes .
Lee Hall: I really am working on making sure that we have a working ordinance that allows community fridges to exist in Norman.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Cody Giles: Love people. Listen and hear them. Realize you can’t do everything, but you can do something. Help when you can, ask when you can’t.
Helen Grant: Look for where you can build bridges of common understanding for the greater good, and you can do that by listening with curiosity and meeting people where they are at in life.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Lee Hall: That we are getting a Senior Center aka Adult Wellness Education Center after years of seniors advocating for a nice, new facility.
Mikelyn Jones: I heard we are getting pickleball in Norman soon and I want to try it.
Cody Giles: Love seeing all the efforts to help care for the unhoused community in Norman. Would love for anyone and everyone interested in helping to get a shirt via this Pre-order or consider giving funds by using Venmo @Downtown-Pantry or Cash App $DowntownPantry
Future things you are looking forward to?
Helen Grant: It’s totally a city Nerd thing to say, but hopefully we are passing our Bridge Maintenance Bonds on Oct 10th.
Lee Hall: Having a fun weekend with my Grandkids.
Mikelyn Jones: Our 21st anniversary next month.
Nikki Howell: I’ve been really looking forward to the changing of seasons, and the feeling of nature slowing down and preparing to hibernate (although I realize these instinctually guided feelings are defeated by the capitalistic urge to grind and produce endlessly). We usually go down to our tiny house in the middle of nowhere Texas, and we feel really off the grid. We disconnect from the daily monotony, cook every meal from scratch, and everything back home is just far enough out of reach that if a problem arises, well, it will just have to wait. It’s the best night’s sleep we ever get.
Photo from Norman Music Fest
Cody Giles: I am ALWAYS looking forward to Norman Music Festival! As a member of their board, I am always blown away by the support and love for the festival and love the partnership with Downtown Norman and the humans that make it so great!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Helen Grant: “The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We” by Mitski, “Heaven is a Junkyard” by Youth Lagoon, “Easy” by Glasser, and “A Lens Turning” by Westerman
Mikelyn Jones: YouTube concerts of past performances, like David Bowie and the Clash and also listening to Shiadanni on TikTok.
Cody Giles: Noah Gundersen: “If This Is The End”,
and Del Water Gap: “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet”
Poem?
Cody Giles: “Your Laughter Poem” by Pablo Neruda will always be one of my favorite poems.
Helen Grant: “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson and “Snake” by Leonora Carrington
Art by Barry Zimmerman
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Cody Giles: I will never not love seeing everything Barry Zimmerman creates.
Helen Grant: I find myself revisiting Eliana Rodriguez. Some of the messaging in her art, actually why I keep looking her up every so often, is about letting yourself really feel your feelings.
https://instagram.com/eliana_e_rodriguez
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Cody Giles: Always keep your eyes on what the Norman Arts Council is doing. We have so many opportunities for artists, arts organizations, and art lovers all the time!
Anything else?
Helen Grant: I really encourage people to read “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity Through This Crisis (and the Next)” by Dean Spade. The Downtown Pantry team is committed to learning and practicing key tenants of mutual aid: collective decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and community building.
“Mutual aid is collective coordination to meet each other’s needs, usually from an awareness that the systems we have in place are not going to meet them. Those systems, in fact, have often created the crisis, or are making things worse. We see examples of mutual aid in every single social movement, whether it’s people raising money for workers on strike, setting up a ride-sharing system during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, putting drinking water in the desert for migrants crossing the border, training each other in emergency medicine because ambulance response time in poor neighborhoods is too slow, raising money to pay for abortions for those who can’t afford them, or coordinating letter-writing to prisoners. These are mutual aid projects. They directly meet people’s survival needs, and are based on a shared understanding that the conditions in which we are made to live are unjust.”
For more info, follow The Downtown Pantry on Instagram: Downtown Pantry
or on Facebook: Downtown Pantry
Donate or volunteer if you can!
We currently have a preorder up now featuring the Ward 4 design to raise funds for the Downtown Pantry.
This preorder will be available until Sunday, October 1st. Click here to order!
Human Interaction
We interviewed our neighbor Jacob Peregrin, co-owner of Human Interaction in Downtown Norman. Here what he’s been up to!
