Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Phoenix: An interview with writer and photographer, Xander Raymond

:::Renaissance Woman::: 6:21 PM 1 comment Edit

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Self Portrait © Xander Raymond

The Life and Times of creative, Xander Raymond, could sound like that of a thrilling Stephen King novel with its captivating character, theme, and plot, but Xander Raymond’s life is no novel. His is a true story of darkness, love, brilliance, creativity, survival and triumph—all driven by pure undulating passion, and a connection to a power higher than himself.

Raymond was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised there by his grandmother. As an avid reader, Raymond developed a love for words early on. He remembers traveling to the library on the bus, and being disappointed when his grandmother set limits on how many books he could bring home because of the distance. It wasn’t just books that captivated him; some of his early creative influences came from the music that his grandmother played for him like Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, but he remembers even more vividly, his introduction to artists like Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra by his teachers during his young years.

He developed a definitive ear for fine music like opera, and classical, in addition to urban music like rap and rhythm and blues. Raymond learned early on to appreciate the lyrical content, and the substantive message in the music. It was those messages that drew him into writing, and by his teenage years he was writing his own musical lyrics. Raymond was developing a love for fine literature and its language, through books and through music, however, he was also dealing with profound life issues that would leave him spiraling out of control.

Xander Raymond at work
(Shooting Siamese) © 2009

Paris | Raymond looking through Helmut Newton's "Sumo"
(photo by j. stone)

While living in Cincinnati, Raymond lived in one of the most degraded areas of the city, where gangs, violence and drug activity were a part of everyday life. The bleak landscape filled with broken bottles, and remnants of shattered lives deeply impacted him, and by the time he moved to Columbus, Ohio (in his teenage years) he had grown accustomed to the rough lifestyle. Life in Columbus was not easier, and according to Raymond, the environment actually went from "bad to worse." It was the late 80’s and early 90’s and crack had just begun to permeate the urban neighborhoods. Drug dealers were marking their territories on every corner, and their flashy lifestyle began to intrigue Raymond. It wasn’t long before he himself became enveloped. “You can’t be angry at the wolf when it bites a steak that’s rubbed on its face,” he says of the temptation to partake in a lifestyle that seems to be the heartbeat of many of the inner cities in America.

Bornday Bonding © (2011)

Yes, Please © (2010)

He was young, and wanted what he saw, so he became deeply involved in the drug lifestyle. "I was a drug addict myself," he candidly states, "I was addicted to the money." After several years of living the life, Raymond had inevitably developed enemies. According to Raymond, there weren’t many options for getting out and many who lived that lifestyle often ended up dead, or in jail—so one day when gunshots rang out like, “a fireworks celebration”, he thought that his life was going to end.

Raymond says he remembers feeling the burn of the first gunshot to his leg. The next shot would sever his spine, and he instantly felt himself drop to the ground. He knew in that very moment that he was paralyzed because he never felt the last two shots, and he could no longer move. He lay there on the concrete contemplating whether the shooters were coming to "finish the job," but they never did.

Serenity: God’s Promise©

Family members rushed to Raymond’s side, and doctors gave his mother a bleak outlook, telling her that he would not make it through the night. He survived, and spent two months in the hospital—the first month dealing with the tremendous physical pain from being shot, and the second month learning how to function in the world as a paraplegic.

Even after suffering a near death experience and tremendous emotional and physical pain, Raymond didn’t leave the lifestyle. Just two years later he was shot again, adding two more gunshots wounds to his already ravaged body. Understandably so, he had grown disillusioned and angry at the world and all who came around him, because he had not yet come to terms with the reality of his situation. The tragedy of his circumstance ate at him daily and he sunk into a depression that he himself wasn’t even aware of. He surrounded himself in darkness, decorating his home with dark curtains, couches, and rugs, and he purchased hearses’ to use them as vehicles. Raymond says that even the pets that he had during that time were “dark, and deadly”. The people around him always knew him to be an eclectic soul so the changes didn’t strike them as too odd, but Raymond, who had ostensibly grown comfortable with death and morbidity, was unwittingly dying within.

It seems that one day (many years later) he had an epiphany, because he awoke to the decision that he was going to just stop—stop dealing, and stop living a negative life. One day he just decided that he wanted and needed it all to end. He simply felt that it was time to change, and he wanted the light back in his life. He had gone through more than most people could bear, and it was time for a new beginning. He had always had the support of family and friends, and they continued to encourage him during his transition. His darkness became light, and though he wrote during his dark times, he began to focus on it even more so. He lightened up his home, and filled his life with the love of family and friends. It was then that he decided that he would go back to school to learn more about the technical aspects of writing. School served him well, and Raymond graduated at the top of his class. As a prolific writer, Raymond says that he feels, “channeled through,” because often times he writes in his sleep. He sometimes awakens to find a notebook on his lap, and new stories penned.

