Poem Reader.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the pop up art show at AMFM gallery, remember? Well I semi documented my time at the event, but I left out a minor detail. I met someone, and actually gave him my real number; shocking I know. Although he’s not someone I would go for, I figured why not? I’m in a new city, and my ‘type’ could be whats holding me back from finding the love of my life. Lets call him, Tyrone. Tyrone is a few years younger than me but he’s educated, passionate about his beliefs, and OD hella funny. Like have me in tears, gotta pee funny.

I warned him about me being a flight attendant, that I really have poor time management plus I’m still trying to navigate around being a flight attendant, being away from home in a new city, etc etc etc. It seems like we are still able to interact over the phone, via text and voice calls. Sidenote: The first night we actually chitchatted on the phone, before we ended the call, he read me a poem. So y’all already know I was ready to marry the kid. I just thought that was such an original, dope thing to do, very out of the ordinary, and seemed genuine. Plus for the duration we talked, he would read me a poem before hanging up.

Fast forward to now, we no longer communicate. I’m a bit sad about that but I am not going to hound someone down to be there. It went left as the day we had planned to go on an ‘official’ date he kinda just left me on read, (iPhone). Earlier in the day we were to meet, a classmate flew in, and I gave her an impromptu tour of Chicago. I got back home with enough time to nap, shower and make it to our date, but I didn’t hear anything from him for the rest of the day. I even, double texted and called a few times but no response. And before you jump to take his defense, he’s alive and thriving. So the search continues, but I wanted to let you guys know, its amazing how open you can have a female just by being original.

Happy Dating.

Tristan Jonez

Ebony G Patterson

Since I caught the Nick Cave exhibit in Nashville, I’ve been slightly obsessed with him but more importantly, artist that bring to light racial injustices and social culture using sequins. Introducing Ebony G Patterson, her style, to me, was so similar to Nick Cave, I almost confused her work for his. As a Jamaican born artist, her work “explores the constructions of the masculine within popular culture, using dance hall culture as a platform for this discourse.” Although I’ve been to countless dancehall parties in the Bronx and Brooklyn, it’s really easy to understand the comparison between the sometimes flamboyant lifestyle of gay male and a heterosexual Jamaican man.

IF you knew nothing of the story of the artist, what message she was trying to convey, honestly what would you think the story of the art piece would be? For me, it’s very easy to see what it could possibly represent. If you look closely at the shoes/sneakers that are bedazzled, couldn’t it be mistaken for drag apparel? Could you identify the subects sexual orientation, and if you say yes, how? I’ve very interested in your answer.

Tristan J.

The Decaying.

The morbid part of me loves Ivan Albright! I was fortunate enough to see a few of his pieces at the Art Institute or Chicago when I took advantage of Bank Of America’s free museum weekend two years ago. SideNote: Bank Of America offers free entrance to several museums in America (Obv) the very first weekend, Sat & Sun, of every month if you are a card holder. I was delighted to see the museum dedicate a section of the museum to Albright.

Albright was obsessed with the decaying human body. I admire his obsession as I believe sometimes we, humans, see ourselves as invincible. I appreciate his vision, a lot of his subjects were young, beautiful, healthy, but he drew what the ‘flesh’ would become. I’m so interested to know what became of the people who he drew inspiration from. As they got older, did they resemble what he paint them as?

Tristan Jonez

AiseLife X Skoli

What a pleasure, to go from seeing Charles White (I’m Super Obsessed) at the Art Institute of Chicago, to seeing up & coming artists in the Chicago art and creative scene at AMFM Gallery. As all of you know, I’m a recent transplant in Chicago, so I had no real clue as to what to expect when I arrived at the venue. Some would say no expectations equals no disappointments, but I was pleasantly surrounded by an outward display of love. AiseLife’s art was captivating, I throughly enjoyed being transported back to the “rink”. Just looking at his depiction of a skating rink, the focus being on the skates, I created a whole narrative in my mind, I could even hear the music and feel the energy. Ultimately isn’t that what art is supposed to do? Create a story for you?

I also was treated to a live performance by @Nomezflute and @loony.is.normal It started off as beat bop meets flute meets soul meets jazz, which I know sounds hard to imagine but it works. Somehow the duo, they’re able to pair the different genres of music and release a vibe that transcends what you believe you’re into musically. As Nomezflute eloquently stated, [Paraphrasing] “this is enchanting music, so let the music move you. Do whatever the fuck You want. Dance to it, move an arm or a leg to it.”

We all vibed and rocked out to the sounds of DJ Skoli. I play the wall, especially when sober, hell even when intoxicated and guess what? I was dancing! So that can only be contributed to Red Line Shorty himself. Extremely focused while ‘spinning’ but amazingly humbled outside of the turn tables. The energy he puts into ensuring you feel him, is exactly why I had to return that same energy to him.

Tristan Jonez

Jonezy Note: I always feel as an intruder to this type of events where creatives show their creativeness. Although I am a creative in my own right, not being a performer, I am slow to open up in these spaces at times. However I am always excited to be in the vicinity of such spaces, the Love was present in abundance. Thank you AMFM Gallery, as well as Aiselife and DJ Skoli.