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Life has been wild this past week. Had an unexpected heart attack & literally had to be revived. It was completely unexpected & really took a toll. Spent a couple nights in the hospital & have been slowly healing up at home this week. Lotsa resting & trying to do things when I can to continue to build strength.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Just one day at a time. No complaints all things considered! But getting stamina back is going to take some time.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
The support from the community has been immense. So many folks have taken the time to reach out, check in and show love. Not to mention all the support we've seen through meals, donations, volunteering & people shopping in the store! We've never been the ones to ask for help, so it was uncomfortable at first, but holy smokes people have truly shown us another level of kindness! This community continues to blow our minds.
Future things you are looking forward to?
Getting back to the new normal! Its going to take time, but can't wait to get back into the the shop & back into life.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Been blaring some older albums start to firish that we've been singing along to this week. Sublime's Self Titled, LCD Soundsytems This is Happening & Brockhamptons The Family have been on repeat. Nirvana's Marigold track that is the only song Dave Grohl sand solo on has been on repeat too.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Ruth Annes new work has been bringing us all the joy.
She brought back her teeth collection & we can't wait to see more.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Check us out if ya want!
instagram.com/thehumaninteraction
We currently having a preorder going featuring two Human Interaction t-shirt designs! Option 1: High Five is hand printed on a Blue Spruce Comfort Colors and Options 2: Pinky Promise is hand printed on a Desert Rose lightweight Next Level tee. The preorder is open until Sunday Sept. 17th, and you can order here!
The Lore Books and Apothecary
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
We are happy to see the fall weather on the horizon as it makes for much more pleasant markets! And spooky season is Kim’s favorite! We're excited to be participating in some new markets and for all of the fall events coming up!
Anything in particular you've been working on?
We were in the process of trying to secure a storefront location. Unfortunately, we are taking a step back from that for now but not forever. Theo is working on some new apothecary things like oxymels, culinary herbs blends and cooking oils, and starting some infused honeys and fire cider! And Kim's been working on book lists for the 2024 book clubs!
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Kim’s main tip for both life and business is to always remember that no one has it “figured out” we are all just doing the best we can so be kind to each other and be kind to yourself. With herbalism in particular, but can realistically be extended to other areas, building a relationship with one's environment and craft has been such a fulfilling and beneficial experience. It always reminds me (Theo) of the interconnectedness of things.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
The construction at the new 405 Brewing Main Street location is very exciting! The Norman Arts in the Wind Market and Juried Art Competition looks very cool! The Chickasaw Cultural Museum has some very cool things coming up as well!
Any stories you want to share?
Kim has a lot of great stories about people finding themselves in stories or recommending a book that someone says changed their life! Theo has found that being an herbalist, especially working directly with their community via markets, had introduced them to some amazing people with truly incredible stories and experiences. The ability for people to be vulnerable in such public spaces continues to amaze me (Theo) and makes me feel honored to do the work that I do.
Future things you are looking forward to?
October! Starting the Wheeler Market and really just all of the cooler weather and autumn events!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Kim's been on a bit of Florence + the Machine kick lately. Cliffdiver has been a favorite of Theo's lately. They're an emo/punk band from Tulsa who are doing some very cool things.
Poem?
Kim's favorite poem is "Hope is the Thing with Feathers" by Emily Dickinson
This is an incredibly difficult question for Theo. If I absolutely have to choose in this moment, I'd say Storm Chaser by Lauren Zuniga.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Kaitlyn Graham aka Crystal Gazer Collective is just making some really cool art and the Mycelium Gallery in OKC is such a cool immersive space. Copper Dust Jewelry out of OKC has been making some really beautiful jewelry for awhile now.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
We do two book clubs with 405 brewing which are the Better Than the Movie Book Club https://405brewing.com/shop/2023-bttm-wbook and the Science Fiction Book Club https://405brewing.com/shop/sci-fi-expanse and we also have the Diverse Voices Book Club with The Well https://thewellok.org/all-classes/
Anything else?
Get excited about little things, celebrate every small victory, keep telling stories and being creative, take care of yourself, and remember to be kind to ourselves and others.
For more of The Lore check out their website: https://theloreok.square.site/
Or follow them on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/theloreok/
The Lore Books and Apothecary currently has a t-shirt available for preorder on our website until Wednesday, September 13th. Click here to order!
Liv Monique Johnson
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
There’s a lot of great printmaking education and events coming up in Houston that I’m happy to be a part of. I’m an instructor at the Glassell School of Art and we have been expanding our offerings of print classes every semester.
