Freaks of Asheville unite in calendar project

Photo by Jason Sandford

There's a sweet little project in the works. It's the Freaks of Asheville 2010/11 calendar, and it's going to be packed with amazing photography and fun dates in the history of freakiness in Asheville.

The calendar is a fundraiser for Arts 2 People, a great local nonprofit that nurtures and supports local artists.

From the promo material, the calendar "will capture the power and personality of Asheville's eclectic creatives. ... "This is not the Asheville depicted in glossy vacation and real estate guides. It's the real, freaky deal, and it promises to boost our city to even greater heights by featuring and saluting the friendly freak culture that helps drive our art, our music, our hearts and yes, even our economy."

Here's the creative talent behind what I think is going to be a smash hit of a calendar:

- Kitty Love, executive director of Arts 2 People, a local tattoo artist and generally one cool, freaky chick.

- Michael Traister, the photographer I first noticed after his Faces of Izzy's book. This dude knows how to capture freaky on film.

- And Jon Elliston, managing freaky editor of the Mountain Xpress.

The calendar team is seeking sponsors. Email Kitty at arts2people@gmail.com.

Comments

[Phillip Gibson]

What is a "freak?" IF I don't wear loud, mismatched clothing, an array and variety of Mardi Gras like accessories, do I still count as a whimsical person? If I have skin tags growing from my body, such as those in my arm pits that look like a third arm working its way out, is that enough of a physical oddity? It also seems to me that those seeking to be acknowledged and bask in being"different" are also enraged that they are dismissed as the loud minority. If they are NOT the minority, then they are the majority. If I am them and they are me, and WE are the majority, then we are no longer the freaks. We are the norm. So, I want a calendar that shows the normal people of Asheville... would that not be the REAL freaking calendar?

[JBo]

True dat Phillip.

[Kellop]

Yes, I agree. This sounds like a silly attempt at some easy shock value. Everyone is 'freaky' in their own respects. Seems like they are going on outward appearance more than true personality and creative minds. "hey..let's make take these characters of Asheville and sell their images to tourists for some fast cash". Come on.
Freakish appearance or behavior is usually a cry for attention or a product of youth. It's the regular Jane and Dick that are usually the freakiest of them all. (believe me...I know)
Your not celebrating Asheville 'so called Freaks' you are exploiting them.

[Noman]

I am curious to see what Freaks they come up with. I know of one of them who had a shoot and she is definitely not an Asheville Freak..She's a model. So I ask..what do they know? It will be a glossed over set-up shot list of wanna-be weirdos who are actually just attention seeking nobodies. yes.
Traister knows how to capture freaky on film? Really. His Izzy photos were some of the most bland portraits of somewhat strange people I've seen.. Maybe you should have done your homework and seen that there are a few photographers in Asheville that have shot the underground, fetish, and freak scene for years that would have been much more suiting.

[Michael]

My my Phillip...I would love it if you would come out of hiding and show me some of your worthy accomplishments if any? And yes, I will gladly photograph your skin tags if you feel that is all you have to offer but as someone who has survived malignant melanoma twice and basel cell carcinoma 3 times now I may have to step in front of you. I love nothing more than critiquing art myself and I would love a chance to respond in person. We are all entitled to our opinions and I have heard worse but also more articulate critiques about my work. Oh well, overall the Izzy's show was well received by many so nanny nanny boo boo to you!

And Kellop...shame on you! Profit? If you only knew how much work went into this and even if we sold every single calendar we will make very little money my friend. And I agree, Dick and Jane are the "real" freaks. If you're not busy writing negative blogs take some time and visit the show that is currently at pack place and read both Kitty and I's artists statements. As for "shock value" I can only hope.

And lastly but not leastly Norman..."bland", well we are all entitled to our opinions and I have heard worse and more articulate critiques about my work. You don't get, you don't get it. Not my problem really. Overall the Izzy's show was very, very well received by many so nanny nanny boo boo to you! And model? Who in the hell are you talking about? Please tell because I call bullshit on this one too. None of these people are models at least on a professional level but each was awesome in front of the camera.

Oh, well. This is all shocking to me considering no one has even seen the calendar yet or has any idea of it's content. The final wording and artwork are just now being finalized. What this shows and reaffirms to me is that Asheville is full of jealious and jaded "wanna be's who have nothiing better to do but seek in fault in other because they themselves have nothing to offer. I will GLADLY meet any one of you in person and my schedule is always open for such things. The short answer is you can't make everyone happy all of the time and if you don't like or "get" the calendar than just don't buy it. Don't hate or resent me or the people involved for it? I will get off of my soapbox now and again I will be more than happy to meet anyone of you naysayers in person. Just contact me at traisterphoto@yahoo.com. Also, if you care to view more of my bland crap visit me at my website www.traisterphoto.com. I'd love to hear what you think of because you opinins do mater...no really, they do.

peace,
Michael










































n wanna talk the talk they need to walk the walk.

[Michael]

Maybe my next project will be about something a little less subjective and more literal as to not cause such judgement upon thou. Scenic views of the parkway maybe? The tourist will always buy that stuff right?

michael