During this June’s Pride Month, Art Center Ukiah will display art that explores the intersecting themes of diversity and unity as they relate to Pride. Each human being is an individual, unlike anyone else on the planet, yet none of us can thrive without a strong sense of belonging in our communities. Board members ask, “Can LBGTQ+ and allied artists tell their personal stories that embrace both diversity and unity through our art and writing?”
‘You Need to Love Yourself’ multi-media by Bea Callison. (Contributed)Artists were challenged, “How do you visualize the many intersections of diversity, unity, community and autonomy in your chosen medium?” Painting, sculpture, textiles, multi-media, poetry and writing are all viable media for expressing whatever images come to mind, so the resulting art will definitely be varied and evocative.
Stories will be an important complement to the visual art on the walls. They will address issues such as coming out, growing up, living in Ukiah, being married, having children, or living life as an out or closeted gay person. Authors were given the option to be anonymous, use just their initials or their full names… it doesn’t matter. What will be presented to the public through posters and QR codes is the reality that gay people exist in all of our lives, whether the rest of our population knows it or not. Their stories have value, because they are us – our family members, our neighbors, our co-workers, our service providers and our friends. These stories will personalize gay people’s existence. The hope is that people can’t fear of hate other people if we get to know them.
Coming back for an encore as the creator of the show’s floral centerpiece is Wil Gonzales, the well-known proprietor of W/E Flowers. Last year he managed to create dozens of rainbow-colored roses to go with the theme of the show, and he was last seen scratching his head about what he could do to top that level of mastery for this year’s show. We know we can count on something gorgeous, surprising and extraordinary on all levels, but Wil isn’t letting the secret out of the bag yet.
New to the Pride show this year will be a number of incredibly talented young artists who have never before shown their work in Ukiah. Bea Callison is one of those individuals. He has no art training besides a little art in high school but recounts, “I’ve always been into art, but for many years I was lost in an abusive relationship with someone who wouldn’t allow me to make art… it was a frivolous thought. After leaving that relationship, I went through a journey of self-discovery, came out as a trans man and began creating art again. I just picked up some pencils… I have always been drawn to the messy lines I could create with them. Now I use paint pens to create chaotic lines which result in disturbing faces. Faces have always fascinated me because they hold so much emotion and individuality; I am drawn to the imperfections and raw emotions of human beings.” Not only has Bea never shown his work in Ukiah, but this is the first time for any of it to see the light in public anywhere.
Taylor Bowser is another trans man who has found a passion for art, which has come naturally to him. “Art is part of my family culture,” he says. “My grandmother is a doll maker and my mother does therapeutic art techniques. I was home-schooled until age 11, so art was always part of my education. I also had an art class with Rose Easterbrook for a short time at Pomolita.”
“I mostly do monoprints,” Taylor continues, “Monoprints are very tactile… I like to feel the medium, and for that reason I also work in crayon, pastel and heavy ink. The intuitive multi-media way of creating a design is both a physical and sensual experience for me. Most of my stuff is non-representational but based on emotional experiences. That’s why being loose and free is important… the medium is the message.”
Taylor elaborates, “My art for this show is focused on rats… animals that we often see as invasive and feel the need to eradicate…dirty, unwanted creatures. That same language has often been applied to trans people, so there’s almost a kinship there. Not to say that I agree with that rhetoric at all… just that it can really seep into your self perception. It’s all very layered.”
Taylor has more to say about his mission as a young trans man who tries to be a visible role model for other trans people. “There are a lot of misconceptions,” he says. “Being really visible, both as a person and through my art, allows people who might not interact knowingly with trans people to form a more positive opinion of us. It’s a heavy burden to be a representative, but also powerful. My visibility can be something other trans people can see so they have a model. Most trans men are practically invisible, so seeing a trans man who is talented, valued and competent is good for all of us and really important to me. The main point is that I’m really just a regular young man trying his best to contribute to the wider community.”
The First Friday opening celebration for the Pride show will be on June 6 from 5-8 p.m. Live keyboard music will be presented throughout the evening by local legend Charlie Seltzer, and vocalists who know the words to his beloved show tunes and other musical crowd pleasers are invited to sing along in the energetic and inclusive spirit of the evening. Art Center Ukiah is located in the rear of the Corner Gallery, at 201 S. State St. in Ukiah.
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