AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 18 - Erick Cedeno
Spend a few minutes with Erick, and you’ll see it’s evident he’s passionate about cycling, community, and culture. So much so that he created Bicycle Nomad, a brand dedicated to inspiring dreamers and riders. He’s traveled all over the world by way of bicycle, his most notable journey being the Underground Railroad, a historical ride from New Orleans, LA to Niagara Falls, NY. Erick also owns Bicycle Nomad Cafe, located inside The Velo. It's known for its delicious coffee, foods and serves as a landmark for cross country riders passing through. The day we met at the cafe is when I was introduced to Siwei Zhong, a cyclist on his way to completing a 7-year long ride around the world. Erick allowed him to stay at the cafe to regroup and continue his journey. It was an honor to be around such an incredible person, the passion for what he does is inspiring. We’re happy to feature him on this install of Around The Blok!
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Erick Cedeno, born in Panama and raised in Miami. One of my favorite hobbies is to travel the world by bicycle and engage with people and nature along the way.
Why do you do what you do?
Bicycle travel feeds my curiosity and my soul. Bicycle Nomad was created to inspire and motivate people to travel by bicycle and see what I have seen; love compassion, kindness from people.
What benefit does art provide to society?
Art builds community. At the Bicycle Nomad, art is essential to the brand’s mission statement to promote cycling and community through art, photography, and film.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
We have one life to live. Live life with no regrets and follow your passion.
What is your biggest inspiration, and why?
Seeing people traveling by bicycle. Using their bike as a tool to discover themselves, their communities and their world. Engaging with nature and people.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
My wife and my community in Phoenix.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 17 - Paris Stanford
For this month’s Around the Blok, we have Paris Stanford. This is a unique ATB as Paris is a professional MMA fighter. Our features extend beyond the traditional classifications of art and what it means to be creative. We are all artist of our lives and creativity is the tool we use to develop the best possible experience we can have. A huge thank you to Paris for taking time out of his schedule to sit with us and to Fight Ready for allowing us to occupy their facility for this feature!
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Paris R. Stanford III.
I was born in Yuma, AZ, on Christmas Eve 1982. As far back as I can remember, I always recall having a deep appreciation of solitude, using my vivid imagination, and strangely, I’ve always felt drawn towards martial arts. There’s something about disciple and order that has always resonated with me. I grew up a sensitive kid that never liked confrontation. But, like some of the characters in my favorite kung fu flicks, confrontation always seemed to come my way. In fact, most people that knew me from childhood are shocked at what I now do for a living.
My father was a U.S. Marine from New York and my mother, whom he met at an embassy in the U.K., was originally born in Jamaica. Not long after meeting, they would move to Arizona. I was one of a handful of black kids in my neighborhood and at my school. For me, this meant growing up not looking like your peers, which at times lead to being picked on or treated poorly. Not just by my peers, but also authoritative figures, and other adults I was supposed to entrust to teach and protect me. My upbringing, in many ways, showed me how important it is to be able to stand up tall and fight for yourself.
I learned that to survive, you must be strong not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. This eventually set me on a journey that would lead me to become a professor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Fight Ready MMA and fitness and a professional MMA fighter.
“I learned that to survive, you must be strong not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.”
Why do you do what you do?
I enjoy teaching people new things and pushing them past their current belief system. In doing so, I find that there is a mysterious being that is locked within us all, waiting to reveal itself. One can develop themselves exponentially from the experience of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts alone. Teaching gives me a great sense of purpose and meaning in my life.
What benefit does art provide to society?
Our society has become one in which the average person is more stressed out and frustrated than ever. We all need an outlet, somewhere to vent and purge ourselves of all the daily negative energy that society can offer us. To speak exclusively on BJJ for a moment, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consists of a great community of people that are focused on challenging themselves to become better. Community is something that is lacking, and I feel it is essential to have. Before sparring with someone, (or rolling as we call it in BJJ) it is challenging to tell, beyond the color of the belt, of course, the skill level of the person across from you. This serves as a constant and great reminder to never judge a book by its cover. In BJJ, you’ll find yourself on the mats with people from all walks of life. People that you otherwise may never fraternize with. It doesn’t matter about your social class or how much money you have. On the mats, we are all equal.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
Don’t expect it to be easy. In fact, try not to expect anything. Expectations that aren’t met can seem as if they’re a landmine, placed subtly on the pathway to your dreams. Many unforeseen situations and circumstances are inevitable on the journey. Always keep your head up and move forward. Hope for best, but you must always be prepared for the worst. Don’t ever expect anyone to believe in your dream more than you. It is your dream for a reason. Always remember your “why”!
