PEPPER JULY 2022
SA / TX / US
PEPPER arts • culture • business
take up space.
July 6 Editor’s Note : Take Up Space
arts.
8 Everybody Wants a Piece of Jaylen
13 The Fruits of Her Labor : Yelena Beliaev 17 Parallel Worlds by Bernada NIBERA Conic 22 Plastic Bucket : the Art of David A. Elizondo
business.
28 Coming Up Roses : Larissa Leath
fashion.
33 Untamable : sustainable designer Amanda Alarcón-Hunter 39 Elise by Chris Haimerl
habitat.
47 Everything English with Becky Witte-Marsh 55 The High Life / Highlight : American Brit
savor. 59 Rose Refreshments : English Tea Recipe
culture.
64 Defining Stephen Adam 68 Her Story : Elyse Cano Brown
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72 This Space is for Me 75 The Berkeley Bird Man
passport. 77 Being Sasha 83 Finding Home
PEPPER I S S U E
no.2 Rx.
86 Fit to a T.
psych. 88 Intimate Affairs 91 Rise of the Divine Masculine
prodigy.
94 Cradle to the Canvas /2
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33
lit.
100 How She Became the Answer 102 The Care He Needs
disquiet. 108 Kinder
directory.
111 Cover Artist : Jaylen Pigford 114 Staff Bios
PEPPER Magazine
Est. 2022 SA / TX / US arts • culture • business web directory msha.ke/peppermagazine website hellopepper.weebly.com email hello.pepper@outlook.com office on Broadway in Alamo Heights San Antonio, Texas 78209 copyright K. Day Gomez PEPPER Magazine *Always open to submissions & story leads. Worldwide. No deadline. See website for guidelines.
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PEPPER
Magazine
EDITOR’S NOTE
TAKE UP SPACE
Editor in Chief K. Day Gomez San Antonio, Texas For our second issue of PEPPER Magazine, I posed the question, “what does taking up space mean to you? Can it be living loud and proud in your identity? Loving big? Feeling your feelings, even the bad ones? Healing through trauma? Brutal honesty in the face of injustice? It’s open to personal interpretation.” I was astonished by the outpour of responses which came from creatives all over the world and our own staff. This introspective inquiry hit a nerve in the best way. We all struggle to some degree with understanding our place in the world around us. For neurodivegent individuals on the autism spectrum like myself, this can prove especially difficult. Where do I ‘fit’? Is my energy being perceived as aggressive or over-the-top? Are my responses proportionate to the current stimuli? Are my words coming off ‘rude’? Is my excessive eye contact or lack of eye contact making the other person uncomfortable? Did I upset someone who is intentionally leaving my messages on “seen”?…” My whole life has felt like living in another country and never quite being able to fully comprehend its customs, sarcasm, social cues and proper ways to carry one’s self. I’ve made myself small, or adjusted to appear more ‘normal’, laughed even when I felt their joking was cruel or discriminating. Uncomfortable. Anxiety has swallowed me whole and my differences caused me to feel foreign (more in species rather than distance).
my life where I no longer have the energy to mask my neurodivergence. That’s what they call it for people like me—“masking”. And though sadly many people have walked away since, so many more embrace me as I am. My whole life changed for the better from the moment I Now, at 40, I’ve finally reached the point in decided I had a fundamental right to take up space.
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In Response to the Uvalde School Shooting AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITOR IN CHIEF K. DAY GOMEZ & HER SON, AIDEN GAMEZ - AGE 12 LINK : theimaginariumwonderemporium.com/collections/art-prints • BOTH NEURODIVERGENT ARTISTS • “Aiden and I are donating the proceeds from all of our art print sales to the collective Uvalde Relief Fund created by the GoFundMe platform. Please consider showing your support.” You can also follow Pepper Magazine to receive continuous updates on how to get involved.
Jaylen
EVERYBODY WANTS A PIECE OF
JOURNALIST K. DAY GOMEZ
The compelling work of artist Jaylen Pigford.
color and demands the viewers' attention. Influenced by his southern culture while navigating life as a seeker of truth, his aim is to call into question the way we see cultural identity vs. the stereotypes that hang over cultures like a dark flag. Originally from Corpus Christi, artist Jaylen Pigford calls Houston, Texas home. “I became very interested in art at the age of five. Hanging with some friends around that time I noticed that two of them knew how to draw very well. Me being a curious five year old and them being a few years older than me, and looking up to them a little, I thought what they were doing was amazing. So I made attempts to draw my own pictures. My drawings weren't great at first, but something drove me to want to get better.
YOU’RE LOOKING AT the very first J. Pigford painting I ever saw back in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. We met—I say ‘softly’ and indirectly—when we both presented remotely alongside many other activist artists in 2020 for the BYoung art gallery Black Lives Matter exhibit—Shanghai, China. Seeing those eggshells his star-spangled subject was tiptoeing around, the bleak surrounding, the darker side of ‘the American dream’… Something of a recognition of our apathetic society rung inside my core like a tuning fork. THIS was an important message that even a wordsmith like myself could not articulate into words. And after all, it wasn’t my story—it was Jaylen’s.
From there I just kept practicing, drawing everything in sight all day, everyday. Literally. Over time, I fell in love with creating and as I kept practicing, I got better and better at it.” Better is an understatement. Pigford not only blossomed, he developed a signature style that, despite having been inspired by the greats of the past, is entirely his own. “When I decided to transition my medium from drawing over to painting, I asked myself what direction I wanted to take my work. I knew that I wanted my work to be meaningful. I wanted my work to tell my own story. I wanted my work to stand out. I gathered inspiration from Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo (my two favorite artists), pulling from the Mexican holiday El Dia De Los Muertos. I formed my style from these inspirations and that has been used in my work over the years.”
The artwork was piercing and poignant. I knew immediately his was a voice that needed to be heard on as large a scale as possible. Now, You can see touches of each of those in 2022 with the realization of PEPPER, I’m prominent artists’ styles in Jay’s work, primarily finally able to play a small part in making that resulting from the heavy symbolism he uses to happen. tell the stories. “Skulls represent the realization that we are all the same. As well as sending the Jaylen's work is heavy with symbols, vibrant in 9
message that we all will pass away one day and that you should be encouraged to live your life in the present. Raw and real life experiences and feelings blended with bright and bold colors bring each painting to life and make them exciting to look at. Turning a negative into a positive as creatively as I can.” Lemonade from lemons. A forgiving philosophy for a man who has lived through so much. “Hard times in general inspire me to create. There are so many stories throughout my life that have made me the person I am today. Not having a normal childhood, I feel there were a lot of things that I didn't learn as a young man. Now I'm getting older, I'm realizing I have to teach myself these lessons as I go through life. Such as controlling my emotions. Learning how to speak with people. How to open up around others. Learning how to love. Learning how to be confident as a man, etc. But I am very grateful of the hard times I’ve been through. It allowed me to see how rough this world can be at such a young age. I know where I've come from and how traumatic it was. Knowing that drives me to want to flip that situation and head in the opposite direction. I've seen the bad in life, now I want to see the good and I never want to go back.” Jaylen is painting through his trauma, making sense of the past, and even present sociological issues. But he’s not the wounded 10
artist. He’s the hero of his own story. His paintbrush equivocal to the sword with which he slays his dragons. “The themes that I touch on are mainly my own life experiences and feelings from my childhood. I’ve been through a lot and I have seen a lot growing up. Some were positive experiences, but more negative experiences that unfortunately have carried into my adulthood.” Pigford explains of the symbols, “It's my way of getting these experiences off my chest, turning these negative experiences into positive pieces of artwork. Using skulls in my work is my way of saying we are all equal. Although I'm expressing my own personal story, these figures that I paint aren't any specific person. I feel that allows the viewer to question who the figure is. And when they understand what the painting is about, they might realize that they‘be been in the same situation before or have experienced those feelings, allowing them to place themselves into that painting. It forms a special bond between the painting and themselves. Another reoccurring object that I paint is a heart. To me, that is my way of talking about love or passion. Other objects depend on whichever story I'm trying to tell.” He acknowledges of those who inspire him, aside from Dali and Kahlo, “Rene Magritte, Hieronymus Bosch and some others as well. I also get a lot of inspiration from musicians, like
Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, D'angelo, Aaliyah, Frank Ocean, Big Sean and plenty of others. I just love the way these artists tell stories so creatively with deep meanings. I attempt to emulate that while creating my art.” For me, at least, Jaylen Pigford himself is a huge source of inspiration. Even becoming a fan of his and being impacted by his work and style has likely colored what PEPPER would one day become—the degree of authenticity and bold storytelling we hope to bring. For what it’s worth, J. Pigford deserves to be a household name. Not just in the South that bore him, but recognized worldwide as one of the great American painters of our time. Though Jay can’t speculate on where he’s going, one thing he’s certain of is he’s not going backwards. Wherever he goes, we’ll definitely be watching what he does next…and rooting for him every step of the way.
THE FRUITS OF HER LABOR
THE VIBRANT BOTANICAL WORK OF RUSSIAN ARTIST YELENA BELIAEV IN ISRAEL 13
Yelena Beliaev was born in Russia in 1972. She’s lived in Israel for 20 years. A self-taught fiber artist working in needle felting technique. Over the past 4 years, she has created more than 100 felted pieces which has been arranged in different styled art installations. To date, her works have been curated and procured by patrons in Canada, Australia, Russia and Israel.
national Israeli cultures, and arranged in art installations utilizing wood, plastic and canvas. The artist uses this technique for researching a botanical theme concentrating on fruit and vegetables.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
The choice of this theme isn't accidental. While bringing up two daughters and tending to her house and tiny garden, fruit and vegetables were a part of a routine life for Yelena. She notes that she admired their colours and shapes.
These works are created from 100% sheep wool in needle technique, traditional for many
Despite working in a very realistic manner, Beliaev intentionally underlines the handmade
nature of her works. Arranging art installations, she is inspired by masterpieces of famous artists in various fine art genres— still life, portrait—and art styles from neoclassicism to abstract to pop art. The artist employed a 3 dimensional form of felted pieces to add more expressiveness to the installations, paying close mind to elements such as shadows on a wall and multi-sided viewpoints. Beliaev works with ready felted pieces like a media. It lets her pack different meanings and messages into art installations. Humorous and serious, figurative and abstract.
DISCOVER HER WORK For design products and interior installations, artist Yelena Beliaev takes orders internationally via her Instagram account, @woollygems_ .
Parallel Worlds GRAPHIC DESIGNER & VISUAL ARTIST BERNARDA NIBERA CONIC
NIBERA LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
NIBERA is immersed
in untamed wilderness, both physically and mentally. From this perspective, her work addresses humankind’s relationship with nature, recognizing our growing disconnect. While based in photography, she incorporates elements of collage, design, and even new media. Her work elevates the natural world to encourage people to regain awareness of the connection we have to our planet. The scenes she captures become surreal, bordering between realism and abstraction. Experimentations with light, chemical, and process allow her to manipulate the images into abstract representations of what could have been. 18
While she works with all forms of photography, analog films add a distinctive quality to her practice. Analog presents another level of artistry beyond merely replicating her subjects. She intensifies the colors of the natural world through a kaleidoscopic palette beyond what we could fathom. Surpassing Earth’s genuine naturalistic hues and tones, the colors signal a time and space prior to mankind’s abuse of the land and its resources. Parallel Worlds represents the culmination of her artistic vision. This ongoing series situates us in an alternate reality. Here, nature has remained untouched by man. The images balance a commentary on the environmental issues dear to the artist and her hopes for a new and better world. Engaging with her signature analog techniques, she begins to disrupt the appearance of time. The physicality of film presents an inherent
nostalgia and yet, we are peering into parallel realms or speculative futures. Nibera is creating a visual language that offers an inspirational view of our world rather than the demoralizing alternatives often proliferated. In the wake of mankind’s neglect and toxicity, the natural world has become ephemeral, like the fleeting moments frozen by her lens. Nibera captures these instances, tells their stories, and builds a platform for awareness to encourage active change.
The Project The Parallel Worlds Collage Series is a project the author has been creating for over two years. It is timeless—always in the process of being created. Through photo collages, Nibera expresses her hope for a new, different, and better world. The artist is hurt by the thought of man’s relationship with the earth, and the future certainly does not seem bright. She creates parallel worlds that inspire hope for a better future. It’s her aim to remind society of what the world was like before man began to destroy it. This is why she also uses analogue photography. It gives a touch of the old with this technique. “When you look at the photos, you get the sense that they were taken a long time ago.” The author shows what the world would be like if humans respected nature. Through a combination of analogue photographs taken on a photographic film, she creates a world that mirrors ours but in an alternate reality, where man does not interfere with nature. It is important that we speak about the climate in a language that is not always bleak and negative. It is very important that we also create things that have a positive narrative. Positive visual messages are stimulating and act as a hopeful destination. 20
”Art is the highest form of hope.” -GERMAN PAINTER GERHARD RICHTER
t r A n o m m The Unco of David A. Elizondo photojournalist K. Day Gomez David Alonzo Elizondo is a multidisciplinary artist, animator and fixture in the San Antonio art community. I took a tour of his home studio and extensive outdoor filming set, which proved to be a treasure trove of raw materials, assemblage art and a well house of cultural history. Even the way David speaks is art. To illustrate my point, when asked how he came to develop his signature style, he answered my question with a real life analogy. 22
”The concept of signature style is an interesting aspect of an artist’s work. On my part, I am dealing with a flow of action that creates its own result.
his entire art career upon being observant. He doesn’t just paint what he sees. Elizondo recreates his own interpretation of what he sees. Which is something altogether different.
I once had the opportunity to ask Donald Judd a question. The location of the encounter was a hallway in the Art Building of Trinity University. He was walking with my art professor Robert Tiemann. (Question)… “Does your minimalistic approach carry with it a reasonable distance from your desired outcome in a piece?”
His collective works are riddled with double meanings, inside jokes and nods to his influences from history all the way to modern pop figures. Helen Frankenthaler to Andy Warhol to Snoop Dogg. At 69 years old, he’s a walking surprise.
