Hello Cincinnati, It's Been A While

Cincinnati, Ohio, home of four undergraduate years, was a beacon of possibilities.

First semester is over. It's been grueling and heartbreaking. Little joys weaved between struggle, fear, and anxiety. Broken laptops, late nights making nonsensical travesties, losing sleep. Life of an artist, writer, foodie enthusiast. I'll never forget one of my critics saying that 24 hours a day isn't for someone like me. My MFA review was Wednesday-- thirty minutes of hardcore tough talk from four critics familiar to my ideas. I had friends help me set up sculptures, photographs, watercolor with typewritten text, and the Nappylocks and the Three Combs installation. Foursome liked the drawings and writings, believing them to be strongest components. The large rubber duck sculpture was something enjoyable as well as a braid composed of pieced Brillo scrubbers. However, argument is that my writing is more considered, more special than any shown art. Writing is more articulate than a piece. These are criticisms to take towards both painting and lithography classes come spring. I'm already sketching ideas for my litho stones, thinking of profound ways of having writing and drawing intersect successfully.

Massive afro pick composed of newspaper and tape (masking and duct). Critic pros: great concept, humorous, loved inaccurate "teeth" components. Con: duct tape doesn't seem to be right tool.

The large rubber duck. Critic pros: scaling up rubber duck. Cons: visible cardboard, should have more obsessive qualities, more rubber duck the merrier, my desire to throw it away.

Another positive aspect of my MFA Review is one of the coolest people at PAFA, Greg Martino, Career Services Director. Actually came to see work and hear critics. Extremely thoughtful considering it's last days of the school year and what must have eaten thirty minutes out of a busy schedule! Few days prior, he showed me magnificent jewelry work of Samira. She also lives in Philly and attends University of the Arts (another Center City art college). I highly recommend visiting her site-- Arimas Jewelry Box. So many wonderful items to purchase from reasonably priced to pieces I'll have to sell a few paintings to get. If you sign up for her emailed newsletter, she offers $5 off first purchase and opportunities to win free jewelry every month. It's quite special supporting small businesses, especially artist run businesses that one can understand and appreciate. Seeing as my own work is about my heartfelt longing for African Diaspora and cherishing ancestry, kindred kismet to find someone creating beautiful attainable art to be worn and displayed. I'm quite excited about wearing fashion statements bound to strengthen my own.

These are 1" Africa Continent Studs made with brass and 14kt gold filled ear wires, $20. Samira also says, "Please note that these earrings can be customized to any state, country or continent. If a custom order is desired please indicate your request at checkout." So awesome!

Wood cut Afro Pick earring studs come in both hand painted black and crimson red, $18. I chose black!

Package on its way.

Speaking of packages, check out my artist/vegan pal Jolyn's 31at31 post on winning the AfroVeganChick Pacifica Giveaway. Just adorable and sweet to read! Plus she's included a short video of unwrapping.
Now with holidays coming fast, I needed another vacation-- an extended one away from Philly. Home of course. However, I took a little pit stop on the way en route to Dayton-- to its larger populated sister city Cincinnati. I have many memories here- good and bittersweet of course. Nice to reflect on old history, revisit places formerly frolicked or passed by.

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in drawing at Art Academy of Cincinnati. I hadn't been since former drawing professor Gary Gaffney's retirement party in summer of 2011. That mural by Kim Krause (Painting I and Drawing Seminar II teacher) wasn't always there. Funnily enough, I ran into him (still dressed in all dark gray and rounded glasses) and said "hello." Plus Joe Fisher (admissions director), Anissa Lewis (admissions coordinator), Kim Wheeler (the security head), Sue Hutchens (registrar), Mark Thomas (Foundations and Illustration I instructor) and Jay Zumeta (Art History I and Aesthetics professor) happened to still be around. Great to see them all.

It's Kris! The amazing Libra woman in the financial aid department whom I love and adore. Ladies with almost matching spectacles reminisced about Paris 2009 and mourned the fact that I missed out on Musee D'orsay and the longest line imaginable at Catacombs. I remembered the days of sitting in Kris's office having free chocolates and talking art. Oh how we both enjoy the subject. She did have an art history blog. Plus, we also have Downton Abby in common. Gotta love Downton Abbey. Good things come to an end. On a pictorial note. Joy, financial aide assistant was a real hoot, bringing to life her namesake. I could sense genuine kindness and a real vibrant spirit. She took our photos and off we walked out of AAC together.

