1. Marco, tell us more about the Galeria de los Muertos.

Galeria de los Muertos is a new art gallery concept centered around the idea that art should be accessible to everyone. So we created a gallery in the salon style (lots of art on the walls rather than big white spaces with sparse pieces) that sells original works as well as giclee prints on canvas of the works in various sizes from $10 minis to $175 large pieces. Thus, we have something in a price-range that everyone can afford, so the community has access to the art of our talented artists and the artists can be supported by the larger community.

We also distinguish ourselves by holding a themed group show each month in the first room of the gallery and showcasing the general works of our artists in the other two. So every month the gallery undergoes a transformation and gets re-made, though you can still find all your favorites. We also take the art to the people by having our artists set up extended selections of their works on our lawn for First Fridays, setting up booths at the AZ Derby Dames roller derby games, the AZ Fetish Ball and other events at various venues around the Phoenix Metro area.

2. What types of work can be found in your gallery, and what other artists have you featured there?

We have everything from tooled leather to paintings, illustrations, sculptures, custom art vinyl toys, digital paintings, zombie pinatas, wood sculpture, art jewelry, spray art, digital photography, mixed media, art stuffed animals and insects with gears in them. The range of work that we have is astounding. Our artists are members of our gallery and show work with us every month, so our collectors can always find their work here. Currently, we represent:

El Vaquero Muerto: Leather, Painting and Illustration
Jenny Fontana: Painting, Illustration, Mixed Media
Maynard Breese: Digital Painting
Sir Thomas M. Deadstuff: Zombie Pinatas, Paper Machet, Illustration
Tommy Pemberton: Digital Photography
I Must Be Dead: Digital Photography
Davemarkart: Sculpture, Vinyl Art Toys
Aleta Welling: Painting, Mixed Media
Jenice Grimes: Art Dolls, Sculpture
Darling Nikki: Painting, Illustration
Lindsey Bessanson: Insect Taxidermy, Mixed Media
Jesse Perry: Sculpture
Brian Harrison: Art Jewelry
Jon Nyberg: Wood Sculpture, Art Bars
Banding Hendrix: Spray, Painting

We will be adding some exciting new artists soon so stay tuned to our website and/or Facebook page!

3. You’ve had some fun events there, what was your favorite and why?

Our opening was a real blast. We had worked really hard non-stop for an entire month to make that day happen and all of our favorite people came out to show their love and support and it was just an amazing start. It really gave me faith that what we were starting was going to resonate with people. Since then we’ve had a lot of wacky events, including a No-Pants Dance, a :WumpscART: festival, some really wild openings and plenty of good times with amazing people. I do have to say that we are really excited about our 1-Year Anniversary Celebration, which is just going to be amazing. It will take place on Friday, October 23, 2011. We are currently booking the music and performance groups, but we will have more info on it soon! It will be our biggest celebration/opening ever and coincide with the 3rd Friday festivities of the Roosevelt Arts District, which the gallery is in.

4. How long have you been an artist?

That is an interesting question. I have been creating all of my life. My parents were very supportive of my interests in drawing, painting and general creative endeavors, except during my home-made crossbow phase and my lesbian porn illustration phase. Those they were a little too religious and/or safety-conscious for. Professionally, I have been a working artist for almost 4 years now. I’ve only been out of the starving artist portion for about 6 months now. So it’s been a progression. I am incredibly thankful to all of my collectors and patrons for supporting my work and allowing me to continue to create. I try to never forget that it is these people who allow me to do what I do and I should always keep them in mind. That’s a big reason I am such a believer in making my art available to everyone.

5. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

One of my favorite things to hear when people walk through Galeria de los Muertos is that they “Want everything here”. We try really hard to put together a good group of developed artists with a signature style and dark edge. We also push our artists to be innovative and strive for better and better works. So we are constantly sharing new techniques, mediums, ideas and processes so that each of us continue to grow. So hearing that is a confirmation that everything we are working for is bearing fruit.