He looked at Tiemann and asked him, “What the hell is this?”, then promptly walked away. It was the perfect non-answer to a question that had no answer. So thinking about it, I really don’t have control over my resulting type of style.” —And he’s not being a smart ass. That is a legitimate observation from a man who’s built
He goes on to share a little about his technical process. “For the most part, all of the art that I have produced is concept based. Be it a drawing or a film and whatever product is created from this process, I have several options to execute. This would also be the same in animation, with this taking on the role of story telling.” Elizondo is indeed a storyteller. Even his walls tell the story of his life journey. Dappled with blurred 35mm snapshots of live ‘75 Rolling 23
Stones in gilded gold frames, canvas pop art mimicking Warhol’s iconic Campbell Soup can, homages to classical artists and poets through the centuries, all titans of their time… All of this ode to eclecticism on the wood paneling of his 1920-something bungalow is a feast for my spongey brain. I remember to ask him about the making of the Butthole Surfers film, how they all know one another and how it came about. “Tom Stern, the director of ‘The Butthole Surfers Movie’ has been working hard [with the help of producer Noa Durban] to produce a multifaceted film which is due out next year. I was interviewed for the piece here in San Antonio, which is the birthplace of the BHS band. When I studied art at Trinity, both Paul and Gibby were my buddies at school. They also studied business, and Gibby was even in the corporate world right after graduation. Being able to create with them was great. We did all types of art—performance, film and mischief. Then one day Paul brought an electric guitar into the picture. Gibby started singing, and the rest is history. My own one string bass guitar did not make the cut when the BHS band started touring. So I stuck with my own “brand” of experimental music, and started “Plastic Bucket”. But no touring for me, it is too much ware-and-tear and ugly situations.“ —He’s right on many levels. It’s interesting in these newer times when everything is about live streaming and “touring“ isn’t nearly as rag tag as it used to be. “The Stern film is another way of getting to the essence of art. What magic does a band from Texas have to create an international following? The Butthole Surfers rule, that’s for damn sure. And I have the chance to bounce off ideas with Tom about the film.”
When I inquire about mentors or people who’ve inspired his creative journey, David tells me, “In terms of art, my professor Robert Tiemann was a great Zen Master. Mi carnal Chicano artist Adan Hernandez was always open to new concepts. And there are also countless other persons that relate to art and its power. It is hard not to have heroes in the art world.” He lists off a few key influences—“M. Duchamp, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Picasso, J. Dubuffet, R. Motherwell, A. Martin, … etc.” So, what does the future look like for ‘Alonzo Bucket’ (as he can be found online)? “With San Antonio as a base for the time being, my only plans for expansion are NYC and LA. And Albuquerque could be another base in the future.” The art world is ever-evolving. We talk a bit about the new wave of activism in art —‘artivism’… “The art world is fickle. I remember of my time in NYC, when they told me “Art is dead” - the thing now is “Fashion”. There is always a shift to something else, and yet it’s always another facet of the same thing. So when I see this new shift of being more inclusive and humanitarian, that makes me glad to be an artist. Big names not withstanding, the art world needs more activism for its own sake. We all must discover for ourselves, the way ahead.” As a final note, David leaves me with some powerful insight. “Like everything else, our own perspective is what really stays with us. Right out of high school I was drafted to Vietnam in the US Army. I was vacationing in Mexico at the time, so I came back to San Antonio and joined the US Navy instead. This leap of faith into the unknown was a wild and crazy adventure which made me appreciate what it means to be free. And my own ticket to freedom was the study of Art at Trinity, the BHS and the rest.” *More from Elizondo coming in September. 26
STACEYRAE
Coming Up Roses With renaissance woman Larissa Leath of The Floral Standard
journalist K. Day Gomez
F
rom floral walls to mocktails to community driven events and public speaking, Larissa Leath does it all. And she's got big plans for expansion. So what’s her method? “Branding is imperative,” she tells us. “As the owner of The Floral Standard, I feel like I have a responsibility to incorporate florals into my daily aesthetic. My goal is to integrate florals into everything I produce, with the expectation of always building upon it.” As you can see, she does an amazing job of meeting that goal. As a busy respiratory therapist turned business maven, one can imagine stress is a factor that Leath must manage and facilitate for. It’s actually a core reason she founded The Floral Standard. “Initially, it was a search to maintain my mental sanity, finding a safe outlet for my stress. I found it through art, creative design and helping others. I have always been drawn to art, but never allowed myself to delve in. I started at the age of 30, and to be honest, I regret not exploring it earlier.” This process has been made smoother for her by the backing of an incredible family unit. “My family is encouraging, yet practical. Supportive at every turn, they always keep me grounded. Sometimes you want to jump all in, which is not always the smart choice, so they assist me with my realistic expectations.” Those realistic expectations mean important aspects of real-life. “Fiduciary responsibility. The one thing that will make or break your business- finances…” A not so fun facet that any entrepreneur is familiar with, even more so now post-pandemic in this ‘new normal’ when multiple streams of income are often the only way to survive. Another piece of advice, “Be careful who you associate with. Collaborating with individuals with good
morals, ethics, and being cautious of those who say they support small business but they don’t—they only want free services. That is a HUGE pet peeve of mine!” Larissa also mentioned “enabling women and focuses on working with local creatives to generate honest art.” I asked her to expound upond that. “Honest art is your truth. It comes from your soul; it’s not tainted by others‘ opinions or ideas. I’ve had creatives reach out to me with inspirations they need to bring to life. I would never alter visions. I will help them execute to the best of my ability. That is the best kind of art.”
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That’s true empowering collaboration at its core. Leath has had a life full of experience which has cultivated that sense of artistic compassion in her. “I think of the uncomfortable situations in life that lead to growth, we must be thankful for them. The situations that force you to have thick skin. At times, being a women (a black woman) can feel like a burden because of how society views us, how society may ignore us, how society may not take us seriously. But standing in your power forces society to open their eyes and their ears, which paves the way for women who come after.
I’ve had mentors and I have close friends in the industry who are constant reminders of a woman’s strength. They are inspirational, and they keep me empowered.” Some of those women are a source of influence for Larissa. “I love all strong black women! I always think of Cicely Tyson—and my Mother, of course. My mother’s fashion is unapologetic and powerful.” She comes by her affinity for femininity and flora quite naturally. Though she resides in San Antonio, Larissa is what Texans affectionately refer to as a ‘transplant’. “I was born in Madrid, Spain. I also like to think of myself as a Spaniard because I am intentional with my actions. The Spanish culture thrives on appreciating life and savoring moments. Fun fact: women in the Spanish Royal Family wear Fleur Tiaras, Flower Crowns!” To us, Larissa Leath is a queen, at least by example in how she treats others and her integrity-rich approach to life. She continues to seek and find new ways to share her wealth of compassion and insight with her local community. “The ladies at Periods SATX and the Boardroom Project are doing big things in our community by equipping and developing our future female leaders. I am excited to announce through the collaboration and kindness of numerous local businesses, The Floral Standard will host a Breast Cancer Awareness Retreat in October 2022 in collaboration with Pineapple House Platforms and The Oaks at Heavenly. Completely free for those affected by cancer, it will be a day of pampering and relaxation. More details to come!” You can find Larissa Leath and her company The Floral Standard online [see our back directory for details], as well as her mocktails venture, Rose Refreshments, as highlighted in our ‘savor.’ section. Leath is a woman to watch and definitely one we could all learn a few things from. We’re honored to know her. 31
NOVEM Cuisine
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@novem.cuisine
(512)965-3383
UNTAMABLE Designer Amanda Alarcón-Hunter's initiative to amplify sustainable fashion in South Texas.
journalist K. Day Gomez co-written by James Hunter
Sustainable Fashion on Earth Day, Amanda Alarcón-Hunter's bold green step forward for eco-conscious, redesigned fashion was in full swing with Untamable-The Sustainable Fashion Show held in downtown San Antonio on April 22, 2022. The originator behind it was none other than designer and vintage curator, Amanda Alarcón-Hunter of Minx and Onyx. Collaborating with Master Hairstylist Sam Paniagua of Sol y Luna and an entire team of creatives, models, sponsors and nonprofits, this was a monumental moment in the sustainable fashion movement in South Texas. Untamable, was an extensive labor of love for all involved. Most of the weight and responsibility was carried by the visionary herself who not only owns and operates a curated vintage company with the help of her husband, Jim, but is also a designer and humanitarian with huge plans for sustainability endeavors in the future. First, let’s get a feel for her signature style. Amanda relates how “I want to take what is vintage and make it into a work of art. The designs that I create are made with intention, and that intention is to empower the individual and create a sense of a new beginning for that person.” One look at Amanda’s luxurious designs and it’s clear that it is eclectic vintage fashion redesigned with an artistic vision. She goes on to describe her purpose as to “live with intention, have a genuine nature and help others along the way.” With this, “it seems absurd to want to buy or use something that is manufactured or part of fast-fashion.” Conversely, “ I use what is vintage and already in existence. As an ecocentered artist, I know I can recreate something that is fabulous and exquisite and relies on pre-existent materials. What is signature of my high-vintage fashion aesthetic is that it takes from the old and makes it extravagantly new and versatile; that is, it is able to be worn in formal or informal 34
situations. Fashion is not what–fashion is how.” Amanda’s designs are versatile, genderfluid and bold. She executes looks that have the power to make anyone feel beautiful, distinguished, and intriguing. She comes by it honestly as her passion for art began in early childhood. She expresses, “Since I was maybe 5 or 6 years old I remember always wanting to be an artist, a painter of some kind when I grew up. I knew deep down inside that I was passionate about the arts. I lost my father at an early age, and struggled a bit at what life threw at me. By the time I was 20, I still tried my best to live out my true passion.” Recently, this passion came into fruition “through my designs for Minx and Onyx Vintage. Designs in stores have always seemed blasé to me. There was a lack, a serious understatement. What I design seeks symmetrical balance but it incorporates a variety of multicultural and abstract pieces and images.” Amanda relates a
modernist artistic aesthetic, “Art should be for art’s sake! I seek to make vintage pieces grander and more extravagant through my aesthetic, my eclectic re-rendering of pieces, bringing together sometimes juxtapositions that are congruent and incongruent. My designs should empower, uplift, and revitalize a person’s overall well-being.” Looking back, she reminisces how “fashion also played a big part of my life as a very young girl. I collected tons of different doll clothes and was always repurposing these clothes all through childhood. My mother also gave me items—and still does to this day—to repair and or upcycle into something new. Somehow I truly believe that my parents always knew I was going to have a role in fashion of some kind when I grew up. I even think back to when I was a child and how different I was in more ways than one from all the other kids. I was always creating whether it was painting with watercolor, mixed media, collages or creating outfits for dolls.”
From the dolls of childhood to showroom mannequins of today, Amanda wows onlookers and patrons with swoonworthy couture and hip remakes. “I was and still am an individualist. My true purpose was to always be different and try and inspire others to do the same. I didn't care what others said or thought about me. I learned to be a strong woman at an early age because of both my grandmothers on both sides and my mother. One must be strong and prepared for all kinds of criticism. I purposely push for individualistic motifs and eccentricity as a way for others to be daring and bold. There is no shame or fear in being different.” About her designs, Amanda tells us, “in the beginning, my curated theme was and still has lots of texture and natural elements. Such as the use of raw crystals and stones incorporated into the jewelry and handbags. The connection with mother earth, the sense of revival and new beginnings is very important to me. With a heavy Indigenous
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lineage, being one with the earth and fighting for the earth is important to me. Also, the perception of one's strength, perseverance, as noted in the use of “eyes” as a symbolic way to express one's true nature. The eye symbol goes far back to ancient times to represent strength, nobility protection and awareness. Strength, resilience and rebirth are what I incorporate into all of my clothing, jewelry and accessory designs.” Fast forward to April and Untamable– The Sustainable Fashion Show, which showcased her very first redesigned, yet avant-garde fashion designs. “This show was very rewarding in more ways than one, as I was one of the creative director’s side by side with my long time friend and inspiration, Sam Paniagua, the master hairstylist for Untamable and my fashionably amazing friend and sustainable stylist for Untamable, Becky Witte- Marsh. I was the Executive Producer and Designer that decided to use elegant, yet trendy sustainable vintage redesigns from clothing to handbags and jewelry to bring a community collaborative and philanthropic initiative alive. This is my passion right here. Philanthropy all the way.” Such a richly cultivated life resulting in museum quality artistic contributions, Amanda Alarcón-Hunter is a designer ready to create an eco-friendly, redesigned collection that is truly a tour-de-force. She relates how her trials and tribulations in life are really blessings in disguise. She recalls how “These life tragedies can truly make or break a person. In my case, I allowed them to make me who I am today. These tests of time have taught me to be more patient, compassionate, grateful, kind and more giving in a world where all most do is take.” She explains how every person that she has met has inspired her in some way, relating “we all have something beautiful to give. I have met professors, Buddhist monks, Indigenous elders and so many more who have taught and inspired me—I see the soul 36
in every person I meet.” This is evident in her heart for philanthropy. “I enjoy helping others on a daily basis in any way I can. One of my biggest influencers and one of the people in my life that pushes me most to be a better version of myself, supports me in more ways than one, is my husband James Hunter. He has truly been a gift from the universe. To be married to an artist and designer, he has to be a saint!” As a new local artist, Amanda relates how some of her designs and carefully curated art pieces are for sale at different museums in San Antonio, Texas. She also sells her sustainable designs across the globe. Currently, she is working on some incredible new ideas and projects for San Antonio with such initiatives such as an exclusive city curated vintage market, additional series to Untamable- The Sustainable Fashion Show, additional collaborations with other local
business owners and artists and of course managing and growing Minx and Onyx Vintage. As for what comes next, “I would like to see Minx and Onyx Vintage along with my designs continue to give back to the community, grow, emerge, collaborate and flourish in so many ways. I hope to continue to create unique objects and curiosities all for the greater good. I will continue to educate, promote, and advocate the public on ethical and sustainable buying choices, help prohibit practices such as forced labor and help others understand and see sustainability as a basic human right.” Thus far, she’s made her mark and is well on her way. You can follow on Instagram @minxandonyx and on Facebook, and learn more about Amanda and her designs at linktr.ee/minxandonyx .
