 |
|
|
I remember very clearly how I had met Anthony D'Agnillo. Every year I go to a beautiful music festival called Bliss Fest. I had reunited with some long lost friends in the woods, it was the last night so we had been walking around in a group following the electrifying shrieks and the drum beats. After getting shutdown by security several times that night, we found ourselves sitting around a tree sharing our Bliss experiences and taking pulls from some whiskey. Suddenly we realized that all this time we had never gone to Lake Michigan during the night. Since this night could not have been more perfect, we loaded up and headed (slowly) to the lake. Listening to Truth by Alexander we rolled up to the beach where the dark sky was sprinkled with stars and the beach illuminated by our glow sticks. We each took a moment to ourselves to enjoy to calm, silent water. New friends were made along with a new memory that we had gotten to experience first hand together.
Since then, Anthony has created a space where he is able to uncover the boundaries within different art styles. Below are photos and drawings from his page I Am Entertainment, above is a link to view the particular artist of each picture within this interview.
I post a lot about astrology so I am going to start asking this; what’s your sign?
I am a Sagittarius with my rising sign in Libra.
What projects are you currently working on?
Well, lately I have been working on my wire wrapping. I’ve wrapped four necklaces in two days in an effort to better hone into my skill. Also, I am nearly finished with a 18x24 colored pencil portrait of an elephant with a large wingspan. Lots of inviting colors in the background.
What is I Am Entertainment?
I Am Entertainment is an online showcase for various artists and their works. I photograph and curate each piece and archive them on the showcase allowing them to be preserved and appreciated by all who wish to be inspired and entertained.
When did you know that you should start up something such as I Am Entertainment?
I was looking for a way to get in touch with people who have made their art into a way of life. I have to admit, I didn’t quite know what I was getting into at first, but the closer I got to the artists and the deeper the insights became, the more I knew I was doing something worthwhile and positive for the creative community and the more I could see how it was making me a part of that community. For me, that is the most rewarding part of this undertaking. I am truly grateful to be surrounded by so many expansive and inspirational minds.
I love how you showcase different aspects of life, artists, and music! Is there a specific subject that you enjoy to photograph or look forward to shooting in the future?
I’m glad you can appreciate the variety in the showcase. At the same time, one of the objectives of I Am Entertainment is to be able to convey the implied line or common thread that all things are interconnected and, in spite of all the differences, it’s all an expression of Truth. I say Truth with a capital “T” because I find it to be less dogmatic than throwing around the word God or perhaps more effective than simply referring to infinity or the universe. In every moment, you can find truth and relevance and that is what I try to capture; the raw, unadulterated moment. I look forward to the next time the moment grabs me and I can’t help but capture it. There can be no telling when or what that moment will be.
Being someone who appreciates the simple things in life, was there a certain moment you began to recognize the worth of these varieties of art and music?
I don’t think there was a specific moment where it all came into perspective that I can speak of, but I can say that experience has taught me that complacency in any aspect of life, whether that be at work, in your diet, in art, in music, in relationship, complacency is a lethal thing. The mind needs to be stimulated with variety, movement, and fresh ideas. The worth of variety in anything in invaluable and should be taken to heart.
Since you also perform music, what instruments can you play? Where do you normally play?
I can play the Guitar, the Banjo, and I was brought up on the Piano. Normally, when I play, I play for myself. It’s something I enjoy doing when I have a few minutes to spare or if there is a song I hear that I want to learn, I will learn it so I can play it for myself. The emotion I put into my music is very personal, and I have shied away from playing for large groups.
When you’re not capturing moments or creating concepts through art, how else do you like to spend your time, what are your other hobbies?
I’ve found it difficult to maintain many of my hobbies once I dedicated myself to my crafts. I used to skateboard and maintain a strict running regimen, but it became too stressful and damaging to my body. I find taking walks to be much more therapeutic. I also maintain a healthy, well rounded, vegetarian diet. Cultivating a strong awareness and an open heart have become my main focal points in life. Art is best channeled through a clear mind with no distractions. I create a space for this using incense, candles, light background music, and lots of rest.
Throughout your explorations to find artists of all kinds, what pieces of advice have you picked up from them?
Stay true to who you are and your own path. Don’t be afraid of failure and don’t let doubt stop you from trying new things. You are capable of amazing things. Decide what you want and don’t lose sight of it. Have faith because this moment is the only one you will ever know. Keep breathing and listen. You will never be free as long as you judge people. Love indiscriminately.
Having a gypsy soul is inspiring for many people these days that are stuck in the cold cubes of the corporate world, do you have any advice for up and coming artist who are trying to pursue this lifestyle?
Yeah. You don’t need my advice. Listen to what I have to say, but always check in with yourself to see what holds most true to you. Don’t put people or things on a pedestal. All the wisdom you will ever need can be found within yourself. You are an infinitely powerful and unique part of this universe connected to everything. See this and marvel at it. Don’t force creation. Sometimes being still and silent and listening is the most valuable thing you can do for yourself. Let your creations come to you and when the moment hits you, be ready to capture it.