Suder's Art Store is the heart of artists community in downtown Cincy. On Vine Steet, just a block away from AAC, it was certainly the place for students to purchase supplies. Sharon Suder, great granddaughter of the founder, stood behind the counter. Plus one of my favorite people in the world-- Ros happened to be working that day as well! We talk all the time via email and phone. Great to see her again in person! We gabbed about PAFA life and "Route." This notion that my writing is "exceptional" and far more superior than artistic pursuit. I still feel drawn and adore both mediums. One thought after that MFA review, however, was is there a stronger fascination, a stronger drive for writing as opposed to art? Is this true?  Ros certainly had me opening Pandora's box.

George Washington the cat performed yoga on rolled up canvas cloth. And yes that is his model photograph on the back left. He is pretty and softer than imagined. Fur must get brushed everyday. Plus his meows were sweet to hear.

"Do not disturb me whilst I reach enlightenment," George seems to hum, with eyes closed in concentration. Actually, he was just napping.

Court View, my old apartment building. Still beautiful and historically charming like the first day I saw it. Those large windows and hard wood floors were a treasure.

Cincinnati's massive main library across the street. Literally. Takes up two blocks. So impressive. I always stayed until closing. Perfect place to read, write, and sketch. There's also a little cafe and used bookshop inside. Loved finding little novelty gifts for family and friends.

Consumed warm crunchy chips and guacamole at Burrito El Charco.

The guacamole was smooth, slightly whipped, but tasted more like lime than traditional recipes. Maybe that's why the light green is much more pronounced. Plus no tomatoes or evidence of cilantro. Very different.

Coffee Emporium was the hangout of AAC students. I rarely went. Mostly stayed lonely recluse in my studio painting or at the apartment drawing or writing.

From the outside it looks like a strictly casual operation.

Plenty of coffees, teas, and specialty seasonal drinks can be made vegan. I adore that they have both soy and almond milk as alternative dairy free options.

I had the alligator pear grilled sandwich. Avocado was a rich, creamy component against fresh spinach, juicy tomato slices, red onions, and smooth, irresistible hummus with delectable pieces of garbanzo bean. Bread was toasted to crisp perfection-- no soggy mess here! Plus the unique savory seasoned crunchy miniature pretzels were amazing. Never had them without distinctive white salt spots before.

I also ordered vegan coffee cake. It was dry unfortunately. I did cherish crunchy cinnamon topping and noting that I can taste most of the ingredients. Would have loved not only more moisture, but some berries, apple slices, or nuts to add texture.

Yummy almond milk hot chocolate inside recycled materials.

Lovely place to have coffee and enjoy art. Music isn't too loud or intrusive. One can have conversation. No screaming match to compete against background melody. Almost regret never coming.

Large, spacious environment, clean dance floor, well worn seats, and neat organization with touches of urban domesticity and bicycle love. Oh, how the bicycle aesthetic is huge in Cincinnati. Huge!

Park+Vine, formerly on Vine Street, moved into Kaldi's Coffeehouse's old location on Main Street. They sell a lot of vegan specialties, beauty supplies, and organic apparel. Since it's independently owned, prices are much higher than even Whole Foods. Field Roast Chao Slices are $7.75 each, Daiya cheeses $7, 32 oz. alternative milks $3-$5, ice creams $8-$9, etc. I had to pass on much. I did leave out with KeVita's Master Brew Kombucha in Tart Cherry. Tasty flavor. Would love to brew my own experimentation someday.

I did have plans to venture further downtown to Fountain Square to the Ballpark to the Ohio River separating state from Kentucky. Chilly weather wasn't exactly welcoming and time escaped faster than sand falling through invisible hourglass. I walked back towards bus station and almost laughed at the sight of the new Horseshoe Casino. Pretty big and flashy for such a rustic, vintage area.
Anyway, it was a charming visit. Hopefully, I'll come back soon. Enjoy more C.E. and chat with my buddies again as well as an old professor or two. Fun times!

Three State Weekend Paved On A Tiger Lily Road

Adele Dazeem also known as Idina Menzel has a new Broadway musical If/Then.