HI•TECH
FASHION GOES
ELISE with
PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS HAIMERL from Augsburg, Germany + model Elise Mears in LA, California successfully execute a remote Photoshoot using FaceTime. journalist K. Day Gomez
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BLURRED LINES, digitization, pixelization…
none of that matters here. The main takeaway is the fact that Augsburg, Germany and Los Angeles, California are approximately 5,933 miles apart and photographer Chris Haimerl demolished that distance barrier with the use of technology. The revolutionary nature of this concept is something that paves the way for the future of editorial coverage, journalism and photography.
That’s pretty impressive yet not entirely unpredicted in this brave new world. One can ask the question, “what does the ‘new normal’ look like? How does it function? What can it—we—do?” This set is a quintessential answer to that question. Allow us to illustrate the importance of this concept: imagine journalism being made somewhat safer in conflict regions, photographers with no means by which to afford travel with escalating fuel prices now able to work with subjects from across the globe, imaging and tech classes made possible to university students with the touch of their phone screen… These proposed processes are not only possible, they’re happening. Now. I can look back as a kid in the 90’s shooting my 35mm camera dreaming of one day being able to do amazing things in the world, though uncertain I ever could. If I’d told 14 year old me that THIS would be our future, I would have never believed it. Yet here we are and the future is glorious. It’s not lost on me that all of this is made possible not by way of technology alone, but in conjunction with access and privilege. That said, with growing knowledge, application and continued growth, it’s only a matter of time before access to this sort of thing is commonplace. Telephones and televisions were once a thing only affordable to the wealthy. Now we’re live-streaming channels from our cell phones all over the world. It’s safe to say ANYTHING is possible.
what dreams may come
TIM BRACEY Dallas, Texas
HAMLET
“To be, or not to be--that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep--no more--and by a sleep to say we end the heartache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to… 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep--to sleep--perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come…”
g n i h t y r e v E
H S I L G EN pert tyle Ex s e f i L n& Fashio inable ARSH a t s u S ITTE-M with W Y K C BE
sustainable fashion & decor
Everything’s coming up English! From the Queen’s 70th Coronation Jubilee, to “Downton Abbey”, “The British Baking Show” and “Bridgerton” —Britain is definitely having a moment. I heard the term “mini break” while watching “Bridget Jones Diary” and took it to mean a long weekend in the country. As we transition into talking about ways to work English Style into your wardrobe, let’s take a peek at a “Mini Break” look book using one English inspired dress and styling it up three ways. Look no. 1 : I start with a great thrifted dress whose puffy sleeves, lighter than air Swiss dot fabric and ruffled collar had an English charm I could not resist. Simply styled with
these floral sneaks and a vintage over night case, this girl is ready to get out of London! Look no. 2 : Jeans and red strappy heels layered under the dress, with a white tank and bejeweled cross necklace on top switch this dress into a street style head turner! Look out Instagram!
fashion.
one English dress, styled three ways. Look no. 3 : Punked out with a tartan mini, motorcycle boots, a red belt and a McQueen-esque skull and stone covered bag, this look could go bar hopping, concert going or dining out at local hotspot. The equestrian details of the bridle necklace and the black garter straps used as cuffs, hint to the British pastimes of polo and field hunting and bring a bit more edge to the feminine dress. These three looks speak to three popular English styles that are of the moment: Cottage Core – starts from a romantic country aesthetic and includes ruffles, florals, puffy sleeves and romantic feminine details. Crochet, aprons, house dresses and eyelet are all part of this look as well. Check out designers Laura Ashley and Hill House Home.
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elements of English style. Becky’s picks… Street Style – takes its’ que *floral dress, brooch & earrings from Svelte Velte
from the staples in everyone’s closet and puts a twist to the look by layering and using pieces in unconventional ways. Think dresses as tops or jackets, high/low looks like a fancy skirt paired with tennies, shorts with socks and dressy heels. Unmatched statement hats, sunnies and bags complete these looks. Bright colors and denim also play well here. Adopt a design yourself attitude – ‘If I like it, I wear it!’ Punk Style – A little Goth, a little traditional English tartan and some chunky soled boots, paired with a rock tee and a rad hairstyle or color and you have the Punk vibe. Corsets kick these looks into high gear. Think McQueen and Westwood. ……and not to be overlooked….. Classic English – Practical hard-working quality pieces that last for years and years. A trench coat, anything tweed, leather riding boots, plaid blazers, skirts and kilts, Wellies. Designers like Burberry and Jasper Conran will be in your closet for years to come. I would be remiss in writing about English style if we didn’t spend a few minutes talking about the Union Jack. The Union Jack is the national flag of the UK. It combines the crosses of the three countries united under one Sovereign. It includes the Kingdoms of England and Wales, of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The “Jack” came from the name of a flag flown on the bow of a ship. The Union Jack’s graphic design and complimentary colors of red, white and blue represent the fine design inspiration that comes from the UK as well. Many designers including Vivienne Westwood, Maynard Millinery and Stephen Jones have reinterpreted the Union Jack design into hats, dresses and bags.
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steeped in tradition. I styled this huge Union Jack from my collection with a sequined mini dress I thrifted years ago to create a royal coronation look that I hope will transport you!
ode to Bridgerton. While working with Amanda Alarcon-Hunter for Untamable - The Sustainable Fashion Show, Becky styled these two romantic Bridgerton-inspired looks with a modern twist that makes them absolutely wearable today.
Living English …is a treat because it’s all about cozy. Who doesn’t want a little of that in their home? Whether you choose to English it all up or just carve out a little nook to call your own, here are some key ingredients of English style to help you along your way. What is really lovely about English style is that it is best achieved with a “lived in” look, incorporating vintage and antique pieces as well layers of books, worn fabrics, rugs and open shelving to create an exciting visual treasure. Collections can also play a key role in this design genre, giving your home the sensibility of a life well lived. This look relies heavily on a few upholstered pieces to give it that cozy look and feel. Slipcovered, down filled sofas and chairs, layered with cushy pillows invite you to retreat from the cares of the world.
Now let’s explore some key British design elements to cozy up any space in your home. Other elements to add to your English look: Chintz – curtains, pillows, upholstery Toile – wallpaper, tablecloths Open shelving – use for books in the living room, dishes and bowls in the kitchen, gardening pots on the patio, to display collections any where in your home. Peg rails – in the entry hall for umbrellas, hats, coats and bags. In the bathroom for towels, artwork and scrubbies. In the utility room for brooms, mops and tools.
Mixing florals adds garden charm and visual excitement. And don’t forget to add a bit of texture to enhance the look. Leather club chairs and chesterfield sofas bring more of a hunt club vibe, while still providing the cozy charm. A settee, or a pair of settees, can be a wonderful spot to have tea with friends and talk about the latest episode of Downton Abby.
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China cabinet – Obviously to display tea things and china, but could also display towels and bath essentials, folded linens and quilts, children’s toys, books, even shoes and handbags in the dressing room. Garden elements – The Brits are known for their gorgeous gardens!!!! Bring in the wrought iron chairs and tables. Bring in the mossy greens, rose pinks and dusky thistlecolored lavenders. Botanical prints, floral arrangements and nature inspired accessories will “English Up” any area of your home. Anything “Cottage Core” – Cottage Core emerged in early 2017 on Instagram and is defined as an ideal that creates a warm feeling when one thinks about how wonderful it
would be to live a simpler, more bucolic existence. I believe that is English Style at its’ best!
Becky ventured to Rooms & Gardens and Svelte Veldt on Broadway in San Antonio, Texas for some of the great finds shown throughout this month’s article. The majority of decor was captured in Becky’s own home.
Get Inspired Whether you prefer to support artists, get creative yourself or get the kids involved, here are some great references!
Meet Becky’s brother in law, Houston artist John Jenkins. Jenkins’ style is a combination of collage and pop art. Find him in our back directory. Below you’ll find some brilliant crafts made by the Ginzburg children—Anais 11, Lucas 8, and Lizzie 5 —from the UK. You’ll find more of their wonderful works and talents in upcoming issues of PEPPER via our ‘prodigy.’ section.
HIGH LIFE/HIGHLIGHT THE
PEPPER
WITH LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR JOE A. GOMEZ III In suit with ‘Everything English’, here are Joe’s top picks for
THE GREAT
AMERICAN BRIT In this time of celebrating independence, there is also much to be said about interdependence. History. Knowing where we’ve come from and appreciating the comraderie between two great nations. Here are some top suggestions to have you looking ‘smart’ and feeling fine. Joe’s paid close mind to traditional style elements from both cultures, incorporating modern incarnations of timeless staples.
THE THREADS
Ted Baker, London
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Tartan & plaid all the way for the win, baby! Rich blended textures, mixes of patterns & solids are key. Brits are known to favor moody hues, while adding bright pops of color & wild sunglasses gives an unexpected touch of Hollywood modernity. Suits for ANY occasion!
THE KICKS Leather / vegan leather tennies, suade loafers—ok, really any kind of loafers. It’s all about leisure even while you work. Comfort, streamlined functionality. The idea is to feel as good as you look. Nordstrom
habitat. THE SCENT Tom Ford prides himself on crafting luxe gender-fluid fragrances with earthy undertones. Think the leather and book dust of academia meets wild black orchids & exotic fruits. Tobacco pipes & a crackling fire at a professor’s lodge… These are the scent profiles to aim for.
“Menswear is about subtlety. It's about good style and good taste." - Alexander McQueen
GO FORTH Salvatore Ferragamo
n Cole Haa
We totally get it; not every city has it’s own authentic Britishstyle pub like this one located in London. But if you know what to look for, you’re sure to find something similar in your neck of the woods. Think beer-battered fish ‘n chips, pints, gin and shepherd’s pie. No matter the drink & faire, as long as the vibes are filled with good mates & group singing, you’re right on the mark!
-TOM FORD T om F ord
fragra
nces
Tina Sena
Whole Heart Foods
TM
Have you heard? Nutritionist & Fitness Expert Tina Sena has her own line of health snacks…
e r ’ y e h t d an ! s u o i c i l de
tinasena.org
savor.
Rose
Refreshments
Lets talk mocktails! An off-shoot of business maven Larissa Leath’s ‘The Floral Standard’, is a unique beverage service which she’s named Rose Refreshments. The kicker— there’s no alcohol involved. Here’s the scoop… Leath tells us they’re “unique curations that sprouted from a curious mind, literally. I created Rose Refreshments to provide a fresh mocktail option for those looking for non-alcoholic libations, without all the preservatives, sugar and weird aftertastes.” Pretty ingenious. And we can imagine this could also be helpful for those recovering from alcoholism as well. “I don't drink (never have) and my husband rarely consumes alcohol. Spicing up our beverages is important to us.” It’s also a cool way to help youth feel included for special functions. “As an avid gardener, I often find myself combining interesting flavor profiles with fresh produce from my home garden. Once, I made a delicious Oregano Rose Water Sipper as an alcohol substitute for dinner and WOAH! That's when I knew.” Now that’s pretty sophisticated. Definitely up-levels the entire dining experience. ”Rose Refreshments are eccentric, edgy drinks that look as good as they taste and are made to order for all occasions, large or small.” You can find RR on Instagram as per our back directory. 60
Stirring Tradition Here’s a little sample from Rose Refreshments that can be made at home. Enjoy Larissa’s recipe. English Tea with a Texas Twist! A mix of traditional English Tea with a classic Texas spin.
Roasted Sunflower
Black English Tea Ingredients: • 1/2 cup of roasted sunflower seeds • 1.5 cup of distilled water • English premium tea leaves • Cinnamon sugar cubes Step 1: Add .5 cup of roasted sunflower seeds to 1.5 cup of distilled water. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of premium English tea leaves, then let simmer on low heat. Step 3: Add sugar cubes (maker’s preference) and stir until dissolved. Step 4: Use a strainer to separate the tea from the seeds and leaves. Step 5: Enjoy! Flavor profile: Mild, nutty woody flavor to awaken the senses.
jolly good libations continued… Now that you’re getting the hang of it, “fancy a cuppa?” (Would you like a cup of tea?) Or maybe even a tea cocktail to enhance your PEPPER reading pleasure? Since I’m in Texas and it’s a bit warm – over 100 degrees – I would recommend an Elderflower Iced Tea from Dana Tough and Brian McCracken of Tavern Law in Seattle. Lucky for me, “this cheeky” (mischievous) cocktail uses infused Gin – another British favorite! Infuse the gin with 1 cup of loose leaf Earl Grey tea at room temperature for seven days. Strain out the tea before using. To mix: 1 ½ ounces of Earl Grey-infused gin 1 ounce St. Germain ½ ounce lemon juice Lemon wheel Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass over ice and garnish with lemon. I have also just added ice cubes made from steeped Earl Grey tea to the other ingredients instead of infusing the gin and the drink lost none of its’ charm. If you are in need of a soothing hot toddy, try Oliver Pluff & Co.’s “Orange Clove Hot Toddy”. Using their Hot Toddy Orange Clove Package, fill a tea ball or spice bag with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, roasted chicory and cloves. Add 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 5 mins. Remove the bag. Add 1 teaspoon honey 2 ounces of whiskey or brandy Top off the glass with boiling water Serve with a cinnamon stick Are you comfy now? Or maybe even a bit “pissed” (tipsy)?!!!! Great! Carry on… 62
DARK P H O T O G R A P H E R
M I C H A E L
A V I L A
C H R I S T M A N
@DARKHORSEPHOTOGRAPHYSA
DEFINING STEPHAN
HOW A KID FROM LONG ISLAND IS LIVING THE CALIFORNIA DREAM. 64
STEPHAN ADAM
/STEPHAN ’THA DON’ aka
journalist K. Day Gomez
is a professional model in San Diego, California with a bit of an uncommon beginning into the trade.
A bold move to just go for it, but that decision has served Stephan well thus far. Still, a decision his family did not see coming.
Originally a factory worker, he grew listless from the monotony of his job. That coupled with an underlying yearning to do something more with his life, a need he’d felt since his teen years, was the turning point. “I had to do something with my life. I was working a factory job for nine years which, though I wasn’t a fan of, I still really appreciate. It took me some time to realize I was in the wrong lane. I was telling myself, ‘Stephan you gotta do something with your life because there are opportunities everywhere.’
“I don’t think my family saw me as creative individual… I wasn’t such an upbeat person growing up. I was putting myself in a bad space during my teen days. I take full accountability for that. But my family supports me now.
