What’s Justin up to this April?

As many of you know, I seek to integrate arts initiatives into community revitalization. I run Soulstrong Arts Blog, I’ve held artist talks surrounding my Artist in Residence at Gateway Arts Center, and I am fortunate to work with both M-NCPPC’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Division at the Brentwood Arts Exchange as an Administrative Assistant, as well as with the Hyattsville & Gateway Community Development Corporations as the Content Manager for MyGatewayArts.org. As summer is approaching, I am locating arts-administrative jobs and opportunities in the DMV so I can continue to grow my craft and be part of the change I wish to see. While still creating art, my main efforts are now to find my next step and continue on my journey towards urban planning.

A big thank you to those who came to an intimate and delightful Artist’s Talk at Urban Eats Café and to the RAW: DC Stimulus showcase last month. I’ve sold artwork since then, and now have video, stills, and promotional photos up of my work from both events, available on my Facebook fan page. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to stay connected with the venues that have helped me find my way. Speaking of which: This Thursday, RAW: DC hosts its April showcase, Menagerie; and this Friday, Hillyer Art Space hosts its April Soapbox, featuring Jessica Hirst and Paula Kellinger with a beforehand roundtable dialogue. I will be speaking alongside previous performers, Devon Hopkins and Sebastian Rousseau. Please join in on the conversation! Lastly, this weekend, Eames Armstrong, Hillyer Art Space’s Performance Art Coordinator, is exhibiting as part of the Open Studios at 52 O Street. If you’re free, please consider coming out to these events!

Please continue to stay active and optimistic in your pursuits. Remember, you stay strong by engaging your soul in balancing the things that bring you happiness with the essentials of life. Let yourself be active, seek balance, and keep working hard.

What Justin’s up to this April is a post from: JustinFair.com

The evening will end a little after 7:30pm, but I invite you to stay for Urban Eats’s Weekly Poetry Night that starts at 8pm. Urban Eats is a new restaurant and has music nights, poetry sessions, happy hours, and more. As the weather gets nicer and nicer, please enjoy an evening next week at this great café, and enjoy the gorgeous trees blossoming across Route One.Similarly, to commemorate the 100th Cherry Blossom Festival that starts on Monday, my Cherry Blossom Festival prints will also be on sale for $30 at the Talk.

Please give me a call at (443) 850-0474 if you need help finding parking in the neighborhood, taking the bus (81, 83, 86, T18, F1, or Route1Ride 17), or if you arrive early and want to explore the Gateway Arts District‘s theatre, galleries, restaurants, and shops (especially 34th Street!).  
Lastly, a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended RAW: DC’s STIMULUS Showcase to support my live performances and visual artwork. It was a thrilling, new venture. I got to meet a number of great artists and supporters.

Justin Fair Artist’s Talk Tonight 3/21 @UrbanEatsCafe at 6:30pm is a post from: JustinFair.com

Since I have performed Conduit, I have been asked if I would perform it again. I am happy to say I am not interested in revising anytime soon. The work evolved from an initial purpose, to an interpretive dance chronicling a process of purging and regaining stength, to two separate adaptions created to flesh out two movement styles.

At Hillyer, I first sought to be a medium in my performance with the audience, where I moved with an earth-to-sky interpretation in order to absorb the audience’s unsure nature as they watched. I then transformed that nature into an involved understanding of what the ritual meant. Hillyer Art Space was an alive, warm venue with young twenty-somethings being most of the audience. Feedback I received immediately at the event and from responses days after from both the live audience as well as the online taping, was positive. I heard responses that my gestures were mesmerizing and dramatically strong, “alarming,” “breath-strong,” and “relieving.” As a whole, several folks felt the piece would be better longer, and better with a clearer start and finish where I would direct the participants with a less jarring effect. These responses, as well as others, showed me my work was magnetizing and intriguing. I took it to mean ‘simple enough to understand, but also touching on an innate vulnerability that is discomforting.’ As such, I questioned: rather than remedy issues and brainstorm ways to simply improve, could I refocus the work to be reflective via sympathy in order to empathize, instead of involving the audience directly to sympathize?