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
Jesus is my greatest inspiration. I think if Jesus came to this earth, lived as a man, was perfect in his life, and was still crucified, then when would I ever think that everyone is going to always love me? In some regard, we all have a cross to bear. Because of the teachings of Jesus, I have learned not to be so down when difficult and unfavorable situations arise. All things work for the good of those that love the lord. I believe that my steps in life have been ordered by God, so it is important for me to travel in the direction that I feel I’m being pulled. The more that I choose to walk with faith, the less burdened I feel by the perpetually unknown.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
When I think of home, the first thing that I think of is belonging. We all yearn to be somewhere we are loved and accepted for whoever it is God made us to be. Home is somewhere you can safely rest your mind, body, and spirit. No matter what it is I manage to achieve on this earth, I feel as if there will always be a giant void inside of us all. You can attempt to ignore the feeling and cover it up with any and everything on this planet, but the feeling shall remain. I believe that it is only after this life, when we return to wherever it is that we come from, shall we truly be fulfilled, and truly be home.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 16 - Vincent Chung
The art exhibit Linear Notes was the first time I heard about Vincent Chung. The moment I saw his work, I knew we needed to have him as our next Around the Blok artist. Originally from New York, Chung came to Arizona to complete his BS degree at Arizona State University. Since being here, he's been gaining significant attention in the local art scene. You can view his work at the Mountain Shadows Resort gallery until August 31st and keep up with him on Instagram at vincentkchung. We're gracious to have Vincent sit with us for this segment of ATB!
Tell us about yourself?
Well for starters I am originally from New York City. I moved around quite a bit as a kid, spent a short moment of my childhood in Brooklyn then moved to Manhattan. I grew up mostly in the lower east side, and I think this played a big role in my life on becoming the person I am today. When you ask New Yorkers about the lower east side, you get the grit, you get culture. You get neighborhood kids with big goals and dreams. I always grew up around art and design. My mother was a seamstress who worked in factories, mass-producing designer dresses, and freaking sports jackets. My father was a furniture maker and a phenomenal artist. He’s what I call a traditional artist, always drawing up birds and animals to the detail. He had to give up his creative side to provide for the family, my brother, and I. The moment I realized that, I always told myself to never give up on what I want to do. I mean, you ask my friends, when I say I want to do something I will, by any means, make it happen even if the idea sounds crazy or even impossible at the time. Getting into art was not easy for me. My family are immigrants, and being a first-generation born here, you’re often told to pick up something sustainable; like being a doctor or some job that involves being in an air conditioned environment when its scorching hot out. I always loved working with my hands, and that was something I wanted to pursue even if it just meant to get by. My father always told me health over wealth. For me, creating art is something that allows me to help people see the truth.
Why do you do what you do?
I’ve always loved the potential of a narrative in a painting. You’ll see in my work that I sew textiles together, whether its canvas, linen, or dyed fabrics. To me, that is my way of telling a story, because every piece is done at different moments; with different emotions, perspective, and energy. Almost like a hands-on visual journal that ultimately becomes this bigger picture at the end. But you know, it's hard to accept that your intentions don’t exist anymore the moment you show a piece for the world to judge. My work tackles several topics like emotional impact over time. I’ve always studied how colors affect mood. Something I've recently been experimenting and documenting is how these visuals and colors trigger my viewers' memories or get them to think about what they believe. They start to create a story of their own, and I just find it fascinating.
What benefit does art provide to society?