So I jumped into modeling. I think I always had sense of love for it. I put the work in every chance I got and had to fight my fears. I always knew how to dress in my own way. Like being in high school—around 14, I always knew how to stand out with the clothes I wear. Also influenced by my favorite rap group. The cool kids always had me drawn to fashion / modeling because of their confidence. I guess that’s how I was first drawn to it.”
I think they‘re just happy with the fact that I’m just in a great space in life. The obstacles in pursuing this is just starting out so late. And making a name for myself,”—we all know that’s the hardest part. Especially in a place like California where dreams either come true or fade away with little wiggle room in between. It’s not a place you go to live to be ok with ‘average’. It’s clear that Stephan isn’t down for settling. ”The most important thing I learned in the process is that I’m doing it. A lot of us want to ‘make it’—as in being rich and famous. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad thing. We all want a lot money. But we all have to understand that the journey is about making it and doing it. It doesn’t stop.”
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even find love. That taught me to not have fear and just DO IT.” That phrase is a famous Nike slogan for a reason. There is something to it. Sage advice that we could all stand to follow. To this point, we spoke about role models. “The person that impacted me most is my best friend and brother Dre. As I always watched him, he taught me what confidence is about.” A lesson that’s made evident in Stephan’s modeling. “I have so many influences but one person who’s always been in life is Tyga—who I’m listening to right now. Just the way he reinvents himself always impacted me. I watched him from the beginning of his career til now. Everything he went though, good or bad, he always stays focussed on what’s important. That has always been a huge influence on my style, and my life.”.
We can certainly get behind that. In regard to the journey, that’s what makes for the best stories. The things we experience along the way before the ‘success’. “I have many stories, but the one I’m thinking of right now is my father and I—just driving from New York to California. Just seeing different states for the first time was really amazing. It’s something I can never forget. The reason why I bring that up is because of the idea of just picking up and starting fresh, something new. A lot of people are afraid to do that even though they want to find out who they really are, become a new person, or 66
Stephan himself could become a positive role model for others struggling to find their footing as he once did. “The best advice I can give is that you can do it. What I mean is, if you have a sense that you want to make it in modeling, music, schooling, owning your own business, etc…like in your DNA. I believe God gives all of us a gift. Understand that you can do it. My mother and father taught me that. It took me a long time to finally understand what that meant. Take it to the fullest, even if you make mistakes. Just do it.” Another key point he makes is not to limit yourself to just one thing. “Modeling is my profession. My ideal profession would be gaming because I have the skill and knowledge behind it. I really enjoy it after all these years.”
enjoy cooking. It’s truly amazing how cooking can make people happy. If I had a girlfriend she would be in love with me just from my cooking alone!” He also takes mental health very seriously. As a parting note, Stephan mentions Psych2Go. “It’s a community on Facebook where people talk about mental health. A lot of people struggle with it. They want to express what’s going on but are afraid to because they think it makes them weak—it doesn’t. But its hard trusting someone. It’s kind of unexpected when some people message me to talk or let out how they feel. It’s ok because we all need help. I just feel it’s a great thing to do.” Being there for strangers while focusing on building his own life. That’s hero material in our book.
His aspirations don’t end there. “Now that I think about it, I would love to design my own fashion; give something to the people they would love to wear that is really cool.” Over time, Stephan is getting a better sense of the industry and enjoys branching out. “Two of my favorite places I’ve modeled are downtown San Diego and Beverly Hills. I’ve had the best time getting photoshoots done. Best times of my life. I wanna visit London…model there and walk runways.” In this time of instant access, his goals are absolutely achievable. As Stephan emphasized, the main component is determination. So aside from all the work, who is Stephan Adam? What else does he love to do? “A lot of people don’t know that I’m a really amazing cook. Like I really
HER STORY
"My goal is simple. I want to continue making art as long as I can and share it
Elyse Cano Brown photojournalist Stacey Olivares-Garcia
with everyone who is willing and interested! " Ceramic Artist
Art comes in many different forms. Music, writing, drawing, dancing. Whatever form it comes in, it displays the person's character. Their heart. Their mind. Their soul. I met Elyse through the wonderful world of social media. But little did Elyse know, I met her long before our thumb conversations. I met her when I saw a piece of hers on display at a market. She was talking to a customer about her work and her dreams, and I was taken in by one of her creations. Through the hustle to capture photos I had to move on. However, I knew I had to reach out to her. I had to create with her. This is my interview with Elyse.
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ELYSE CANO BROWN
Elyse’s interest in ceramics started when she was very young. Her mother was an artist and a public school art teacher. “I spent my life following her around museums, galleries, and cathedrals. I learned how to throw on the pottery wheel when I was in middle school and instantly fell in love.” Elyse attended a small private school that unfortunately did not offer a ceramics program, so after high school, she decided to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Interior Design. After two years she realized that she was in the wrong field and switched her major to Art and Art Education. Her mother encouraged her to pursue education, wanting to be sure she always had something secure to fall back on if a career in art did not meet her needs financially. Because of her mother’s words, she felt pushed in a different direction and was hired to teach art at SAISD before she officially graduated. “I saw a place where I could make a difference in education and I was all in!” After six years of teaching, she was offered a position at an Elementary campus in Katy, TX. They shared with her the expectations for students to learn ceramics expressing that they had a kiln for her to use. “After that, I taught myself everything I needed to know about clay, signed up for a wheel throwing class, and bought myself a wheel to practice on at home and my life completely changed.”
ELYSE CANO BROWN
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Through the support and
“It is overwhelming every single
encouragement from her husband, she
time someone writes to me or tells
took the next step and began to sell her
me about how my work changes
pieces at Markets; Old Helotes being
their day or life in a positive way.
one of the first places to display her
One of my favorite stories was
creations. “I sold pieces and met new
about a customer who told me she
people with the support of my family
purchased a mug for her father
and friends. Markets are still my
and he loved it so much that as his
favorite places to meet followers who
health started to fail and he was in
become friends.”
and out of the hospital, he would insist that she pack his mug for
Last year Elyse was able to close one
him so that he could use it every
door and open another. That new door
morning wherever he was. I am
was stepping into ceramic art as her
beyond humbled to make
full-time job. “It felt amazing! I
something that brings others joy. I
absolutely loved and still love teaching,
cannot believe I can do that and it
but all the other stuff got in the way.
brings me to tears every single
The crazy 45-minute schedule, extra
time.”
assignments, poor pay, etc. I could go on all day but teaching a classroom of
“When I look in the mirror I am
7th-grade students art was absolutely
proud of myself because I think
wonderful 99.9% of the time. I am so
I’ve made my parents proud. My
grateful that I am in a place where I
mother always dreamed of retiring
can offer private art classes out of my
from teaching and becoming a
studio space and bring back that side
full-time artist. She was never able
of my life. One of my greatest joys is
to make that happen and
sharing clay with others and I am
unfortunately passed away before
beyond excited to host that first-class
she could see me achieve that
soon.”
same dream. I think she would be incredibly proud of me for having
elysecano_ceramics
the courage to try.”
culture.
THIS
Space IS
FOR
ME.
PHOTOJOURNALIST SEFRA SCHWAB My face is one my family says they don't recognize. And I guess they're right because I've always reflected them, especially my dad (I have his features anyway, and when I was little, I thought he was so funny and so kind, I wanted to be like him). I spent years carefully building an identity that was pleasing to others, that was quiet, "shy", and generally easy to deal with. I can see how my changes recently could be discombobulating and frustrating. See, I'm autistic, but we didn't know that until this year, and I'm nearly 28, now.
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I know it's hard for them. They don't recognize me, I hear that they don't know me, and I guess they're right. But they never did know me. The "me" they "knew" was only partly me. I imagine that is a difficult concept to be okay with on its own. I thought they would understand how much harder it is for me to look like them than it is to look like me, and they would just...talk to me so I could help them figure out how to keep loving me, and how they would actually know *me*. A healthy me, who takes care of myself and has boundaries, even with the people closest to me. I flatter myself to think that the best parts of me are the parts they've always known - my sense of humor, my intellect, my desire to know everything all at once, my kindness, the fact that I
say exactly what I mean when I mean it, my ability to look at a problem from all angles all at once, and more. These are real and they're still here. And I think those are the biggest parts of me. I guess they don't really see those anymore since I stopped holding eye contact (that gave me a headache and hurt my neck). I dont understand why that makes me rude or mean. Most people don't do things that hurt them. I gave up small talk (it took up space for the important things I have to tell them, like how I believe in them, how proud I am to be part of this family, and how I think they're amazing humans). I dont
understand how that makes me hard to talk to when I'm more open now than before - but I stick up for myself and my thoughts and opinions more now, and that's a hard adjustment for most. I started stimming more (dancing without music and rocking to and fro, hearing the rhythm of the air and it lets my words come clearer), and I guess I can see how maybe that's distracting sometimes. I don’t understand how that makes me weirder than I was before since it helps me communicate more clearly.
These little things that for them create the foundation of "humanity" and "decency in society"-- It doesn't make sense to me that they matter so much. For me, what matters is the content of a person's words, not the tone they use to say them (as long as they are said without malice or intent to harm).
I stopped forcing smiles and expressions (I had to remember when to use them and it took away from participating in their games and jokes and conversation). I see how that could be confusing, but I dont understand why they dont believe me when I use words to tell them how I'm feeling. Life isn't easy for anyone, and I'm certainly not saying they haven't had hardships. My parents sacrificed a lot to make sure we were fed and clothed and my brothers have struggled in ways I probably won't understand. Even though I have often not understood them, I have always loved them, and done the best I could to make sure they knew I loved them, even when it meant hurting myself. Our brains are so different and things that come naturally to me (thinking outside the box, creating logical paths from problem to solution, recognizing patterns of behavior and language, and understanding why people feel what they feel) aren't so natural for them. And the things that are easy for them (making their faces match their feelings, knowing when someone is being sarcastic, or manipulative, or disingenuous, making small talk, and knowing when it's their turn in a conversation) take every extra ounce of attention and energy for me to figure out. Every single day, and every single interaction. It hasn't gotten easier in 27 years.
What matters is how someone is feeling, not how they can express those feelings, as long as we can understand each other (with any accommodation available). What matters is that we can communicate with millions of words each with a beautiful history, meaning, and purpose. And I love to use them all - and using them around people who don't know them doesn't mean I think I'm better than anyone. It 73
just means that there is a richness to the world that I desperately want to share with those around me. To me the sounds of all the ways we combine letters borders on divine. And why should anyone limit themselves to only a portion of something so undefinably gorgeous? Some words feel like caramel on my tongue, others feel like glass on my skin, and others sound like looking at the quietest sunrise. As much as I appreciate words and language, sometimes I can't talk. When I was a kid it got me to try though, and sometimes I forced myself through it and it hurt my chest, and I'd have a headache until I went t sleep. I chose to obey " The Norm", to make myself small, to not be intimidating, to not be a "knowit-all" even though all I've ever known is that I know very little, and the exploration of learning everything was too beautiful not to share. I forced myself to talk, to repeat what I saw in the movies (sometimes that didnt work either, because my favorite movies were from the '30s and '40s, and people dont talk that way anymore), practicing in the mirror, or scripting conversations that I wanted to be brave enough to have. I took up less space in front of people and before I knew it, I was an adult, a mother, an avid horsewoman, discovering what I should have known a long time ago. Discovering who I am, how I need to communicate, and finding value in what I have to offer the world, regardless of what society tells me about myself. How someone else feels about how I experience the world and how I move about in it has more to do with them than it does with me. I know how it feels to be made small, to be compressed to fit in " their" box, and one thing I won't intentionally do is make someone feel insignificant beside me. I will always strive to build others up with the content of my speech and the veracity of my words, to provide elbow room and safety for anyone who wants to step 74
in and share it with me. And I ask that if I fail in these endeavors, tell me so we can come to an understanding, so I can understand why my words hurt. No one has been able to tell me why I can't just be me, except "it's just not how people are, Sefra." That isn’t a good enough reason anymore, because the fact is, people are a million different ways, and I'm just another one of millions. I at least have a defined disability to explain and provide others an avenue to get along and communicate.
The
BERKELEY BIRD MAN PHOTOJOURNALIST GABRIEL PAIVA
Photojournalist Gabriel Paiva is from the San Francisco Bay Area of California. A full time student and Photography Major, he captured these photos in Berkeley, CA as a diptych which he titled “Berkeley Bird Man”.
THESIS : “These photos are of a man I met in the heart of the abnormal telegraph avenue. He was an artist selling his creations who had befriended these overlooked animals that many see as pests. He told me the story of how he turned into a beacon for the local pigeons and the bonds he formed with them. They are so docile and they act as one being with this almost Druid in a concrete Forrest. He offered for me to feed them and put a pile of birdseed in my hand and instantly I am drowned in a pile of pigeons yet they are so gentle and eat
from my hand politely making sure not to hurt my fragile skin. It was an experience which connected me to the city and this unique individual and I am so happy I was to capture the beauty of this man and his friends.”
The SUSTAINABLE STYLIST BECKY WITTE-MARSH @beckywittemarsh
marshbecky17@gmail.com
N O I H S A F
e m o h
Set &
PEPPER sustainable columnist
PEPPER no. 2 | JULY 2022
PASSPORT
IT’S A CHARMED LIFE
PHOTOGRAPHER YURI BILOSKURSKIJ
BEING
Sasha
JOURNALIST K. DAY GOMEZ
Oleksandra Starynets is an energetic teen model who in just 3 years since beginning her career is already leading an extraordinary life; one most of us would die to have. But before you get green with envy, take a moment to appreciate all of the hard work that goes into maintaining near perfect health, constant travel (even the hectic side of it), and long stints of time away from the familiarity of home and loved ones. The sacrifices take a toll on anyone, but this young woman maintains an upbeat demeanor with one objective: loving what she does for a living. Starynets is passionate about the industry and it shows through her professionalism and commitment to the craft. Aside from a 55.9K Instagram following, she’s graced the cover of international magazines and been published alongside entertainers and notable brands —and she’s only 18. If this is her starting point, the sky is most certainly the limit. Ukrainian-born, Oleksandra, ‘Sasha’ currently resides in France with hopes of making her next work jaunts in the US, Japan, Korea, Singapore and the United Emirates. Thus far, she already has Switzerland, Taiwan, Italy, Vietnam, Cyprus, China, Vietnam, Qatar, Thailand and many European countries under her belt. Fourteen countries and counting is enough to give most of us whiplash—or at the very least, jet lag. But Sasha craves the adventure and her joy is clearly visible through the work she produces.
passport.
