ramblings of a raconteuse

Written for my weekly Friday blog post at: 



aka) I’m the resident “artsy farsty nerd” ;) 

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The sky is falling and we are all in it together.  At least, that’s how this week has felt. 

It’s kind of crazy how so many of the artistic people in my life have been having similar experiences lately.  For a lot of people myself included, it seems like it’s been impossible to have something really great happen without something bad happening to balance it out.

My friend Leah Cevoli, a fellow Talk Nerdy blogger, wrote a piece about how things felt like they were crumbling down for her this past week and it sparked a lot of discussion.  Kristen Nedopak, one of the #GeekGirlsCreate ladies then said

There was definitely something in the water this week and for creative types, we tend to feel the hardships pretty intensely. 

I’ve blogged before about “burn out” and the “curse of the creative,” but one of the other things that is rarely spoken about is feeling like you want to give up because the path of the artist is just too dang hard. 

Often times when someone talks about why they are having a hard time keeping in pursuit of their career it can be seen as complaining and not “staying positive,” but I’d like to put out there that sometimes you just need a good verbal pukefest to get your head back on straight.

Like I said on facebook“I think it’s important to know where you’re at and admit that everything isn’t always sunshine and roses especially for artists. It’s a constant ebb and flow, and I think there is a real difference between complaining, and being truthful about where you are at and seeking friendship, guidance, and even solace.”

I think this is extremely important for artistic types.  If we get filled up with all of the negative events and circumstances that happen without letting our frustrations and angers out, then we’ll either explode from the weight of it all, or find ourselves without a glimmer of hope.

Now, I definitely think that there is a difference between infecting other people with your venting, and confiding in a trusted confidant. 

I’m a big believer that what you put out into the world you get back.  I would never say that when you’re angry and the world is looking dark, to vent to anyone who will listen.  I would however make sure that you have people who “get it” and understand what you are going through.  Specifically, a person who can acknowledge your struggle and just allow you to be heard, because spewing those chunks (thanks Wayne and Garth) will allow you to regain the reigns and help you be open to new possibilities.  Afterall, Leonard Cohen wrote that “there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” 

So, if you’ve had the kind of week it looks like a lot of us have had, I say let it out, let it go, and let the light on in.

Xoxoxo hels

tweet me at: @helslevy

browse me at: helennasantoslevy.com

email me at: contacthelenna@gmail.com

Written for my weekly Friday blog post at:  

See I may not have a crazy amount of trivia in my brain about comics and characters, but I definitely have my fair share of geek out knowledge when it comes to anything Joss Whedon and also… zombies.  There are other things I geek out about too, but those are the 2 major fields of my geekdom.  And can I just say…. Cabin In The Woods?  Hellz YES!!!

#geekgirlscreate and #nerdsunite OH YEAH!!!

Written for my weekly Friday blog post at: 

aka) I’m the resident “artsy farsty nerd” ;) 

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As you all know from my first post for Talk Nerdy To Me Lover,  I am a “fan girl.”  What I haven’t told you yet, is there is nothing I love more than “artivists.”  

An “artivist” is someone who combines activism and art, and the boys of NOH8 do the best job of anyone I’ve ever seen.  Ever.  Period.  Seriously.  I first learned about the NOH8 Campaign back in 2009 and knew it was something that I wanted to support 100%.  

I realize that this is a very politically charged blog post, but I’m sharing this because I see the NOH8 Campaign as a true testament to the power of art to evoke society’s emotions and propel change in a major way.   No matter what one’s politics, I don’t think there is any denying that these images are powerful. 

As their website states, the NOH8 Campaign is “a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with “NOH8” painted on one cheek in protest.

Three years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 18,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.” 

Jeff Parshly and Adam Bouska 

The photos themselves are stunning.  Adam is an extremely talented photographer.  They would be incredible even if there was no particular cause to rally behind, or statement they are trying to make.  But the fact that the right for gays and lesbians to marry, is at its core a human rights issue, makes these photos even more powerful.  

I am so incredibly proud to be one of those 18,000 faces and did this vlog about my experience when I did the shoot for the first time.

And I loved the experience so much, I did another open shoot session with a group of fabulous ladies since then.

from left to right: with Miranda Allgood, Tanya Perez, Cristina Cimellaro, Bonnie Gillespie, Holly Elissa Lamaro, Kristen Nedopak, and Molly Holmer

What Adam and Jeff have created is amazing.  They have kept an incredible fire burning for a cause that is extremely important and they have a team working with them including the amazing studio manager Christopher Hayden, who deserve serious props for doing an EXCEPTIONAL job.   

Recently I attended the 3 year anniversary party for the campaign at the House of Blues on Sunset in LA and it was INCREDIBLE.  The venue was transformed into a gallery to display many of the campaign photos, people could sign the NOH8 board on the wall and get temporary NOH8 tattoos on their cheeks, the DJ Brynn Taylor was phenomenal, Adam took photos live of celebrities onstage, they had brochures, there was an open bar for part of the night, a red carpet… It was GENIUS.  Everything was incredibly well thought out and pitch perfect.  BRAV-freaking-O!!! 

from left to right: with True Blood’s Kevin Alejandro, Leah Cevoli, Kristen Nedopak, Barry Levy and Adam Bouska 

All in all, I love this campaign.  

I love everything it stands for.  And while I’m sad that there has to be a 3 year anniversary for a silent protest against something that I believe is a basic human right,  I am glad that this campaign is stronger than ever.  Hopefully 20 years from now we’ll all be looking back at Prop 8 and saying “what’s the hell??? Why couldn’t everyone marry the person they love?”

But for now I am  happy to be able to be a voice in the crowd saying “fuck Prop 8.  I choose NOH8. “

xoxox

hels

aka) Helenna Santos Levy