Calix Smith – A Prelude, To You, Not Giving A Sh*t at the Gombey Gallery
Professional Artist & ChewFam Calix Socrates Smith Jr. has a new art exhibition entitled “A Prelude, To You, Not Giving A Sh*t”, opening today, Friday June 24 at 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Gombey Gallery inside the Chewstick Culture Hub, 81 Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda.
He sat down with The Chewstick Foundation’s Hannah Collins for an interview.
Chewstick:
“Why this title?”
Calix:
“Because it’s a prelude to another exhibition. In essence, this is my mixtape before the album.
“What I can say is, this is loosely fixated on intersectionality, how things intersect with one another – but there are also other pieces that may not seem to pertain to anything, because this is my mixtape. It’s just a whole lot of experimentation.”
Chewstick:
“How did you pick this title?”
Calix:
“I think Bermudians tend to think that they live single-issue lives so they align themselves with one specific thing.
So it’s kind of trying to get people to look at things, but also i want people to think critically.
People tend to come into galleries and ask me, “Calix, what’s this about?”
No – what do you think it’s about?
I think that’s something really important for me to do – to listen – but also getting people to realize that their perspectives and their ideals are important, but don’t supersede anyone else’s.“
Chewstick:
“How did you get into art?”
Calix:
“Lies.
Actually, the first interview I did with Wayasayin Podcast, the title was “Through a Lie”.
Basically, my dad was pretty good with a pencil and paper and I really liked his drawings, and he used to draw stuff for me. This was when I was a little kid in primary school. I took those pictures to school and told everybody I did them. People were like, “draw me one, right now!” and I said, “No, I have to go home and do another one”. So people were like, “oh, you can’t do this”, so in order to prove them wrong and make myself right, I started drawing – all the time. Then I got good enough at it – as far as I was concerned – to actually do it in front of people, and then my lie became truth.
It became fact.
I’ve just been going ever since.”
Chewstick:
“What do you think about art in Bermuda, more generally?”
Calix:
“I think that, since I’ve started calling myself a professional artist, I’ve seen exponential growth in certain ways.
So as far as public art, which is awesome, I think there is a new generation of contemporary artists that have, I think, embraced what is being done by our global peers and are kind of bringing it back to Bermuda, as it pertains to media – the materials that we use to express ourselves.
I’ve seen a lot of installations, a whole lot more non-traditional sculpture, it’s really cool.”
“I think conceptual art – in the sense of social commentary – is starting to kind of poke its head out of its shell now, which is really important, because I always felt like there weren’t many artists who did that or even cared about it.”
“Even Chewstick, with its Community Arts Programs, it’s pretty awesome, but I think I’m still critical, because I don’t necessarily believe that many artists use their influence to speak out. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do it with your art – I think a creator’s voice is probably the most powerful. I genuinely don’t think politicians have s*** on us.
I think we’re a little more tangible for people in terms of access, understanding, so it makes it a little easier to voice your opinions, and for people to relate to you – sometimes.”
Chewstick:
“What do you think about the idea that everyone is an artist? Do you think that’s true?”
Calix:
“Oh, yeah, everyone is an artist. It’s not an exclusive club, it’s an inclusive one that everyone belongs to. If anything, you’re un-taught. The first things you do, you learn visually as a child. Before you become self-aware, you’re digesting things visually – before you can even understand language. Yeah – everyone’s an artist. Then it turns into, well what type of artist do you wanna be?”
Chewstick:
“Who are you hoping comes to see your show?”
Calix:
“It doesn’t matter who comes, it only matters if people come.
It would be nice to see people from different walks of life engage with one another.
I think that’s kind of the foundation of a lot of what I try to do.
I kind of hate thinking that the same type of people come to my exhibitions, because normally they are not tailored for that type of group either, because that group is already understanding and aware of the message.
I guess that’s kind of the misfortune of the gallery space, and people not necessarily thinking that they belong there – class, race, or whatever you want to call it – there are a lot of factors at play.
But I’ve been very fortunate to have people come from different walks of life and converge on whatever the f*** I’m doing and interact with one another. People from the trap… people that spend their days in cubicles. White, black, male, female, gay, straight, bisexual – none of that really matters, I just want to see diversity because that’s kind of what I look for in my relationships with people.”
“I can’t stand groupthink. I think it’s detrimental to society and culture when everybody aligns themselves with one thing and then they don’t even question it.
Dogma is BS – dogma is mug, it’s horrible because then you’re not even questioning anything.
You don’t even want to understand why someone is doing that over there because it doesn’t align with your thinking.