The era we live in now is far different from the period I grew up in. In this modern age, the digital age, we are all drawn to these technological devices in our hands. I call it the age of instant gratification. When we see something we’re not drawn to, it's so easy for us to swipe to the next screen or move on. So in my work, I confront this matter by exposing materials and mediums in their imperfect ways that begin to draw nature of the materiality to the foreground. People are so drawn to perfection that we often forget to celebrate the imperfect, something that drives us to be better than we were yesterday. I hope my audience see these imperfections in my paintings and change the way we value labor in today’s era.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
It’s cliche to say do not give up. Few of my friends showed me this commencement speech given by Jim Carey. Don’t quote me on it but it went a little something like this... You’re going to fail. You’re going to fail at what you don’t want, so why not take a chance at doing something you love? Do not be afraid. Often times we expect the rewards now and if not tomorrow, but who knows, maybe you’ll make it in a week, a month or even a year from now. There are so many people out there with the same dreams, goals, and aspirations as you and every day you are not working towards your dream, someone out there will beat you to it. All you really have to do is take it one step at a time but most importantly.. make that progress, take that new step every single day. It is not easy, and it’s never going to be easy. I will give credit to today's’ digital age on its’ capabilities that allows us to share content so easily. Just share it with the world. We’re all going to create or do something that doesn’t fill our satisfaction. Whether you’re creating bad or good work, you’re making something; and that something will make you better the next go around. Take advantage of modern technology, go reach out to your idols on social media or whomever you’re wanting advice from or do work with. The worst that can happen is you don’t get a response, makes it so much more satisfying when you make it.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
My family, my friends back home, my friends here, who’ve become my surrogate family. Also my dog! I love my pup, Stella. She’s a great studio buddy. Everyone I surround myself with is so talented in their craft, and that drives me to continue creating. In a way, they’ve become my muse, and I thank each and every one of them for their continual support.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
Home has a lot of different meanings. When I think of home, I think of good company, good food, family and great friends. Arizona and New York City are both my homes. I do miss the constant police sirens and people yelling out in the streets. After all these years I’m still getting used to the crickets at night. I’m just grateful to have people who support me with what I am doing. Makes it easier to call both these places my home.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 15 - Andrick Aviles
I’ve known about Andrick for years but never met him personally until recently. I would see portraits of him and his tattoo work through the blogs and feeds of mutual friends. The amount of detail he illustrates in his tattoos is a fascinating aspect for me. But his story is even more inspirational, from tattooing people in his home as a migrant from Mexico to owning one of the premier shops in the city. His client list includes athletes such as Amare Stoudemire, Adrian Wilson, and hip-hop artist such as the Game. You can catch up with him on his Instagram. It was an honor to meet and chat with Andrick, and we’re happy to have him as our next guest for Around the Blok!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
Hello! My name is Andrick! I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised here in Phoenix, AZ. I love tattooing, long walks on the beach.....just kidding. No, but I really do love tattooing. I started tattooing when I was a Junior in High school, and I had no experience or any apprentice experience at all. I would practice on all of my friends, including my Art teacher Ms. Hansen in class. Yes, I tattooed her in class. I am naturally introverted, so I never spoke much, but I expressed myself with this medium and other forms of art. Nothing has changed.
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
I love anything that has to do with design and creating something from nothing. Having a blank canvas such as a panel, skin, piece of paper, etc. and creatively generating something that wasn't there before really inspires me. Art is everywhere, and creating keeps me alive.
What benefit does art provide to society?
Art provides healing and freedom. With art, anything is possible, and anything can be created; because it is limitless, it helps society to dream. Also, for many, art is an escape from their day to day to enter a world full of possibilities which provides a sense of healing and liberation. Those that are marginalized in our society do not have a true voice that is often heard, and for them, I can include myself in this as well, art has given us a voice to tell our own stories which in return gives us a sense of empowerment. We need more of that in underrepresented communities to uplift each other, that is why art is so important.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
Just do it! Stop holding yourself back. Stop overthinking and making excuses. There is never going to be a perfect time to start, so start today. My advice is to go sober and stay clear-minded because it is important to take care of your body. Also, listen to your intuition and don't over think what anyone else has to say, this is your life, not theirs.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
My family. My parents are the most hardworking people I know, and they never give up. My siblings are all artists, and they are all creative in their own way, as well as express their art differently. I love that we all help each other with ideas and encourage each other to keep creating. Their support and creativity have lead me to where I am now.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
I'm really big on family, so to me, being together with them feels right. It doesn't matter where we go, I always feel at home with them.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 14 - Malakai
For this segment of Around the Blok, we bring you Malakai. A fearless, passionate, and dedicated creative vested in visual storytelling that empowers those with a voice. We’re grateful to have her as our next feature. Enjoy!
Tell us about yourself?
