Q&A with Firethorn

ES: Who are your musical influences?
F: The band has a wide range of musical influences, from artists and bands such as Led Zeppelin, R.E.M. Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins, Keane, and Michael Jackson to indigenous African music.

ES: What have you learnt from past artists in your field?
F: The most important lesson we have learnt from artists in our field, be they local or international, is that in order to be a genuine artist and to have authentic success, on any scale, one has to be true to one's vision as an artist and follow that vision and be
sincere in what you do while working hard at your craft.

ES: What do you hope to achieve with your music?
F: All artists to some extent want their work to touch as many people as possible and in this regard the band wants its music to resonate with as many listeners as possible in a positive and moving way. Hopefully with our music we can gain some recognition for what we do.

ES: What motivates you all to keep playing, when things become difficult and challenging?
F: It can be very difficult for artists to stay positive and motivated when so many factors can deter you from your artistic pursuits. The best way to stay motivated is to trust that what you do as an artist has merit and can speak to people in a powerful way but the biggest motivational factor has to be the love of playing and creating music.

ES: If there's one boundary or misconception you could knock down about being musicians, what would it be?
F: There are so many misconceptions. One that should be knocked down is that being a musician or any artist for that matter is an inferior lifestyle or career choice. Making a full-time career out of one's art is out of reach for most artists but that doesn't mean artists are less important to society than say doctors, teachers, lawyers or engineers.

Firethorn - musicians

Rock band Firethorn, are the first band to take to the stage at Expression Session on Thursday October 28. Hailing from Bonteheuwel, they are Neilan Adams on guitar and vocal, Nicholas Knipe on guitar and Peter Hardenburg on bass and vocals.

The idea of forming the band started back in 1999-2000, when Nicholas and Neilan, who couldn't play an instrument, got bitten by the music bug. After many years of musical wanderings the band managed to come together as a performing act under the Firethorn name in late 2006 with the inclusion of Peter Hardenburg on bass. Influenced by many musical styles and genres, the band weaved together all their influences - ranging from The Beatles to Malian and South African sounds - into a unique aural experience. The band has been plying its trade across the Cape Town musical landscape, and continues to strive to be a quality local musical group.

Join us at Expression Session on Thursday October 28, to hear Firethorn's acoustic set!

Q&A with Reza

ES: Who are your artistic influences?
R: My influences come from certain film structure and techniques used by various progressive film makers, to see how they amazingly mesh audio visual components into a single seamless piece of art.

ES: What have you learnt from filmmakers who have come before you?
R: Just to get out there and start shooting. Once you are doing, it becomes easier.

ES: What do you hope to achieve each time you set out to make a film?
R: We hope to make people more critical about issues that affect our everyday lives. It can be something simple, but in a moment complex, once you penetrate the surface.

ES: What motivates you to keep working when things become difficult and challenging?
R: The team of people you work with all motivate each other. Positive people motivate me.

ES: If there’s one boundary or misconception you could knock down about filmmaking or being a filmmaker, what would it be?
R: Anyone can do it. There are so many stories to be told, go out there and make them.

Reza Salie - filmmaker

Reza Salie is a first-time filmakers. His film, Fashion Gap will be screened at Expression Session this month. Reza is from Cape Town and works as a service engineer within the IT industry. With no previous practice or education in film, he completed a three-day introductory course at Cape Town Video Education Trust (CVET), under Natalie McAskill. Salie has chosen to embark upon filmmaking as an aesthetic and communicative form that offers a plethora of possibilities. As an African creative activist, he wants to highlight relevant stories of, by and for the people of the Global South. Angela Ramirez, a young Colombian filmmaker based in Cape Town, worked closely with Salie in making this film. Imraan Jeeva, an aspiring young filmmaker also participated in this project.

Q&A with Je'nine

ES: What have you learnt from past artists in your field?
J: Work at it everyday and believe in yourself. Everything is subject to opinion.

ES: What do you hope to achieve with your photography?
J: I aspire to document and capture the real life stories of people and events, past or present all over the world who inspire and affect positive change in how we see the world and our points of views. To just create awareness and challenge stereotypes of how we see others, to meet, learn from and work with other artists and to simply spread the joy and emotion a photo captures and brings to the hearts of many.

ES: What motivates you to keep going when things get difficult?
J: Prayer keeps me going. Family and music.

ES: If there's one boundary or misconception you could knock down about photography, what would it be?
J: It’s hard work!... Like any art form, it’s a gift that needs years of discipline. And even the cheapest of camera’s can capture something of greatness; it’s what you do with it that speaks more than words.

Je'nine May - photographer

Through the lens, I see the world with a new perspective. - Je’nine May

Born in Cape Town, South Africa and having come from a disadvantaged background, Je'nine felt unsure about her path to success in life. The youngest of three children, she had her first job at the age of 19. Ambitious and determined, she found inspiration from the very adversities and challenges she experienced growing up, learning from strong role models such as her courageous Mother (a Cancer survivor) who taught her that “with God anything is possible”. After a 10 year career in the advertising industry, during which she specialised in Print Production, Je'nine has moved on to pursue her dreams through creative expressions such as photography. In 2007 she did a part-time diploma in photography and has since been working on her portfolio, developing her skills and love for the lens. This dynamic and spirited woman soon progressed to starting her own business, incorporating her passion for photography and experience in print production.

To Je'nine it’s important to give back, hence her ongoing involvement with ngo's, church and youth projects; which allows her to fulfill her passion for helping others. Je'nine has recently joined “Step Up 4 Life”, an ngo focusing on promoting and creating social responsibility among our youth. Je’nine volunteers as a programme facilitator, assisting at school workshops and various related projects. A true creative at heart, Je’nine also loves music and sings in a gospel group, called First Light, for the past 12 years. First Light will be releasing their debut album in December 2010. In 2009 through the loss of her father, Je’nine was inspired to pursue her love for art and discovered her new found passion for painting and is currently working towards her first photographic and art exhibition in 2011.

"Hope is my story and Grace is my song......" I want to be able to share with others. Photography is a powerful tool. It has the ability to create a lasting memory, to capture timeless moments and can challenge our outlooks on life. It can break down barriers and positively change our point of views. But above all, it brings many smiles and captures the beauty that is …the GIFT of LIFE.