6. Name three artists you’d like to be compared to?

Oh, wow. I’m going to pretend I’m too modest to answer this question, then I’m going to answer it anyhow. My dream is to one day have a building with a Warhol-ish Factory. So it would be awesome to be compared to Andy in that aspect. I’m a huge fan of El Moises. His work is incredible on so many levels. His style, voice and technical skill are a huge inspiration to me. He is also just an incredibly humble and thoughtful man. To finally achieve his level of finesse would be sublime. And third would be Liz McGrath. She is just so skilled in so many creative aspects – from sculpture to painting to illustration and more. Her aesthetic and works are just awe-inspiring. Plus she is beautiful, has an amazing voice and is also kind and humble. So those are a few of the artists I idolize.

7. Whats next for the Galeria de los Muertos?

Well, right now we are working on revamping our website. It will (hopefully soon) have artist bios, a store where you can order any of our prints in various sizes and more info in general. We also have a lot of great openings through the rest of the year.

“Sins”, running now through Sept 13, 2011
“We Are the Fiend Club”, opening Friday, Sept 16 and running through Oct 18, 2011
“Dia de los Muertos”, opening Friday, Oct 21 and running through Nov 15, 2011
This will also be our 1-Year Anniversary Celebration!
“Conquest”, opening Friday, Nov 18 and running through Dec 13, 2011
“Something Wicked This Way Comes”, opening Friday, Dec 16, 2011 and running through Jan 17, 2012

8. Are there any links you care to share?

Galeria de los Muertos:

website - www.galeriadelosmuertos.org
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/GaleriaDeLosMuertos

El Vaquero Muerto:

website - www.elvaqueromuerto.com
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ElVaqueroMuertoArt

1. How long have you been creating art and what got you started?
I can’t remember a time I was not creating art, my first real memory was me trying to draw an eye. My Grandmother was an oil painter and I grew up next to her doing art. She taught me how to paint, smoke, and woo women.

2. How would you describe your work stylistically?
I primarily focus on images of women, and the various ways society and culture view the female mystique. My work is highly symbolic and surrealistic. I like to play with juxtapositions of extremes both stylistically and thematically.

3. Who are your key influences and what inspires you most?
My Grandmother was my greatest supporter and inspiration. Stylistically though my early influences were artists like Nagel, Olivia, and Varga. Women in general are my constant inspiration, especially smart beautiful women. They are my muses.

4. What types of commissioned work have you done so far? (Other than the fantastic dog tags that you make for Bella Lune)
I’ve done so many commissions over the coarse of my life. From doing drawings for candy in kindergarten to being commissioned to do a 5 carat diamond encrusted lion head for $150,000.00, my work has taken me so many directions. Currently I’m mostly focusing on illustrative work and paintings.

5. What are your thoughts on Phoenix from an arts and cultural perspective?
Phoenix has always been a tough town to be an artist in. However, I’ve been seeing a new growth of talent and activity here. Phoenix will soon become the new L.A. of the arts.

6. Do you have any events or other fun things coming up or ongoing that you would like to share with us?
Make sure to enjoy First Fridays in downtown Phx, Second Saturdays at Evermore Nevermore, and third Fridays in downtown Chandler. Last fridays are reserved for a dance party, fire spinning event I call SINge, held at the FireHouse 1015 N. 1st ave, come check it out.

7. Any links you want to include?
http://shayneofthedead.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShayneoftheDead

1. What is “Torture Couture”?
It caters to women who don’t fit into a particular stereotype or category, who like to mesh different styles together. The fashionista with an edge, and a dash of spooky. Torture Couture is inspired by many things, including burlesque, horror, fairy tales, the Gothic Lolita lifestyle, Old Hollywood glam and my infatuation with death.

2. How did you come up with the name?
My partner-in-crime (Jacob) came up with the name, which was originally just a name for my “faux” collection in college, for my final grade. The original collection of items consisted of fetish-inspired business-wear and accessories. I’m very into tailored suits and coats. “Torture Couture”, the name, was to explain that the hand-sewn apparel could be edgy or rather.. darker.

3. What was the first piece that you ever designed and when was that?
The very first piece I ever made was for myself. I wanted a vintage “dark” film noir type of hat, teardrop shape, which I hand-sewed for myself. It had a high point to it’s base and had black feathers, black lace and veiling. That was in 2004.

4. How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?
Anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour! Really just depends on the complexity of the piece, or what specifics the customer (if custom) wants for their item.

