Artists In My Book / Jan Bell *Interview*

The music and art scene in DUMBO, Brooklyn, with it’s artists and indie bands and their offshoots has a vast history. Musician-Producer, Jan Bell, has been in the center of this history since the beginning. You can find her amongst the colorful artist cameos in my picture book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE. In fact, Jan’s character is wearing a skirt based on the first tail I ever made and wore in the Mermaid Parade.

Jan Bell in the book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE.

 Mermaid tail I wore in the parade.

Jan was kind enough to answer some questions. Her interview serves as a parallel back story to my painting process during production of MERMAIDS ON PARADE. Listening to many wonderful music CDs by my favorite local bands was great for channeling moods and colors which reflect the Coney Island spirit. Jan's comments about Woody Guthrie really hit home to a theme of the book, Coney Island’s sense of democracy. Thank you, Jan Bell! XO

MHG: Why do you march in the Mermaid Parade? 

Jan Bell: Biggest fancy dress party of the year for me and my friends. I usually march with other old time and folk musicians and like to bring my guitar or banjo with me. I've met a lot of brilliant people playing music in the parade.

Jan Bell in MERMAIDS ON PARADE

MHG: What does Coney Island represent for you?

Jan Bell: Well, I always think about the folk hero Woody Guthrie, who spent his last years living in Coney Island. That's where Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Bob Dylan both went to visit him in the 60's...both of whom have names they made up. Woody was born in rural Oklahoma and used to hop freight trains across country singing true story songs about the people he met during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Billy Bragg did a tribute album to Woody Guthrie called “Mermaid Avenue” in the 1990's. Guthrie’s spirit and his belief in equality for all are there for all to hear in his songs. “This land is Your Land”, “Pastures of Plenty” and hundreds more.

This CD has a song called "Coney Island Seaside Band"

 MHG: How do your music ventures connect the NYC arts communities?

Jan Bell: I am fortunate to work with quite a few small business establishments that ask me to book live music on a regular, often weekly basis. At one time, I traveled a lot all over America and Canada with a folk musician who was a young bright lad. He played venues and festivals everywhere, and I got to meet thousands of amazing musicians and presenters and people in the folk music community. Since returning to live in Brooklyn again, I've kept in touch with people so am able to 'bring the road to me' so to speak. Lots of bands from New Orleans, Austin Texas, Portland Oregon, Nashville Tennessee and Europe and Australia know how to find me and I can book them a couple of shows. They meet new fans and friends in a very supportive environment, rather than being exploited by 'pay to play' conveyer belt stages. This city can be a tough place for a band on tour here for the first time. I'm very happy to play a positive role in their experience instead. As an artist, I go home and play in the UK every Summer, and I tour a little here in the USA, but not as much as I used to. I help run the music at the places where I present the bands, and that helps supplement my income for sure. But I'm happy to play for a good cause, and fund raiser events are always a great time bringing folks together that otherwise may not cross paths.

Pasqalina Azzarello's CD cover art

MHG: What are you currently working on?

Jan Bell:  I'm launching Brooklyn Americana Music Festival 2015. My goal is to connect the two waterfront neighborhoods I've lived in and loved since the late 90's. DUMBO and Red Hook. I'm also writing and re-writing all my songs about living here for the next album 'Moonbirds in Brooklyn'. I’m also gearing up to teach a Spring songwriting class series again at the Fabulous Jalopy Theatre. My class is for grown ups but they have an extensive and very fun music program for kids.

Photo Credit Debbie Kline (who was watching the Maybelles broadcasting live on Concert Window)

Check out more of Jan Bell’s music
Concert Window
Facebook Band Page
Official Website

Art: Copyright Melanie Hope Greenberg

New Interview

I was interviewed over at Kathy Temean's Blog for her Illustrator Saturday series. Enjoy! Here's the link.

Queens and Crowns Part 2 / *Miss Brooklyn 2009* Interview

What a thrill! What an honor! On October 4, 2009 Keelie Sheridan, Miss Brooklyn 2009, read my book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE, on the stage in front of Gumbo at Brooklyn’s famous Atlantic Antic. Keelie is one of three sisters who compete in pageants but root for one another. Her family was right there cheering as Keelie was crowned in February 2009.