It’s exciting to see the community of printmakers growing, and with the increased interest I can start offering workshops in specialized print projects. For instance some of my workshops lately include both relief printing and screenprinting patterns on textiles and printing intaglio with plaster.
I’m also a board member of PrintHouston and we have a couple events coming up in the fall. One is the From Press to Table printmaking fair that will be taking place at The Orange Show in Houston on November 12 concurrently with Rockin’ Rollin Press, a print event where large-scale woodcuts are printed using a steamroller.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
I got to take a trip home to Hawai’i earlier this summer, so I’ve got a sketchbook of ideas that I’m translating to multi-color etchings and woodcuts. I need to keep my hands busy, so I usually have a couple projects going at once, each at a different studio I work in - between my home studio, Glassell, and Burning Bones Press.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I always enjoy a good print fair, it’s great to pick up some new pieces and there are printmakers from around the country that I can count on seeing and seeing what they’ve been working on. I think the next one that’s in my region is the Print Rodeo that PrintAustin is organizing for September 3rd.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I’ve got a couple playlists that I’m always adding to for jamming in the print studio. Lately I’ve been throwing in a lot of Sparks, Sudan Archives, and Chaka Demus & Pliers. I can also binge a podcast when I’ve got long printing days ahead of me - lately that’s been Articles of Interest and the newest series by The Opportunist on the industries of wilderness therapy programs.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
So many it’s hard to choose! But I always enjoy seeing new works from Amy Lincoln, Michael Kruger, Erin Wohletz, Mary Claire Becker, and Kate Pincus-Whitney, to name just a few. I also always enjoy a post from the instagram profile @looneytunesbackgrounds.
Anything else?
I wanted to get the word out to print students about some opportunities that PrintHouston is offering. For those in Texas there is an open application for the Nancy Luton Printmaking Education Fund providing funding for anyone who is looking to take a class or workshop in printmaking or attend a printmaking conference.
If you’re interested here’s the link for that:
https://www.printmattershouston.org/nancy-luton-printmaking-education-fund-application
There will also be a call opening soon for a national student printmaking exhibition called Press Forward 2023, juried by Melanie Yazzie, that will be exhibiting here in Houston, so keep an eye out for that, it will be going up soon on the Call For Entry website.
The see more of Liv Johnson’s work, check her website: livjohnsonart.com
You can also check out her in Instagram: @leafmonique
Liv Johnson’s design, “Illuminations” (based on her original lithograph) is currently available for preorder as a screen print on a light green, lightweight t-shirt. You can place your order here!
Friends of the Shelter
Interview with Farah Payton-Snider, Friends of the Shelter PRESIDENT
How long have you been working in rescue?
Since 2009, but we didn't start Friends of the Shelter until 2013. I volunteered with other rescues and shelters first.
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Canine influenza hit our rescue hard last month, and we halted adoption events to try and keep the dogs safe. Summer is always slower for adoptions, but this outbreak has really been tough on all rescues lately, and shelters too.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
The thing about rescue is you really never get to "clock out" so to speak. Most days are spent in my office working on applications, grant requests and Vet appointments. Then Renee and I head out to run rescue errands like moving cats into partner stores (Petsmart in Moore or Petco in Norman), picking up needed supplies, going to shelters to take photos of pets in need of placement, etc. We've also launched a Spay-It-Forward program which helps the public gets their pets fixed if they can't afford it. And we have TNR programs is a few small towns, like Tuttle, Blanchard and Newcastle. TNR = Trap, Neuter, Release.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
The best thing ANYONE can do to help is get their pets spayed/neutered and have them microchipped. Cats and dogs can be "fixed" as young as 8 weeks old if they weigh a minimum of 2 pounds. There's no such thing as an accidental litter. Animals are going to do what comes naturally, so just take it out of the equation.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I love seeing more apartments allowing all breeds of dogs and having fenced areas on premises for their residents to let their dogs play safely. I'm also seeing more restaurants becoming pet-friendly. It seems society is starting to turn towards taking better care of our furry friends, but we can always improve!
Any stories you want to share?
My latest foster puppy, Holden, was hit by a car at the end of April. He had a broken back left leg, degloved back right foot and several other abrasions. He needed a blood transfusion, which one of our alumni dogs, Boo, donated. He's now healthy, walking without a cast and started water therapy about 3 weeks ago....and I've decided to "foster fail" him since I've fallen in love. This is why I rescue. I can look at any animal in any state of emaciation, brokenness, etc. and see how they'll look once we get them healthy. The glow up is my fave!
