Art Vows
Navigating Wonderland, Big Fish and My Anniversary
People share on social media about their undying love for their spouse or significant other with assorted declarations of love.
Some also announce achievements in numbers shown in subscribers, likes and followers.
And business owners celebrate milestones of how many years they have been running a small business.
All good things worth celebrating!
But where are the posts that show the dedication one makes to their art or their craft?
Twenty-five years ago in a high school art class, I didn’t question that spark that fueled so many creative fires. It was an automatic “yes!”
But several people have said to me..
“it wouldn’t last.”
or
“you’re too young you don’t know what love is.”
and
“how’s that art “career” going?”
So in honor of committing to my creative path, I’m celebrating me!
I’m toasting and boasting!
Because for me, August is about Anniversaries.
August 28th, 2025 marks two years on the radio! Check out the Anniversary episode on Mixcloud.
But my radio journey began well before that. In 2021, I was working in the journalism department. Some students asked for help on how to use the podcast studio for an assignment and they assumed I knew how to use it.
My curiosity led me to putting my playlists in radio format not realizing a radio opportunity would present itself.
(Below is a video from pre-radio days of Electric Radio Club. I was creating playlists on Spotify and making content to promote it.)
Last August of 2024, a family member invested in me and helped me established my art “hobby” as an LLC. Something I should have done a long time ago.
If I really think about it, I “established” myself as an artist back in August 2000 when eighteen-year-old-me decided to take my first ever high school art class my senior year.
It was the first time where adults encouraged me to keep making art and not just “for fun”, like…. for real.
Little did I realize that meant creating opportunities for myself.
Like Alice in Wonderland, most times I tried to go down a road to present my art but the road would be barricaded.
So I had to create the road.
You might have remembered my post about me attending an Open Mic event and talking about my radio show.
Well, that bar also has a projector that shows vintage movies in the background.
I asked the Open Mic organizer if I could show my video work at the next event.
She liked the idea of adding visuals during the performance.
And so, during the Open Mic event this month, I displayed a repetitive video collage to a packed house of local performers and supporters.
My video art was very well received and I was asked to participate next month!
Below is a clip of my video playing in the background during one of the performances. Side note: Get this artist a recording contract, STAT! Her voice could soothe savage beasts!
I may not have a Pulitzer or have a 1000 followers or 10 million downloads or a best selling product….yet,
But damn,25 years of creating art, that’s a helluva commitment.
A road seems like a very simple structure.
Its some concrete with some lines painted on it. But it’s very complex to build.
The art road is an interesting one, but it doesn’t make it easy to keep getting behind the wheel.
Sometimes the road (or vehicle) didn’t even exist.
As Bill Callahan sings,
“I am part of the road, the hardest part.”
In the spirit of Mix CDs and road trips, I wanted to pay homage to unconventional paths we take.
I created the Wonderland episode presented a CD case along with episode liner notes that I designed myself.
It’s a special radio episode for those times of feeling directionless and for the moments of creating confidently.
The past, present and future of an artist journey inspired the Wonderland Episode.
Because on my art journey, there were many times imposter syndrome kicked in, I took the detour and I took “normal” jobs.
It was like some could see that I had “taken a wrong turn” and settled into a job that was clearly not for me.
There have also been many characters who thought I was too ambitious and tried to hold me back.
And other times when I felt like lead in a Richard Serra sculpture, heavy and stuck in one place.
I often think of the movie, Big Fish, a story about a man reflecting on his deathbed telling grand stories about his life.
The main character is guided by his ambition and the unexpected roads he takes and the people who guide him along the way.
I relate.
The art road is an unconventional one. But only I can pick up the paintbrush, sit behind the mic or write the first sentence of what I want to create. No one else can do that.
To keep showing up for yourself and to keep making art, that is something worth celebrating.
The Wonderland Episode is only available for purchase in both physical and digital downloads that you can also purchase off my website.
I’m also making my debut on MetaLabel! You can purchase the CD version of the episode on the website.
A good playlist can do wonders!
For you, for me.
For anyone needing
that drive to create
a little pep talk during challenging times
or just ready for the new chapter to begin!
And remember, in Wonderland nothing is what it seems!
One more thing,
Last week I aired another episode of Mixtape Friends on Electric Radio Club where listeners and supporters submitted a song and story. The songs sent in was an awesome selection! I love curating a playlist based on what others “request”.
Check out this awesome mix of songs and the stories shared by music friends.
Listen to the episode on Mixcloud.
Support radio and communities created on the airwaves!
P.S.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Any time you read, listen or like, feels like a little win on my artist journey.
It means a lot. Thanks again and as always………
Stay inspired!
Produced by Joi Katskee LLC
www.electricradioclub.com
hellls yesss! congrats 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 i can tell those boots have stories!!
The concept of “being the hardest part of the road” is amazing and terrifyingly true! 👽