[My friend] Louis talked to me about the theory of reality tunnels, which i think is pretty dope – it’s kind of like, everyone has their own lens – their own tunnel – and in order for me to understand you and you to understand me, we have to put aside our lens and step outside of our tunnel and go inside somebody else’s.”“It’s the only way. Then it also helps you understand better the world that you live in
How sh***y would it be if everybody thought the same thing and agreed with the same s***? It would be bland as f*** and I don’t like that within the confines of people I socialize with.
I’m very fortunate to know a very diverse group of people who come from very different walks of life, and they in turn shape my perspective on life. I learn through the human experience. I was a terrible student – terrible. I hate classrooms. I like to read, but I hate classrooms.”
Chewstick:
“So what should people expect on Friday?”
Calix:
“I think it goes back to – expect whatever you wanna expect. I think I would implore people to glean through my Facebook timeline, look at my artist page, if you have been invited to the Facebook event, there are specific things tailored to what this exhibition is actually about.
Come here not expecting anything, just come here to embrace some s***. It would be really nice if people did that.”
Chewstick:
“Last question – Fill in the blank – Art is ______.”
Calix:
“Art is f***ing everything and nothing all at the same time”
“It’s whatever you make it, it can be nothing as well.
I think it’s important for people to understand that human existence is predicated on applying meaning to everything. It’s kind of what has secured our dominance – We apply meaning to everything for the sake of understanding. Language is important.”
Chewstick:
“I’m still coming back to the title – in your title, are you implying that people don’t care about some of the topics you’re painting about?”
Calix:
“Yes and no – My titles sometimes have direct meaning and sometimes they mean nothing at all.
Like with my previous exhibition, Michael Dunkley, that title meant nothing at all. I’m trying to get that pot of coffee to percolate. The more questions you ask yourself the better. I think that is specifically tailored to the local audience.”
Chewstick:
“Would you say that you create art for yourself, for others, or both?”
Calix:
“It goes back to a quote Dr. Edwin Smith shared with me – “If art is good, there are many things to be said about it and much that will remain unsayable.”
I think that’s why I create art now – to kind of get people to think.
The last element of progression if art in Bermuda is the audience itself. The audience is really important. The more understanding and open the audience, the better things become. Bermuda is small. If you look at the clubs, they are segregated. People say “I don’t like jazz” or, “I’m a dancehall guy”. It’s crucial for people to imbibe everything. It’s scary to live somewhere so small where people are so willing to be divided.”
A Prelude, To You, Not Giving A Sh*t opens Friday June 24 at 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Gombey Gallery inside the Chewstick Culture Hub, 81 Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda
The Chewstick Foundation is a leading non-profit cultural arts movement born out of Bermuda in 2003. Dedicated to breaking down social barriers, providing opportunities for storytellers of every medium and committed to being a part of the solution; we use creative programmes, events and initiatives to empower the individual and enrich the community.
Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.
Chewstick Culture Hub Opening Week | Tues. May 24 – Sun. May 29
After many months and long nights spent painting, buffing up the space and making it beautiful the Chewstick Culture Hub is open. There’s still some work to do with signatures needed to get everything in place, but we have been going forward with our opening week schedule and the support has been amazing. Details are below for what we’ve had going on and we hope supporters will come out as we end out the week with a bang and then continue with weekly offerings into the future:
The following outlines all the exciting events taking place at the Chewstick Culture Hub during Opening Week, May 24th – May 29th 2016.
Tuesday, May 24th (Daytime)
Title: Bermuda Day Culture Hub Open House
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Event Duration: 11am–6pm
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
Details: Tours of the new Chewstick Culture Hub, Bermuda Music, Complimentary Swizzle and more!
Tuesday, May 24
Title: Bermuda Heritage Day Parade After-Flex
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Event Duration: 6pm–12am
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
Details: DJs playing chill vibes, Complimentary Swizzle and more!
Wednesday, May 25
Title: Roots Rock Reggae
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Showtime: 8pm–10am
Event Duration: 6pm–12am
Cost: FREE (donations encouraged)
Details: Conscious Bermuda will be featured in a night of relaxed vibes and sweet Reggae music well into the night!
Thursday, May 26
Title: Bermuda Arts and Culture Roundtable Discussion
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Showtime: 6:30pm–8pm
Event Duration: 6pm–10pm
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
Details: An engaging discussion with Arts & A discussion on the local entertainment industry and global influences. Bring your voice and perspectives to the discussion.
Friday, May 27
Title: Live Jazz Fridays
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Showtime: 8pm–10pm
Event Duration: 6pm–2am
Cost: $10
Details: Don’t miss live Jazz band, Pharoah as they are showcased at The Chewstick Culture Hub in the spirit of the legendary Hubies jam sessions. The event will be followed by a night of deep soul and sexy house music by DJ K-O.