5. You have made some amazing custom merch for my band. Do you do a lot of custom work? If so, who are some of the artists, groups, models, etc. that you have worked with?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bella Lune, of course, Jeremiah Saint, Emily Lazar of September Mourning, Miss Derringer, MichellexStar, a local Pirate “Ship,” burlesque troops (mostly overseas, but some from Romantasy Cabaret here in Phoenix), lots of brides/weddings, an assortment of people really! And they’re all so different, so it’s really a treat for me to work with so many different “types.”

6. Who are your favorite designers?
Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tarina Tarantino, h. Naoto, Lip Service, Mother of London, Christian Dior, Lanvin, and countless others….

7. What do you think of the fashion in Arizona?
Sometimes it’s hard to wear what you want in the HEAT! lol But I do appreciate, for the most part, people’s individuality and the way they carry themselves.

8. Where can our readers buy your designs?
They can purchase our Jewelry/Accessories via our web store: www.TortureCouture.com or Etsy fiends can go here: www.MissTorture.etsy.com

9. Are there other links you care to share?
MySpace: www.MySpace.com/TortureCouture (We have our own personal playlist for our customers/fans to listen to)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000769354239
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TORTURE-COUTURE/109145095771496

Pics (Top to Bottom): 1) Miss Torture. 2) Model: Katayna Star, Photo: Dark Unicorn Photography. 3) Model: Melanie, Photo: MIchellexStar. 4) Model: Sharon TK, Photo: Dark Unicorn Photography

1. You have been a professional bellydancer ever since I have known you. When was your first performance?

Katayna: My first belly dance routine was when I was 18 years old and it was at the Az state fair. I danced to Glory Box by Portishead!  I have since then I have used a lot more traditional Egyptian style music over the years.

2. What other types of performance art or dancing have you done?

Katayna: I have also begun doing burlesque dancing, as a lot of other local belly dancers have moved into as well. Burlesque seems to have become quite popular in the local scene lately. I also do some go go dancing on the side which I make a little extra money at.. which I immediately spend on more fabric and jewels for costuming!

3. How did you get into costume design?

Katayna: Being a belly dancer was what originally got me into costume design. Belly dance costumes are very intricate and have to be hand sewn, so as a result are very expensive. I learned to sew them to save money! I actually really enjoy sewing, and have since started creating my own fashion line after years of being a costume designer. I usually only made my own costumes to perform in at shows, but I am hoping to sell my clothing to the masses. Or maybe to those who prefer to be seen, and not just blend in with the masses. My style is very Gothic Glam. My first show will be on November 19th at the Arizona Center!

4. When did you get into modeling and what inspired you to do so?

Katayna: I got into modeling about two years ago. I had a lot of friends that were doing it, and their pictures inspired me to start. I think I had a misperception of what a model was supposed to look like for a long time and that kept me from trying it out.. but now I realize that there are so many different types of modeling, and women with curves are appreciated in the industry as well

5. What types of modeling have you done (Portrait, runway, video, etc)?

Katayna: I have done a little of everything. I have done some pin-up, fetish, gothic, fantasy, and quite a few underwater shoots (which I am very good at I have to brag a little!) There is something about being underwater that makes me feel ethereal and beautiful, like a water nymph. It’s amazing the posing you can get into without having gravity to hold you down. Not to mention.. it makes breasts look fnatastic! I have done some runway as well, mostly for local designers. I know I do not have the typical stick-thin figure for mainstream high-fashion modeling, but that doesn’t bother me too much. Honestly, I would rather be on the cover of Gothic Beauty magazine!

6. What would you say is the highlight of your modeling and/or performance career so far?

Katayna: I would say that the highlight of my modeling was getting the cover of Java magazine, as well as a fashion spread on the inside that I designed mermaid outfits for myself and two other models. Not to mention, that it was my boyfriend Gabriel and I’s photography Dark Unicorn, that did alll the pictures as well. Working with him as a team is amazing and I just love it!

7. What’s next on your bucket list?

Katayna: My next major goal would be to get my fashion line and clothing company Pierced Heart out there for the world to see  Wish me luck!

How and when did you get started with photography?

Honestly, its always been an interest of mine. I have been doing
visual arts as long as I could remember, but was never really
satisfied with the conventional dark room photography. Digital was the
step I was looking for. It was the instant gratification for capturing
a moment.

What type of photography do you do or what type of projects do you work on?

