MUSIC: Phish Celebrates NYE & 30 Years on David Gallo's JEMP Truck at MSG

Jam band Phish rang in 2014 at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve, playing atop a recreation of their JEMP truck set designed by featured stated artist and contributor—and renowned scenic designer, David Gallo.

Gallo shared the video above from the show in his New Year’s greeting this week, offering…

With a nod to the past and a glimpse into the future, the band played atop their famous JEMP truck in the center of MSG enveloped by their loyal fans.  May we all be surrounded by such love in 2014.

Be sure to check out our profile interview with David Gallo, where he touches on his work with Phish and beyond, as well as his “Scenic Designers’ Roundtable” series here on stated.

FILM: Eric Power Completes 'Path of Blood' Full-Length Cut Paper Animated Feature

Nearly two years ago, we profiled self-taught animator and fillmaker Eric Power, who was then in the middle of work on his first full-length, “cut paper” animated feature, Path of Blood. We were thrilled to hear from Eric last week that he’s completed the film in its entirety. We’re honored to share the first trailer here and if you haven’t yet witnessed his fascinating, visceral (and sometimes graphic) style of animation, take a peek. Also be sure to check out his other projects at ericpowerup.net, including a recent animated save the date for his own wedding. 

Congratulations to Eric—on his engagement and on completing this exciting project.

[ Continue reading... ]

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jordan Matter's 'Dancers Among Us' Book Earns Applause

Last fall, stated’s Thomas V. Hartmann interviewed photographer Jordan Matter and got an inside look into his “Dancers Among Us” project, both in words and pictures. As you’ll see in the video above, the project captures professional dancers in extraordinary moments in otherwise ordinary situations.

Three years in the making, Workman Press has just released Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday, a print compilation of Matter’s photos. As Matter shares on his his blog, it’s been getting quite a warm reception, reaching #1 on Reddit, #1 in “Individual Artists” (and #54 overall) on Amazon.com, and picking up coverage from ABC World News, CBS’ The Insider, and others.

Congratulations to Jordan on his success with Dancers Among Us. Be sure to check out our full interview and photoshoot on stated and purchase the book at Amazon and other booksellers.

[ Continue reading... ]

ART: Molly Crabapple's World Maker Faire New York 2012 Poster

Illustrator Molly Crabapple, previously featured in a video interview with stated, has created lively and intricate poster art for this weekend’s World Maker Faire 2012 in New York City, which she has posted to her Tumblr.

She describes it as having “Many things hidden within,” so clearly a closer look is required.

The World Maker Faire, part of “New York Maker Week,” will be held today and tomorrow, Sept. 29-30, at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, NY. 

PERFORMANCE: David Lee Nelson on 'The Elephant in My Closet'

How many stand-up comedian/Shakespearean actor/writer/Republicans does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Or maybe a better question is how does a Republican Shakespearean actor/stand-up comedian/writer find his way to becoming a self-proclaimed liberal New York Democrat, trotting his personal struggles out onstage to self-effacing comedic effect? And how does said multi-titled Democrat break the news to his conservative Republican father?

David Lee Nelson is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose third, self-penned one-man show, The Elephant in My Closet, will delve into these very questions when it makes its New York debut October 14th at the Kraine Theatre in NYC’s East Village.

Nelson joined us for a quick discussion of the timely election-year piece and his unique career path.

[ Continue reading... ]