Testify! #20 Q&A w/ Andy Frisky

Andy Frisky Student

Q1: When I asked about the lack of information about you on MySpace you said, "I feel like what I say is stupid, or that nobody will actually read it." That doesn't sound like an answer from a college student. What's up?

I have a very complex and vivid inner world that is all my own. It takes a lot for me to allow others to get inside. I guess I put up some pretty thick walls at an early age. But as far as MySpace goes, I think that putting too much info is a waste of time because who has time to read all that? I just look at the pictures anyway!

Q2: You also said, "I'm working on believing that what I have to say has worth, and that people will find it interesting. It's a hard struggle for me, usually its easier to keep quiet so no one will judge me." In your photos you look like the life of the party. Are you just shy or did someone fuck with you?

The pictures most often show the good times, the fun times, when I'm being wild or especially uninhibitied. I do love a good party. But its one thing to put on a funny costume or take off my clothes, and a completely other thing to expose the inner thoughts and dreams. So, I try to challenge myself to reveal my insides via my outer appearance. Sometimes I challenge myself to get up in front of a group of people and speak my mind. The results are always astounding. So, that's what I mean when I say I'm working on it. I have to remind myself of that.

Q3: For school you moved from Decatur, GA to Greensboro, NC. Was that a safe decision? What are you doing with that education?

I was born in Decatur, raised in Atlanta, and moved to Asheville, NC for college. The shift from big city to small town was really good for me. I think it helped shift my consciousness in a positive way. Now I'm in Greensboro working on a master's degree in library studies. I'm a big nerd at heart. I love books and information and it amazes me what people want to know.

Q4: You seem pretty comfortable with your weight... you don't do that tragic fat girl pose where you only photograph yourself from above. I think your hot. Do you?

I love it when hot people think I'm hot! Yes, I do think I'm hot. I don't love everything about my body, but the over all effect is stunning. I love my beard and facial hair the most. My chest hair is second. It makes this cool whorlly vortex design right above my heart chakra. Hell, I even like my back hair! If I sound vain, I don't care. I refuse to live my life as a fat victim. I've dealt with stupid people all my life telling me that fat = ugly. I still get that from people, even as an adult. Last year I was continually harrassed by an 8 year old on my way to work. She would stand on the side walk and yell "Hey, fat boy!" when she would see me coming. It really got on my nerves, and finally I decided that I would try to put a stop to it. I really wanted to freak her out. My plan was to get down on all fours and vomit on the sidewalk then next time she yelled at me. But she mysteriously disappeared before I got the chance.

Q5: So, what's next? Once a southern boy always a southern boy?

The South is where I've always lived. Its comfortable. There's some awesome stuff down here, and some of the most creative and intelligent people live here. It may sound odd, but I feel safe here. The first time I went to NYC I couldn't wait to come back home. Everyone seemed so cold and sullen. But the world is big. Who knows where I may end up?

Testify! #19 Q&A w/ Scottee

Scottee Performance Artist

Q1: My heart starts to race when I see your photos because they're beautiful, glamorous, decadent and grotesque. Is that how I'm supposed to feel?

I'm not sure - I don’t care what the viewer feels when they see them as long as they feel or question something.

I think far too many artists preconceive their audience’s opinion. I like the viewer to feel amused, but prefer it when they are disgusted.

With my photographic work I tend to play with vulgarity and the grotesque - weather it be vomiting paint or stuffing my face with cake - some people are majorly offended, but others are inspired.

Q2: I thought Leigh Bowery was so hot when he was "himself" out of costume... The whole child molester look. What do you look like during the day?

Well, I only wear three colours - Red, Black and White - The colors that changed peoples opinions - The Propaganda colours.

At the moment I love bow ties and neck ruffs. Anna Wintour - a bit of a day wear icon - a fur stole covered in red paint is always a great look.

Q3: How often do you perform? Do you ever repeat a performance? Coming to NYC soon?

I perform about 3 times a week. Depending on the time of year, summer is busy with festivals and public holidays - I sometimes could have 6 gigs in a weekend.

I do repeat performances, but only to groups of people who may not have seen them - I also develop and change existing work, so no two performances are ever the same. I work closely with Lee Benjamin (Bowery's right hand man) & Stef Knight (Booby Tuesday).