Keelie possesses not only natural beauty but real smarts and talent as well. An aspiring actress, she is a senior at Empire State College double majoring in British Literature and Theater with an Education concentration. A dance specialist with the YWCA-NYC at P.S. 209 in Brooklyn, her special talent which awarded her the Miss Brooklyn 2009 crown was Irish Step Dancing.


Because I earn my livelihood through Arts in Education as a visiting author-illustrator, this year’s Miss Brooklyn is a woman after my own heart. Her major goal is "Arts for All: Promoting Performing Arts Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth". She is currently training to become a theatre teaching-artist with the Community Word Project.

Miss Brooklyn 2009 Loves MERMAIDS ON PARADE

Keelie represents The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Program which awards young women pursuing a higher education who attend college, and live or work in New York City's five boroughs. Educational advancement, achievement, and public services continue to be the primary objectives for the scholarship program in the face of changing roles for women in American society.

Learn more about what Miss Brooklyn 2009 is up to at her Blog.

Keelie was so gracious to answer my interview questions.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

KS: Splashy Sunshine O'Seashell

Q: What does Coney Island mean to you?

KS: To me, Coney Island means cotton candy and corn dogs!

Q: What are your goals as Miss Brooklyn 2009?

KS: As Miss Brooklyn 2009, it's my goal to introduce our borough to the Miss America Organization, and the valuable resource it is for young women looking to fund their education. It's also my goal to provide performing arts opportunities for kids who might not get the chance to study theatre or dance, and I hope to continue to use the public spotlight that the title of Miss Brooklyn has afforded me to do so!

Q:What is Keelie Sheridan currently working on?

KS: I'm currently working on my education, my performing arts program, and being a great Miss Brooklyn!

Thanks, Keelie!

Artists in My Book / *Petra Hanson* Queens and Crowns Part 1

Much of the imagery in my book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE, was influenced by local talent from the Brooklyn arts community. No one else could play the character of Queen Mermaid better than Petra Hanson aka Kiku Kimonalisa, leader of a faux Japanese 60’s pop rock band called Gaijin A-Go-Go.




Gaijin A Go-Go also called themselves the 55’s because "go" means the number five in Japanese. Go-Go, Five-Five, get it? So 55 became the winning badge number in my book.


As I got to know Petra better I discovered she is also a model, a fashion designer and a writer. This talented artist was kind enough to give me an interview.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

PH: My mer-name is: Maide in NY

Q: What does Coney Island mean to you?

PH: Coney Island means a subway ride from the city to the beach. Coney is like walking inside a tattoo of a circus freak.

Q: What are you currently working on?

PH: I am currently working on a new idea for a clothing line as my day job. After hours, I'm learning how to DJ, specializing in a rare collection of South American Sixties pop. In other words, I am a Mer-chant!

Thanks, Petra!

Photo: heartonastick/Flickr
Illustrations: from MERMAIDS ON PARADE Copyright 2008 Melanie Hope Greenberg

Great Timer *Miriam Cohen*

As the business of juvenile books changes and the pace quickens to meet the needs of the modern world, it is easy to lose track of those who paved the path for us. I call these wayshowers the “Great Timers”. Miriam Cohen is a children’s book author and illustrator Great Timer.
Her 'First Grade Friends Series' includes her classic “Will I Have a Friend?”. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban and published by Macmillan in 1967.

It has since been re-published with Star Bright Books.


Miriam and I first met in the early 1990’s. We were visiting authors for the NYC public schools with the School Volunteer Program (now called Learning Leaders). We've remained dear friends ever since.

In 1996, Miriam mentioned a manuscript called “Down in the Subway” that she was trying to publish. She thought my art would be a good match. She also mentioned she saw a white dove in her backyard gardens in Queens. Miriam knew for the past few months I’d been feeding a white dove visiting my backyard gardens in Brooklyn.

An offer for “Down in the Subway” came quickly from editor Richard Jackson at DK, Ink. Traditionally, authors and illustrators are only chosen by the publisher. Miriam made some very brave, untraditional moves. She would not sell the book unless I was the illustrator. When the book went out of print, it was re-sold to Star Bright Books in 2003. “Down in the Subway” is now 11 years old. It was has won honors, and it was selected for the NYC and Brooklyn Public Library's reading lists. In 2008, the book was chosen as a New York Times Great Children's Read.