Mainly I do live photography. Its just my bread and butter, and
I love going to shows. It mixes in my love for music with something I
enjoy and produce visually. Capturing a moment is difficult, but for
any photographer is not incredibly difficult. I try to produce what
someone would see if they were remembering the night. Vivid, yet
sharp, conveying an emotion of fantasy to an ordinary live performance
captured. The performances themselves are sometimes quite fantastic,
“why cant that be captured as well?” is what I am always telling
myself.

How did you come up with the name Steam Synthetic?

Steam is an adjective for power, and influence. I also have a
deep rooted love for steam-punk genres and have been long before it
started becoming a mainstream thing, back in the day, people only had
cyber-punk, and it was rarely done well even with all of the sci-fi
art, movies and literature that were around. Steam-punk required an
infinite amount of detail and creativity above that.
Synthetic came as I realized that pictures, are just like
movies. They aren’t real. So much work goes into pictures these days
that calling them anything other than “synthetic” is kind of
ridiculous. I embrace that. Putting the two things together came
naturally after, but It wasn’t with out months upon months of
tribulation. Most people recognize the name I used to go by “Jonny
Angry”. I felt that I could limit me in the long run. People wouldn’t
want to work with someone who’s “angry”, even though those who know me
know I am anything but. In the back of my mind, I just figured it
would be rather difficult explaining that name to someone asking you
to photograph their wedding.

Who are your influences artistically (either photography and/or art in general)?

That’s a long list. Top influences in art would be Bosche,
Giger, and Bromm. However, my all time favorite digital artist would
have to be Dennis Sibeijn of www.damnengine.net, He was definitely one
of my major influences in wanting to merge digital art with digital
photography.

What is your favorite shoot that you have done so far?

I don’t really have a favorite shoot. I have milestones and
people to thank for helping me to get this far. The band “From Dark”
was the first band that gave me the chance to shoot their press kit,
which led me to shoot many other bands. Frequis, 30 cents & a Dream,
for getting me into gigs I normally wouldn’t have gotten to do for
live photography, and Howitzer for getting me into larger venue shows,
even if I had to buy my own ticket.

Do you have a favorite subject or model that you photograph?

I haven’t really done too many model shoots. Its not something
I really want to do. If I did it would have to be on the understanding
that the model wouldn’t be a model, or even primarily even the focus,
they probably wouldn’t even look like themselves, or even human by the
time I was done. Subject, surreal is what I would have to go for. Most
of the stuff I shoot is green-screened.

What is your ultimate goal with your photography business?

To not be a business. Mixing something you love with money,
ends up becoming something you loathe eventually. I would never want
to jeopardize my love for the arts with the stress of making money. If
it works, then it works, and I’ll be all the happier. If not, then at
least I still have my love for it.

How can you be contacted for hire?

Through my website is the easiest.

Web Links:

http://www.SteamSynthetic.com

What is The Strand?
The Strand are a bunch of friends who get together and occasionally rock out on stage. On a rare occasion we have been known to release an album or three. If you want the specifics of our band, our bio reads… “The Strand is a six piece band based out of Chandler, Arizona whose music ranges from industrial dance, to EBM, and industrial rock.” If you want to know each of the band members, I will also direct you to the bio at www.strandland.com, but my name is Dave and I do the screaming and a lot of the songwriting.

How did you get into making music?
The original intent was to record cassette tapes of industrial beats to listen to in the car when driving around. But that was a long time ago. My friend Arman Bastani and I made music on our Amiga computers, trying to emulate the crazy music that was coming out at that time from Wax Trax Records. This was in the early 90s, and we lived in the suburbs of Chicago.

What bands influence your sound the most?

When I started writing music I was into Front 242, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Nitzer Ebb, NIN, Frontline Assembly, and Leather Strip… But I also liked bands like Duran Duran, The Doors, Primus, and Weird Al.. So I suppose they all acted as inspirations in one way or another. Then when The Strand officially came about in 1999 it was a lot of the aforementioned mixed with VNV Nation, Covenant, And One, Project Pitchfork and stuff like that, though I also liked 80s metal and trip hop.
In the end, it’s tough to say where a song comes from. Sometimes I have a scene for a movie in my head, and I want to write a soundtrack for it. Or I feel a very intense emotion that I want to translate into music. Sometimes I hear a song and say, that song kicks ass, I want a song just like that! But in the end it’s tough to stray from your own inner rhythm. At any rate, a lot of these bands do what they do so well, it’s almost pointless to try and recreate their exact sound. For me it’s best to only emulate the instruments I heard in a song and use that as a starting point for my own thing.

