Tag: Portland

From Pain to Paint: How Isaiah Quittner Transforms Trauma into Art at Flask Lounge

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Isaiah Quittner standing in front of his painting at Flask Lounge

Flask Lounge is proud to feature Isaiah Quittner as our Artist of the Month this July. Known in the art community as “Fractal Boi,” Isaiah brings a deep, emotionally rich body of work to our brick walls. I enjoyed meeting Isaiah and discussing his art, inspiration, and journey.

Background and Inspiration

Isaiah Quittner, a visual artist based in Burlington, Vermont, has been creating art for over a decade. Though his current medium is primarily acrylic paint, he has a fondness for ballpoint pen and ink. Isaiah describes his art as a “visual journal,” capturing significant moments and emotions from his life.

“I hope people see the struggle that I’m trying to imbue into it, but also understanding that the most important thing about creating is you can take pain and make it palatable.”

Exhibit at Flask Lounge

This exhibit at Flask Lounge is Isaiah’s first solo show, and it holds a special place in his heart. Each piece represents a chapter in his life, a culmination of emotions and experiences. “I hope people can see the pieces and know they’re all really important chapters in my life.” He views his work as a means of connecting with others, helping them feel less alone through shared experiences and emotions.

Journey Through Art

Isaiah’s journey into art is significantly influenced by a traumatic experience in high school, which he describes as a brain anomaly or seizure. This event profoundly altered his perception and drove him to pour his emotions onto the page. “I spent an entire week filling a page as densely as I could because I was worried about my mortality,” he recalls. To try to encapsulate the deepest depths of our emotions, Isaiah balances the beauty and pain on a single page through contrast, using various textures, sizes, and depths of emotion. He incorporates expressions and body language positions to convey these emotions, considering how we naturally position our bodies as a way to connect with others on a deeply human level.

Live Painting at Festivals

Isaiah’s venture into live painting at festivals began with smaller community events, invited to paint at shows and festivals by his friend Kayla Levitt. These early experiences helped him grow comfortable with live painting, eventually leading him to larger festivals. “Live painting is a perfect confluence of most of my passions. I get to connect with people, dance, and enjoy the music,” he says. The energy and interaction with festival-goers add a unique dimension to his work; though he remains true to his vision, he sometimes incorporates audience suggestions.

Challenges and Inspirations

Like many artists, Isaiah faces financial challenges and the constant struggle of balancing work and life. “Often, I’ll stay up very late because it seems like the only blocks of solid time I can work on a piece.” Despite these obstacles, he finds inspiration in a diverse range of artists, from contemporary figures like Gabriel Welch and Jonathan Solter to historical greats like Hieronymus Bosch and Ernst Fuchs.

Memorable Moments

One of Isaiah’s most memorable live painting experiences was at a show for LTJ Bukem, where the synergy of the music and atmosphere made the painting process feel natural and ecstatic. “I was depicting a creature that kind of embodied the maniacal bliss I was feeling,” highlighting the joy and freedom that art brings him.

Connecting with Isaiah

Isaiah’s art is a testament to his resilience and ability to transform pain into beauty. He hopes that visitors to Flask Lounge will appreciate his work’s aesthetic and connect with the deeper messages within. To follow his journey and see more of his art, you can connect with him on Instagram at @fractalboi or via email at isaiahquittner@gmail.com. His website, currently under construction, will soon feature a range of his works and clothing items.

Rapid Fire Questions with Isaiah Quittner

Jessica Nolette: Are you a hunter? I have to ask you because you’ve got a gun up behind your head, and you’ve got a deer on your shirt. 🤨
Isaiah Quittner: That’s funny. 😂 No, that’s my roommate’s, and it’s a BB gun from when he was a kid. I don’t like killing things.

Jessica Nolette: What’s your favorite place to travel? 🧳
Isaiah Quittner: York Beach, Maine. It’s nostalgic for me, with memories of hanging out on the beach and getting candy from Goldenrod.

Jessica Nolette: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? 🍽️
Isaiah Quittner: Probably a friend of mine that I’ve lost, Connor. I think there would be something really nice about that.

Jessica Nolette: What is a go-to app on your phone that you feel like you can’t live without? 📲
Isaiah Quittner: Instagram. It has my entire artistic timeline since eighth grade, and I fear losing all that history.

