MINUS SOUND RESEARCH 4 Artist Spotlight: Maria Albani “Organos”
Artist Name: Maria Albani
Band: Organos
Tell me about your background. Where you’re from, where you grew up, what interested you as a kid.
Born in Long Island, New York. Grew up in Florida (Orlando,St. Petersburg, Tampa). Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC resident since 1995. As a kid my interests were music, art, animals, rollerskating, dirtbomb fights, and hanging out with the grown ups.
How long have you been performing music and how long have you been with your band?I started playing bass in 1996 with a band called Pleasant. I began playing bass in other bands as well: Un Deux Trois, Gerty, & Tennis & the Mennonites. I currently play bass in the band Schooner. My musical project Organos (the one I am representing for MSR) is 2 years old, and is a solo recording project in which all instruments & vocals are done myself.
Was there one defining moment that made you choose music (and/or art) as a profession and life style, or did it happen over time as the sum of many smaller moments - or in a completely different way?
Music & art are things I have always been involved in. I have never made a solid decision of choosing both as a life style or a profession. They are elements that exist in my life, no matter where I am or what else may be going on. I see both music and art as outlets and ways to communicate things I do not have words for. No defining moments…
When did you find yourself getting into visual art?
When I was very young. I remember when I was a toddler, I would often sit for hours and draw. I didn’t have siblings growing up, so it kept me very entertained. I use to tell my mom all of the time, that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I’m not sure where that came from or that I really understood what that meant. I just remember drawing as being something I always wanted or felt like doing from a very young age.
What has been your biggest influence in the art world (both music & visual)? Where do you find inspiration for both your music and your visual art?
In the art world, I am influenced by Modigliani, bright colors, spirits, women, and animals. My musical influences are too many to name. I find inspiration for art in fantasy. In things that I wish were real or around me that I could touch or talk to. In music, I am inspired by the challenge of piecing instruments and words together.
What mediums do you prefer to work in?
Pastel chalks, acrylic paints, acetone transfers, & collographs.
Do you have a routine or process that you like to work through?
A routine for maybe how I work on art? Coffee, loud music, & animal interruptions. A routine to write and record songs? One instrument at a time, words written and placed last, & more animal interruptions.
Is there a particular piece of art that you are most proud of? (In other words, do you have a favorite?)
No favorites. I am proud, in that I do not get hung up on torturing myself with whether or not I think something is good. I love the process of making something, and sharing it with others. I am proud to not have fear about that.
How did you get involved with the Minus Sound Research show?
I am the co-creator/co-curator of Minus Sound Research. John Harrison of North Elementary is the other 1/2 of MSR. About 5 years ago, our bands were on tour together, and we were talking about our art, and how many other musician friends we knew who also made art. We were discussing how some of these artists were making really interesting work, but weren’t showing it. We came up with the idea to put a show together featuring visual art from artists who were maybe more known for their musical endeavors. It kept growing from there, as this is our 4th year.
Have you shown your art in any shows or galleries previously?
I have shown in the Carrboro Arts Center, Wootini, had some traveling university print shows, and curated a few art shows in nontraditional places around Carrboro, NC.
What would you say to someone who is new to this show?
Minus Sound Research is a rotating artist collective, with new artists/musicians every year. Each artist will show 5-7 new (never been seen before) work. At the opening, there will be a CD given out for free that features 1 song per artist’s band/musical project. We believe this may add some further insight to visual art being presented.
What would you say to someone who saw this show last year?
More great work by different musicians, in a lovely gallery that supports new ideas and helps bring them to the community!
Do you get something different out of visual art than you do from music? Or do you see a direct correlation between the two art forms?
I’m driven by the same forces to create art & music. The art is a more frantic/fast-paced mission for me. Making music is more calming to me. I generally swap back and forth between the two, but I’m almost always doing one of them.
Anything else you want to share about this upcoming Minus Sound Research Show?
Support Local Art & Music!
++++
The MINUS SOUND RESEARCH 4 is ON DISPLAY NOW at Wootini Gallery in Carr Mill Mall until December. Come by and see it!
