WAKE 2020

Artist Statement

I was surprised as to how much of my identity has been tied to my work. My anxiety can get the best of me. I turn to my ancestors for guidance and since we are all products of those who came before us, I carry them with me. In this country you have to provide your own chair when attempting to sit at the table and that chair was passed down to us. So, I worked, pre-covid, without knowing how weighted it truly was. Now, in quarantine, I mourn my travels in the outside world. And we are still not prisoners. This one is for the struggle.

Artist Bio

Lauren Cox was nurtured as a young poet, multifaceted dancer and nature lover in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from San Francisco State University and gave a Tedx Talk in 2018. Her love and research of the history, path and expansiveness of Jazz Dance and Music in the Americas guide her processes. As a teacher and philanthropist Lauren has taught for The Ailey School, Joffrey Ballet School as well as international dance programs in Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad, India and Ecuador. Lauren is currently working with Kaimera Productions to deliver immersive storytelling experiences for communities in The Island of Mozambique, St Denis, France, Harlem, New York and Oakland, California. She is excited to join the faculty at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Fall 2020 as a Lecturer of Jazz. Her performance career spans across off-Broadway, Concert Stage, TV, Live Shows, Commercials, Music Videos and more. She is absolutely delighted to collaborate with We The Women Collective!

Artist Statement

Well I’m always in a state of constant lament for the charmingly defunct and gross. For instance, I genuinely like those cloth towel dispensers you encounter in old dive bar bathrooms. You use the roller handle to get a dry part of the cloth...more of an east coast thing. Anyway I’m looking ahead to the very near future time of no free nuts in open jars on the bar, etc. I’m not a germaphobe at all and so this all feels so foreign and I’m saying goodbye now. I love cultural norms that display a level of trust like the kiss-kiss. Farewell to all those things (hopefully just for now).

Artist Bio

You may have spotted Alex Lilly, Los Angeles-based songwriter/producer touring in Beck’s band or on the road with the Bird and the Bee and Lorde. Last year she synthesized her musical powers into 2% Milk, her debut full-length album - a collection of bright, gloriously Byzantine celebrations and critiques of modern life. Jon Pareles of The New York Times writes, “Lilly’s songs are full of musicianly gamesmanship. They’re synth-pop built around a decidedly human protagonist [with] hopscotching melody lines, shift meters, subtly intricate counterpoint and spongy, unconventional tones…Lilly delivers structural and emotional complexity with deceptive nonchalance.”

While recording her own record, Lilly contributed original songs and co-wrote much of the material on queer jazz singer and interpreter, Samantha Sidley’s debut, “Interior Person”. The record merited LA Times Best Albums of 2019.

More recently Alex Lilly has been holed up, keeping herself (and hopefully others) sane and entertained with her new Instagram project, Jingles For Humans, where she pens and produces original customized jingles for friends, pets and patrons.

Artist Statement

Livid Lineage was written April 3, 2020 during the rise of Covid cases in NYC. It is an exploration of issues I often grapple with within the new context of this pandemic. Mainly, how generational trauma informs the present/future lives of Black people and how internalized narratives of gender destiny further complicate that. Dark humor is a salve; I staged my performance to be as low-fi and personal as possible within my apt's hallway. I wanted to obscure the fact that I was reading from my phone by making it the only source of light. I draped myself in a soft black cape because drama. I duplicated the ending shot to mimic the current mood of an endless daily routine. I sent the poem to Nico Fox who performs under the name Real Clothes. I love her music, it's dark and dreamy. She created a custom loop of music and named it "Blood of My Troubles", after a line in my poem. It was nice to collaborate virtually and I hope this poem resonates with you all!

Artist Bio

Meg Frances is a Texas born writer. Her debut book of poetry and short stories, FFing, was published in 2010 by Desperanto Press. Other works of hers have since been featured on MadSwirl.com, Syzygy, Circus Freaks, Let It Bleed issue #1, Outlook Springs, A Very Feminist Zine by Las Odiosas, The Chachalaca Review, the Love Like Salt Anthology and, most recently, in RaceBaitr. In 2018, she was selected to participate in a Cave Canem writing workshop. She performs her written works at curated events all over Brooklyn and is currently querying her first novel, 12 Lone Wolves.

Artist Statement

“this morning on mourning” came to me in the wake of the loss of my infant niece, Juniper. It struck me as so strange and unbelievable, that something so unfairly tragic could occur within this time of pandemic, a time that still feels as though we are walking on the other side of the looking glass. This piece is reflective of my desire to make sense of the senseless, to identify this new world we’re walking through together, and to carry the simultaneous grief and hopefulness with me in stride.

Artist Bio

A wild-hearted California native and natural creative, Keshiia is a writer, a story teller, and a connector of people. She is the COO of an LA-based social enterprise, Bridget, which fosters female leadership and community through confidence and communication coaching for teen girls. In addition to her work with Bridget, Keshiia seeks to create written pieces which emote the specificity and deep connection felt through shared traumas, big and small. She seeks to provide an honest window into her experience with humanity. She is currently working on an anthology of stories based on her experiences working closely with people, as well as her experience growing up in a dynamic, mixed-race, first-generation, functionally dysfunctional family.

