“To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time…”

 

-William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act V, Scene v

 

Meaning is not inherent. We are born, we survive if we are lucky and have the resources to allow it to be so, and we perish, perhaps leaving behind the traces of our DNA. In the midst of this inevitable dance through time, we create meaning. We open up the moments of our lives, unpacking wonder, intrigue, passion, nuance and so forth, on to infinity. We imbue our lives with substance, seek out our purpose for living, create.

 

Mike Rader currently splits his time between two projects. This is a typical way of working for Rader as it allows him to keep his energy up for more than one thing. His present work encompasses paintings based on Mr. Potato Head. This has been a theme for Rader for quite some time, and he speaks to Mr. Potato Head being his first sculpture. For this work, he creates his own features that he wears on his face for photographs which are then transferred to his paintings. To hear more about this work and about other projects, including Push and Pull, a recent project he completed (and a few of his proposals that were rejected) listen to the complete interview.

 

Shawn Theodore is a fine art photographer. He also teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is beginning to explore sculptural works. He is engaged in questioning how he uses his artistic voice and practice and how he can expand upon this. One of his current projects investigates Afro-Mythology, exploring historically black communities in conjunction with spiritual folklore. This led him to some interesting conclusions about the lack of myth in these communities and breathed life to a series of allegorical photography. To hear more from Shawn Theodore about his work, both past and present, his own family history and much more, listen to the complete interview.