Saturday, May 28th (Daytime)
Title: Culture Hub Open House
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Event Duration: 11am–6pm
Cost: FREE (donations welcome)
Details: Tours of the new Chewstick Culture Hub, Bermuda Music, Complimentary Swizzle and more!
Saturday, May 28 (Evening)
Title: Acoustic Reggae & Storytelling featuring Mishka
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Showtime: 8pm–11pm
Event Duration: 7pm–2am
Cost: $30 | $20 for Chewstick Members (payable at the door)
Details: Live concert performance and storytelling by Mishka with opening act Mia Chambray of Mohawk Radio. Pay at the door or call 292 2439 to prepay over the phone and be added to the list. Check out the video below or a peak at what’s in store.
Sunday, May 29
Title: The Chewstick Neo-Griot Open Mic Night: Heritage Theme
Location: The Chewstick Culture Hub
Showtime: 8pm–1am
Cost: $10 (for non-members) | FREE for performers and Chewstick Members
Details: Bermuda’s premier Open-Mic Jam Session is back! All skill levels and genres are invited to participate and share their talents and interests.
Become A Champion
If you miss the Chewstick Foundation’s venue based activities and outreach, become a Chewstick Champion TODAY!
The Chewstick Champion campaign is an invitation for you, to make a pledge to raise funds toward the completion of the new Chewstick Culture Hub. Champions are those that see the value of the unique work that The Chewstick Foundation does to help change lives and community. While Chewstick is hoping to have most of the pledges successfully submitted by their 13th Anniversary Celebration on Jan 2nd, 2016, Champions can set their own pledge amount and timeline to activate their friends, family and community to invest in the future of Chewstick and the future of Bermuda. 
The Culture Hub will function as a resource to enable hands on learning and collaboration. The Chewstick Culture Hub, will be a purpose built facility to foster sharing, truthfulness and authentic cultural growth, in order to improve lives and strengthen the social fabric of Bermuda. In addition to breaking down barriers and introducing true Bermuda Culture to Front Street, The Chewstick Culture Hub will enable Chewstick to continue to support personal development through; panel discussions, focus groups, documentary film nights and access to educational opportunities, studio space, regular live entertainment and more. Signing up as a Chewstick Champion will help to build a safe
space where everyone has a voice and a platform to realize their fullest potential.
If you believe in this and the Chewstick mission to empower storytelling, creative expression and social justice to enrich youth arts culture and community sign-up below . If you’d like to make a personal donation, to aid in the campaign click here for our donation page.
The Chewstick Culture Hub Project
What is the Chewstick Culture Hub?
The Chewstick Foundation has grown from a bi-weekly open mic forum into Bermuda’s leading cultural and performing arts charity. Over the course of our evolution we have seen that in order to strengthen the creative arts industry in Bermuda it is essential to provide not only opportunities to perform but also a safe space to share ideas, collaborate and spotlight the wealth of talent, ingenuity and culture that Bermuda has to offer.
Accessibility
The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a place for the convergence of people from all walks of life and physical abilit
ies. A vital part of our mission is to create and maintain a safe space where all people can come together to share, understand and feel empowered in order to enrich our community and collective consciousness. In line with this goal, The Hub will include the installation of access ramps throughout, as well as the construction of a bathroom made to accessibility specifications. Despite the increased cost of accessible fixtures and ramps we are committed to creating a fully accessible space, and providing the only fully accessible bathroom on Front Street.
Safe Space
In Bermuda there is the potential for alternative lifestyles as well as those of us who may be a bit more “mainstream” to feel like there is no place to be accepted and no place to truly express our feelings, thoughts and perspective. As a movement whose focus is on storytelling and creative expression, it is important that everyone has a voice and a platform that is conducive to sharing, and to create an environment conducive to truthfulness and authentic inter-personal and cultural growth. The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a safe space for all of Bermuda’s community by providing unique opportunities for Bermuda’s diverse and niche communities to converge, and grow an appreciative understanding of each other and the world.
Resource Centre
After 5 years at our Court Street home, and months of reflection since ou
r move, we have refocused and regrouped to deliver the comprehensive solution that will be The Chewstick Culture Hub. A purpose built facility to better connect people with resources and opportunities, supporting their instinctive strengths, assets and expertise to empower the community.
Industry Development
Cultural and creative industries are undergoing considerable change as a result of increased digital technologies and a greater recognition of their potential contribution to the economy. The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a platform to connect creatives with each other and to use the latest innovations to make positive impact in lives and community toward making stronger: creative, tourism and entertainment industries.
We need your help to build it.
It requires a substantial amount of work and funding to bring this ambitious vision to reality. If you are willing and able to help, in any way, we need you now. Please get in touch, and get involved, by emailing info@chewstick.org, becoming a Member or making a donation, any amount will help and we truly appreciate your contribution.