Artist Statement

I wrote “August” a couple years ago, during a difficult time in my life. I had just lost two very dear friends of mine. One was a relationship I had, he was leaving for college and we had to part ways. The other was a beloved person whose internal struggle devastatingly led to them taking their own life. I was dealing with a grief I had never experienced before, an incredibly deep hurt. The only way I could express how I was feeling was through writing and song. This is how the heart behind “August” was created and it still beats today with a new meaning for every listener. When I listen to “August” now, I am able to reflect on the experiences I had and am currently having throughout Covid. The cycle of loss and grief washes through my heart and body now more than ever during this time of stillness and reflection. It is a combination of the loss of friends, my old ideas of productivity, unstable images of self worth, and revisiting difficult memories. But it is with this time that I am also able to remember and welcome those feelings of sadness that I may have. These emotions form art and allow me to peacefully cherish the time that I had with the people who I loved.

Artist Bio

Sunday Saari is a 21-year-old Minneapolis, Minnesota born singer songwriter. Sunday has always loved the art of music and performance. Sunday’s music career began when she was very young; from singing with her Dad in church to formal classical and Jazz vocal training at MacPhail Center for the Arts. At age 14, she began writing and recording her own music, as well as, performing on larger stages and winning national vocal awards. Sunday currently lives in Pittsburgh where she studies musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University. She continues to build her fan base and receive media attention. She has performed live before large audiences of thousands at the Grandstand Stage, St. Paul and the Stage AE, Pittsburgh. Sunday is currently producing original music and visual work in collaboration with other artists and musicians in her community. Sunday’s musical style reflects the honesty and depth of her life influences which includes artists like Tina Turner, Amy Winehouse, Prince, and Adele. Sunday’s music is rich and deep, carrying a soulful sound and message that addresses the challenges of life and the heart. Sunday has produced several singles and is currently working on her debut album.

Artist Statement

Hymnal is a song + mixed video collage exploring the awakening that occurs when the proverbial "rose-colored glasses" are broken. The song tackles the hypocrisy of those who use religion and/or spiritual practice and times of chaos and trauma to enforce greed and selfishness. It is both a grieving of something left behind due to that mindset, as well as coming to terms with a new concept or idea born from that. It is also an experiment with mixing sounds and using both visual/sonic components in a new way, given our circumstances vis a vis social distancing and self-isolation.

Samantha/Sammy/Sam Westervelt is a musician and songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. The actor turned singer/songwriter started writing music in 2012 after she was inspired by a dream. She is currently the front woman and bass player for the punk band Egg Drop Soup. Born in NYC, raised in Louisville, KY, and lived all over the east coast, she is forever molded by the many places she’s called home, people she loves, and paths she’s walked to get to this time/place. (ig: @lilbiggulp)

Olivia Saperstein was born in the Boston area and has been singing and playing guitar since she was wee. She lived in NYC for a few years in her twenties, and then moved to LA to pursue film and a corporate job. Soon she decided to say “fuck you” to the corporate world, and started playing music again. In 2017 she formed Egg Drop Soup with friends Sam Westervelt (bass/vocals) and Greg Settino (drums). Alas, her childhood dream of playing lead guitar in a heavy band finally came true. She also formed Trash People Clothing, an independent clothing brand that she runs on her own. Olivia hopes to keep making cool art that encourages people and has something to say while also inspiring women to take no shit. (ig: @shmelvispresley)

Unapologetically raw punk trio Egg Drop Soup is injecting some much needed adrenaline into the veins of today’s music scene. Their massive sound has got the fire we all need to get us off our asses and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. The group formed in late 2017 after bass player and lead vocalist Samantha (Sammy/Sam) Westervelt came up with the name – a euphemism for menstruation – and was joined by guitarist Olivia Saperstein and drummer Greg Settino. (ig: @eggdropsoupla)

Artist Statement

I feel that what I'm experiencing as a result of lockdown is still very much in progress. But there are some solid things about what used to be innocent that have now taken on a more sinister energy. Like sneezes. And people reaching over you to grab produce. And a corona beer Tshirt. I even tried to wear it inside out as pj's, and someone recognized the logo on facetime and said "c'mon man". Being a firm supporter of "if it hurts people, it's not worth fighting for", I have had to swallow my personal attachment to the season of this shirt. Which rocked. I was in a scary time and I had so many friends and crushes and parties to go to where I felt engaged and engaging. So many types of love and support and fear and heartbreak and desires to do better. So much happened so quickly that I feel I was unsure and not-present for a lot of it. And now, those moments (and things I treasure that represent them) are gone. It's not about letting go of the shirt. It's about accepting my losses. How I would have liked to navigate that season of opportunity. Hands off. Pencils down. Go make something new bc that season is not here anymore. I find that very sad and thrilling and probably a neverending cycle.