They help me develop my ideas and create some wonderful costumes for me from my sketchpad.

As for NYC - I'm not sure. I don’t think I'm ready for America yet - I want to try and conquer the UK first, but NYC will of course be my first journey.

Q4: Ellis Scott takes a lot of your pix. What is his relationship to you? Do you collaborate with him?

Ellis Scott is a genius! His the one person who gets to see me transform - I don’t like photographers around when I’m changing into a character - It's quite a personal thing. We have a great friendship and working relationship together.

When we collaborate we are both ecstatic at the results. We are currently working on a lot of new material together in the aim to produce a book in a few years.

Q5: Does your body play a big part in your performance? Would you say it compels or hinders what you do?

It does. I use it to my advantage. People make fun of fat people, but they are scared of fat people who know they are fat and enjoy it. They can’t comprehend it. I don’t think it ever hinders my work.

DJ RIOTBEAR 09.19.07

Get Innocuous! (Soulwax Remix) LCD Soundsystem
2000007 Modeselektor
Stronger Kanye West
The Way I Are Timbaland
Seneca Tortoise
Heaven Hammer (Air Remix) Beck
Is There A Ghost? Band of Horses
Pioneer To The Falls Interpol
The Distance DNTEL
Tear Drop Jose González

LISTEN : Jose González

I can hardly stand it. Jose González sophomore record is so remarkable and uncompromised. I was disappointed in his much hyped debut album Veneer. It sounded like a demo and true of so many other artists the song he covered was the best song on the record. On In Our Nature, he does a jaw dropping cover of Massive Attack’s Tear Drop, but this time it's just a gorgeous centerpiece for a flawless table setting. His recording aesthetic is the same, but it sounds fuller and more commanding. González was born in Gothenburg, Sweden to Argentine parents. You could not combine two cultures more different. Amazing.

Hallelujah.

I was in Provincetown this summer and stopped dead in my tracks when I crossed paths with a stylish and handsome man on a bike. We chatted (flirted?) a bit and went our separate ways. Recently, I read about a designer who's quoted in Nylon Guys saying, "I'm definitely a beefy guy... Men's clothes on the higher end are so small." And to Details he said, "Everything I would put on was an extra large and even then it wouldn't fit me." Obviously, I was ecstatic. I Googled him to find a picture. Nothing. I searched his name on MySpace. That's the guy I met in Provincetown! Neal Sperling is a revolutionary. He's my fashion MLK Jr., my style Che Guevara. It's a wonderfully simple concept... Clothes for men not built like boy models. Rejoice! And fuck you Hedi Slimane! See Neal Sperling's new collection here.

Other labels that fit real men; big, tall, short or fat: A.P.C., Oak, Marc Jacobs and Unis.

Square.

Why does anyone read the New York Times anymore? I tried to stomach it lately, but the more I do the more I realize their editorial staff are simply square and out of touch. In today’s Style section there is an article about Marc Jacobs, the 'outcasts' who attend his shows and his time spent on and off drugs. Nice try. The writer Guy Trebay refers to Lady Bunny as a ‘he’, which means he's either ignorant or an asshole. It's more clever and correct to refer to a female persona as 'she,' don't you think? Also, reading the caption for the Courtney Love photo, no one on staff seemed to notice that Jason Preston was sitting right next to her. If they were trying to hate on Marc why wouldn't they mention his on and off again ex-hooker boyfriend. I remember him from Seattle. He did porn too. Idiots. Conclusion: Don't try to fucking get downtowners from your tower in Disneyland Times Square.

LISTEN : Band of Horses

Band of Horses was born out of the time Ben Bridwell spent in Seattle. I spent six years there working in the music industry and certain bands have a sweetly nostalgic place in my heart. Is There A Ghost?, the first single from Band of Horses' sophomore album Cease to Begin, is a droning melancholy anthem with a vocal of pure romance with a touch of twang. They've created a new genre of music... I'll call it Hillbilly Shoegaze. Their move back home to Mt. Pleasent, South Carolina served them well. All lovers of men with dirt under their nails and sadness in their hearts... You may now swoon.

