what it was meant to be. It’s like the swastika, for instance. It used to
be a symbol for peace and love! Then you have the problem of people
who don’t understand it in the first place, then they change it later on
as if they created it!
Appropriation!
Right. You just get to observe; you are not the creator. Which brings
me to my last thing, which is another thought that I’ve had in mind.
It’s okay to be a guest in something. If you didn’t come in as part of that
culture, but you’re learning that you love something about it, it’s okay
to be a guest. But, as a guest, don’t act like you created it.
With the art culture that we build, that’s why we create our own. We
stay true to it by enhancing the techniques that are already there.
Now, when a person starts to paint, they don’t have all that. They’re
looking at an intimidating piece of blank wall in front of them, or a
blank canvas, or a white paper, and that’s when they’re learning to be
an artist.
Once they can master that actual canvas, they can fill it with images
that make them think. That’s when they become an artist; they have
transcended the walls or the boundaries of art.
It’s once you can define it.
Right. You have to define the art, yourself. You learn that all the time.
That’s why I said it’s cool to be a guest. Because you have to adapt. And
while you’re adapting, you’re learning.
If I was to say anything to folks who are learning, I’d be like “Yo, man,
hang around with some masters.” Don’t be so quick to say “Oh, he ain’t
no master, I could do that in my sleep!” and you’re still looking at that
blank canvas.
Swamburger in studio, photo by Mariana Mora
I love where you went with that. So, before I go…what’s the
recipe for a good Swamburger?
There’s an inside joke that says the recipe is just a piece of lettuce, but
hmm...the recipe for a perfect Swamburger, is my acronym: Survival
With A Mind!
A Peace of the City, digital art
Swamburger hosts a monthly
lineup of musical talent at The
Social. Upcoming events:
Swamburger Presents:
“Advanced Listening” with
DJ Abilities (of Rhymesayers)
with E-Turn, Madd Illz, and
Purple Kloud
November 2, 2016 at 9:00 pm
Swamburger Presents:
Sage Francis with SKIP,
Chakra Khan, and Sean
Shakespeare
December 2, 2016 at 9:00 pm
37
You can see more at:
Swamburger.com
Solilla.com
www.ARTBORNEMAGAZINE.com