I’m an award-winning director (Sundance/Horizon Award) who enjoys giving back to my community through the visual arts. I would call myself a disrupter. As well as this, I am a director, artist, philanthropist, activist. I develop and direct branded, digital content as well as narrative content as well. My goal is to empower, build and to fuck shit up in the best way.
I want to tell stories that are imaginative and powerful. Being a young black girl that was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, I’ve always been a part of Arizona – but often, I was not surrounded by those who reflected me. I was able to take those myriads of experiences as I moved forward – and develop them into something bigger. For me, the opportunity to create, develop and build here as an artist has shaped my world view and who I am today.
I founded my production company, Malakai Creative for this very reason. The opportunity to curate and build worlds was what enabled me to find myself as a director. On the philanthropist side, I am also the founder of the 501c3, Made In Her Image. We give back by educating young girls of color within the film, media, and technology. Our recent partnerships include Paramount, Disney and, Universal.
Why do you do what you do?
Everything I develop is innate and passion driven. I’m here to really build a legacy and trajectory that will help others tell their stories. Filmmaking is the medium, but it is so much more than that. I love installative art, events, development and curriculum building as well. The more I progress, the more I feel at home. Building the world visually, and metaphorically is what I was meant to do. I want to give young women the opportunity to create what inspires them. I myself want that opportunity as well and will continue to do the same. I make movies.
What drives you to continue to create?
What drives me to create is my innate self and sense of power. I am here to create whatever I want, and to be brave in doing so. I love being able to prove people wrong. I love curating films and narratives that are full of power.
What benefit does art provide to society?
Without art, we wouldn’t exist. Art is the epicenter of self-expression. We kill for art. We die for art. We live for art. Everyone has something to say, whether it’s on a minimalistic scale- or smaller.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my parents. I’ve watched them build and carry on a legacy. They’ve instilled in me what it means to operate and curate a legacy.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
Arizona is my home. Here, I feel like the possibilities are endless. I’m here to build. I’m here to keep creating and making something happen. Although I’m bi-state now, Arizona has always been the space that has provided me opportunity.
Malakai’s latest project, Souls, will be featured at the Phoenix Art Museum in June. “SOULS is a visual exhibition, photographic art & and film installation that captures the totality of mortality, blackness and Afro-futurism.” Check out the teaser below!
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 13 - Jorge Ignacio Torres
Walking into Palabra is like taking a deep breath, one you didn’t even realize you needed. The encompassing white, fresh coffee brewing, and the soft noise of shears trimming in the background instantly put you at ease.
Palabra is a multi-use space created by Jorge Ignacio Torres. It’s both reminiscent and aspirational, similar to Torres himself. While talking with him, he reflects on a time when people more easily connected with their surroundings, but doesn’t shun the benefits technology has given us. In Palabras, he manages to find the balance in embracing minimalism without it being sterile. Instead, it’s all beautiful angles and thoughtful lighting design. He’s mastered what the Danish call ‘Hygge’, the art of building your own sanctuary.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Jorge Ignacio Torres. I am first generation of Mexican descent. I’m currently wearing my wife’s jacket.
Why do you do what you do?
To build something for my family. I now have a fifteen year old son, so seeing things from a different lens drives me. Youth inspires me the most. It took me so long to find my place, I mean seriously thirty years. So now, if I can build something where someone can come in here and be inspired, at any age, that’s an accomplishment.
Is that why you opened Palabra?
Honestly, I used to be one of those cats that talked shit about how much Phoenix lacked. I came to the realization that I couldn’t depend on others to inspire me, I needed to build something that energized me.
The way I explain it is that Palabra is the mom. The mom that’s built this unique space to house and cultivate these different entities, grow them and then have them branch out on their own. It’s what we want with our people and also our space. We have a salon, a coffee bar, a small kitchen, and an art gallery.
What benefit does art provide to society?
Art provides a sense of community. I can’t think of any other thing that can bring people together more than art does. This is why it’s a privilege to be an artist. It’s not to gain profit, it’s to tell the truth.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
You have to go out there and seek it. You have to take action. It’s a trial basis of trying different things. If you sit there and expect things to come to you and wait, it won’t. When I first started doing things in Arizona, it was art galleries. It took a while to build and have people gravitate towards what we were doing. You just have to keep going.