A white dove has become my good luck symbol and is illustrated somewhere in all my picture books.

Miriam was gracious enough to give me an interview.

Q: Why do you think “Down in the Subway” became a NYC classic?

MC: The story can be a classic anywhere because it taps into the world of pretend and fantasy which is in every child (and adults too).

Q: What was the idea behind the story?

MC: It was written for my dear friend Gladys who *was* the Island Lady. She lived down the street from me for many years. Gladys told me stories of being born and raised on the island of St Croix in the Caribbean. She was a modest women who was full of joy and fun and really loved children. Gladys became very ill. I visited her in the hospital the day she passed away. On the subway coming home from the hospital I felt very sad. I looked across the aisle at a row of empty seats and suddenly I saw Gladys sitting there smiling at me. I knew then I was going to write about Gladys; to tell the world what a great friend I had. I’ve found out since, that her grandchildren take “Down In the Subway” to school for Show and Tell. So I feel that Gladys is still alive.

Q: Why did you insist to the editor (Richard Jackson/DK Ink) that I must illustrate “Down in the Subway”?

MC: I had fallen in love with your books “My Father’s Luncheonette” and “Aunt Lilly’s Laundromat. The chutzpha to insist was spontaneous. It popped into my mind that you had to illustrate the book about Gladys because of your art syle and the heart that is in your books.

Q: What are you currently working on?

MC: My latest book, “Layla’s Headscarf” illustrated by Ron Himler is released September 1, 2009 with Star Bright Books. It’s about a little Muslim girl in first grade.

Thanks, Miriam!

Illustration Details from "Down in the Subway'. Copyright 1998 Melanie Hope Greenberg

Artists In My Book / *Veronica Otto*

Veronica Otto has been marching as a Superfine Dinette in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade for several years. This year she plans on launching her new line of resort clothing for women. Be on the lookout for her Hulili Collection.


Veronica sipping soda through a straw in MERMAIDS ON PARADE. My open minded friends not only transform from human to mermaid but even change skin tones.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

VO: Boogie Hula
  
Q: What does Coney Island mean to you?

VO: It's totally nostalgic of my youth when my family would go to Coney and spend the day.. and now it represents the kick-off of summer participating in the Mermaid Parade with the Dinettes. All around Coney = fun!

Q: Why do you enjoy marching in the Mermaid Parade?

VO: The crowd is awesome, everyone is having a wonderful time and it's a candy colored kaleidoscope of fun with my friends.

Q: What are you currently working on?

VO: Designing a women's resort line which hasn't hit the market yet!

Thanks, Veronica! All best with your new launch.

Illustration: Detail from MERMAIDS ON PARADE GP Putnam's Sons. Copyright 2008 Melanie Hope Greenberg

Melanie's Interview with WORDSWIMMER

Bruce Black was my editor for a book I wrote and illustrated called BLESSINGS published by Jewish Publication Society in 1995.


Bruce now has a popular writing blog called Wordswimmer which was named one of the "Top 100 Creative Writing Blogs" by Online Education News at BestCollegesOnline.com.

You can also find my entire interview here. Thanks, Bruce!

INTERVIEW: One Picture Book Writer’s Process: Melanie Hope Greenberg

"Bright," "cheerful," and "bursting with light" are words that many reviewers use to describe Melanie Hope Greenberg’s picture book illustrations for children.

Her books offer a colorful view of life in Brooklyn and New York, taking children on exciting excursions to laundromats, luncheonettes and supermarkets, as well to more adventurous sites like the beach and the subway.

“Most of my books portray various views of urban life in a snapshot,” Greenberg says. “The ordinary becomes extra-ordinary when captured in art.”

But her books capture the fanciful side of life, too, as in Mermaids on Parade, which describes an actual mermaid parade in Brooklyn marking the opening of the beaches for the summer. (This year’s annual Coney Island “Mermaids on Parade” takes place on June 20th.)

It’s a costume ball, beach party, summer extravaganza, all wrapped into one, that ends happily for a young girl marching in the parade for the first time as it makes its way toward the sea.

Self-taught, Greenberg first began playing with brushes and colors during a stint as the manager of a small print gallery.

Since then she’s created more than sixteen books for children, as well as hundreds of illustrations for magazines, greeting cards, posters, wrapping paper, t-shirts, stationary, magnets, stickers, and puzzles. Some of her illustrations have been reproduced as cards for UNICEF’s popular greeting cards..