Remember on the night on February 22nd that I mentioned going to Torrington, Connecticut to see the premiere of Michael Medeiros's quirky independent film, Tiger Lily Road? It stars Tom Pelphrey (2 time Daytime Emmy award winning Guiding Light actor and theater aficionado), Ilvi Dulack, and Karen Chamberlain. Well, it finally happened.
My bus to a small, unlikely place for latest adventure was due to arrive at Philadelphia at 4:05 AM on March 15th. Yes. 4:05 AM. I had been way too excited to sleep. Prior to arriving at the Greyhound Station, I was in my studio eating chocolate bars and drawing mermaids. Practically high on sugar and happiness the whole way on the road. I kept to myself, scaring nothing but my own racing heart.
After arriving in New York and playing around willy nilly with the three hour layover (okay not playing I forgot where the NYC station was), I almost missed the transfer. I know. I know. I'm really bad with time. The driver even stated, "I would have left you and you would have to wait until 5PM for the next one." I already knew this information. But grateful, I thanked him for pausing for me. He didn't have to.
Hours later, I checked into my hotel and jumped on the bed for a while. Not lying. It's impossible not to be enthused about something I had been dying to see for so long. And it took being in a strange, unknown town for me to get to this point.
I spent the afternoon venturing around, familiarizing myself with the locale, the very locale Tiger Lily Road was filmed. Nice and quiet with melted snow.
By the way, this should surprise no one, I did walk through two wrong doors to get to the right theater, but hey, that happens to common scatterbrains...
Tiger Lily Road was well worth the wait. And believe me, I had been impatient for a while. I first saw its trailer years ago. Back then, it looked like a pop up dollhouse featurette. It had a campaign too. I almost bought the Jezebel shirt. Now I feel extreme regret over the Jezebel shirt- featured in a scene along with pink heart decorated pajama pants- an outfit rarely seen together on so masculine a man. That's another story. Still, that's why it's imperative to support a filmmaker's vision, especially if something within screenplay resonates to you- the viewer. I do feel horrid for not supporting Tiger Lily Road enough on its burgeoning baby wheels.
Seeing its premiere in the flesh was some redemption. The dark, edgy comedy was brilliant and funny with some sexiness and buns of steel and other unmentionable treats. Just everything I hoped it would be and more. I simply cannot get "don't be a lily all your life" out of my mind. That little phrase sings like a chirping bird. Maybe I should take that advice.
I wish I could see again... like tomorrow, like right now!
Michael said that they may be premiering it again in NYC come May or June. I pray that this is true.
In the meantime, I look forward to posting my review soon. Word of mouth must spread like bee honeyed wildfire to get a buzz going on this film. It deserves that. Plus, it won a Cincinnati (where yours truly scored her undergrad) Screenplay Award- definitely fate. If that makes any sense...
After the film ended and credits rolled, the Q&A started up. It turns out Tom wasn't the original male lead. How interesting! It was filmed during a course of 3 winters. Tom lived with a nice lady during his stay. Had car trouble. The film's opening scene also had another cast switcheroo.
"It just wasn't the right dog!" Michael exclaimed.
I also liked that a longtime Torrington resident said that he never seen his town depicted in such a way, that the film made him see it through new spectacles. That was so wonderful!
I jotted more notes amongst scribbled drawings of tiger lilies, filled out the little white response card, accidentally left new umbrella, squealed on camera how much I loved the movie (they were conducting live audience responses as well as the written), and left out the wrong door. Needless to say, in the shadows of a rain residue evening, I climbed and jumped atop things in a short dress (hey, I wore tights AND underwear- great etiquette!) and got boots dirtier. Kind of funny and ridiculous at the same time. At least, I didn't break an ankle or inflicted bodily harm- which klutzes are typically known for. Thankfully, no one saw me doing these things. I hope...
I skipped jovially back to the hotel, wondering how a lady gets so lucky when summer, birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are so many months away....
And speaking of early gifts- next Sunday is Broadway Sunday! My friend and I will be off to see Mamma Mia (formerly Once) thanks to the ATC raffle. I'm stoked!!!

Not the Greyhound. My bus transferred to Peter Pan. My first time ever on the green bus!

Form fitted dress from Philly Aids Thrift and a thick black belt found Saturday morning at Forever 21 on Broadway in NYC. Tie purposefully matches red lipstick. Yes. I look like a reporter lady.

On my way, I spotted a cutesy sign featuring a happy squirrel (or is it a raccoon?) holding chopsticks and a bowl of yum- the perfect lunch destination called Teriyaki Boy.

I ordered the steamed tofu bowl with brown rice and soy ginger garlicky sauce. So good.

Found one mural.

The horsey was the best! She/he is comprised of mosaic tiles and cut up paintings. So beautiful!

This little town of Torrington is quite quaint in certain spots, primarily downtown. I can see why one would film a movie here. It's pleasant.

The main attraction.

The many years wait was over!!!

Really amazingly fragrant salad featuring crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, hearts of palms (first time trying this and it's delicious!), artichokes, and red wine vinaigrette.

Back to the room, watching "Set It Off," only the saddest film ever, guiltily enjoying Sahale Fruit & Almond Cherries, Apples, and Maple clustered snacks in bed. I promise no crumbs were left!