The result was its adaption at Gateway Arts Center, where the space was a concrete, white room filled with natural sunlight and an audience of thirty-to-sixty-somethings. I designed the piece to be less rigid, and to reference the earth through angular bird-like gestures, crouched rodent-esque gestures, and a focus on how the ground channeled through my body. My breath was loud but kept to myself; as such, I did not command the audience like at Hillyer. At Hillyer, participants felt that as I moved my wide gestures were sweeping and pulling. At Gateway, the audience and I were a touch away, and being that everyone felt the intimacy, and that I moved in an circlular, rhythmic manner, the audience reacted with empathy or, in opposite, were forced to observe without connecting, because they could not avoid me. The purpose of the work had changed, to rather than say “If I can do it, I will show you that you have the ability to become transformed as well” to “If I can do it, see how I transform, and interpret how this makes you feel.”

With this adaption, where most of the audience knew me, and some had seen the Hillyer performance live or online, the response was dramatically different. I am fortunate I could encourage reflection after the performance at the Artist’s Talk, as it allowed reflection to become public words; however, I am aware that some in the audience felt reserved and in speaking to me privately, felt they had a better time interpreting because they had more time to process. This was not the studio at undergrad, with eager to critique personas. The general response was mixed on the performance, but favorable in my process. I believe that because many of the audience knew me, seeing me move in ways that are harmful and other-worldly was distressing, and conflicted with my normal personality. Depending on the person, that was intriguing and “good,” or intriguing and “bad.” In addition, because the piece was designed to emphasize my body’s transforming energy from within my body, instead of emphasizing energy through my body, into my hands, and into the air, this audience’s sympathy and stand-off-ish nature distanced empathy instead of pulling empathy towards the piece. Those who did empathize did so out of understanding ‘he’s hurting himself in front of me,’ and ‘he has reached a point where he has found relief in front of me.’ Perhaps the proximity to the audience made an impact, perhaps their standing instead of sitting, and/or perhaps the verbal text provided too different a tactic… In reflection, I am pleased several audience members did feel a maniacal attitude at play, and did recognize that in conjuring demons, that does involve possession, violence, conquering force, and resolution. It is not safe nor is it comfortable.

At the time of this written reflection, I am glad that while some felt Conduit‘s purpose was either simple enough, too simple to be needed, or too simple and needed further examination, that it was the driving motivation I recognized to become so vulnerably able to carefully slam into the concrete, yell and breath with vigor, and play with a movement piece versus a dance piece. I created it because I felt an active artist’s duty is to share his/her work to invigorate, to empower against dormancy or hopelessness, and to (in my case), utilize an opportunity created to work in solitude or with others. The performances allowed me to exercise a style I hadn’t before, and in doing so, has allowed me to find confidence in learning and in receiving positive and negative constructive (and non-constructive) feedback. I thank sounding boards such as my co-workers and friends who have spoken with me on the topic, and a big thank you to my Alexander Technique teacher, Marcia Freeman, who aided me in encouraging multiple interpretations with proper use. I am thankful that while I created the work in a tunnel at times, I did show it to others, and as it has grown, I have come out of the tunnel. Dance as movement in performance is still new to me, and as I seek to create performance art that is indeed, abstract, while also creating works that are naturalistic, the Artist In Residence studio at Gateway provided the inspiration and space to explore. For these learnings, I will likely use Conduit as reference for a future work, but care not to revisit it.

As I prepare for RAW:DC’S STIMULUS on Thursday the 8th, a night where I will shift from performing short monologues, songs and movement works, to speaking about my artwork, I continue to check the effective nature of my performance works. I interpret my performance works as autobiographical reflections that speak to others, yet because some are created to make the viewer uncomfortable, with each work I play with that dynamic. It can be upsetting. I have become comfortable in my skin, and sharing my work, whether it is in-progress or finalized, is invaluable. But as such, with works like Conduit as I think is my first, is a specific response necessary? Since my works range from performance art (abstract) to folk songs (naturalistic),  RAW’s Stimulus is an opportunity to perform live and receive feedback at an eclectic, exciting venue. I don’t believe there will be video, which adds to my drive. Lastly, in addition to my performance pieces, I feel I should note that creating my mixed-media drawings and paintings has been and is still a godsend. If I had not been given the opportunity to have a space to call my own, my Catharsis and Crucial Steps works never would have happened, and neither would their connecting exhibitions. As I work on my Rejuvenation drawings/paintings, and continue my performing studies, I cannot thank God enough.