“I'm currently exhibiting twenty original picture book illustrations from seven of my books at the Brooklyn Central Library’s Youth Wing, ” Greenberg says about the free exhibit on display until June 13th. “You can learn more about the process of making picture books, so it's educational as well.”

Greenberg was kind enough to take a break from her work to share her thoughts on writing and illustrating picture books with Wordswimmer.

Wordswimmer: How do you get into the water each day?

Greenberg: I dive into the ocean of consciousness. I meditate in the mornings to submerge within, to watch my mind at work, watch my thoughts, visions and feelings that arise. The color palette for Good Morning Digger came from a short vision in meditation. Submerging keeps my awareness open during the day to catch the world around me and record what I experience with words or colors. My books are for very young people who are highly instinctual. Being submerged helps me see the world in a childlike way with constant wonder and spontaneity. Submerging helps me to trust my imaginings.

Wordswimmer: What keeps you afloat...for short work? For longer work?

Greenberg: I need an anchor in order to stay afloat. One anchor is having a strategy. I use a "map" or a 32-page thumbnail grid. Then I can envision the overall sequential form of the book I’m creating. Once I see it, the words flow. Research is another anchor. While researching Coney Island's history, I kept extensive notes which kept feeding me more ideas.

Wordswimmer: How do you keep swimming through dry spells?

Greenberg: Years of living a certain lifestyle keeps me swimming in a constant creative stride. Ideas for books do not come easy for me. Sometimes librarians or teachers tell me what is missing on their shelves and that sparks my imagination. Also, in these days of publishing I need to be my own publicist. A lot of writing goes into that. It's actually great for picture book writing, to get to the essence of what I want to convey in a short amount of time.

Wordswimmer: What's the hardest part of swimming?

Greenberg: This business requires constant training and retraining. The competition is fierce and goal posts move and keep changing. Trends come and trends go. New editors and new art directors need to become aware that my career exists. It’s constant hunting with no guarantee of a contract. One needs to know not only how to surf the wild waves but how to become a thoroughbred (seahorse)! I’ve developed a leather ego.

Wordswimmer: How do you overcome obstacles, problems, when swimming alone?

Greenberg: Persistence. Discipline plays a big role. I keep working my craft with the belief that my ideas have value. I also work every aspect of this career. Publicizing my books, presenting workshops, and an ongoing blog keeps my book career alive while treading water in between book contracts. I’d rather swim in a school of fish than stay too isolated. I communicate with other professionals in my business who have it hard, too. That knowledge makes the whole publishing process and the rejections less personal.

Wordswimmer: What's the part of swimming that you love the most?

Greenberg: Transcendence of time, space, location. True devotion that is positive and expresses what I see, think and feel when submerged within. Sometimes my ideas become a published book. I find my career is my spiritual path and learn many inner philosophies with each book I paint. I love swimming with all types of artists in various disciplines. Most of these artists are not commercial and some just do art for passion. Their influence keeps me on my toes to be true to
myself, my visions, to be original and not go trendy.

For more information about Melanie Hope Greenberg and her work, visit her website: http://www.melaniehopegreenberg.com/

To read her exhibition statement for her current show at the Brooklyn Public Library, visit: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/events/exhibitions/2009/ordinaryextraordinary.jsp

And for additional info, check out:
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/tag/melanie-hope-greenberg

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/950026495.html

Artists In My Book / *Tim Gerken* Interview

Photographs by Tim Gerken capture light and motion at in-between moments.

He marches each year with Superfine at the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Mermaids are his favorite photographic subjects. Here are Tim’s Mermaid Parade photos.


His character in my book displays Tim's loyal support of our arts community.

Currently, Tim teaches writing at Morrisville State College, where he is also the director of the art gallery. He has been taking pictures regularly since he got his first Olympus OM-10 in 1981.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

TG: Kowalski

Q: What does Coney Island mean to you?

Color and Colorful

Q: Why do you enjoy photographing the Mermaid Parade?

TG: See above

Q: What are your current creative endeavors?

TG: I have been filling my flicker account with photos, editing photos, and revising a poetry manuscript I started last summer.

Thanks, Tim!