The morning selfie.

Toasted bagels and orange juice and a Golden Girls TV Land marathon. Made of breakfast win!

Trees are still naked, waiting for spring clothes.

Indigo, purple, and grey blue sky. Just lovely.

Lush greenery is finally spotted.

Frozen lakes and rivers.

Sun.

Going back to NYC.

Let Me Tell You A Story About An Unbelievable Night In Brooklyn That Only Happens In Dreams Or In Alcohol Consumption

Apothecary Theater Company's party advertisement. Isn't the drawing lovely?

I totally had a screaming fest with my friends in the studio today. An actual screaming fest!
Here's why:
Last night, I attended a fantastic Edgar Allan Poe's Annabel Lee themed Anti-Valentine's Day Party.
Of course, the day started off so hellishly craptastic- Mother Nature springing her surprise early (sorry, but it really happened). I almost missed the Megabus (because I foolishly took a train going in opposite direction!). It took me entirely too long to reach the Brooklyn Museum- the line was so ridiculous I had to leave (no Wangechi Mutu or Lorainne Hansberry's letter collection or Jean Paul Gaultier). Thus became fashionably late to St. Mazie's- place of my first theater party! However, prior to that, I did see the closing of Flomenhaft Gallery's Women Only exhibit. I cannot begin to serenade how enjoyable seeing a large Faith Ringgold quilt up close and personal is. She is my hero, my beacon of artistic hope and retribution. Next door to Flomenhaft Gallery was Ceres Gallery showcasing very blunt, fleshy, overtly sexual charcoal eroticism by Pamela Shield. Won't get into further concrete details, but let's just say her realist drawings zoomed in on quite stimulating territory.
FYI about taxicabs: don't apply makeup in them, don't beg the driver to go faster- that only happens in the movies, and don't do any seated dancing of any kind. 
Now about that fantastic party....

On the way to Brooklyn with Lucy's Crunchy Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Treats!

I came inside the dimly lit St. Mazie's bar. Sweet Carrie greeted me with a ticket and mentioned a raffle drawing. I peered through modest crowded sea of many tall people (starting to rethink the "flats for life" motto) and watched the middle of the first play. Out of the corner of my eye, ladies and gentleman, I spied Tom Pelphrey. I just knew him and that booming laughter. Probably because I watched a ton of Guiding Light that morning with breakfast flax flakes and almond milk. Mentally, my mind became a flustered blur. Despite the loud hammering of my tell tale heart (just Poe-ing it out there), I managed to view the play and not look back at the corner. Much later, I met the director. She said that her parents thought she would be in the play and didn't understand the play directing concept. Very funny.
Attendees asked me how I found out about this event- a mere stranger standing rooted to one corner like a wallflower observing people chatting and drinking tulip glassed drinks or bottled beers in between intermissions. (Why did I forget my sketchpad!!!!! The setting was gorgeous!) Well, I replied finding out on Facebook. Partly true. The real actualized honesty version is a hilariously strange kind-of-pathetic one. My friends know that I'm a huge Guiding Light fan and dedicated to a certain couple. I'm registered on a fan forum that keeps up-to-date information on them. I found out Tom (my favorite actor on the beloved tragically canceled soap) had co-founded a non-profit theater company (I LOVE THEATER!!!!) and that this theater company had an Anti-Valentine's Day Party every year. For all my little playwright friends and theater enthusiasts, please read more about Apothecary Theater Company's mission here. It's just all kinds of wonderful. Naturally I wanted to come to the party and be a silent supportive groupie. I swear Philadelphia living has been so advantageous. It sounded exciting anyway. A party. With theater? Anti-Valentine's Day? Maybe because I'm also a single lady that hates February 14th and the thought of a dreary, miserable, gut-wrenching, albeit terrifying Annabel Lee poem would ease spirits of last Friday. I don't know. Cannot wait to share this at next month's poetry club meeting....
Then, the excitement continued.
This guy comes up to me and asked "are you Janyce?"
I said, "yes."
"Janyce Denise?"

"...don't be a lily all your life....."