Testify! #18 Q&A w/ Colin Walsh

Colin Walsh Lens Cleaner

Q1: You're the One For Me, Fatty. Seriously, you're the perfect man... Blue eyes, salt and pepper hair, sweet face. Do you hear that from a lot for Latin men?

I don't hear that as much as I would like, from Latin men or any type of man. I mainly get told that I look intimidating, which is funny as I am actually soft as shite. My 'resting face' just happens to be a fierce glower.

Q2: I love that you use the word Fat. I use it a lot because A. it's a turn on and B. because politically I'm taking the word back form the haters. Does it have positive connotations for you?

I have no problems with the word 'fat'. I love it that in the UK there is now an 'obesity debate' with scare stories in the press about the population getting fatter and fatter. I am glad that I was fat before it became fashionable. And fat men are always better looking.

Q3: Does 'lens cleaner' mean you're a photographer? In what capacity?

When he was arrested with Kenneth Halliwell for defacing library books, Joe Orton gave his profession as 'lens cleaner' and I have just always thought that was funny.

Q4: Apparently the art/fashion Bear scene in London is unrivaled. Do you partake?

I knock about with a lot of bear-y types, one or two of whom could be described as being involved in art. My involvement goes no further than socializing with them, or visiting a gallery every now and then. I have so far resisted that timeless classic, the bear paw-print t-shirt.

Q5: When listening to good tunes I often fantasize this whole scenario with it being my debut record and imagining old friends hearing it for the first time. What one record would you choose to be your debut?

Jeepster by T-Rex. It could be my debut single and my final single, and I would know that I have said it all and can happily drive my Mini into a tree.

Testify! #17 Q&A w/ Bubi Canal

Bubi Canal Audio/Visual Artist

Q1: I didn't recognize the music in Carousel. Did you choreograph the piece to already made music or was it an original score?

The music from Carousel was composed by Fernando Alvarez exclusively for this video. First, I worked on the visuals. Once the video was edited, we started to work on the music. It was really easy working with Fernando, and he was able to recreated the kind of atmosphere I was looking for with this piece of work.

Q2: Is there an infrastructure for young artists in Spain? Or do you feel like your work might be more appreciated abroad?

Some new creative platforms have been recently developed in Spain. However, I should say that there could be more support for young artists. Sometimes it is difficult to get the chance to get a grant, due to the big amount of artists in Spain.

I don’t know if my work would be more appreciated outside Spain, but thanks to Internet, people from other countries have been able to contact me and they have supported me. I felt very grateful and appreciated by these people.

Q3: I love this new phenomena of kids who are queer and scruffy, but whose identity is much greater than sex and psuedo masculinity. Are you involved in a traditional Bear scene in Europe?

I know some of the activities that they currently do in Europe, but right now I am not involved in the Bear scene.

Q4: Matthew Barney uses color, costume and movement in his work as well. Are you a fan?

Matthew Barney is one of the artists that has influenced my work, especially during my first projects. I am very interested in his work and career.

Q5: Do you usually screen your work? Do you show it in galleries as installation? In the future, where would you like your work to turn up?

I have done several exhibitions, individually and in collectivity with some other artists, in galleries and Art centers in Spain. This month I am showing my work in the Galician Center of Contemporary Art (CGAC) as part of an exhibition called “Cuestion Generacional” (Generation Matter). In the future, I would like to work in a gallery I can feel identified with and that could support my work.

Testify! #16 Q&A w/ Jason Edwards

Jason Edwards Writer/Performer

Q1: I found you on an FtoM page on MySpace. I'm profoundly fond on trannie boys. I thought you might be one, but I realized your affiliation came through your sister, correct?

Yes, my sister was in the early stages of transition when she was taken from us. But it remains a very important issue in my life. I kinda feel like I am carrying the torch for her now that she is gone. And no, I’m afraid I was born male, but I have taken some radical steps in modifying my genitals in the tradition of being a person who believes that he is neither male or female. I have the procedure done which is called a subincision, which is basically slicing open the underneath side of the penis and opening up the urethra. Other than its pleasurable aspects (which are many) it also is an aboriginal custom for a rite of passage for a male signifying that we are both male and female.