Photo Credits: Top: Tim Gerken Bottom: Herb Hernandez
Art detail from MERMAIDS ON PARADE Copyright Melanie Hope Greenberg

Illustration / Interview with Art Director *Cecilia Yung*

I was thrilled to work on MERMAIDS ON PARADE with Cecilia Yung, art director of Penguin's Putnam and Philomel imprints. Her talk entitled, "The Informed Message", at my local SCBWI NY Metro Chapter left quite an impression. In fact, I've expanded on that idea to teach about it to other illustrators.

Cecilia's feng shui touches transformed my densely crammed sketches and created more space, balance and simplicity. I loved how she really listened to my personal philosophies that informed each illustration. Cecilia also was a great teacher for the narrative arc and color contrasts part of my book.

We are very fortunate to share her knowledge here.

Q: What is an art director’s role when working with an illustrator?

CY: My overall responsibility is for all visual elements of a book: illustration, design and production. When I work with an illustrator, my role is in three main areas.

First, I consider the editorial issues. This is the content of the book— It includes the story, the focus and the “angle”. (What are we talking about, why is it important and why do we care?)

Second, I look at the visual presentation of the story: the casting of the characters, the choice of location, composition, point of view, and most important of all, the rhythm and pacing of the book. (Who, what, where, how)

Lastly, I check the effectiveness of the artwork: the accuracy of the details (do they agree with the text/story/fact), the legibility of the pictures (do we understand what is going on), consistency and variety, does the story have the effect intended, the impact it needs.

Q: How does an art director work with an editor to find an artist?

CY: This varies a great deal depending on the editor and the project in question. Generally, we try to find a style that complements the author’s voice and highlights the crucial elements of the book and balances any weakness or concern we may have for the story. We also try to find an artist who has expertise and interest in the topic in question.

Q: What is unique about MERMAIDS ON PARADE?

CY: It is a book that is big and small at the same time: it is both global and local, both a festive event and a warm personal story. Melanie’s folk art style gives a specific local event a timeless folkloric aura, yet the charming details bring the character to life and turns the crowds and the noise into one little girl’s story.

Thanks, Cecilia

Art: MerCecilia, Queen of the Hudson River. Copyright Melanie Hope Greenberg

Artists in My Book / *Herb Hernandez* Interview

Herb Hernandez is the webmaster for my website. Herb is multi-talented, he designs clothing and jewelry, he dances and acts, he reads Tarot cards and has his own photography blog. You've seen his name on my blog several times for photo credits.

Herb became King Neptune in my book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE.

Here is his interview:

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

HH: Conchita. I would blow a conch shell like a horn to summon people to the seashore for fun.

Q: What does Coney Island mean to you?

HH: Affordable fun, beach and great sights to photograph.

Q: Why do you enjoy taking photos at the Mermaid Parade?

HH: Taking photos of the mermaid parade is like enjoying a delicious dessert with all your favorite toppings! A tasty photo is happening every moment.

Q: What are your current creative endeavors?

I am enjoying photographing shadows and reflections of light on the walls when the Sun is rising or setting. They seem mysterious and beautiful to me.

Thanks, Herb!

Photos: Herb Hernandez
Top photo and illustration detail: Melanie Hope Greenberg
ps that's Melanie at the 2008 Mermaid Parade

Artists in My Book / *Jay Asher* Interview

The first time I met New York Times bestselling author, Jay Asher, he was dressed as a mermaid.

We met in Los Angeles at the SCBWI 2005 National Conference Beach Bash party. Jay's writing pals, Robin and Eve, were mermaids too. A few months later they started blogging together as the Disco Mermaids. The trio had just won first place in the party's costume contest.

Shiny and glittery Melanie and Disco Mermaids Jay, Eve and Robin.

I believe in lucky omens. Having just marched in my first Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn, I swam over to my west coast counterparts and took a photo for book research.


The Disco Mermaids L to R: Jay, Eve, Robin in MERMAIDS ON PARADE.

Jay and I still cross paths from time to time. His first published YA novel, THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, published by Razorbill, Penguin USA, was in progress in 2005. Now the book is a big hit!

Jay kindly took time to answer my interview questions.

Q: Why were you in a mermaid costume and make-up? 
 