I look forward to exhibiting my work next Thursday. I look forward to seeing many friends and supporters at the event.

Resonance: Reflections on “Conduit” and Residency at #GatewayArts Center is a post from: JustinFair.com

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended my Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center as exiting Artist In Residence last Saturday. Thanks to all who sent break-a-leg wishes; I’ll try to avoid the stairs again this Thursday, March 8th at 8pm at RAW: DC’s STIMULUS Showcase, where I’ll be performing and exhibiting artwork.

Please join me for the March showcase of DC artists collaborative, RAW: natural born artists. “RAW’s mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events.” There will be live performances, artwork on display, jewelry and other crafts for sale, a fashion show, and more. Advance tickets are available online NOW for $10 ($15 at the door). Be sure to click the drop-down menu that says “General Admission” and select my name, Justin Fair, to indicate the artist you are supporting. If you’re driving there and pay online, make sure you click the widget “Central Parking” for a $9 flat rate coupon! If you can’t come, I ask that you donate or purchase a ticket that I can giveaway.This event is being held at Café Asia, a hip and vibrant restaurant and lounge that supports the Arts!

In addition to RAW, I am thrilled to announce that Mount Rainier’s Urban Eats Café will host my next Artist’s Talk on Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30pm. If you were unable to attend my last event, want an excuse to get a fresh cup of french-pressed coffee, or have a craving for a tasty burger, mark your calendar for this event. The day before marks the start of the 100th Cherry Blossom Festival. In commemoration, my Cherry Blossom Festival prints are now on sale for $30. These prints will be on exhibit during this talk!

Upcoming Events and Projects

1) RAW:DC’s STIMULUS at Café Asia 

–> Thursday, March 8th, at 8:00pm

At RAW, in addition to selling artwork, I will perform from Series, a collective body of visual and performing pieces that includes adaptations of Love Myself, Demons, Lights, as well as my other works. In addition, remaining works from my Catharsis & Crucial Steps series, as well as select paintings, including the first of my Rejuvenation series will be for sale. Note the closest metro is Farragut West! Please try to arrive by 8pm!

2) Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, on sale for only $30!

Until the end of April, Cherry Blossom Festival, is on sale 25% off for only $30. Please visit my portfolio at www.justinfair.com/portfolio to view the piece and purchase it in advance! Visit the festival’s website to read about one of our nation’s gems, the famous Cherry Blossoms!!

3) Artist’s Talk at Urban Eats Arts and Music Café 

–> Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30pm 

This will be a casual, intimate gathering of friends. I’ll have new works from Rejuvenation, my new series of mixed media (paint/charcoal/pastel/crayon), available. The event is open to all and free. Make an event of it and stay for Urban Eats‘s weekly poetry night that starts at 8pm!

What Justin’s up to this March (Next Thurs 3/8′s RAW:DC STIMULUS at 8pm!) is a post from: JustinFair.com

Use the keyword VALENTINE at checkout to get 50% off!!

Introducing: Artwork Store at http://justinfair.com/shop Keyword VALENTINE is a post from: JustinFair.com

Artist’s Talk…
As my Artist In Residency at Gateway Arts Center ends I invite you to attend my final Artist’s Talk this Saturday, February 25th at 1pm 

Location: 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722 (2nd fl, entrance on 39th Street)
*Parking is available in the neighborhood. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at (443) 850-0474.

Time: 1pm

Date: 2/25/12, this Saturday

This Sat 2/25 @ 1pm: My Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center, plus Invitation to @RAWartistswdc STIMULUS on 3/8 is a post from: JustinFair.com

Jump for Joy this Valentine’s Day!

I’ll be selling paintings, drawings, and prints half-priced for Valentine’s Day!
Now thru March 1st!

The sale prices start at $25! Catharsis and Crucial Steps drawings are now $50 each, prints begin at $25, and earlier paintings and drawings range from $25-$60!