For me, there’s no ending. There’s no, “I accomplished my dream, I’m done now.” You don’t want there to be an ending to seeking your purpose. When I feel too comfortable, I know there’s something wrong. I have to keep pushing.
I tell my team that we are our own competition. We need to always outdo ourselves.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep pushing?
Youth. Having a teenage son has taken me on a path to expose him to different things. Not everything is as accessible as you think. Too often, you’re stuck on your phone looking at shit. To me, to build something that someone can walk into and be moved by, whether it’s something they hear, see, smell, taste, touch. That’s the experience that I’m looking to build.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
Family, always family.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 12 - Brandon Boetto
Images by Thomas Ingersoll
We appreciate art and creativity across any industry. When we discovered Brandon and his passion for architecture & concrete design, we knew he’d be the next artist to feature on Around the Blok. Brandon Boetto is the owner of SlabHaus, a high-end, artisan concrete studio located in downtown Phoenix. His portfolio and client base speaks for itself, and we took pleasure seeing him in action.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a third generation Arizona native. I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona where I found my passion for creating at a young age. I was a full-time computer nerd growing up. I was building websites at 13 years old and always wanted to be a 3D animation artist. This passion led me to a college that taught animation, but luckily I was quick to learn that you couldn’t find a job (at the time) doing that for a living. I switched my direction to graphic design, and that was my direction for 15 years. I have always had a strong bond with good design. Whether it be buildings/cars/ print, I knew what good design looked like and how it made me feel, and I always wanted to create that feeling for other people.
Why do you do what you do?
My drive to create was instilled at a young age. I was always fascinated with gathering materials and crafting something that had a purpose/function. My tinkering started with forts as a child and led to race cars in my late teens then onto architecture & concrete design in my late 20’s. My creations these days are fuel to live a happy life. I am so excited to go into the shop every morning with an idea and figure out how that journey will lead to a finished product that will be around longer than I. The process is the passion, not the product.
Photo Credit: Baxter Imaging
What benefit does art provide to society?
I think art evokes emotion. An emotionless society would not produce breakthroughs in technology; there would be no love, we would walking flesh bags with no purpose. When I say art, I don’t speak of it in the traditional sense. I don’t mean staring at a painting and trying to feel something about it. Art is in the eye of the beholder. Anything can be art, and I think this has been seen recently with popular contemporary artist. Buildings can be art, cars can be art, clothing can be art, performance can be art. The amount of interaction with art on a daily basis is vast.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dream?
Dream big. Keep a mental picture in your head of the life you want to live and tell it to as many people as you know. I think developing a vast network of friends, family, entrepreneurs, etc. will help you in more ways than you realize at first. Find your passion first! This can take years, and there is no rush. Find what truly makes you happy to wake up every morning and make that your whole intent. Give it 100%, it will be extremely tough, but if you have that vast base of people around you to uplift you when you are down then you will get through it. It will always be tough, and there will be waves of success and failure. Don’t ever let failure stop you, learn from that and quickly push it to the side.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
Some of my biggest inspirations have been my friends. I get so excited to see the people around me living their best life doing what they want when they want. The talented people that I chose to surround myself with also give me life. I often have coffee with creatives and business owners on the weekends to hear their stories and often I walk away so inspired that it helps fuel my drive for creation.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 11 - Travis Fetting
Images by Thomas Ingersoll
Travis is a graphic designer and illustrator living in downtown Phoenix. His passion for drawing, design and riding bikes led him down this path of the arts. He’s worked with clients such as Tapestry Comics, Dunlop Customs, Honest Brewing Co and Slabhaus. Thanks for taking some time to chat with us, Travis!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m a designer and illustrator born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m a relatively reserved and shy dude, but I love creating and learning new things. As a kid, I loved drawing and was always out riding bikes with my friends. Not too much has changed over the years except I don’t ride my bike nearly as much as I should and I spend too much time on my computer. When I’m not behind a computer screen or on a bike, you can find me out with my friends or going to a show.
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
When I was in High School, I worked with a guy who had a small t-shirt company, and he was going to school for graphic design. I had no idea that you could have a career as a graphic designer, but I knew I wanted to learn more about it. I've always been passionate about brands because of the experiences they created, but I didn't realize this was a part of graphic design. Fast forward to now, I want to create those experiences that people will remember because I know first hand how much a great brand or experience can impact someone. Outside of that, I have no idea what I would be doing without design.