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Our fireworks stand fundraiser at the end of June. We know people will pop fireworks no matter what, so we figured this was the best way to get in front of the very people that are causing pets to be frightened. We hand out hundreds of flyers with pet safety tips on them at our stand, and offer pet microchipping there too. It's at 500 N. Main Street in Newcastle and the hours we're open are posted under the events tab of our Facebook page
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean and Imagine Dragons
Poem?
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Dustin Mater is amazing!
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
We have a merch store on Bonfire with lots of designs, shirt styles and colors to choose from with all proceeds benefiting our rescue! https://linktr.ee/shelterfriends
Anything else?
We're planning a gala in late February that will include silent auctions, dancing, dinner and lots of fun! More details to come in a few months!
You can support Friends of the Shelter by preordering this shirt designed by artist Barry Zimmerman. The preorder is live until June 28th.
ORDER HERE
Steamroller Print Fest at ARTSPACE
Image of Cori Crawford with their woodblock from @coricrawfordart
An interview with ARTSPACE at Untitled’s Director of Communications, Cori Crawford, about their annual event Steamroller Print Fest happening Saturday, April 22nd from 10am to 6pm!
What can visitors expect to see/experience at Steamroller Fest this year?
Image from @deepdeuceokc
Visitors can expect to be a part of a celebration of local artists in a day of festivities, live printing, local art vendors, food trucks, and more. This eclectic festival will feature free hands-on printing demos for all ages where you will be able to take home original art by artists like Kathleen Neeley and Rick Sinnett, and live street printing with a 5-ton steamroller. Visitors will be able to purchase prints created with the steamroller by local artists at this event for one day only!
Who typically participates in the event?
The Steamroller Print festival features 75 regional artists and 158 ARTSPACE Mentorship students who participate in the steamroller printing. The cool thing is that really anyone can participate in the Steamroller Festival, even if you are just carving a block to have fun and learn something new!
Images from @artspace.at.untitled
When and how did Steamroller Fest get started?
This festival was first conceived in 2013 at ARTSPACE as a way for our Mentorship students to showcase their work and to get the community engaged in supporting their education. The first festival brought about 100 visitors to Deep Deuce. Since then, the festival has grown to include over 200 artists with the help of all our amazing collaborators, volunteers, and sponsors. The festival continues to be one of the biggest ways for us to raise funds and awareness for our expanding Mentorship program.
Can you tell us about some of the arts programming that happens at Artspace Untitled?
The largest program (and main beneficiary of the Steamroller Fest) is the Mentorship program. Over the course of a school year, 158 students from 13 OKC public schools visit us for a full day every month to expand their knowledge and resources in art. Many of the students participate in this program for their whole high school careers. This program comes at no cost to the schools or students who participate.
Some of ARTSPACE’s other programming includes artist residencies, adult workshops, gallery exhibitions from local and international artists, and more. To learn more about our programming, visit 1ne3.org.
How does Steamroller Fest contribute to Artspace Untitled and their mission?
ARTSPACE at Untitled has a big mission: Bringing Art to Life. We are constantly looking for ways to get our community deeply engaged with their most creative selves. Seeing thousands of students, volunteers, and visitors all engaging as a community to pull off this big, weird steamroller printing activity is truly wonderful and exactly what our mission is all about.
Why printmaking?
Printmaking is a celebrated practice that has changed the course of history many times over. The ability to recreate an original image or text has helped many people spread important opinions and ideas and made knowledge more accessible. For our young artist, it introduces a way for them to use their creativity to share their work with more people and find footing in the wider world of art. Print is also generally regarded as a more accessible and affordable way for people to own an original piece of handmade art.
Image from @stevenpauljudd
The Spotlight Print Exhibition opening April 6th from 6pm to 8pm will feature prints by 19 Oklahoma Spotlight Artists being highlighted at the festival!
Anything else you'd like to add?
If you love art, education, or community growth, please consider investing in the future of ARTSPACE by visiting 1ne3.org and clicking “donate”. It means the world to us!
You can also support ARTSPACE at Untitled by preordering Steamroller Fest t-shirt designed by artist, Kathleen Neeley. The preorder is opening until April 3rd. Order Here!
JM Fowler
What other Projects are you working on?