So, what’s next? Starynets is mindful of the importance of human connection, even urging her fans to hold tight to their parents and loved ones during these strange and trying times. In this unsettling time when her home country faces the cruelties of war, the realities are not lost on her. It is clearly important to maintain as positive a mindset as is possible in order to continue working. There must be 80
a degree of “normalcy” in all of our lives if we are to carry on and be of any use and good influence to those who are watching. And so Starynets chooses resilience in the face of darkness, sunshine and hard work—even when it looks easy.
“ENJOY THE PROCESS, LOVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART WHAT YOU ARE DOING…” -Oleksandra Starynets
Bamunanika Children’s Home •Uganda• DONATE at gofundme.com/f/a-new-orphanage-neues-waisenhaus-uganda
FINDING HOME An Existential Essay photojournalist Caleb Catoe It can be difficult, finding where you belong. Where you can feel useful and important. Yet pushed to be the best version of yourself.
When someone like myself is uprooted, traveling can in itself be the tool used to find a reason to stop traveling. Searching for something we may not know. When a person stumbles into that Hoping we believe it when we see environment I am talking about, the it, to embracing the unknown in people and locations intertwine to the moment whilst taking less for become nothing less than a home, and granted. a family. Loving yourself more along the A Family is something that finds you. A way can be a very difficult Home gives you the ability to build with exercise to practice on a day-toyour tribe while providing a sense of day basis. The only reason to take security. Family motivates you to do on this task and journey is to one better. You're a little less lost, a little day be the best version of more motivated and a whole lot yourself. Not for yourself, but for warmer inside. the people you love and want in Almost whole. your tribe and home. Hoping for the best outcome in the face of It can be like music bouncing off failure is one of the hardest and waves. Beautiful, chaotic and peaceful bravest things you can do in your all at the same time. Family does not journey. It begins with first mean there will not be hard times. The striving to be better. irony is, hard times happen whether you‘re on your own or part of a family You might be surprised that unit. Not to state the obvious— where you belong is leading the struggles and turmoil are easier when ones that found you along the you’re not alone. way.
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POUT MedSpa PA-C & Certified Injector • Bilingual Clinician “I help enhance your natural beauty.” -Itxia Lee
@pout_itxialee
poutmedspa.com
Servicing San Antonio, TX
RETURN OF THE MATRIARCH
@returnofthematriarch
Messages of youth & female empowerment.
Andrea ‘Vocab’ Sanderson x Aminah Decé
Fit to a T. WITH NUTRITIONIST & FITNESS EXPERT TINA SENA
Expert Health Advice Nutrition at any age, the best foods for all bodies.
Lifestyle Tips & Resources Links, great products and places to try.
Fitness Techniques Things you can try at home or at the gym.
Plus! YOU CAN REACH OUT TO TINA DIRECTLY…
CALM the HELL DOWN Nutritionist & fitness expert Tina Sena photographer K. Day Gomez
finances, work. Those are the top three right there, and often we don’t have control of them. Your health however (also a stressor) is something you DO have control of.
Stop stressing! Calm down! Chill Out! Relax! Don’t we wish it was that easy???? It can be…You just have to take some action. Thats right, this one is on you. You get to wake up every day and make choices. The best decision’s that you can make for yourself to keep stress levels low is to eat good food, exercise, drink ALL the water, take your supplements, rest, REPEAT! —Did you catch that last word? REPEAT! That, my friends, is the key to success and feeling better than you ever even knew you could. You must create these good habits by doing them everyday.
Consistency over time equals results! Here’s the bottom line and hard truth: Stress is inevitable. We are never going to NOT have something that we stress about. Family,
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Did you know most illness and disease is self inflicted? Yes y’all. That means we did it to ourselves!!! Bad food choices, lack of sleep, constant worry, no exercise. WHY??? Why would we intentionally put ourselves through this? Why would we use alcohol, food and pills to cope when we could just go move our body freely as we choose and eat food to nourish us instead of comfort us? Do we want temporary satisfaction or long term happiness? This should not be a tough decision to make. The choice should be simple. We need to quit blaming anything and everyone else for our choices. We must take control of our own lives y’all! We all need a release! An outlet! Why not pick one that is healthy and beneficial for us in the long term? Ask yourself if 30 minutes a day of exercise is that much of a sacrifice. Ask yourself if choosing something healthy to eat over crap is going to kill you—or is it actually the other way around? Please do not try to make it more difficult that it needs to be either. You do NOT have to count macros, cut
carbs, go keto, be vegan, workout for two hours a day or get on that program your brothers girlfriends cousin is doing.
You just need to make the decision that you no longer want to live a stressful life. You WANT to be healthy! You WANT to feel good! Stress is not always going to be something we can control but how we handle it. It’s up to YOU! What’s your choice? If you need any help getting started on how to start living a more stress free life. Contact me. I’m so happy to help you my friend. Health & happiness,
Tina Find Tina online at tinasenaofficial.org or Instagram at @tinasenaofficial Tina recommends vitasanasa.com if you are in San Antonio or surrounding areas.
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Intimate Affairs Take Up Space Empowerment Maven & Intimacy Alchemist Angela Michelle When I saw This month’s theme “Take Up Space”, I knew I could easily write about body image. It’s something I’m passionate about and have studied extensively over the years. But as I pondered the concept of taking up space, I began to see it was so much deeper than our body image, in and of itself. Taking up space is how we grow into our most authentic self. It’s about being able to show up as the fullest expression of who we are in any given moment in time. For many people, the idea of taking up space is daunting. This is especially true in spaces where we aren’t sure how we will be received if we show up as ourselves. We aren’t certain we will be welcomed—and honestly, the reality is that we may not be. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have the right to take up space. Because we do. We are all worthy of the space we need to grow and become the best and most authentic version of ourselves.
I appreciate and recognize that not everyone may be ready to take up space in all arenas for many reasons. And yet, I want them to know they absolutely deserve to take up space. As human beings, we all worthy of that freedom. I want to encourage everyone to do so safely when and where they can. No one should ever feel they have to make themselves small in order to fit in. How can we flourish as an individual or as the collective if we don’t have room to grow? Space is vast and there is abundant room for us all. I hope each person—regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, size, age, or ability— knows they are worthy of all the space they require to blossom. I encourage us all to keep taking up space because that is life. It’s growth. A tree doesn’t ask for space in the ground or in the sky, it just grows and takes up space to become the majestic tree it is. May we all learn from nature. The lessons are vast and profound. The idea of taking up space is transformative both to the individua, and to those around them. Because when we show up as our authentic self
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we bolster others to do the same. This is my call to us all… Keep showing up, keep using your voice and keep taking up space. I leave you with this quote which I serendipitously happened upon this week—
“Be so completely yourself that everyone else feels safe to be themselves too.”
HEALING PRACTITIONER
ROMY NAVA
A MODERN MYSTIC
Rise of the Divine
Masculine
In this new paradigm, we can certainly notice a change in human tribes and soul groups. We see more and more self healing retreats, transformational events. We see groups get together, set out on a weekend retreat filled will different healing modalities, activities, and connections. The transformation is visible and is such a pleasure to witness. People’s live are changing, forever and for the good. We see a movement in mens groups and retreats with activities such as breath work, ice bath, sweat lodges and much more. These are genuine connections with men. Not your typical locker room behavior but men who are aware. Aware of subconscious behaviors. Aware of
the shadow behaviors and how to mange emotions. These integrated males are Divine Masculine rising. You may ask yourself what a Divine Masculine Movement is. You are not alone. I too had these same questions. I’m masculine. Am I divine? How can I be divine iI I get so angry sometimes? Does that make me not divine? These questions set me on a quest to find these answers. Through experience and research I found that a Divine Masculine is many characteristics. He has strong sense of self. He takes responsibility for getting his own needs met. 91
He has integrity. He does what’s right when no one is watching. He holds himself accountable for getting things done. He finishes what he starts. He knows how to set boundaries and isn’t afraid to express his feelings. After attending a few Masculine Energy Movement events hosted by Third Eye Healing in San Antonio TX, I gained some insight and direction on characteristics of a Divine Masculine. Justin Reed, Veteran Founder of Third Eye Healing, says “Rising into my Divine masculinity without the toxic attachment has been the blessing. Finding and creating a space that allows that opportunity has been my favorite part.” I really resonated with this because it embodies a true soul in it’s never-ending journey. This has me content in my own hero’s journey and I know that if we all work with integrity, and from our heart, we can reconnect to our most authentic self.
Resources For those looking to begin their spiritual &/or healing journey in this particular area, healing practitioner and Modern Mystic, Romy Nava, recommends some of the following resources : • Wim Hof Breathwork - a technique that gives the practitioner control over the dominant systems of the body, including the nervous system. • Book - Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza A New York Times bestselling author; “Becoming Supernatural marries the some of the most profound scientific information with ancient wisdom to show how people like you and me can experience a more mystical life.” 92
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JULY 2022
prodigy.
C R A D L E
T O
T H E
CANVAS A R T I S T
A I D E N
No. 2
G A M E Z
Autistic artist from age 3 turned creative entrepreneur, author & visionary by 12. photojournalist K. Day Gomez
From making his first art sale at age 3, neurodivergent artist Aiden Gamez has continued to prove an exceptional multidisciplinary creative, already making his footprint on the art industry. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, by age 12 he’s already been recognized and published internationally many times. This extends to having his original works exhibited inperson and remotely in galleries from France to Britain to Shanghai to Germany to Australia… and the list goes on. As of 2021, he’s also
authored his first book titled “BAGGISH” through the Canadian children’s organization Ride a Cloud Inc. His newest book which debuted last month is a mini biography—“You Can Make Anything”—featuring his process and favorite tools as an artist. In the book, Aiden even offers a little advice, encouraging his readers, “You can make anything. You’ll do good. It can look like anything. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be true.” Wise words from one so young. As Aiden is categorized ‘low-verbal on the autism spectrum with a cognitive disability’ [as per official diagnosis], he seems to do his best communication through the art he produces. This includes animation which he began teaching himself from the age of 5. One of his animated works titled “Clash of Ages” was displayed and played on loop during the month of September 2020 at The Doll’s House Art Gallery in Manchester, England when Aiden was just 10 years old. All of these wonderful opportunities come his way organically as people stumble
upon his online Instagram portfolio, run by his mom. Having the support of his parents and family members has made it possible for him to thrive in the art scene. And though monetization of his talents is important to him, Aiden has plenty of creative interests that keep him busy learning. As his animation skills continue to develop, he also continues to learn video game creation and other innovative facets of engineering through online tutorials. He’s a STEM fan and finds the tech world engaging. During intervals of hyper-focus, young Gamez is able to produce remarkable work for any child, let alone a child with disabilities.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF
GENIUS
Like most highly visually creative children, Aiden has experienced getting into trouble at school for doodling. In the past, his teachers deducted points as a result of his unique habit of illustrating out his letters during spelling tests and so forth—“S” cleverly became snakes or flowing scarves, “L” a patched-up plumber’s pipe… This restriction of his innocent expression (while still answering the work correctly) among other outdated rules not geared toward special needs children caused noticeable friction and discouragement. That is, until he entered the Alamo Heights school district which he now attends, currently entering the
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his own income. He even helps to budget himself, finding the math interesting. seventh grade. The inclusive program they offer has given him a renewed sense of self worth and creative freedom. To add, the head of the middle school art department has championed Aiden’s work, via campaigning for his art to be entered into regional showcases, even some above his grade level, and displayed year round in the halls and school library. A starch difference from the lack of support he previously encountered due to stricter conservative curriculum ill suited for his needs.
Over time, Aiden has grown into a determined, inventive and much more selfassured young man, eager to make his way as an artist of many trades. A self-starter, he asks for more art supplies to paint new work when he seeks to generate more of his own money to buy certain STEM kinetic toys or the latest favorite books that come out. He has a genuine sense of what he wants and authentically enjoys earning
This early self reliance is becoming more common in Aiden’s generation. With the tools and support he needs, Aiden Gamez stands to become a wellknown artist one day. For a neurodivergent creative, he is already a voice in the worldwide ASD community. When asked what he wants for his future, his answer is simple— “to be happy.”
He tells us he dreams of having his own studio someday where he can, “make paintings and sculptures and work on animations. Also make episodes.” And though he loves his home state of Texas, he endeavors to land a second home-base in Manhattan, New York, “because it is the best. Maybe college or learn from famous artists.” These are wonderful dreams. You’ll find Aiden’s website and other information in our back directory.
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Melanie Allison MELANIEALLISONGALLERY.COM
HOW SHE BECAME THE ANSWER POET LAUREATE ANDREA ' ’VOCAB' SANDERSON / SAN ANTONIO TX PHOTOGRAPHER JOHNNY RIVERS III Her tongue moves like a conundrum of pulsating riddles. She is tripping on the pronunciations straining to recall the phrasing. Saliva on the crook curves around a foreign terrain. Her birth marked a babbling brook where an entire civilization sprang forth. A congregation of many cultures found root in her bloodline. Each of her ancestors’ whispers are tantalizing to her eardrum. She wants to hit the accents like an auxiliary percussionist. Syllabic stress-ing her out as she guides her gaze over the river of words. She wants to honor her kindred, but their spirit voices meld together in her mind. 100
lit.
M
other tongue sounds like haunting melisma. They beckon her to speak. Native shadows dance around the campfire burning in her belly. Her dense tongue will not break the silence. She wants to yield to the flames smoldering inside. But her mind is drowning in the commotion as confusion tramples her heart. She is a mixture of peoples quenching her identity as she swirls in a melting pot of societal pressures. But she can no longer take the heat. Pride bears down on her mouth like an avalanche and expressions begin to spill out. She stands in the debris feeling the aftermath of the explosion. A stir of echoes that have been hibernating inside have finally awakened upon her lips. She becomes the answer to her own question.
ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE PEPPER TEAM, OUR HIGHEST
CONGRATULATIONS to San Antonio Poet Laureate, Andrea Vocab Sanderson on her 2020-2023 investiture ceremony which was held on June 14 at the San Antonio City Council Chambers. Andrea is a champion for literacy, a humanitarian and a powerful voice in our creative community. We are honored beyond measure to have her on our elite staff of contributors. 101
THE CARE HE NEEDS LITERARY AUTHOR SARAH HALL-MURPHY / MANCHESTER, UK
The wrap I ordered from the shop arrives splattered over the inside of the bag. Chicken, cheese and bacon cling to the paper lining.
The girl scratches the unpierced half of her nose. The piercing, silver and thin, is reminiscent of a wedding band.
Photographs of rural fields and farmers are on the walls. Above the coffee machine is a picture of a man leaning against an antique tractor. An angry expression is on his face, although whether this is directed at the camera, or the person behind it is unclear.
“I can heat it up again if it isn’t.”
Behind the counter is a girl with dyed hair and a lip ring. She takes a carton of milk and pours it into a metal jug. I’m standing by the counter. The barista turns to me.
“No. It’s fine. Thanks.” I leave.
“Is it warm enough?” “Yes,’ I say. ‘But…” 102
She doesn’t sound pleased. The queue of people in front of the register seems to writhe in silent displeasure. I can feel their eyes on my back. I shake my head.
Out on the high street, I unwrap the wrap and take slow, methodical bites. Looking inside, I see everything is orange. The cheese, the chicken, the bacon. It’s BBQ sauce. Or it’s supposed to be. This is what they call ‘processed
food.’
name for it as anything else.
I walk along the main street. The town I live in is your standard Northern English town, which means nobody under 35 is here by choice. It’s made of grey concrete and white stone. Pigeons are frequent. Buses are not. 24-hour supermarkets, designer clothing stores, grey skies and rain.
I walk to my house. Balancing my wrap in one hand, I take my keys out. The metal is cool in my palm as I unlock the door.
I walk past a row of traffic moving like the greasy end of a snail, inhaling fumes. I make eye-contact with one of the drivers. We both turn away. There’s too many people and none of them want to know me. Even the pigeons are threatening war. Once, I saw a rat running through the local supermarket. In the ice cream isle. He was brown, and the lino floor didn’t squeak under his paws. He had vacant eyes. Without acknowledging me, he shot under the shelves and was gone. One of these days, this whole place will be gone too -by nukes, or the rising sea levels, or aliens— and nobody, not even the historians, will have it in their heads to care.
Inside, the smell of musk. The lights are on. I take off my shoes. A single drop of orange sauce stains the carpet. Half the wrap is left. I walk into the kitchen. Stacy is there. She’s washing up. Our sink is small, in front of a slim window that reveals our garden. Stacy is wearing a jumper her mother got her for Christmas and jeans. Soap suds are on her hands. She wears a yellow apron. From a portable speaker loud music is playing. “I went to that new coffee place,” I say. I put the wrap in the fridge for later. We don’t have a lot in- a stick of something pale that might be butter or cheese or lard, and a jar of mayonnaise. “The Hatch?” Stacy asks.
‘ ONE OF THESE DAYS, THIS
WHOLE PLACE WILL BE GONE TOO -BY NUKES, OR THE RISING SEA LEVELS, OR ALIENS- AND NOBODY, NOT
Red-bricked terraces houses, grey pavement, black tar road. The cars aren’t expensive. Wilting plants in wicker baskets. Polite neighbors. Bronze numbers glued to front-doors. Plastic bins wheeled out for collection. Sometimes foxes get in them. You wake up to find the bags split down the middle, last night’s dinner staring up at you.
EVEN THE HISTORIANS, WILL HAVE IT IN THEIR HEADS TO
It’s a state of living Stacy once referred to as ‘red brick terror.’ I think this is as good a
CARE.
“I don’t know. I think so. I can’t remember what it was called, but the girl behind the counter was rude.’ This is half-true. Worse than a full lie or a full truth. I was planning to embellish my story, making her the employee who demanded I leave, who insisted I was holding the line up in my pursuit of minimum-wage
justice, but I can see from the sharp hunch of Stacy’s shoulders that it is not wise. I stand beside her. A plastic cup bobs in the sink. I take it out and hold it. The soap suds slide down the handle.
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“How is he?” I ask. She bites her lip. “Should I see him?”
Flesh. Through the speaker, the lead singer’s voice is tinny. I set the towel down and pick up the teabag.
“You’re getting soap on the floor,” Stacy says. I look. Soap suds are, indeed, on the floor.
“He’s upstairs. You can visit him.”
“Sorry,” I say.
“But not for long. He likes to sleep. I think it’s good for him, to sleep.”
I get a towel and wipe the floor, before unfolding another to dry the cup. Stacy uses too much washing-up liquid. I’ve told her before. She never listens. I open a cupboard. We have a glorious collection of novelty mugs. The one I have just dried is shaped like a golf ball. Initially, it came with a teaspoon shaped like a golf club, but in the years since purchase this has become lost. Before closing the cupboard door, I take a teabag from the cardboard box and pocket it. The tea towel is in my hands like a pageboy’s cap. I resist the urge to wring it. Stacy is staring out the window. Our garden is a concrete cube. I can see a burst football, and a plastic plant I bought to compensate for all the real ones I’d killed. “I bought him a book,” I say.
“Thank you.”
“Yes. Of course.” Stacy looks at me. I can’t meet her gaze. I leave the room, and begin to make my way upstairs. Half-way up the stairs I stop. I take the teabag and place it in my palm. Then I rip it in half. Tea leaves cascade onto the stairs like black snow. Upstairs had always been the most interesting part of the house. We have two bedrooms, the bathroom, and the attic, which is home to nothing except the spiders. His room is bigger than ours. I suppose that’s bad parenting, but the truth is neither Stacy or I need much room, and we’re both tidy people, so we thought, what’s the harm? He likes to read, he needs space for his books. If he wants a friend round he can have a sleepover. What’s the harm?
“Which one?” “Thaddius Rook and the Cauldron of Light. It’s a kid’s series. A Harry Potter rip-off, I think. It was fifty pence in the charity shop,” I hesitate. “I know it’s not what he likes to read, but the only other books were for really young kids, or non-fiction, and that was the only one that was-“ “Okay. Fine.” Stacy inhales sharply. For a few seconds there is only the fading warmth of late afternoon rays through the window, the dust motes spiraling in the air. The sound of breathing. Rising and falling.
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In my back pocket the children’s paperback carries no real weight. My socks are silent on the carpet. If I move slowly enough, I carry no real weight. It’s a comforting feeling. His door is white. His name is imprinted on a clay tablet, a relic from primary school. The S has been carved backwards. I knock. I call his name. I stand slightly pigeon-toed, feeling foolish. I take the paperback from my back pocket. I look at the cover. A boy stands over a large cauldron, wand in hand. He’s blonde and blue-eyed, young and
heroic. Always handsome, I suppose, because nobody wants to read about an ugly hero. There’s a dragon winding its way down the spine, breathing fire over the blurb. I can’t work out what the plot is. I’m not sure reading it would make it any clearer. I hope he likes it.
penguins on them. His chest is bare. He moves like a wounded animal. I’m still holding the paperback. I clear my throat.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book. I’m addicted to my phone. It helps. I find the white light soothing. Yesterday, it told me my weekly screen time was down 15% from last week, to an average of 7 hours and 48 minutes a day. I don’t think progress is the right word, but it’s something.
I examine the names on a stack of books. Nothing I recognize, not that that means much. I’ve never liked reading, even in school. Don’t have the patience for it. Stacy’s not one for reading either. I’ve always wondered where he got the need from.
The door, when I open it, squeaks. Suddenly I’m thinking about the brown rat again. The artificial frost, the lights reflected on the lino. How confident the rat was. How purposeful, in that, even if it had no idea where it was headed, it had the courage to pretend it did. My brain is rebelling against my skull. The curtains are drawn. The light is off. The air smells stale. It takes a few moments for my eyes to adjust. The carpet is old. The walls are covered in blu-tack and sellotape. He used to have posters up. Bands he liked, or festival leaflets, sometimes novel front-covers. In the early days, he asked me to take them down. Luckily, his bookshelves are still here. The shelves we bought from IKEA still stand, the books he cultivated so carefully indistinguishable in the dark. His bed is unmade, a tangle of sheets. His phone lies on his dresser. It’s a dark, silent stone. A layer of dust is on the screen. I take another step. ‘It’s me,’ I say. ‘I’ve brought a book.’ A low groan from the bed. ‘I don’t know if you’ll like it. You don’t have to read it.’ Another groan. He moves, taking the duvet with him, and I see his skin is pale. He wears a pair of pajamas bottoms. They have
“I can read it to you, if you’d like?” He coughs. It’s a wet sound. “Maybe later, then.”
Next to his bed is a dresser. It’s brown. On top, is a bookmark, a plastic figurine, and a glass of water. I place the paperback next to the figurine. It’s a soldier, plastic rifle aimed at nothing. The IV bag next to the bed drips steadily. The machine whirrs and flickers menacingly. They offered to bring a hospital bed here but I refused. His own bed was fine. There’s a bandage on his arm where they drew blood. It’s a shade lighter than his skin. He whimpers softly. Why did I let him buy those pajamas? They make him look so young. I stand next to him. They asked if we can give him the care he needed. We said we could. “It’s okay,” I tell him. With my sleeve I clean the dust from his phone. Opening the paperback, I place the bookmark at Chapter One. I go to the bathroom and re-fill the cup. I pat him on the forehead again. “It’s all going to be okay,” I say. “Everything’s going to be fine.” He doesn’t say anything.
In the evening I put the wrap in the microwave. Within thirty seconds, it’s done. I take it out and put it on a plate. I eat on my lap in the living room. There’s something on TV. I think it’s a movie, or the news,
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or a movie about the news. It’s getting harder to tell. The wrap is worse than I remember. As I’m eating the final bite Stacy comes and sits with me. This is unusual. We have taken to eating our meals separately in the last few months. It’s OK. I can forgive her. This is a very trying time for our family. “You’re still eating that?” Stacy says. She examines what is left of the wrap- the burnt shell, the orange filling, a piece of cheese hanging like a flag of surrender. “It’s an acquired taste,” I sniff. I take another bite. It tastes of chemicals. “We need to talk,” Stacy says. She takes a sofa cushion and holds it to her chest. I put the television on mute. It is a short conversation. She’s afraid. She has a solution. There’s a hospital, she tells me, that’s more equipped to deal with this than we are. It hasn’t been easy for her to reach this conclusion. Its a few miles away. We could visit. They can give him a better quality of life, before… “Before what?” I say. I’m surprised by how steady my voice is. My hands clench. There’s a low hum in my head. We talk until we are shouting.
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I don’t remember exactly what happens next. But there’s a chair on the floor, lying at an angle. It’s left a mark on the floor where I threw it. A blonde skid mark. I would like to ask my son if this is an acceptable description, like the kind you might find in a book, but I can’t. Stacy is watching me. Her chest is rising and falling. Her face is a blotchy red colour. “I’m going into the garden.” I tell her. She says nothing, so I go. There’s a pair of green wellies by the door that I use for gardening. I put these on. I’m sitting by my plant. I touch one of the waxen leaves. It’s true gardening becomes an easy job when your only plant is plastic. It’s cold. The coolness of the concrete seeps through my jeans. Then, from under the fence, it wriggles. Brown fur. Black eyes. A tail the colour of dust. Dust is made primarily of meteorite pieces and dead skin. It’s an unfortunate reminder that anything can be ground down to nothing. The rat scurries into the center of our garden. It sniffs, and its head twitches. We lock eyes. Neither of us move. Above, the dark grey clouds seem to still. Cars still move outside. Shops are still open. Traffic lights still changing. On the main road a car backfires. The rat startles. It ducks under our neighbour’s fence and is gone.
Kinder, Kühe, Kirche AUTHOR VOLHA KASTSIUK / BELARUS TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN BY NICHOLAS PETROFF As always, Lena started her Saturday morning by cooking blini. Ilya preferred teenage games on his phone rather than helping his mother, while the four-year-old, Anton, was eager to lend a hand in making the batter and flipping the blini in the frying pan. “Anton, go and tell your father that breakfast is ready.” And the little one raced to the balcony, where Alexander was already into his second weekend trying to put together a DIY gym set for children. She was not hungry, but Lena made herself eat three blini and drink a cup of hot chocolate. 108
“Okay now. Your dinner (chicken, beetroot salad, and mashed potatoes) is in the fridge. In the freezer you’ll find a supply of frozen meals, which should last you for ten days. Then you could buy some sausages or order pizza.” “Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.” Even after sixteen years of marriage Alexander’s voice sounded strong and confident. And all of a sudden Lena just wanted to stay home, chill out on the couch with her husband and watch some Scandinavian crime drama about a serial killer on the prowl. ”All right then. I’ll go and get ready.” In the bathroom Lena looked at herself in the
mirror and tried to put on a smile. She quickly put on mascara, touched up her eyebrows, and powdered her nose. Then she removed her watch, bracelet and earrings, and put everything neatly into the bathroom cabinet. Earlier in the morning she had already spread out on the bed all her clothes she intended to wear. Lena proceeded to put on two pairs of panties, then she got into her bright red slacks, slipped on a white blouse, and put in her pocket an old reliable Nokia phone. “How do I look?” Lena asked Alexander when she was already in the hallway. “Ravishing!” “I’m ready.” Lena said while tying up her shoelaces. “Ilya, Anton, no need to kiss me good-bye. Listen to your dad. He’ll be back soon, and I’ll come back later!” She tried to shout over the TV. “Bye, mom!” Neither of them wanted to be the first to start talking in the car. Lena simply looked outside at the empty city streets trying to think of a topic for small talk. “Well…” “Lena, please don’t. Just give me a call no matter what. And when it’s over, also call me and I’ll come right away.” “I L O V E U.” Lena spelled out the phrase. “I love you too, bunny rabbit! Good luck! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.” “Knock on wood!” Lena let out a sigh of relief when she saw people on the other side of the square. She quickly went down the steps of the pedestrian underpass and entered an underground flower shop. The shop’s cement floor was partly obscured by gray plastic pots containing blue irises, bright orange tiger lilies, stern yellow roses, and many other lilac and purple flowers.