Artist Bio

I’m from Los Angeles, CA and I go by Frankie (they/them)! I make​ feverish immersive fantasies, drawing from the performance styles of my clown and dance career. I love creating the unique take and aesthetic each new project asks for. ​My passion​ is to create a shared experience. To tackle subject matter that is often heartbreaking or hard-to-deal-with in beautiful ways that make us feel warmth for the state of being human. To laugh our way past our biases. I like to imagine when someone has a wall, a sense of joy tells their brain it’s safe to be open.

Frankie Orr is an immersive event director from Los Angeles. Specializing in dark subjects told through beauty, movement, and the absurd.

Artist Statement

"Don't Come Over" is a goofy cabin fever dream about the loss of casual sex in the flesh during the pandemic. Many of us are in mourning for basic, physical luxuries we have long taken for granted. Living into the absurdity of it, was a fun way for this house to cope.

Artist Bio

The piece was created by Lauren Sevigny, her 3 kidnapped roommates. Special thanks to the hostages and sweethearts: Laura Formisano (@lef316), Nick Marcone (@marconenick), Jame Sara Slovon (@windyblues), Hux and Gryff.

Lauren Sevigny and her friends have been terrorizing LA for over a decade. Lauren has one web-series, as well as a handful of rap songs/videos, short films, produced plays, and unread pilots to her name. You can find her at @s.e.v.i.g.n.y and check out @thepublicassembly for free monthly theater!

Artist Statement

I wrote this piece two weeks after we'd stopped seeing friend, or going anywhere except the park across the street at early morning hours, so that our daughter could play alone. Alone. As if this were a good thing. The future was a blank stretch of time drawn before me, just a patch of grass and my kid; she flitted about and I flitted about, struggling to figure out what roadmap to put in front of her, how to guide her when I couldn't see. It is easy to say "live for the moment," but with children, the roadmap is the whole job. Their routine, their encounters, their visits to pet a dog at the park—this is their world. "Kids are so resilient!" everyone shouts, to which I want to respond, "sure they are, but do we want them to have to be?" To have life as you know it snatched away is dizzying and painful. So, I sat to write about that.

Artist Bio

Mitra Parineh is a writer based in New York City and Los Angeles. Her debut novel, The Lighthouse Co, is a comedy about an underground women's organization, and one woman's determination to disappear her old life and recreate a New (Perfect) Self. Parineh founded and ran the literary venture Telling, worked as a Bay Area startup consultant, and has written features, commissioned work, edited stories, and conducted interviews for MYOO, 7x7, Forbes, The Washington Post, and over a dozen book projects. She was formerly an instructor in USC's writing program, holds a master's in Fiction, and is an alumna of the Community of Writers at Squaw Valley.

Artist Statement

In this time of quarantine I’ve been trying to get back to the sweet sacred place of expression outside of form, medium or commodity. Lots of music and poetry-like ramblings are coming out of me and this is one of them. In response to the Wake prompt, I’ve been mourning the loss of free-touch. Thanks for hearing the words and thanks We The Women for holding a beautiful space for artists & women to share during this time. My best friend told me today that heart beats have electromagnetic fields that can be felt several feet from the body — may this piece be a heart hug from me to you.

Artist Bio

Stephanie Hsu is a human being romping around on this sweet Earth. She is primarily known as an actor for stage and screen. Previously living in New York, she came from the world of experimental theater and later found herself on Broadway in Spongebob The Musical as well as cult sensation Be More Chill. Most recently she was seen playing the role of Mei on season 3 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and in early 2020, she filmed the upcoming A24 film Everything Everywhere All At Once alongside Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jonathan Ke Quan directed by The Daniels. She is based in her body, and her body is currently in Los Angeles absorbing sunshine and tending to the vegetables that grow in her garden.

Artist Statement

A week before writing this poem, I lost my aunt. A woman who my parents described as my soulmate. Her passing was relatively unexpected, so there was no time to "mentally prepare," so I turned to poetry and flowers and the memories she gifted me. Things we both loved. There's a phrase in Spanish saying "llevas la procesión por dentro," meaning a person does not show when they are mourning. After my aunt's passing, only a handful of people realized how much pain it caused me, while the rest of the world remained oblivious. No matter how private she was, she deserves every honor I can offer her. Poetry is the best way for me to honor her and ensure she will forever be immortal.

Artist Bio

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the mainland United States, Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and is a VONA Voices Alumna, having worked with award winning poets Willie Perdomo and Danez Smith. Tatiana currently performs, teaches poetry workshops, and hosts events primarily in the greater Washington DC area, but also including other parts of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. You can read her work in The Acentos Review, Here Comes Everyone, and Queen Mob’s Teahouse, among other publications. She is the author of Coconut Curls y Café con Leche, her debut full length poetry collection, and the chapbook, Despojo.