In my life as a Tattoo artist I’m doing a ton of Pokémon and Anime tattoos as well as Blackwork dark fantasy tattoos.
As a traditional artist most of my new work is focused on storytelling.
JM Fowler is a tattoo artist at Doom Monkey Studio
All Images from Jonathan Fowler’s Instagram Account
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
I’ve been digging John Dyer Baizley’s new work. I’ve also gone back to lots of the artists who influenced me early on an re-examined what I loved about them so much. Frank Frazetta and Bernie Wrightson
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Throwback Metal and Sludge Metal. Witchcraft, Sleep, Kyuss, and The Sword
To see more art by JM Fowler, check out his Instagram: doom_monkey_studio
https://www.instagram.com/doom_monkey_studio/
JM Fowler’s design, Snake & Lotus is available for preorder until Saturday, April 1st. You can place your order here: https://oscillator-art.com/jmf/snakenlotus
Okie Comrade
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Oh, things have been interesting lately. There’s a lot of rumblings and ramblings at the State Capitol causing quite a stir. I think advocating with and alongside LGBTQ+ community for our collective rights has been at the forefront of my world lately. Otherwise, just doodling, taking deep breaths and hanging with my cats.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Top surgery in May (anticipated)
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Weyes Blood,
Digable Planets,
The Laters - “Workers Kiss”
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Art by Red Bait
Anything else?
Check out the following links to get involved in direct action as LGBTQ+ rights are threatened.
https://instagram.com/sunrisedistro1312?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Interested in supporting Trans Oklahomans? Check out Oklahoma Trans Crowd Funding on Instagram!
You can also preorder this t-shirt designed by Okie Comrade! 50% of all sales after cost of goods go directly to Oklahoma Trans Crowd Funding! The preorder will be open until March 17th. Place you order here!
Vincent Ciarlo
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
A lot. Prepping for The Tooth's EP release show with our new bass player, prepping art concept ideas and recording my solo project YEW's third release with my partner Mekala, helping at The Sanctuary, and trying to figure out how to be an adult simultaneously.
Upcoming Release Show for The Tooth, January 28th at the Sanctuary
Original Collage by Vincent Ciarlo
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Time, money, and peace management.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Treat others how you would want to be treated. The world doesn't owe you anything.
Image of the Sanctuary Board from @thesanctuaryok IG account
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
My creative friends around me seem to be really making big moves and it's inspiring to witness. Mekala and The Sanctuary are coming up on a year of being open, Chat Pile is taking over the world, and other friends are on the verge of what seems like a breakthrough in their own personal pursuits that I'm stoked to see those things come to fruition.
Image from the Chat Pile’s Album Release show at The Sanctuary by @joshuaofficerphotography
Any stories you want to share?
Maybe another time ...
Original Collage commission for Chat Pile
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Seeing Lingua Ignota and Chat Pile on the same stage in Colorado this February, putting out YEW's next album 'III', and being able to sit still long enough to process what's happening around me better.
Original Collage commission for Chat Pile
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Misthyrming's album Algleymi, Unyeilding Love's album Flesh of the Furnace, Ennio Morricone, and locally, nuldeath.
Original Collage by Vincent Ciarlo
Poem?
At high noon
a swathe of clouds
seething, lurking
scathing; It comes
Metamorphosing
Innumerable shades
Phantasmagoric
Immanence
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Nicola Samori, Frederick Remington, Denis Forkas, Robert Rauschenberg, Noah Munsell, Jared Power, Kat Pierce (Morbid Mushroom), and Will Mecca.
Original Collage for The Sanctuary
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
cargocollecti ve .com/vincentciarlo
thetoothokc .bandcamp .com
subsolevanitas .bandcamp .com
Anything else?
Whatever it is, keep on trying. We 're all running out of time.
Vincent Ciarlo’s exhibition, Our Shadows Cast into Deep and Barren Splendor is currently up in our gallery until Thursday, January 5th.
Vincent’s Design, Full Surrender, is currently available on a Black Gildan Ultra Cotton T-shirt until Wednesday January 4th (end of day).