WHAT BENEFIT DOES ART PROVIDE TO SOCIETY?
Art provides a space for people to be themselves. As cliche as it sounds, the world can be an ugly place, but I think art has the power to make it a much better place. I also believe art creates community by bringing like-minded people to not only create art but also for others to enjoy it.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS CHASING THEIR DREAMS?
As someone who is still on that chase, I think it takes a lot of self-exploration and understanding what it is that you actually want. Results don't just happen overnight, and good things don't come to those who wait. You need to put yourself out there and get uncomfortable. I hate both of those things, but I’ve found most success I’ve had has started with at least two of those things.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION AND WHY?
My Dad was a huge inspiration for me growing up. He had a no-bullshit attitude, but if there was something I wanted to pursue, he was always right there to support me. Whether it was BMX racing or when I decided to pursue design as a career. My Dad is no longer with us, but he still plays a significant role in my drive to do better. I’m also inspired by other creatives who are continually pushing the boundaries.
WHEN YOU THINK OF HOME, WHAT COMES TO MIND?
Arizona. I have a love/hate relationship with Arizona, but the desert has made me the person I am today. My family is here, my friends are here, and I know if I ever go anywhere else, it will be hard to beat. Besides that, home is a place for me to gather my thoughts and honestly, just relax. Life is a constant and we all need a place where we can unwind and be with who we love most. For me, that’s my girlfriend Bree and our weird range of pets from our hairless cat Lydia to our bearded dragon, Liu Kang.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 10 - Brandon Sullivan
Brandon Sullivan is an advertising and editorial photographer that works out of and co-owns the iconic Legend City Studios in Downtown Phoenix. He's worked with major clients such as ESPN, WIRED, Grand Canyon University, Miller, PING and so many more. The photography industry is a competitive one; it's rare to find people so open and honest as Brandon. It's evident that he's found his purpose and his love for family, photography and community is inspiring. We're humbled to have him as our next artist.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a family man, entrepreneur, artist, teacher, Michigander turned Phoenix lover, working to be the best version of myself every day. I have a psychology degree but my life’s work is photography. It’s my hobby, career, and most things in-between to me. I struggle to call myself an artist, but at the end of the day it’s what I am most. Lately I’ve been enjoying getting my hands dirty through wet plate photography, which helps it feel like more of an art form than the digital revolution has left it feeling. It’s nice to slow down and make a couple images an hour with some mildly unpredictable results.
Why do you do what you do?
What else would I do? I’d be lost without photography. It’s my life’s anchor. I love the craft and the people it brings into my life. From crew mates and inspiring subjects, to mentees looking for advice, I’m grateful for every relationship. Most of the closest people in my life are there because we’ve been brought together to create photographs. It’s a bit scary how closely my identity is tied to my work, as it can be extremely unhealthy at times. Validation is one of the strongest motivators of human behavior and, for better or worse, I am no exception.
What benefit does art provide to society?
I think it’s different for everyone and how far they are willing to go with the process or interaction with it. For some, it’s simply eye candy and for others it can create critical discourse challenging beliefs and ideals. Regardless of where people fall on that scale, I believe it has a positive impact on all of society.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
Action is the source of success. Great ideas and an unlimited knowledge base are nothing without action. Fear is an exciting indicator to know where you should take action. If something in your life plan scares the crap out of you, get at that thing first! Also surround yourself with people that, no shit-no kidding, hold you 100% accountable to pursuing your dreams. I am beyond fortunate to have a lot of people in my life that ride my ass to go for what I say I want to create, and know when I’m bullshitting them with excuses as to why it’s not happening. Surround yourself with those folks, accept feedback, and you’ll do well.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
These days, my children are my biggest source of inspiration. Their undying persistence and the way they tackle things that they have no idea how to accomplish, often gives me pause. If I could go for what I want in my life the way my 6 year old goes for a toy she wants, I’d have the exact life that I dream of. I guess what it really boils down to is I’m most inspired when I experience people obsessively dedicated to their mission, whether an artist, successful entrepreneur, athlete, or my kids. I love experiencing people that have a clear vision and fully go for it with 100% commitment.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
Without a doubt, being with my wife and three children in the safe space we’ve created to exit the madness of the outside world whenever we need. Home really is wherever they are. The open and honest dialogue, free of judgement, that I’m able to have with my wife, Sarah, and knowing she has my back 1000%, and that I can trust her to hold me up and believe in me, even when I don’t believe in myself, is more than I ever dreamed possible in a relationship. A close second is my tribe that I’ve found in Phoenix, fellow creatives, entrepreneurial mentors, and my personal development family. What I’ve found in Phoenix is an open community full of folks that want to see others succeed. I believe we find (create) whatever we're looking for. I choose to create love and abundance.