“If you want a red-white color combination, I can offer only orchids in pots.” The lady florist said with a voice hoarse from smoking too much. “The price is fifty rubles.” Lena started to scan all the flowers in the shop in a futile attempt to find something usable, but not too expensive. “Okay, you can have it for twenty, the dealer’s price. Maybe you people will change something in this country, because I can’t take it anymore!” Lena put a twenty-ruble note on the counter, grabbed the orchid, said “Thank you,” and dashed to the underpass exit. Upstairs, on the square, a long line of women zigzagged around flowerbeds, grassed areas, and park benches. Some still in their teens with school backpacks on their shoulders stood next to young women wearing fashionable brand clothes mixing with smartly dressed and coiffed middle-aged women, and well-groomed elderly ladies. All of them dressed in red and white were holding the same twotone chrysanthemums, carnations, and roses. The Red Church was majestically towering behind their backs. Like a Tetris piece, Lena organically moved into a small gap in the line and became one with the group of mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and grannies. She had no idea what to do with her potted orchid and so she simply put it down on the concrete pavement of the square in front of her. A frizzy haired girl next to her knelt down and tied a red ribbon around the orchid’s stem. A dizzying orchestra of voices surrounded Lena. “We might as well change the school. Although I don’t really want to stress him out because he’s into his senior year now…” “I cashed in my pension yesterday, exchanged some of it into fifty dollars. I’ll use the rest to
buy food and for expenses…” “I stopped attending his classes. He’ll flunk me for sure…” “Did you hear what she said? It’s not shameful, it’s honorable when women protect young guys from the cops!” ”I took a train and came here all the way from Hantsavichy. I’m staying with my aunt. Told her I had come here shopping…” Someone yelled out “Long Live Belarus!” and everybody else started to chant: “Long Live Be-La-Rus! Long Live Be-LaRus!” It seemed to Lena that her orchid, like a conductor’s baton, was orchestrating the choir of women’s voices by rhythmically swaying in synch with the chant. Suddenly it became silent. Deafening silence, silence—like in World War II movies showing sieged city folk expecting an imminent air raid. And in the midst of this silence Lena and all the women in line simultaneously turned their heads as if obeying a military command, “Eyes right!” A black column of police troopers in full riot gear was rapidly advancing right toward them. “Lock your arms! Hold the line!” One or two women from the line cried out.
her of her cousin whom she had not talked to for over a month since the beginning of August. The trooper was staring at her and her orchid. Lena was looking into his eyes thinking that he must be somebody’s son, husband, brother, father, and that he must have a home to return to tonight. She desperately tried to see in his eyes, fear, anxiety or repentance, but instead she could see only darkness. That darkness was sucking up her strength and confidence, and Lena was clutching at her orchid ever so tightly. Suddenly she saw that the riot policeman started to grin, first only with his eyes and then all the way with his mouth. Still grinning he mouthed a whisper, and Lena read on his lips
Lena snatched her orchid and turned into a link in the human chain. She could sense through the arms of the other women locked to hers both strength and primal fear. The fear sent its tingles down her spine, then it vibrated through all her bones and finally, through the tips of her fingers, vented its energy into the pot holding the white orchid.
“Fucking bitch.” Lena wriggled herself out of the arm-locked chain, raised the pot with the orchid all the way over her head and pelted it at the brown-eyed policeman. She saw the white orchid hit his black helmet, she saw the flower pot crack sending the soil flying. Lena did not wait to see the orchid hit the pavement — she was busy speeding toward the Red Church. She plunged through the open front doors, ran up the aisle, dropped to her knees in front of the altar, and started to pray.
The black helmeted troopers have formed a parallel line of their own two meters in front of Lena and made their stand as if their invisible puppeteer stopped pulling their strings. Lena was facing a riot policeman with big brown eyes and long black eyelashes. He reminded
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” Lena heard the stomping of heavy boots quickly approaching from behind and covered her head with her hands.
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PEPPER Magazine
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T
cover artist.
July 2022
JAYLEN PIGFORD '22
Like many Texas artists, it’s clear the big boys have been sleeping on Jaylen. His locale is likely the only thing that’s kept his work understated. The good news is, he’s here and his voice is
p. 111
o call Houston, Texas contemporary artist Jaylen Pigford an ‘emerging artist‘ is an understatement. His talent rivals much of what you’ll find in the pages of Juxtapoz or Hi•Fructose Art Magazines.
taken seriously. “My favorite places that I have shown were in San Antonio, Tx at Presa House Gallery. And at Ivester Contemporary in Austin, Tx. I would love to show my work in New York.” We’re fairly certain he will make it to The Big Apple, and likely beyond. And there are solid reasonsfor this. The snobby elitist mentality has been under attack for some time with millennials ushering in the new era of inclusion. And right now, there’s one thing that has the ability to render even an upscale gallery obsolete—REPRESENTATION. Elitism truly has no place in today’s society. Even celebrities are refusing to bring their business to institutions who are unwelcoming to newcomers. As for Jaylen Pigford, he won’t need any help standing out among the crowd. His work speaks volumes as it silently adorns the gallery walls. And the story each piece has to tell is worth listening to.
PEPPER STAFF K. DAY GOMEZ EDITOR IN CHIEF Hello, my name is Kathleen. I am a neurodivegent mother, wife and wearer of many hats. My career life is a bit of a juggling act. I’m an internationally published artist, author, creative consultant and intuitive life coach. I also sit on the Advisory Board of the Alora Farm nonprofit for adult autists. I’ve been a photojournalist, art illustrator and content writer for various publications and blogs for over two decades. I formerly held a modeling career for over 17 years that led to acting and directing, which I still may pursue in the future. I always seek to be of the most help to our community and global humanitarian issues any way I can. It was with this intention that I founded PEPPER Magazine. As a creative, and member of the LGBTQ community, it is also my intent that the publication be inclusive, diverse and support marginalized communities and those with varied abilities / disabilities by creating a safe space for all to be heard. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our mission. I anticipate great things for the future.
JOE A. GOMEZ III CFO & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR An all-American Texas boy born and raised in
San Antonio, Joe A. Gomez III has been a strong community leader, a humanitarian and a true lover of life. A former city councilman having served on the board of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce for several years, he's also the founder of JAG Enterprises with over 23 years of management experience. He is now PEPPER Magazine's CFO & Key Lifestyle Contributor. A chef to rival most, despite not having been classically trained, Joe's culinary expertise is impeccable. Enough so that over time he began to develop the ground work for what is now called NOVEM Cuisine. Since the founding of NOVEM, chef Joe's recipes have become more diverse and in turn, the public attention has grown. This has led to multiple international publications, to include London and Manchester, UK. And if you have the luck of tasting his food you'll understand why. There is no detail that escapes him, and the care he puts into the preparation and plating of every meal is nothing shy of five-star dining. The pièce de résistance is having him prepare it right from the comfort of the best restaurant in town; your own home.
ANGELA MICHELLE EMPOWERMENT MAVEN & INTIMACY ALCHEMIST Angela Michelle is a sexologist from The Sexology Institute. She specializes as an intimacy & body image coach and is also an
staff. empowerment photographer. Her portfolio is expansive covering almost two decades. As an inclusive yoga instructor, she also provides modified yoga lessons for those who need it. Angela is a speaker, educator, mentor and advocate who raises awareness on a variety of topics she is passionate about.
known as: Artist Foundation of San Antonio). In May of 2020 she was awarded Best Live Entertainment/Band Musician of the Year by the SEA Awards.
We are honored to have her unique and empowering insight on the PEPPER Magazine board of staff contributors.
TINA SENA
ANDREA ‘ VOCAB’ SANDERSON POET LAUREATE Poet Laureate 20202023, performs as “Vocab” in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. ”Watching her perform, the word “hero” comes to mind. And not “hero” for the sake of just skill, but for her work in her community: Sanderson teaches poetry workshops, mentors, builds up and encourages artists to pursue their art, and gives them platforms to showcase their talent. Sanderson’s interest in other people’s art and artistic development became a passion of hers, and she started curating her own shows and creating platforms for other artists to hone their craft by hosting open mics.” -The San Antonio Current, Jan. 16, 2018 She received awards, Performer of the Year, Influencer of the Year, from Project Forward, and Dream Voice, from the Dream Week Commission. Sanderson is the winner of the 2019 People’s Choice Award, awarded by Luminaria Artist Foundation (formerly
NUTRITIONIST & FITNESS EXPERT Hi, my name is Tina Sena and it has been my passion to motivate, inspire and encourage others to achieve health and wellness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. For 24 years now I have been doing personal training, nutrition consulting, kids programs, developing a protein line of sweet treats and running my own businesses. I am a spouse and also a real estate business partner with my husband Michael, and we have a beautiful 13 year old daughter named Mia. It is my desire to build a community where we can share with others all the knowledge we have accumulated over the years to help create total health and wellness in their lives. I was an only child who grew up in a home with a mentally ill father and a mother who, although very strong, was also riddled with fear and anxiety while working all the time to provide for our family. We had very little so I was terribly ridiculed in school. I saw my first therapist at the age of 10. My father passed away at 44 and as a very independent 20 year old I was on a mission to help others to not suffer in all the ways myself and my family did physically, mentally and emotionally.
staff. Ibecame a personal trainer about 24 years ago while I was working as a model and living a completely unhealthy lifestyle. I wanted so much to have lean, sexy muscles which was a no no back then in that world. So I hired my first personal trainer who taught me how to lift weights and eat properly. I never felt better! My body, mind and health completely changed and off I went. I began training for triathlons and fitness competitions with some of the best trainers and decided that was it - I wanted to do for others what they had all done for me. So off to work I went. I am now an upscale fitness facility owner, protein treats line developer and I organize a nonprofit program changing the course for kids! I believe that we all have the power within us to get past the pain we endure in life. We just need the proper guidance and resources to get us there! It means everything to me to help my community to be encouraged and feel love and support through what might be their most challenging journey.....working on ourselves!!!”
SARAH HALLMURPHY LITERARY AUTHOR Sarah HallMurphy is a writer from Manchester, England. She has work published in BRAG Magazine, MMU Poetry Society Anthology, Cathartic Literary Magazine, Interstellar Lit, Streetcake Magazine, Aah Magazine and the Paper Crane Outstanding Young Writers anthology. Her work is incredibly compelling, full of substance. Sarah’s tone and pace keeps the reader engaged in a similar fashion as a cinematic experience. And the richness of her descriptions make her stories visceral, truly immersing the reader in the world she creates with her words.
MICHAEL CIRLOS ROBERT DEAN
DOCUMENTARIAN
JOURNALIST & AUTHOR
Documentarian and photojournalist Michael Cirlos is well known in the San Antonio community for capturing the stories of people from all walks of life in the downtown area.
[In his own words...] Robert Dean is a journalist, raconteur, and ‘enlightened dumbass’. His work has been featured in places like MIC, Eater, Fatherly, Yahoo, Austin AmericanStatesman, Consequence of Sound, Ozy, USA Today, to name a few. He’s appeared on CNN and NPR. He also serves as features writer for Hussy Magazine and is editor in chief for Big Laugh Comedy, Texas’ biggest comedy production company. He lives in Austin and loves ice cream and koalas.
His education into the field began with volunteer efforts through Webster University Thailand where he studied International Relations and Buddhism. A UTSA graduate, Cirlos founded an impactful initiative with the directive of promoting and uplifting SA’s culture and city life in real time. He has photo-books available and
continued…
staff. has been published many times, in addition to being a best-selling author at Trinity University Press. Michael continues his search for truth and the human perspective in every facet of his work. We are enriched by his involvement with our inclusive publication.
BECKY WITTEMARSH SUSTAINABLE FASHION & LIFESTYLE EXPERT
photography to express more than what is seen by the eye. His mission is to capture the deeper meaning and emotional depth in landscapes, city scapes, human interaction and still objects. A nomadic photo hobbyist of many years, he’s cultivated a large journalistic body of work which has now led to his position here at PEPPER Magazine. He is a remote asset, working from Maryland with the open possibility of more travel in the future. We’re excited to watch his journey unfold and share his stories along the way.
STACEY RAE OLIVARESGARCIA PHOTOJOURNALIST
Becky found her passion for sustainable fashion and home furnishings at an early age when being sustainable was a necessity. A lifetime of creating her own personal style through sustainable sources, got the attention of those around her. Today her innovative creations using vintage, thrift and self-made items will inspire a new way to look at dressing and styling your home. Becky will help you turn style sustainability from an inconvenience into an ADVENTURE!
Stacey is a San Antonio native, growing up down
the road from Karam's Mexican Restaurant and The Malt House. While residing in Austin, Stacey began to grow her passion for photojournalism by capturing the heart of the person behind the lens. She wanted to bring this fresh outlook with her to San Antonio. Returning to her hometown allowed her to focus on the art in a person's story.
PHOTO JOURNALIST
Stacey's work has been featured in several magazines such as; Entertainment Tonight Online, Voyage Houston, and S.A. Scene Magazine. She has captured photos for multiple businesses across various industries including Luzianne Tea and August Ink.
Caleb Catoe is a natural storyteller who uses perspective
er creative eye and ability to capture her H subjects’ stories with grace and dignity makes Olivares-Garcia the perfect addition to the PEPPER team.
CALEB CATOE
staff. MICHAEL AVILA CHRISTMAN DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER Founder of Darkhorse Photography, his photographic and media company, San Antonio
native creative professional Michael Avila Christman is a fixture here. His projects range from short film to documentary to commercials to editorial fashion photography. He’s worked with well known models, designers, makeup artists, musicians, local celebrities and other professionals throughout his expansive career. Now, Michael is taking his passion for journalism and theatrical storytelling to new heights by collaborating with PEPPER Magazine and taking on a staff contributor role. He will be responsible for the majority of commercial video content for the publication through his tenure to come.
independent magazines and learned how to submit my work. I was finally published and on the cover of a magazine for the first time in October 2016. Soon after that, I was signed with TL Modeling Agency in Houston, Texas. But things don’t always go as planned. After enduring occasional rejection from magazine editors, I founded my own art & fashion magazine called Bevie in November 2016. My mission with Bevie was to showcase emerging, local and international talent such as artists, models, photographers, designers, and other creatives. By making a sophisticated publication more approachable, I was able to help my fellow colleagues get established or further along in their career. After two years of publishing my bimonthly mag, I decided to go back to work full-time and the last issue was released in December 2018. Bevie still has quite the following today! Today, I am now focused on creating mixed media art, establishing my networking event, turned group called Girl Flock Party, and becoming a part of the local artist community. It has been an amazing journey and I am grateful for every experience along the way!” Melanie is a great asset to the PEPPER team and provides valuable guidance, lead finding and creative / marketing advice from her home base in the Georgetown / Austin area.