Jared Power
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Personally, I've been chillin. Actively. I've been in the pursuit of chill. I've been skating, making art, hanging out. I'm trying to make all of that more fun; I experience a great deal of anxiety daily, that anxiety can pretty easily devolve into depression. I was sitting in that soup for a really long time, after a while I felt bad for so long it became annoying, which took the edge off of how harrowing it had been. It's been helpful to remind myself that I am a brain piloting a body and I can do whatever I want, and that the present moment is where I belong. Managing my shit in this way is new to me so it's the biggest thing in my world right now.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Honestly the overall project is to keep going- Like literally every single day is a trial of how much fun I can be having while I'm existing doin my shit and not fall into brain fog anxiety bad time. I have no idea how to really have fun, so I've been focusing on seeking out joy and playing around and whatnot. I've been making this experimental soft sculpture backpack. It's literally just a little pouch with a nylon stocking sewn to the outside, which I'm stuffing with fabric scraps. I'm hoping it comes out looking like a big ol fleshy lumpy orb kinda deal. I got a yellow chain from Lowes to use as the straps. Maybe I'll see what acrylic paint does to the outside, I can so clearly experience the visual texture in my brain, I'm just hoping it comes out like that. I've been wanting to branch out into more *tangible* art forms like that- I'm big into how it feels when I’m making something and recently drawing just hasn't been it. I really hope I can find a way to make it feel good again though, I really miss enjoying drawing.
Some of Jared’s wearable art is currently available at Digit OKC
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Quitting is really underrated, if you're not having fun you can switch gears. Trust yourself, be compassionate. Jacquard textile paint is the best fabric paint. Lighting a candle sometimes helps with loneliness. Pacific Arc Black Liners in like 0.05 make the creepiest little lines, awesome visual texture. Experiment a lot and work like you know what you're doing. Putting gesso over cardstock or pre primed canvas gives it a pretty nice toothy texture which feels great to draw on with graphite imo.
Latest edition of Stoked Maggot Zine.
Cover designed by @Heavy.doom
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
God honestly I've been so wrapped up in my own shit I have not been paying that close attention to others as much as I want to.The Tooth recently dropped an EP, We’ve Got Everything, that goes pretty hard. Canine Chain has been on repeat for sure. Stoked Maggot Zine is a repeating zine curated and edited by my dearest friend Vega @ stoked_maggot.zine on ig, definitely check it out, my friend Haven @Heavy.doom designed the sick ass cover on the one that just recently came out. Havens been killin it with their art in general too.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Wellllll I'm gonna have a show at Osc Press (teehee) in Aug 2023 and maan I haven't had something that far out on the calendar to look forward to since I was looking forward to graduating High School. I have no idea what kind of stuff I’ll be making for it but some thoughts about connection and interpersonal fear have been building in my mind and I've been big into these squishy expansive blobs.. And I've been more interested in the feeling of using graphite and the idea of making big big drawings so that might be something.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Lately So much Bummer. Specifically the album Dead Horse. Other than that,
Goat Girl, Chat Pile, Cottonwood Firing Squad, Holy Locust, Bashed In, Glassing, The Tooth, Lealani, Big Thief, Bellows, SEDIMENTUM, Yautja, the Juno soundtrack, yaknow how it goes. What I come back to a lot right now is totally determined by whats on spotify honestly.
Poem?
Blue Iris by Mary Oliver
Now that I’m free to be myself, who am I?
Can’t fly, can’t run, and see how slowly I walk.
Well, I think, I can read books.
”What’s that you’re doing?”
the green-headed fly shouts as it buzzes past.
I close the book.
Well, I can write down words, like these, softly.
“What’s that you’re doing?” whispers the wind, pausing
in a heap just outside the window.
Give me a little time, I say back to its staring, silver face.
It doesn’t happen all of a sudden, you know.
“Doesn’t it?” says the wind, and breaks open, releasing
distillation of blue iris.
And my heart panics not to be, as I long to be,
the empty, waiting, pure, speechless receptacle.
Anything else?
Feelin’ Weird is a good podcast, its about to end, episode 129 is really somethin. I def recommend it especially If you experience emotions hella deeply and would like to feel less alone about that.
Communication is easier when there's mutual compassion
‘How we can change the world’ by Andrewism on youtube is a good video, quite hopeful.
You actually do genuinely deserve to be kind to yourself. Makes stuff a lot easier in the long run.
Tiny sketchbooks are really fun and easy to make, and can be a fun segue through art block.
U can find my art on instagram @EATBADART or some in person at Digit in the plaza in okc.
Jared’s design is currently available for preorder on a black long sleeve or short sleeve t-shirt until Monday December 19th (end of day). Order one here!