Asylum: Shedding Inhibitions
In The Midst Of Chaos © (2009)

Breaking The Plaster © (2009)

It was his love for writing that drew him into photography. Although he approached photography initially from an experimental point of view, he knew that the medium was a powerful one. As a writer, photography was secondary to him, however he appreciated its story telling capabilities, and wanted to learn how to, “intertwine the philosophies of the two.” The quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” resonates with him, because his goal as a photographer is to tell a story, with what he calls, “80,000 words.” He is essentially attempting to create narratives with the photographs, bringing to life an instantaneous interpretation of his writings.

West Dean Twilight © (2010)

Raymond has developed true love for the medium, and has travelled to several countries in Europe to photograph. He has also had an opportunity to meet and photograph some remarkable celebrities, including Cornel West, and his favorite Emcee, Rakim, whom he met in London. He photographs landscapes, architecture and people and he also works with professional models—while on occasion modeling himself.

Model: Xander Raymond © Anna Inez 2009

Xander Raymond and model Attila ©Anna Inez 2009

Raymond says of travelling around Europe, “It’s surreal!” He says that he could have never been able to fathom traveling those distances as a child coming from the “projects, poverty and struggle.” He says that he is most intrigued by the fascinating architecture, and stained glass in many of the church windows, in addition to the castles in Britain, France and Germany.

Stained: Prayer Space © (2010)

Nave: ´Eglise Saint-Merri © (2011)

For Raymond, the act of photographing doesn’t always come easily, but like many of the challenges he’s faced in his life, he’s learned to work through it. He sometimes deals with excruciating pain while shooting, but pain does not inhibit him—he continues to push through because he feels that his survival was for a greater purpose—one bigger than he, and he's on a constant journey to pursue that purpose.

On The Cross (2010)

Xander Raymond is man of will, driven by a greater power. He feels a powerful connection to God, and feels that his circumstance was God’s way of ‘sitting him’ down. Though he would choose not to be paralyzed, if he had a choice, he feels that the circumstances that led to his paralysis needed to happen so that he could be the person that he is today. He believes that his voice, and power to impact the lives of others, is greater now than it would have been at any other point in his life. He wants the youth to be aware of the decisions that they make. Raymond believes that many negative stereotypes are glorified, and youth want to emulate the negative without recognizing the consequences of their choices.

These days Xander Raymond is working on his novel, and continuing to photograph his narratives. He believes that God moves within him, and feels guided in his writing and his photography. Raymond says that he’s following an "unseen path, one that will lead him to where he needs to be."

He shares some words or encouragement given to him by author Walter Mosley, and Dr. Cornel West:

“Write everyday...”

-Walter Mosley

“Keep in mind the black authors that came before you, and build on their legacy.”

-Dr. Cornel West

These words resonated with him, and he hopes that they resonate with young creatives who are pursuing their passions.

All things are possible through strength, will, passion, and faith, and Xander Raymond’s life is a living example. He came through darkness, and found his own magnificent light, and we thank him for sharing that light with the world.

Xander Raymond and Dr. Cornel West
Paul Vernon © 2011

Xander Raymond and Rakim
© J. Stone | Xander Raymond 2011

“Don't stop. If I can do it on wheels you can do it on feet. Whatever the masses tell you, take that put it in your passion gas tank and use it for fuel.”

To find out more about Xander Raymond, connect with him on Facebook. Hear his story for yourself by watching his interview in London with Feline Territory TV.

All images are © copyrighted by Xander Raymond unless otherwise noted. Images cannot be reproduced without permission of the artist.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Urban Contemporary: A Conversation with Fine Artist Christopher Batten

:::Renaissance Woman::: 2:14 AM 1 comment Edit

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Detroit, or The D, as the locals call it, has a reputation that precedes it. The city has had its share of negative occurrences that helped to perpetuate many stereotypes, but Detroit, like many American cities, is not one-dimensional. It is evolving, rising from the ashes like a phoenix, and outsiders are beginning to take notice. There is a growing art scene in Detroit—one that is elevated radically by the immense talent of the artists that the city has birthed. Within that community you will find artists that are pushing creative boundaries, and bringing verve and vitality to the once desolate urban landscape.

One of the amazing emerging talents making moves in the city of Detroit, while also developing a national following, is Christopher Batten. Batten, a native of Detroit, grew up with love and support amidst the violence that plagued the city. Batten drew some of his inspirations from the city, but it was his family that guided him creatively early on. Most of his family members were artistically inclined, so when at age 4 he decided that he wanted to draw, they saw fit to provide him with the means to do so. At a young age he was fascinated with the arts, and he learned to see art in everything.

Academic Work- Image courtesy of the artist

One of his greatest artistic inspirations came from his father, a martial artist. As a young child he was able to recognize creative movements when his father practiced, and it was those movements that inspired him to create art that appeared to move. Additionally, his father, (who was an artist himself) would challenge Batten, by encouraging him to copy his drawings. His mother would buy him newsprint sketchbooks and he spent his days filling the books from cover to cover. These early creative lessons helped to solidify his love for art, and with the support of his mother and father, he was able to determine from a young age that art was his passion.