JA: We were attending a conference for children's book writers and illustrators.  Every year, that conference has a theme party.  That year, the theme was a Beach Bash.  My two friends and I liked to dress up in similar costumes each year, so we went to a costume shop in the hopes of finding three similar beach-related costumes.  The only thing they had three of were mermaid costumes, so that's what we dressed as.  And, in the costume contest, we won first place! 
 
Q: Why do mermaids hold such fascintation? 
 
JA: I think it has to do with childhood fantasies.  When I was a kid, I loved wolves and running out in nature, so werewolves have always been fascinating to me.  A lot of kids love swimming and ocean animals like dolphins, seahorses, and starfish.  Mermaids are these semi-human beings who get to swim all day with those animals.  How cool would that be!  Plus, mermaids are usually portrayed as very beautiful. 

Thanks, Jay!

FREE SIGNED COPY OF MERMAIDS ON PARADE CONTEST

Photo and Image: Melanie Hope Greenberg. Copyright 2008

Costumes and Characters / *Virpi Kanervo* Interview

When I first met Virpi Kanervo I had recently sold MERMAIDS ON PARADE to GP Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin USA. She generously loaned me her photographs from the 2004 Mermaid Parade. Those photos helped to create some of the costumes and characters in my book.

This shark made a bold statement against the destruction of family homes in Brooklyn in order to build a sports arena.


Virpi and the Shark in MERMAIDS ON PARADE.


I really appreciate Virpi’s welcome and for introducing me to so many creative people in the Brooklyn arts community. I consider her a force of nature who channels her boundless energy in so many diverse areas.

Here’s her interview.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be?

VK: Eline, because there is a famous statue of The Little Mermaid in the Copenhagen Harbor in Denmark. H.C. Anderson, who wrote the story of the little mermaid, was from Copenhagen. Eline Eriksen was the model for the statue, and she was also the wife of the sculptor Edvard Eriksen who made the statue. 
 
Q: How does the Coney Island community touch your life?

VK: Coney Island is that crazy never-never-land that we all need in our lives. It is especially great to have this beach-front-amusement-district-conveniently-in-the-City. Coney Island is unique and irrreplacable - especially the Mermaid Parade - and I sure hope it stays in the future. 

Q: Why do enjoy photographing the Mermaid Parade?

VK: The sun (or the rain), the light, the movement, the colors, the exitement, the comradership, the intense fun ... It is not just snapping a picture here and there, but documenting the whole ensalada that is the Mermaid Parade. 

Q: What are currently working on?

VK: I am currently working on finishing my finals and graduating. So, I am sitting in the George Washington University Law Library studying ... oops, I mean answering what I am currently working on. 
 
Thanks, Virpi!

Photo: Virpi Kanervo
Image: Detail from MERMAIDS ON PARADE.
Copyright Melanie Hope Greenberg

Artists In My Book / *Shannon Kerner* Interview

I met Shannon Kerner in 2005, we were creative vendors for the Jay Street Market in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Shannon is also a Superfine Dinette, they marched as The MerMod Squad in the 2005 Mermaid Parade.


A woman of many talents, Shannon writes, sings with her own band, and loves to create art daily. I’ll never forget the chocolate pastries she baked and sold at the Jay Street Market. Yum.

Here’s her interview.

Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be? 
 
SK: Shanimal. I'm always a mermaid, so my name wouldn't change. I guess when I'm underwater it's something more like shaaa aaa aa niii niii maaaaaaa llllll. 
 
Q: What does Coney Island mean to you? 
 
SK: It means enough to me that I wrote a song about it. I think Coney Island is a place that has been constantly in flux as long as it has been a place for people to escape the city. It is unfortunate that we are living during a time when it will be under development, but such is life. It will always be a place where anyone and everyone can get to the water on a hot day and have some fun. Wonder Wheel Forever! 
 
Q: Why do you march in the Mermaid Parade? 

SK: I think of it as a holiday, something not to be missed if possible. You wouldn't miss eating turkey on Thanksgiving, would you? 
 
Q: What are your current creative endeavors? 
 
SK: My band Shanimal is going to put out an album soon, called Rough & Tumble. You can check out my music. We are also making a video! This album has taken awhile, so it is pretty exciting. I try to make art everyday. Write a song or make pop-up art or do something funny to make someone smile, you know, the good stuff of life. 
 
Thanks, Shannon!