I freaked out. Who wouldn't when attending a party where you know that absolutely nobody is supposed to know your name? This isn't Cheers man. The light ultimately came. I realized whom spoke to me. Michael Medeiros. The Michael Medeiros. The Michael Medeiros I've been tweeting for weeks on end. I didn't recognize him outside of his funky white framed sunglasses. His new indie film Tiger Lily Road stars Tom. I'm going to its showing in Torrington, Connecticut in three weeks at Warner Theater- another adventure in the making. I can already see this as an art project.... As an avid film buff, I feel it my sacred duty to see it and be that silent supportive groupie at the same time! Yes!! I would rather do that than attend a baseball game. Don't ask. Just know that I hate baseball. Now Michael being at the party was the most amazing coincidence. I had no idea he was coming- let alone performing!!!!! Turns out Michael is an actor trained by the well-renowned Uta Hagen. Terrific. Brilliant. Worthy of a million claps. And flowers. Had I known, I would have brought flowers. Now I'm even more excited about Tiger Lily Road. Judging by the quirky trailer, I think it's made of win. I'll bring him flowers too. The ones that smell nice but not too overly fragrant that women tend to like. He performed a very touching monologue about a man mourning his dead wife, hitting notes of vulnerability, frustration, angst, melancholy, and sadness with a bit of warmth and rusty humor in between.
As we talked earlier, before astonishing me with his acting capability, Michael asked me the question that every critic in school has- what is stronger passion- making art or writing? His passion between writing and acting and directing is piano. How sweet!
I still don't know the answer to my own truest desire. Despite sitting here dirtying the keyboard with oil stick residue. Perhaps I'll never find out. Oh well. I love both. Let's leave it at that right now.
Sooooooooo. Wait. For. It.
Michael introduced me to Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom said "hi Janyce, nice to meet you." And I thought the world ended.
My legs became jelly and I lost eye contact and mojo and all human emotion and capacity to be a normal being and this sentence runs on and on and on.....
Needless to say, I had a lovely reunion with the fresh outside air.

Thank you Apothecary Theater Company for putting up this awesome photo of Tom, me, and Michael!

Two plays happened. Michael's performance was last. By golly, just one word sums it all up- wonderful. The performances and the unique Annabel Lee interpretations ranged from obscurely abstract to vividly entertaining. I respect that the playwrights (Martyna Majok, Edith Freni, and Don Nigro) modernized a classic period poem to fit into the context of this century. Truly commendable. Also loved that each piece happened in a different area of St. Mazie's with Tom- the ringleader jingling the bell. It added another layer to audience reaction. Just awesome! <3
Finally, at last the raffle winner was announced.
And it was ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for the exclamation points. How else could I reveal splendid joy? I was just sitting there thinking about Annabel Lee and taxicabs and how I was going to tell my Mom and schoolmates and Twitterverse how I met my screensaver (which I changed!!). Carrie announcing my name broke me out of the nonsensical reverie. Yes. I was freaking shocked. Stunned. Stoked. I've never won a raffle anything. Being at the party itself was a good enough trophy to put on the mental mantle. So I'm going to see Once on Broadway. Once. BROADWAY!!!!! O-N-C-E. I've always wanted to see a Broadway show. Always. Now it can be etched onto my tombstone.
Janyce Denise Glasper led a great life because she met her screensaver and went to a Broadway Show.  

It's not everyday that someone wins Broadway tickets!!!

Just when my night turned into shining stars and flashing glitter quicker than plump pumpkins changing into diamond decked carriages, Michael kindly forced me to take a pic with Tom. Whom am I to deny such a fate? I cannot believe this happened. I. Can. Not. It was that euphoric magical rarity that only happens on a blue moon. I think unicorns and sphinxes and dandy-lions (mystical lions that have golden flowers for manes) truly exist in this world. Or maybe Mother Nature was being apologetic.
To celebrate, I skipped in merry bedazzlement and headed off to Terri's. Terri's makes any girl way way happier than she should be. Plus I got a drink. Does anyone realize how thirsty one gets when meeting someone you never thought you would actually meet in REAL LIFE? The thirst IS real.

I quenched my thirst in true chocoholic fashion- with a Butterfinger milkshake! The chickpea "tuna" melt wasn't that bad either!!!

In the end, I'm not saddened or disappointed to miss out on Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit. It's gone forever. It was probably pretty great, but my night at St. Mazie's topped everything. I've already started googling theater parties. They must have them all over Philly someplace. This whole concept is enthralling.
Funnily enough, after I told this story, my friend wished she had gone. She likes Poe. She loves Annabel Lee. Suddenly, I regretted not telling people about this. Being all ashamed of that whole soap opera factor when in fact I should be proud. I am happy. I had fun. Speaking of which, I neglected to tell Tom how much I adored his brilliant work. I could say something in Torrington? If I can look him in the eye and be brave. If I can tell my favorite artist Kara Walker that I love her work, I should be able to give Tom that courtesy. People love compliments. I think.
Anyways, for the record, I might not ever wash my coat. Never again.
Thank you, Michael Medeiros.