Browse online now! Even more works plus a sneak preview of my new collection, Rejuvenation, will be on exhibit as well at my February 25th Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center at 1pm.

Folklore of Catharsis Series, $50 framed	Cherry Blossom Festival, $30
What Love Is of Crucial Steps Series, $50 framed	Sick (Swept Away 2 of 3), $60 framed

Take Crucial Steps this Valentine’s Day! Give Art at 50% off, until 3/1! is a post from: JustinFair.com

“Become transformed and become free” is the message behind Conduit, one of the pieces I’ll be performing at my Artist-In-Residency Closing Artist’s Talk, Saturday, February 25th, at 1pm at Gateway Arts Center. The new time is 1 PM.

This month is about new beginnings and happy endings. I am sad to say goodbye to an amazing opportunity; and yet, I am excited about new possibilities. My Artist-In-Residency will be ending this month, and it was an experience I will always cherish. Thanks to everyone who came to support the group exhibition, my solo exhibition, and the Fall Open Studios.

I am now working as the MyGatewayArts.org Content Manager for the Hyattsville & Gateway  CDCs (Community Development Corporations). Another major milestone this month is the one year anniversary of Soulstrong Arts Blog. Soulstrong is a project I began to encourage discussion about our local art scenes, to inform the public about art and design-related events, and to explore neighborhoods in the DMV that recognize and cultivate artistic endeavors.  Working in this new position and continuing my own goals thrill me that I can connect in a new way with my community and learn about others’ passions and views on where they work and live.

So…if that’s enough talk for now, there will be more on the last Saturday of this month! I’ll be selling many of my artwork half-price at my studio (see below) and look forward to seeing old and new friends!

Current Projects

1) Artist In Residence Closing Artist’s Talk at the Gateway Arts Center

–> Saturday, February 25th, at 1:00pm 

Please join me for my concluding Artist’s Talk as the Artist In Residence at Gateway Arts Center, Saturday the 25th of February at 1:00pm. This will be a casual, intimate gathering of friends and family. We will discuss past works, created over the last three months, and discuss various perspectives and inspirations about the creative process of creating art. I am also working on a new series of mixed medium (pastel, crayon, charcoal, acrylic) drawings entitled Rejuvenation, which will be on sale. Refreshments will be provided! The event is open to all and free!

2) I’ll be selling paintings and drawings half-priced (just in time for Valentine’s Day!) starting Monday the 13th thru Wednesday the 29th!

I will be selling drawings and paintings at 50% off! The sale prices start at $25! Catharsis, Crucial Steps, and prints and earlier drawings will be on exhibit and on sale! A sneak preview of my new collection, Rejuvenation, will be on exhibit as well. Check out my website at http://justinfair.com/portfolio and feel free to contact me about any work that you may be interested in!

3) Soulstrong Arts Blog Anniversary, beginning new studio visits!

To celebrate the one-year birthday of Soulstrong Arts Blog, my social advocacy project, I will publish articles of studio visits that I have enjoyed over the last year. This includes artists like Joren Lindholm at Harmon Art Lab, Liz St. Rain of Milkweed Studio at Gateway Arts Center, Erica Riggio of Riggio Design, Cheryl Edwards of c.d. edwards studio, and more! Blog posts are coming soon to www.soulstrong.com.

4) “Gateway on Foot” Series with MyGatewayArts.org

As part of my position as Content Manager for MyGatewayArts.org, I will be interviewing local business owners so our community can hear more about each business in order to promote patronage across the Gateway Arts District. I am looking forward to debuting this guest-written series that will feature stimulating literary, photo, and video testimonials of local quality restaurants, theatre houses, cool hangouts, galleries, salons, and more. Currently, www.MyGatewayArts.org is under construction, but once it is updated, I can’t wait to start publishing information on our great local businesses.

What Justin’s up to this February! (Mark your Calendar: Sat Feb 25 1pm! New time, 1 pm!) is a post from: JustinFair.com

Down for repairs is a post from: JustinFair.com

January Soapbox at Hillyer Art Space

–> Thursday, January 19th, at 7:00pm  

Live Performance @HillyerArtSpace’s “Soapbox” Thu 1/19, starts at 7pm is a post from: JustinFair.com