Q2: I've actually tried to have a discussion with some of these boys, but no one is willing to talk about it. You must have more insight than I do... Is it the whole issue of passing and completely leaving their genetic self behind?

I think it is different for different people. I think people sometimes want to pass because it is easier for them in life. But I think it goes deeper than that. I’m a writer and I actually wrote a poem about what I think it would be like to be a transgender woman and it answers that question. I'll include it.

I do not remember...


...wisteria whispering purple

through my grandmothers back yard

or how humid July was in the Big Thicket


I do not remember those three beautiful sisters

Mama Aunt Caroline and Aunt Tilly

popping snap peas into colanders

or the smells from my grandmother's homemade pies


I do not remember those people at all

the kitchen where I clutched onto there aprons

them saying...

...why don’t you go play with the boys


I do not remember those strange hunting trips with Dad

Autumn leaves on fire

frozen around the pond

where the mallards would land slick onto placid water

raise their green bobbing heads up high

as to acknowledge...


...these are the graves that we have chosen


I don't remember the sound of my own gunfire

the way I shuddered when I pulled the trigger

or even my father saying...


...don't be such a girl


The tear he said I shouldn't cry

or the way I wish I had aimed the rifle at him

I do not remember my father at all


I do not remember all the schoolboys calling me a girl

wondering how they knew

when I never told them

me standing every morning after my shower

praying when I wiped away the steam from the mirror

this time I would finally see a woman


I do not remember the face the name of the boy

that always stared back

the stupid women

who said I would always carry male energy

or the stupid men who said I would never be a real woman

even after the chop


I do not remember the train to Colorado

I only remember the life I had waiting for me

when those same tracks took me back


I remember the first meal I prepared in my kitchen

the face body and mind of a woman

after each morning

wiping away the steam


I remember the first time I checked F on a job application

I remember the first man who called me a knock out

the first man I made love with

I didn't have to explain a thing


I remember all the lies that I fed people

all the lies that have been fed to me

the first time I fell in love

the questions about my past

and all my fantasies that were taking me nowhere


I remember the day I realized

that there is no such thing as an opposite sex


Today I made a choice to make another incision

Deeper to the spiritual part of me that was held captive

Today I finally embraced myself

I realized there are other ways of being a woman

My way is strong insightful sensitive and passionate

I am able to be a son a brother a sister a mother and a daughter

I do not wish to be an ordinary girl

Q3: You are one of those guys that look so good fat. I've recently started to gain and I want to be able to see my old self and truly believe I look better now. Was your weight gain on purpose? Meant to be?

No, I actually would like to lose some weight because I am diabetic, but food... Damn especially southern food... I can’t get enough of it!!!

Q4: Some people might consider extreme body modification a form of self hatred. Do you disagree?

TOTALLY!!!! I think body modification is a beautiful form of self expression and I hate it when people call it mutilation or anything like that. Pain makes you beautiful.

Q5: I don't have an addictive personality, but I recently made the decision to stop doing drugs on a regular basis, simply because they're not that fun anymore. Was AA the only way you were able to gain control of your life?

Absolutely... AA has changed my life. I have to say getting sober was the best thing I have ever done, but I also have to add that I have tried to get sober several times and it has never worked for me. I don’t know why AA works, but it does!

You're Welcome, Julio.

And Thank You. Does everything fit so nicely in that sweet mouth?

You're Welcome, Matt.

And Thank You! That's a perfect place for the pin. Come to think of it, that could be perfect place for a lot of things.

Manfred.

Thierry Mugler was one of the hottest designers during the height of the Supermodel. After leaving his fashion house he submerged himself into total body transformation. He recently changed his name to Manfred Mugler and is obviously now a complete Muscle Daddy. I would never have recognized him. It's totally hot and disturbing at the same time... Only because of who he seemed to be and who he appears to be now. I see so much of myself in him... I certainly linger between the realities I love, live and work in and the extreme possibilities of fantasy and desire. So, I’m trying to reconcile these contradictions of my personality in an exciting and realistic way. Unlike Mr. Mugler, I do not want to just leave one life for another. Maybe that makes him braver than I am.