What was your first album/tape/CD?
Our first official release was In The Trench, released in 2000. Though, there still are a few copies of our MP3.com demo called Digging the Trench from 1999. Back then I had it in my head that our album titles would tell some kind of war story. Digging the Trench, then In the Trench, maybe the next album would have been called Running Into the Battle, or something like that. Who knows why, but we decided that idea was lame, and instead picked strange and confusing titles for our next two albums. (Diatom and Destroyers of that which is destroyed and rulers of that which is not destroyed.)

When was your first live performance?
August 2nd of 2000 at The Power Plant, previously known as the strip club called The Navel Base.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Hm. Any time I hear someone say that they connect with one of my songs, or if I happen to hear a song of ours in a club and people are dancing, that’s a huge accomplishment for me. It’s not any one big thing, it’s the little things like appreciation and support from our fans that make me think that I’ve done some good work here. Also, when the shit hits the fan and I am able to keep my emotions in check and react in the best possible way, I think that’s a big accomplishment.
I’m not really a person who feels like my biggest accomplishment is one piece of art, reaching a goal, or a ten million dollar business deal. I mean that stuff would be great, we should strive for things like that, but to me, it’s a bigger accomplishment when I run across a person who is noble or good on a consistent basis, cause we can all be nasty on the inside. Consistently keeping your values in check, and evaluating how to be a better person can be hard work. Anyone who can do that has really accomplished something great.

If you could share the stage with any other musician or band you wanted, dead or alive, who would it be?
We’ve been lucky enough to open for a lot of my favorites. It’s always a great experience, meeting someone who made a song that makes you run to the dance floor… A lot of those bands were very nice in person, which was a pleasant surprise. Which bands would we like to open for dead or alive? I don’t really have an answer for that… But I would love to go back to 1969 and see The Doors live, or go back to the 80s and see Skinny Puppy play, or hit up ancient times and experience Mozart or Beethoven. It’s great when you see a band and know that this is their time, and that what they are doing in this moment will live on for a very long time. It only happens on a rare occasion, but when it does it’s amazing.

Since I was about 14 or 15. I’ve known a lot of photographers, so I got into it that way.

Do you remember your semi-pro or pro first shoot?

I was about 18, and I actually came up with the concept for the shoot myself. I was inspired by an Herb Ritts cover, where there was a sultry seductive girl smoking. I wanted to replicate that… The photographer ended up winning first place at the Erotic Art Festival. It also sold immediately!

What work of yours are you most proud of?

I really like the Brandon Sullivan shoot that I did about 5 years ago; I just love the mood. I feel that really proved to me that I could take photography to another level. Also, becoming an actress in the photos to effectively create specific feelings and looks was very enjoyable!

What type of work do you enjoy most?

I love the opportunity to assume the role of an actress in any medium. Anything that will allow me to bring out a certain theme is my favorite. I’ve done photography, life drawing, and music videos.

Do you have a favorite model?

I’ve been inspired by a diverse range of models, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one.

Name an eccentricity of yours. What do you feel sets you apart from other models?

I’ m immediately comfortable in most settings and have always had the ability to have fun and enjoy myself on even the most serious or demanding projects. I believe this helps to produce a fertile environment for creativity. I’ve also been told that my eyes are able to convey a wide range of moods, tones and emotions.

Do you have any other hidden talents, and what are they?

I have so many hobbies, it’s unbelievable. I put feeling into everything I do. I don’t like to do anything half ass. I am working with a vocal coach right now and have also been. I’m focused on graphic design. I make flyers for my friends, promoting their art. I also enjoy directing images myself.

What is your next big project modeling or otherwise?

I’m actually currently studying “Meisner” acting. I’m also working on my voice, as I mentioned previously. In addition to all that, I’m finishing my communications degree at ASU; I’ve got about a year and a half to go. I want to do many things with my life. I’m attracted to natural medicine and herbology. I am also interested in directing and producing music videos. Though I remain humble, I’m an ideas person with a great deal of confidence.

Links:

Tondra on Model Mayhem

Tondra on Myspace

Thank you Avant Noir Photography for the photos. Click the thumbnail to see the larger image.