JT

Growing up I definitely was a fan of N*SYNC. When Justin decided to go solo, even in my child like mind, I knew that was a good look. It also helped that, solo, he was more geared towards R&B versus pop with N*SYNC, being friends with Timberland prolly assisted in the seamless transition. Random Thought; Do we place him in the ‘blue eyed soul category? And if so, is that considered an insult?

At first listen I didn’t exactly love the album , Man of the Woods, but upon locking myself in with it, it’s actually a very good album. I know folks crossed him off after ‘NippleGate’ but it’s been how long? Let’s let it go! I can’t remember the last time I went to a concert but I do believe in this album so fondly that I’m considering seeing him when he arrives in Chicago. If you’ve experienced the album, how does it move you?

Tristan J.

Scared AF

As a rite of passage, you’re not truly a flight attendant until you’ve taken the covenant engine photo. Well guess who is a truly blue flight attendant now? ME!

What ‘they’ don’t tell you, you don’t have to be scared, your pretty much safe. Well I was scared AF attempting to get a few photos, as much as I love y’all, No, you will not be seeing these outtakes today! I was so engrossed with the paperwork for the next flight I didn’t pay attention that there was an opportunity for the engine photo. Otherwise, I would’ve definitely worn a different shirt!

Tristan Jonez.

Flower Power

In my next trick, I will be a floral photographer. I’m always super excited when the light hits a flower just right, when I have company, a bee/an insect, who is admiring the art just as I am, or just after it’s rained and the beads of water have yet to fall. San Jose doesn’t owe me a thing! Every single sidewalk, walkway and park was bursting with fresh flowers, even dying flowers but there’s beauty in death. It’s a goal/dream of mine to host a gallery of my photos. I’d like to believe I can do wonders, and what better way to show them off then putting them ALL on display. I can’t wait until I return to San Jose, California. There’s still so much for me to capture. Tristan Jonez

Viva La Puerto Rico

There’s something about the Caribbean, Puerto Rico in particular that I will always be connected to. At times, I’m about to recognize influences in the art, the food or the culture so it’s not surprise I’m smitten with he artist known as Carlos Rolòn. I was fortunate enough to catch his art at the New Orleans Museum Of Modern Art. Flowers will forever be my weakness but then he painted them on an 24K Gold background and it’s almost as if my eyes can’t decide where to look first. The art is set in a dimly lit room with stark white walls, that looks smilies to sand but I could be reaching. Leaving the exhibit, I felt as if I had been brought to the sands of Puerto Rico.

Tristan J

Desert Island; Tulsa

Although I doubt I’ll be in a hurry to return to Tulsa, I actually liked it. As a black woman, in the back of my mind, I’m always concerned about racism, and leaving that city alive but I just go with my gut instinct and everything usually turns out peachy. Tulsa was practically deserted, especially for a Monday, hardly any museums were opened, the temp tipped just above 93, and restaurants were virtually nonexistent!

However Religious buildings were abundant, as well as the city’s homeless population. I do wonder if Tulsa has an initiative to bring tourism to the city, because it does have potential, it gives me small town in a big city vibe. Driving in the Uber I did run into an area with life, such as shops, restaurants and dives. My curiosity is a bit peaked, I just may have to return.

FYI The Street art I did found, was of quality!

Tristan Jonez

DC baby.

I had the pleasure of overnighting in Washington D.C. last week. Although the sun was shining, it was cold as hell! Spring is having a moment, she can’t decide if she wants it to be closer to summer or winter.

Nobody told me the museum scene in DC was incredible. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I arrive in a city, find the closest museum and just explore it. The National Gallery is hands down an experience. Unfortunately because I had dinner plans I wasn’t able to spend as much time as I would’ve liked. I couldn’t obsess over Monet or Van Gogh but the best thing about the National Gallery is the cost; It’s Free!

Even if it wasn’t free, there’s so much to absorb, I would easily pay for such a selection. However I’m excited I (Or you) don’t have to.

Tristan Jonez.

Dale Chihuly

While recently in Oklahoma City, I had the pleasure of visiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and viewing first hand Dale Chihuly! It was beyond beautiful, the glass sculptures were magnificent, but it was his paintings that caught me off guard. As a confession I didn’t read up about him much prior to the exhibit, but I did know he was an artist that worked with glass. I had the opportunity to attend his showing of art at The Bronx Botanical Garden but I declined the invitation, due to a prior engagement! So believe me when I tell you how upset I am/was that I didn’t attend in the Bronx.

The colors, The vibes, I’m obsessed with Dale Chihuly. If you get an opportunity to experience, please take your time exploring each art piece.

Tristan Jonez.

Paper Planes.

Ya’ll should know by now how obsessed I am by Art; The planes just make it THAT much better. While traveling through Milan Airport in Italy, I found myself placing myself in the art. The colours are beautiful, and somewhat unconventional. Although I had just deplaned an aircraft, I found myself wishing I was jumping into another!

I know traveling can be a bit overwhelming, especially when your in an area, that you don’t know, or speak the language, but take the time to soak up all you can from what you see. It’s worth it.

Jonez