*Image: Shannon Kerner in MERMAIDS ON PARADE.
Copyright Melanie Hope Greenberg
*Photo: Tim Galbreath

Artists in My Book / *Alex Battles* Interview

Alex Battles is about good energy. He's also a big supporter of books.
Transplanted from Ohio, the multi-talented performer also produces many popular musical venues in the New York City area; including the Johnny Cash Birthday Bash and the Brooklyn Country Music Festival. I saw him with Banjorama at the 5th Annual Brooklyn Winter Hoedown last March at Superfine. That’s when I asked for an interview and he agreed.


Q: If you had a mermaid name what would it be? 
AB: Gary Ukulele! 
 
Q: How do your music ventures connect the NYC arts communities?  
AB: We just had an artist Martin Sartryb, do a beautiful mural for the
Cash Bash. I would like to do more things like that. 

Q: Do you march in the Mermaid Parade?   
AB: No, but I once videotaped a mermaid wedding! :D 
 
Q: What does Coney Island represent for you? 
AB: The Cyclone. 
 
Q: What are you currently working on? 
AB: Making a record. 


Thanks Alex!

Photo Credits: Katie Kovach
Image * Alex Battles in MERMAIDS ON PARADE GP Putnam's Son

Artists in My Book / Laura Sewell

Happy Women's History Month.


Laura Sewell is one of the Superfine Dinettes. Laura is also one of the choreographers for the Dinettes’ dance moves at the Mermaid Parade and for other shows at Superfine. She also taught me how to make a mermaid tail which became an activity in MERMAIDS ON PARADE.

Q: What is your mermaid name? How did you arrive at that name? 
 
LS: Gina de la Mer. Gina is short for Regina, which means Queen in Latin, and de la Mer means "of the sea" in French. 
 
Q: How long have you been a Superfine Dinette? 
 
LS: I've been with the Dinettes from the very beginning, 2002. Mermaidra (Tanya Rynd) asked me to show some hula moves I picked up in Hawaii to her East River friends; the next thing we knew we were Dinettes. 
 
Q: What is your contribution to the Dinettes for the Mermaid Parade? 
 
LS: I help the Dinettes create something from their ideas, realize their dreams. That means coordinating the logistics involved, from inviting everyone to rehearsal to writing down the movements in the order we've decided. Being like a constant rock in the sea through the process, while the group creativity swirls around. Helping the new ones decorate their tails (like I did with you, MerMel) and apply their false eyelashes on the bus. So our diverse group of amateur performers hits the parade with the confidence and charisma of seasoned pros. 
 
Q: What does Coney Island represent to you? 
 
LS: At the turn of the century, Coney was another planet just a subway ride away: Dreamland and Luna Park were fantastic, magical, world-class. The wonderfully inventive spirit of the Mermaid Parade honors those memories with our annual sprinkle of glitter on her sands. But Coney Island deserves to sparkle every day! 
 
Q: What are you currently working on? 
 
LS: I do visual styling and production work for top-notch commercial clients. You can see some of the beautiful images I've helped create at my website.
 
I've long wanted to expand the definition of myself as an artist to use more of my brain-storming, big-picture talents. The Municipal Art Society's "Imagine Coney" initiative gave the public an opportunity to submit their ideas for the future of Coney Island. You can see the ideas, including some of what I was inspired to write (#206-211 in the gallery section) here.
 
I also hope to apply my gift for mobilizing people (and mermaids!) to including disenfranchised Coney lovers in the local government processes that will determine it's future. 
 


Thanks Laura!

Images:
* Gina de la Mer in MERMAIDS ON PARADE
* Laura Sewell on the Superfine bus going to the Mermaid Parade.

ARTISTS IN MY BOOK * Tanya Rynd *

Happy Women’s History Month. Tanya Rynd is one of three women owners of Superfine, a 2005 NYC Small Business Award winner to help “shape, serve and improve the lives of women”. Their kid friendly restaurant, gallery, and performance space is a hub in the Dumbo Brooklyn arts scene. In 2005, Tanya invited me to join the Superfine Dinettes, her home spun performance art troupe, to march in the Mermaid Parade.

So forevermore, Superfine’s three owners, Tanya Rynd, Cara Lee Sparry and Laura Taylor will always march inside the pages of MERMAIDS ON PARADE. Their creativity allows me a place to go where women are smart, strong, own their power and are respected for it. I plan on interviewing all the owners.

