In this economy, it seems like everyone is looking for work. Even in art-rich towns like Kalamazoo, artists struggle to make ends meet. However, a local magazine not only helps artists promote their work, but also works to preserve some parts of Kalamazoo’s cultural history that otherwise might be lost.
Poet Richard Carbonneau reads his work, “Dumpster Diving on Beacon Hill with Johnny.” Asylum Lake magazine editor Joe Costello coaxed Carbonneau into submitting his poems for publication. Carbonneau says having his work in the magazine made him feel more appreciated by Kalamazoo artists.
[Richard Carbonneau] “It was a good feeling having the poetry community, arts community reach out to me instead of trying to go out and get attention. I think that’s what it’s all about.”
Asylum Lake Editor Brishen (brie-shin) Miller says work by young artists often goes unnoticed because they don’t have the time or money to advertise their art.
The magazine’s Art Director Brittany Bauman says artists like guitarist Bennett Young, heard here, need the exposure. Young was featured in the magazine’s latest issue in September.
Although the Kalamazoo Art Hop spotlights some of these artists, Asylum Lake copy editor Laura Henderson says many artists are still underground.
[Laura Henderson] “Art Hop, which is huge in Kalamazoo, is a place for the under recognized artists to be seen, but it’s still only once a month and it’s a time conflict for a lot of people. Or it’s all over town and they make it to this gallery, but not that gallery. And I think, what drew me into the Asylum Lake Press was that they were giving recognition to all of these artists that go unseen, but should be seen because they’re amazing. And this way people can look at it on their own time.”
A typical issue of Asylum Lake magazine features fine art on the cover. Inside there are pages full of poetry, prose, and interviews with musicians and other artists. Bauman says the magazine encourages anyone to submit what they consider “art”. The September issue has an in-depth interview with a woman on a roller derby team.
December marked the magazine’s one-year anniversary and its sixth issue. Poetry editor Nic Hampton says the Asylum Lake Press started the magazine to ensure that talented artists in southwest Michigan - and their works - are never forgotten. He says the magazine will give readers a glimpse into how art has changed in the region.
[Nic Hampton] “Oh here’s a show, here’s a gallery opening, here’s a poetry reading and forget about it two weeks later. And we keep on doing the same things. My whole goal, specifically, was to make something that would record it and to make it meaningful to the next people that were going to attempt it.”
While preserving the past, the founders of Asylum Lake say they hope the magazine and its printing business also help artists to have bright futures. For a small fee, the Asylum Lake Press makes things like business cards, flyers, and CD cases to help them with the practical side of the art world. Art Director Brittany Bauman says just getting involved with the magazine helps young artists build their resumes.
[Brittany Bauman] “These people are like, ‘How am I going to get the experience? Nobody’s giving me a chance?’ By forming this magazine they have art editor on their resume, they have featured artist on their resume. It’s amazing that, these people, the only reason that they’re here is because they are dedicated and that means something. They are not getting paid, but it is going to help their future.”
So far, Asylum Lake magazine is only available in print. But its editors have plans to post future issues online a few months after each issue comes out. The current issue was released last month. You can pick up a copy of the Asylum Lake at The Strutt, Michigan News Agency, Fourth Coast Cafe, and the People’s Food Co-op in Kalamazoo.
Artist Kim Davison turns recycled materials into artwork
While many of us try to recycle whenever possible, there are some people who take it to a whole new level. WMUK’s Lorraine Caron met a woman in Southwest Michigan who has big dreams for the things the rest of us eventually throw in the garbage.
Artist and art teacher Kim Davison of Kalamazoo specializes in making fine art from recycled materials. If she had a motto it might be.
[Davison] “Just look at your stuff…what could it be next?”
An exhibit of Davison’s art is currently on display at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church on Shaver Road in Portage. Her raw materials include old video tape, plastic bags, pages from magazines, and cash register receipts. When you enter the sanctuary you see standing on the floor two pieces she calls "Fundy Pillars."
[Davison] “This is made of plastic bags, mainly white, like the ones you get at Meijer, as well as colored bags. I crochet with those, then I weave in pages from National Geographic magazines, because the paper is high quality and lasts without discoloring.”
One of Davison’s pieces hanging on a wall nearby looks similar to the pillars, but is collapsed instead of standing. This is the result of a creative accident that the artist says she used to the her advantage.
[Davison] “Art is all about problem solving, which is why I think it’s so great for students to experience making art. Even if I can’t answer a question they have I encourage them to keep exploring it.”
Davison studied art in college and knew she wanted to teach. The idea of using recycled materials came after one of her professors chided her for not being able to afford the material needed for an assignment:
[Davison] “We needed a copper plate and it was 23-dollors, which I didn’t have. So, my teacher asked me why I was studying art if I didn’t have money to spend. I think he was trying to be funny, but that stuck with me and I started thinking of ways I could make art and not have to spend any money.”
When Davison’s exhibit of art was installed at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, art coordinator Kayle Rice says she and the congregation found the work to be inspiring.
[Davison] “They were astonished that these pieces are made out of the most common of materials. And, I’ve been inspired by Kim’s work and her recycling efforts. Be sure to describe your big dream.”
Her dream? Davison says she thinks the Kalamazoo community could use and would support a new art center.
[Davison] “A creative reuse art center. People could donate their recyclable materials and children and adults alike could come and get creative."
You can learn more about artist Kim Davison at her website. Her art remains on display at the UUC Church in Portage through January 8th.
Other Events:
The first Kalamazoo Art Hop of 2012 is this Friday, January 6th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out works from local artists at Midtown, Consumers Credit Union, Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Epic Center. Click here for the full schedule.
Albion College is hosting their Schooling Jumper Horse Show all day on Sunday, January 8th. You can come watch riders compete to jump hurdles up to four feet high. The event will be outside in the Held Equestrian Center, but heated seating is provided.
Listen to the sounds of nocturnal birds and other animals under the full moon at the MSU Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. The Full Moon Hike will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 9th. The cost of entry for non-members is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Bring your kids to see African Cats at Kalamazoo Public Library. The showing will be Friday, January 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. African Cats is a documentary-type film about the struggles of lion and cheetah cubs to become strong predators in the wild.