AROUND THE BLOK. VOL. 9 - Christoph Kaiser
Christoph is the founder of Kaiserworks, a Phoenix-based architecture and design studio. As the city continues its rapid paced growth, it's exciting to see his studio help shape the look of our town and surrounding area with projects such as Undefeated, Tempe Public Market Cafe, Welcome Diner, and Changing Hands Bookstore. It's even more inspiring to see the work he's doing revitalizing historic homes in our Garfield neighborhood, one of the oldest districts in Phoenix. We had a wonderful time with Christoph for this segment of Around the Blok and thrilled to have him as our next artist!
Tell us about yourself?
I am a Phoenix native with a passion for design, architecture, and place-making. I grew up spending my summers in southern Germany. The experience of growing up in two very different worlds made me recognize at an early age how radically our built and unbuilt environment can impact us. I’m an introvert and optimist by nature, and a believer in the redemption story. Whether in people, communities or buildings, I see potential in even the worst of conditions, which has historically drawn me to tackle some pretty fearsome remodels.
Why do you do what you do?
Creating evocative spaces that feed the soul, inspire wonder and foster community is something that I strive for in the work I do. I think being exposed to some fairly bleak and repetitive stretches of suburbia in my early years grew in me a desire to create memorable, powerful counterpoints to that. I’m also a bit of futurist. I am excited by contemplating what is to come, or what could be. What will society look like in a generation or two, or three? What will architecture look like? What will art look like? Envisioning a response to our ever-changing environmental, cultural and technological landscape, and casting a line in that direction is what drives me to create.
What benefit does art provide to society?
A society of robots would yield things like unrivaled efficiency, perfect timing, pure utility - and it would have no soul. Art is a expression of our humanity that evokes emotion at a fundamental level, and carries with it the potential to lift our human experience out of its pragmatic pursuits and into a place that requires courage, and challenges the status quo. A society without art would be a dreary and frightful place - the perfect place to put a piece of art.
What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
Chasing your dream, if you have one, requires focus and determination. These are not the sexiest aspects to talk about, but a dream will remain a dream unless you pursue it vigorously, and make the time to make it happen. The obligations of normal life present themselves automatically, and without apology. The quality of your dream will not get you there, neither will your genius. Focus and determination in pursuing the thing are key.
What is your biggest inspiration and why?
I know this sounds cliche, but the beauty and order that we see in nature is my biggest inspiration. If all of human existence occured within a cardboard box, I would have very little material to draw from as a creative. In my cardboard-box world, if that was all I knew, I think it would be hard to argue that I would ever design anything that wasn’t… cardboard. But instead, we live on a flourishing watery garden-globe floating inside of an oxygen rich bubble filled with quartz and gold, jellyfish and changing seasons, dogs chasing cats, shooting stars, moon phases, rainbows, freckles, icebergs, possums, lightening and peacocks. Even if that was a finite list - that’s a lot of material to draw from. I also don’t believe that any of this is an accident. This existence feels designed, and for me, unpacking and learning from moments within the design we see all around us is incredibly rich and inspiring.
When you think of home, what comes to mind?
Home is where the heart is. How’s that for another cliche response? But I mean it. Philosophers and thinkers have tackled this question throughout time. Karl Marx connected the idea of home to plants if you can believe it. To have personal history with a piece of earth recorded in the growth of a tree was important for his conception of home. I can relate to this actually, but would add that home is where you feel most secure. It has nothing to do with the shape or size of the structure. For me, the things that fill my house, the artifacts, the memories, the wool blanket that my Omi gave me when I was eight years old while standing on a bridge in Bavaria - those things are as important as the house itself. My home today is a wonderful red brick grand pyramid cottage built in 1907, and I love it.