Today we start with Tanya Rynd, a natural impresario, consummate people person and a community connector. Her goal is to present live art and music to the public. I’ve always wondered what goes on inside the mind of someone who runs a restaurant while booking musicians, curating art shows, who also writes, paints and performs.

Q: When did you start to march in the Mermaid Parade? 

TR: In 1997 I went to the Mermaid parade with Cara Lee Sparry. I wore two inch long silver eyelashes, a silver dress and a plastic fish as a necklace. Watching the parade I felt swept up in the tide of mermaids instantly. The next year I began to march in the parade and have continued consistantly for the next 10 years. In 1998 I found my mermaid name, Mermaidra, Queen of the Deep. Cara Lee who is a genius costumer has always been my comrade in creating and living the mermaid parade.

The Parade is a ritual for the summer solstice - the longest day of the year. King Neptune and Queen Mermaid have opened up the sea for all mermaids to walk on land for one day. In all of their forms, in all their diversities, the sea creatures spill onto the streets and boardwalk. What is truly remarkable about the parade is that it encompasses so much creativity and self expression. Just when I thought that I came up with something original and smart there is always someone else’s interpretation of the this ritual that makes me marvel with awe and laughter. A tremendous tidal pool of so many great minds in the ocean of New York, I always feel the parade is a celebration of the imagination! One of my all time favorite troupes in the parade was "Sushi and the Banshees" where all the members were pieces of sushi, including wasabi boy. The parade is an experience where adults can be as smart as children and children can be smarter than the adults because they already impart fantasy and imagination as reality. Towards the end of the parade the King and Queen lead us through the four seasons, cutting ribbons, and opening the ocean. For me, Melanie's book, MERMAIDS ON PARADE captures the very essence of why the parade is important- she captured the actual ritual and celebration of the creative and playfulness of being alive whether it be on the land or the sea. 
  

Q: What is the evolution of the Superfine Dinettes? 

TR: In 2002, I formed a mermaid dance troupe that later became known as The Superfine Dinettes. We are a group of women who gather specifically to march in the parade, to create a theme and dance presentation that changes each year. We are diehard mermaids, many of us imbue the lore and fantasy of the mermaid. The dance troupe is about self expression as
strong women/mermaids, and really about having fun. Some take turns choreographing numbers; we all join in picking music and creating the theme of our costumes, then personalizing that costume to oneself. Here are some of the examples of our Mermaid Parade Names that the Superfine Dinettes created:
 
2002: Dolly Parton Huki Lau, Nookie Laters 
2003: The Esther Williams Fin Club 
2004: Mermaids Gone Wild 
2005: The Mermod Squad 
2006: The East River Mermaids 
2007: The Ladies Mermalade 
2008: The Hip Hop Hula Mermaids 
2009: TBA 

Q: How does Superfine connect the arts community together? 

TR: All three owners, Tanya Rynd, Cara Lee Sparry and Laura Taylor are artists and were pioneers in Dumbo as artists and residents long before Superfine was even created. One of the main goals for Superfine and reasons we created Superfine was to connect the community with each other, which is an art in itself. To also create a space that supported art and music and was an actually living art piece. As one of the directors and producers of Superfine I feel that everyday we succeed in being present as a space that is dedicated to artists. Every three weeks we present an artist (painter, photographer, installation artist, illustrator, collaborater, collage...) on our thirty foot art wall. We present local musicians every week for over eight
years. Every day I am engaged in hearing about, promoting and encouraging other people's independent dreams and art projects. One of my goals in our project is that people would come together there to actively communicate with each other, that the art of networking one on one would be present and it is! I have always wanted people to be engaged with each other and to participate. I feel that Superfine encourages people, even in how it is designed, to dare to express themselves. The art of making food everyday with love does translate to the people and I think our food connects our community together as well. 

Thank you, Tanya aka Mermaidra, Queen of the Deep!

Superfine sells MERMAIDS ON PARADE at 126 Front St Brooklyn 718.243.0095

Photos
* Tanya Rynd at her recent birthday party
* Tanya rehearsing with the Dinettes 2005
* Tanya in MERMAIDS ON PARADE
* Mermaid Parade 2008
* Tanya performing at her recent birthday party.
Photo Credits: Herb Hernandez