Academic work- image courtesy of the artist

As a teenager he attended Cass Technical High School. The school, which was, and still is, a nationally recognized college preparatory school, offered students options for majors—similar to a university. Batten chose Commercial Art as his major, and spent the next four years in a highly competitive, but creatively fulfilling environment. His studies at Cass prepared him for college, and his talents gave him options to study at several reputable universities. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to study at the Columbus College of Art and Design where he embarked on a challenging curriculum. He would eventually take a year off of school, and finish his education at the College for Creative Studies in his hometown of Detroit.

Sketch of My Mother/ Colored Pencil on Paper/ 8"x10"/ circa 2008

Art Tatum Sketch/ Graphite on Paper/ 8"x10"/ circa 2005

Batten felt that finishing his studies in his hometown, and developing relationships with students there, made him appreciate his city even more. He says that the College for Creative Studies provided him with the opportunity to see how other students from around the world valued Detroit. He began to see the city in a different light, and the people of Detroit began to inspire him.“The city is filled with resilient people, who despite the failures of the city, found a way to survive, work, and have fun.”

Self Portrait as Marat (copy of Death of Marat by Jacques Louis David (academic work))/ Oil on Illustration Board/ 18"x24"/ circa 2004

For many years Batten found himself drawn to illustration. Early on, he found that he appreciated its narrative capabilities, but as he progressed through art school, he began to see that many of the stories that he wanted to tell could be told through fine art as well. His transition from illustration to fine art came when he was still in art school because it was then that he began looking for more than a, “layman expression of the world around him.”

He graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2006 with honors, and soon after graduation he found opportunities for exhibiting his work around the city. He began his professional career in 2008. Batten says of his choice to pursue art professionally, “Images affect us more than they ever have in recorded history…art imitates life, but now life is imitating art. I wanted to use art as a way to build consciousness in the world.” Batten says that he values the power of being able to create art, and wants to use his art to, “Spread positive messages.”

Tribute to Monk
Mixed Media on Illustration Board 9"x12"

His early works were based solely on exploring jazz music. His love for jazz came early, when at age of 7 his mother exposed him to the music. He vividly remembers the song called, Slip Away, by the Pat Metheny Group playing on the radio. Batten says that song, and Metheny’s album, Letter from Home, was unlike anything that he had ever heard. He says that his introduction to jazz music was backwards since he started listening to fusion jazz when he was a child, and by his teenage years he had found the music of Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Wes Montgomery.

Despite his appreciation for many of the great jazz musicians, it was the work of Metheny that impacted him the most. He says that Metheny implements many unorthodox elements into his pieces, and creates a style of jazz all his own. Batten feels that jazz as a whole can be very improvisational, thus he attempts to mimic that aspect of the music in his work—without sacrificing the basic structure of the painting. He says that the music reminds him to stay liberal and to continue to improvise—turning mistakes into art. Also inspired by painters like Diego Velazquez, and the Impressionists; Batten chose to create his early jazz pieces as he says, “… in a style that lends itself to who they were as musicians.”

A lover of portraiture, Batten’s recent works focus on recording his family and friends. He uses a lot of symbolism in his current work—thought bubbles, puzzles, fish, etc.—, which he feels adds a deeper narrative and creates a more layered portrait. He also explores more exaggerated color in his new works. Batten says that he views the world through a prism, of sorts, and through his paintings he wants to allow the viewers eye to blend the colors together to create a complete image. Additionally, he recently began series that feature koi fish. He had always admired the fish in his grandmother's pond, but upon learning more about their strength and resilience, he decided to paint them.

One of his greatest fears as an artist is the struggle that comes from pursuing art. While Batten paints for more reflective reasons, he feels that many artists, who paint for the passion alone, never get a chance to excel. “I fear that there may never be a shift where people who do it solely for passion are given the accolades that they deserve.” In addition, he also feels limited by the term, black artist. He feels that the term marginalizes black people, and although he doesn’t mind the title, he too is offended by the stereotypes that sometimes come with it.

Batten says (of the art market, and collectors) that it’s important to broaden their scope of collecting. He feels that as an emerging artist, his work gets overlooked because there is a “roster of collectable black artists.” He feels that we need a creative revolution, where artist’s works are being collected based on the quality of their work, and their potential for growth, as opposed to their name. As an emerging artist, Batten says that he has a profound reason for creating, and hopes to make greater impact with his art. He feels driven spiritually to create, and deems art is his one true purpose.

Batten’s pieces are indeed the works of a master in the making; his use of color, composition, form and movement are awe-inspiring. Please support this artist by visiting his website at www.cbatten.com, or follow him on Facebook.

He leaves poignant words for young artists:

“Continue to create. Don’t get discouraged when people tell you that you can’t go anywhere. Show your work. Focus on continuing to create, and things will happen.”

- Christopher Batten