MELANIE ALLISON NETWORKING LIAISON One day, I decided to take life by the (long)horns and got back to my roots by modeling and painting again. I wanted to break the fashion industry standards and stigmas by creating a need for a petite and classic model. I started working with local photographers in the Austin area, building a new portfolio. Soon I discovered
ROMY NAVA HEALING PRACTITIONER Romy Nava has been actively developing his gift as a healer since the beginning of 2013.
As a Sound Healing and Reiki practitioner, he has formulated a signature holistic protocol.
staff. His clients are comforted and claim to experience a relaxed calming sensation for days following each session he provides. Also a media tech and podcast host, Romy aims to educate and hold space for enlightened thought by way of his platform. He establishes a dialogue that is relatable with the intention of getting to the core of the human psyche, spirit and mind-body connection. He examines the choices we make vs. practical and functional resolution. All of this expertise and experience makes him an incredible asset to PEPPER Magazine. Say hello to Romy and open yourself up to learning something new… maybe even about yourself.
community out there of dudes that are happy to encourage, give tips, even help out with charities and events. One of the companies that I ambassador for donates part of every sale to first responders. Turns out there’s a lot of firemen that make and sell mustache wax also. And seeing people randomly, I ALWAYS get compliments from people. And I’m happy they think it’s cool and get a kick outta it. Even gotten some free beers in the bars. That’s worth it right there alone.”
ANDREW BARRAZA STYLE CONSULTANT Andrew is a graphic novel artist & comic book enthusiast who also happens to be a mustache connoisseur. “Men are always just kinda left out when it comes to grooming topics. I had to learn all my tricks on the street. I’m and ambassador for a couple of stache grooming brands. It’s been a blast growing it, helping others with tips and making new friends. I still draw when I have the chance. Love comics and art.” He is here to lend PEPPER Magazine his expertise in mens grooming, the subcultural aspect that goes along with this niche and other great products, tips and resources for men. “It’s really funny, without knowing when I got into it, there’s a giant mustache
PEPPER STAFF IS INTERNATIONAL …And we’re growing. More staff contributors & professionals will be named in issues to come as slots continue to fill. If you’re interested in becoming part of the team, email hello.pepper@outlook.com .
directory.
directory. Credits, Locations & Contact 6
Introduction by editor in
chief K. Day Gomez / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @creative.consultant.kday / email
13
hello.pepper@outlook.com / web directory msha.ke/kathleendaygomez 8
Artist Jaylen Pigford /
Houston, Texas / Instagram @jayyford96 / current gallery exhibition FLXST Contemporary Art Gallery in Chicago, Illinois linktr.ee/flxstco - Instagram @flxstco 13
17
Artist Yelena Beliaev /
Israel / Instagram @woollygems_ 17
Graphic designer & visual
artist Bernada Nibera Conic Ljubljana, Slovenia / Instagram @nibera_35mm & @nibera_digital / web directory flowcode.com/page/nibera_35 mm 22
22
Artist David A. Elizondo of
Plastic Bucket / San Antonio, Texas / Alonzo Bucket on Facebook
ON THE COVER Artist Jaylen Pigford / Houston, Texas / support the artist via patreon.com/JaylenPigford
28
28 Entrepreneuer Larissa Leath of The Floral Standard / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @thefloralstandard / thefloralstandard.com / photographers Brittney Welch @brittneywelchphoto, Mayra Eads @mayraeadsphototograp hy & Torry Sledge @the_quantum_lotus / MUA- Elite Eyebrows & Makeup Studio Jewelry - Nicole Mera Floral Headpiece, Floral Ring & Floral BraceletEden's Echo Floral Design 33 Designer Amanda Alarcón-Hunter - Owner, Vintage Curator, Object Artist, Sustainable Designer & Designer for Minx and Onyx / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @amandaalarconhunter & @minxandonyx / web directory linktr.ee/minxandonyx / Untamable - The Sustainable Fashion Show credits : Instagram @untamablethesustainabl efashionshow TEAM — Amanda Alarcón-Hunter Creative DIrector, Executive Producer, Sustainable artist & Designer • Sam Paniagua @sol_y_luna_salon Creative Director & Master Hairstylist • Becky WitteMarsh @beckywittemarsh -Stylist & Set designer • Olivia Villa @livbeautified -
directory. Lead Makeup Artist • Alyse
chrishaimerl.com / model Elise Mears @elisemearss in Los Angeles, California / hmua KT Hair & Makeup Artistry @kateamua
Deanda with Bloomingsocial @the.bloomingsocial Executive Assistant & Event Manager • Chris Cantoya @neohombre -Lead Photographer • artists Timothy McVain @timothymcvainlives &
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Mauro Murillo @mauromurillo_art
45 Photographer Tim Bracey / Dallas, Texas / model Gwen Perez @gwengwen_5 / hmua & accessories designer Kira Kahlke @okoscreations
PHOTOGRAPHERS — Torry Sledge with Quantum Lotus @the_quantum_lotus • Chris Contoya with Contoya photography • Roger Duran with Duran Photography @rogerduran.photography • Marty Morris • Al Zavala MODELS — Peige Nyeusi Almasi
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@nyeusi_almasi • Elise Fernaan @eliefernan • Jasmine Cantu @jasmineecantu • Stephanie Ashby @stephanieashbyx • Aitiyana @aitiyanaaa • Kenya Wilson @kenyawilson_hawkins • Hayley @hayleyyynicoleeee • Caroline Combs @carolinecombs_avant •
45
Victoria Trevino @victoria._trevino • Hannah Nicole Lashway @hannah_nicole.09 • Alexander Santistevan @alexander__santistevan • Curtis Lewis @chitownmodel 66
Photographer Chris
Haimerl / Augsburg, Germany / Instagram @bychrishaimerl
47
47 Sustainable Stylist & Lifestyle Expert Becky Witte-Marsh / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @beckywittemarsh / Image credits from Untamable the Sustainable Fashion Show @untamablethesustainable show by Amanda AlarcónHunter : models Elise Fernandez @eliefernan & Hayley Nicole @hayleyyynicoleeee • hair Same Paniagua @sol_y_luna_salon & @samhairdude • mua Olivia Villa @livbeautified • photographer Torry Sledge @the_quantum_lotus ADDITIONAL ‘mood board photography’ by Angela Compagnone @_angelacompagnone / Amsterdam • Nicole Reyes @nicol1reyes / Montreal • James Giddins / Liverpool, England SHOPS — Svelte Veldt / 5009 Broadway, Alamo Heights, TX 78209 / (210) 973-7770 / Instagram @svelte_veldt_home • Rooms & Gardens / 5405
directory. Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 / (210) 829-5511 / @roomsandgardenssa • Home design photos of Becky’s home ARTWORK — artist John Jenkins / Houston, Texas / Instagram @art_of_john_jenkins • the
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Ginsburg children; Anais, Lucas and Lizzie / London, England / @gm.lucas.gm 56
Key Lifestyle Contributor
Joe A. Gomez III / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @jogoiii & @jag.enterprises PHOTOGRAPHERS — Joe A. Gomez III • Simply Sefra Photography @simply.sefra.photography /
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San Antonio, Texas • Laurenz Kleinheider @laurlenz / Vienna, Austria SHOP — Nordstrom / 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256 / (210) 332-1900 / nordstrom.com / @nordstrom BRANDS — Cole Haan @colehaan • Salvatore Ferragamo
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@ferragamo • Tom Ford @tomford • with quotation sited from British designer Alexander McQueen 111
Entrepreneur Larissa
Leath [see p. 28] of Rose Refreshments / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @roserefreshments / https://thefloralstandard.com /
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rose-refreshments / Recipe by Larissa Leath / with photography by Brittney Welch @brittneywelchphoto • Torry Sledge @the_quantum_lotus • model Mercedes Webb @lesherwith3monstars • mua Stephanie Eiland of Pineapple House Beauty @pineapplehouse_beauty • cotton candy wig by Sugar Clouds Cotton Candy @sugarcloudscottoncandy 133 Libations suggested by Becky Witte-Marsh [continued from p. 47] / Recipes curated by Becky, referenced from the book The Spirit of Gin: A Stirring Miscellany of the New Gin Revival by Matt Teacher • with tea from Oliver Pluff & Co. @oliverpluff PHOTOGRAPHERS — Becky Witte-Marsh • K. Day Gomez @creative.consultant.kday / Alamo Heights, Texas • Edson Rosas @ed.rosas.uk / London, England 64 Model Stephan Adam / San Diego, California / Instagram @stephanrock3s & @stephanhadon PHOTOGRAPHERS — @photography_by_roberta • Jordan Woodley @jordanwphotography • IGS Photography @ivan_gsphotography • Joyce Antonette @jjas.tin • lc84_photo
directory. 68
Moriah Meriel @ms.meriel_model • Jasper St. James @jasperstjames
Ceramic Artist Elyse
Cano Brown / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @elysecano_ceramics / photojournalist Stacey Rae Olivares-Garcia @staceyraeofficial 72
Photojournalist Sefra
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Schwab / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @simply.sefra.photography 75
Photojournalist Gabriel
Paiva on The Berkeley Bird Man / Berkeley, California 77
Model Sasha Starynets /
Ukraine - France / Instagram @ / photographer Yuri Biloskurskij
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Photojournalist Caleb
Catoe / Maryland / Instagram @icarus.imagez 86
Nutritionist & Fitness
Expert Tina Sena / New Braunfels, Texas / Instagram @tinasenaofficial / tinasena.org 88
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Empowerment Maven &
Intimacy Alchemist Angela Michelle [also photographer] / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @heyangelamichelle & @intimacy.alchemist MODELS — Skincy Themodelnurse @skincyrhemodelnurse •
94 Artist Aiden Gamez / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @i.am.aiden.g / msha.ke/artistaideng / photojournalist K. Day Gomez @creative.consultant.kday 100 Poet Laureate Andrea Vocab Sanderson / San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @vocabulous / photographer Johnny Rivers III
@yuriybeloshkursky 83
91 Healing Practitioner Romy Nava / A Modern Mystic / San Antonio, Texas / @romynava247 PHOTOGRAPHERS — Cynthia Magana / Los Angeles, California • Youssef Naddam / Casablanca, Morocco
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102 Literary Author Sarah Hall-Murphy / Manchester, England / Instagram @sarah.hall.murphy PHOTOGRAPHERS — Marcelo Leal / Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil • Marlen Damm 108 Author Volha Kastsiuk / Belarus / Instagram @volha_kastsiuk / Translated from Russian by Nicholas Petroff PHOTOGRAPHERS — Andrew Keymaster / New York • Liza Pooor @poor_liza /
directory. Instagram @staceyraeofficial
London, England
ADVERTISERS 5
Clear Light Coffee Co. /
12656 west ave, bldg 3. Sa, Tx, 78216 / www.clear light.coffee / Instagram @clearlightcoffeeco / About:
5
Opened August of 2021 A privately owned shop focused on fine quality food, organic ingredients, amazing coffee & teas We want to provide an amazing experience for anyone looking to break away from the stressors of the day. Forward focus plans will include a wine bar
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extension, seasonality chef prepared lunch/dinner menus menus. Continuing to be a place
32 NOVEM Cuisine / San Antonio & Texas - will travel Worldwide / chef Joe A. Gomez III / novemcuisine.weebly.com / Instagram @novem.cuisine / email jagomezthree@icloud.com / photographer & ad designer K. Day Gomez 58 Whole Heart Foods / Nutritionist & Fitness Expert - Tina Sena / New Braunfels, Texas / tinasena.org / Instagram @tinasenaofficial / ad created by K. Day Gomez 63 Darkhorse Photography / servicing San Antonio & Texas / Instagram @darkhorsephotographysa / ad created by K. Day Gomez
that supports charity events & great causes across San Antonio. / photographer Caleb Russell • Queensland Australia / ad created by K. Day Gomez 7
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Art for Uvalde /
Worldwide / artists K. Day Gomez & Aiden Gamez are an autistic mother & son team of creatives / theimaginariumwonderempo rium.com/collections/artprints 27
Stacey Rae Photography
/ cloverbudphotography.com
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76 Sustainable Fashion & Lifestyle Expert - Becky Witte-Marsh / Instagram @beckywittemarsh / ad created by K. Day Gomez / Image credits from Untamable - the Sustainable Fashion Show @untamablethesustainable show by Amanda AlarcónHunter : model Hayley Nicole @hayleyyynicoleeee • hair Same Paniagua @sol_y_luna_salon & @samhairdude • mua Olivia Villa @livbeautified • photographer Torry Sledge @the_quantum_lotus
directory. ADVERTISERS […continued.] 84
Clinician Itxia Lee
Acevedo of POUT MedSpa /San Antonio, Texas / poutmedspa.com / / Instagram @pout_itxialee / ad created by K. Day Gomez /
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model Allie Guillen @allieviictoria 85
Return of the Matriarch /
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR READERS - IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS WHERE WE ARE BASED, THE UNITED STATES & AROUND THE WORLD. YOU ARE THE REASON WE ARE HERE.
San Antonio, Texas / Instagram @returnofthematriarch — Poet Laureate Andrea ‘Vocab’ Sanderson x artist, poet & educator Aminah Decé deliver raw power with their new
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
collaboration, ROTM. Back inside-cover artist 99
Seigar / Spain / “Time &
Artist Melanie Alison /
Austin, Texas /
Rituals” / Instagram
melanieallisongallery.com /
@jseigar /
seigar.wordpress.com
created by K. Day Gomez 120
SUBMIT to PEPPER
Magazine / Worldwide / web directory
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msha.ke/peppermagazine / Instagram @hello.peppermagazine / email hello.pepper@outlook.com / SUBMIT via KAVYAR at kavyar.com/peppermagazine/submissions/august -issue-arts-culture-fashionculinary-business
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global. inclusive empowering.
@melanieallisongallery / ad