Jawn Babbitt
What’s been going on in your world and circles lately?
Most importantly, raising my son Jack, he’s 9. Like most adults I work entirely too much, but love my job. I’m also staying busy with my drawing. I draw everyday no matter what. It’s cool to be able to step out into a fantasy world and record it on paper.
Anything in particular you’ve been working on?
Mostly, I’ve been working on a show I have at Studio Ink in January. Erin is awesome and has supported my art for years. Thank you Erin! I’m also working on getting some screen prints of my stuff so everyone has an opportunity to have a piece of me.
Tips, tricks, Techniques?
Best tip I have, is try to work on your art everyday. It has definitely helped me grow.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I love what Oscillator and Resonator are doing for artists in the community. They have helped transform the Norman arts scene. I also dig Factory Obscura and their entities. Oklahoma has came along way in the last decade.
Future things you are looking forward to?
Personally I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone and learning the art of screen printing. This is something Ive always been fascinated with.
Painting by Jason Limon
Visual artists (or whatever people) you’ve been digging lately?
Ive been really into Jason Limon’s art lately. HIs work blows my mind. He is definitely a big influence of my recent pieces.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Hmm, Ive been listening to a lot of Lebanon Hanover, The National, and Satan’s Pilgrims lately. My music taste is all over the place. I don’t discriminate.
Anything else?
Try not to be a dick. Support your local arts!
Love , Jawn
Jawn Babbit’s Design, “Skid Row” is currently available for preorder on our website until next Monday November 28th (end of day). You can place your order here!
Mekala Littleton : Sanctuary / Beloved Bones
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Working a lot! Outside of running the shop and my day to day booking and working shows and other events, I’ve been really focused on building a Sanctuary team of board members and volunteers to help with operations and long term growth of the space. Outside of work, I’ve been working on finishing up a 2 song release from Last Rites, helping Vincent record his 3rd YEW record, practicing a Ceremony cover set for a Halloween show and absorbing down time in between.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Creatively, I’ve been experimenting with alcohol inks lately.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
For the alcohol inks, the only color I’ve been using is black and I’ve found that the end product can look very different each time depending on how much alcohol you add and how you use your tools to work it.
Otherwise, the main tip I try to share and encourage with others creatively is just to try.. I spent a lot of my life thinking there were many things that I couldn’t do. At some point I decided to try new things and I’ve been surprised at what I’ve learned I can do. I think many folks will realize that within themselves too, if they just allow for the opportunity to find out.
All images are from the IG Accounts of Beloved Bones OKC and The Sanctuary
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I’ve seen a lot of cool projects and events from Tulsa Artist Fellowship lately. One that I hope to catch myself is Encoding: A Future Setting. https://fb.me/e/2WxGUpsx5
Photography by Hannah Lirley, @_han_cam_ on Instagram
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Me and Vincent are going on a couple small nature trips over the next couple months and I’m really looking forward to those!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
4 albums that have been really inspiring to me over the last year or so are Dead Magic by Anna von Hausswolff, Celestial Blues by King Woman, Sinner Get Ready by Lingua Ignota and Hidden History of the Human Race by Blood Incantation
Photography by Hannah Lirley, @_han_cam_ on Instagram
Photo by @joshuaofficerphotography
Photography by Hannah Lirley, @_han_cam_ on Instagram
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Lately I’ve been inspired by the visual arts of Jared Power (he’s doing the mural at The Sanctuary right now!), Ivan Seal, Julian Faylona and always by the daily new works of my partner, Vincent Ciarlo
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Here are some of the events coming up at The Sanctuary: https://www.facebook.com/thesanctuaryok/events/?ref=page_internal
Here are a couple events that Beloved Bones is popping up at that will be fun:
Ghouls Night on the Plaza https://www.facebook.com/events/592075485998377/
Oddities and Curiosities Expo OKC: https://www.facebook.com/events/550716256029391/550716256029391
Anything else?
Monthly Cinema Nights coming soon to The Sanctuary! Curated by Raygun Busch and Sean Small of VHS N CHILL. Also much more to come and in the works with the expansion of our team so stay tuned
For more info check out The Sanctuary and Beloved Bones on instagram or check there website shopbelovedbones.com!
We currently have a preorder up to help support The Sanctuary featuring a design by Vincent Ciarlo. The Sanctuary preorder is open until Thursday, October 6th and you can place your order!