Jessica Nolette: What’s your favorite food? 🍔
Isaiah Quittner: Probably a hamburger, or some Annie’s macaroni and cheese.

Jessica Nolette: Do you have a favorite movie? 🍿
Isaiah Quittner: “Mr. Nobody” and “Waking Life.” “Mr. Nobody” explores different life paths based on decisions, and “Waking Life” dives into existential and philosophical concepts with a unique rotoscoping animation style.

As Isaiah continues to explore and express his artistic vision, we are honored to showcase his work at Flask Lounge. We invite you to come and experience his art’s emotional depth and intricate beauty throughout July.

“Queer As In… dj red tide on Bridging Beats, Advocacy, Pride, and Community”

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At the forefront of Portland’s queer scene, dj red tide is known not only for their dance parties and commitment to activism and community support, but also for the unforgettable moments they create. dj red tide holds the distinction of being the only DJ to ever set a subwoofer ablaze and surprise an ecstatic crowd with the Undertow Brass Band (formerly What Cheer? Brigade), an 18-piece ensemble that brought the house down. dj red tide’s events stand out as some of the most memorable that Portland has ever seen.

“It all started when I moved back to Maine from Philadelphia, where I had spent several years DJing through the early 2000s, hosting numerous house parties and really immersing myself in the music scene,” dj red tide explains. “After stepping away from the scene for a while, upon my return to Maine, I noticed a significant gap—there were no queer dance parties. That’s what inspired me to dive back into DJing. I gathered some friends, and together we approached Flask Lounge with our crazy idea. Flask was incredibly supportive and allowed us to bring our vision to life. SUB/MERGE lasted three and a half years and holds a very tender part in my heart.”

SUB/MERGE was about more than just music; it aimed to create a space that connected dance parties with queer community building and broader radical political activism. “It was always a fundraiser. We raised $11,000 and donated it to various organizations over those years, which is pretty cool. But for me, as a DJ, what’s crucial is how to connect a party to community activism.”

When discussing the impact of community events on advocacy, dj red tide emphasized the powerful role of intentional spaces: “We’re embodying the kind of world we want to live in. It’s about setting intentions, creating a space where we can dance, have fun, and advocate for change simultaneously.”

dj red tide at the parade on Lundi Gras
These photos are from the beautiful @kreweofchickpea parade on Lundi Gras. Always grateful for what new Orleans teaches me about culture, resistance, joy & grief.
Give directly to this community water project: Venmo @wellforthepeople with “water” in the subject line.

This year’s Pride party is meaningful, as it supports two important causes: Portland Outright and a crucial water project in Gaza. dj red tide passionately discussed the vital work of Portland Outright, saying, “In the midst of a severe backlash against trans youth and a broader right-wing agenda scapegoating trans people, Portland Outright stands out by nurturing young leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve been developing leaders who continue to advocate for change both in Portland and across the country. It’s an incredibly important time to support such a program.”

Expanding on their global advocacy, dj red tide spoke about their commitment to the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and their direct involvement:

“The war and genocide happening in Palestine are among the most pressing issues of our times. For 20 years, I’ve been involved in Palestinian solidarity work, and right now, we need to be thinking about Palestine all the time. We’re raising money through this party to support a community water project in Gaza, where the funds go directly to developing a water distribution system. This direct involvement helps us ensure the resources we raise are immediately put to work to aid the community—because water is life.”

As for what attendees can expect from this year’s Pride event at Flask Lounge, dj red tide promises a blend of joy and resistance. “This year, it’s about embodying queer resistance, showing that our joy and our rights are intertwined. We are creating spaces for celebration but also for advocacy and change, reinforcing the idea that our gatherings are not just parties but acts of solidarity and activism.”

This Pride, Flask Lounge invites you to experience the Queer Revelry and the heart of activism woven by dj red tide. Join us to celebrate, support, and contribute to a movement that dances boldly in the face of adversity.

🎟️GET PRIDE TICKETS HERE!🎟️

BONUS — Quickfire with dj red tide

Favorite Dance Track: Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” is a surefire hit. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that not only has people singing along but inspires coordinated dance routines. Video Bonus: Check out this throwback clip from 10 years ago to see the magic in action!


Digital or Vinyl: Digital – it allows for creativity, sharing, and accessibility, despite a love for vinyl records.
Morning or Night person: Somewhere in between, but not quite built for the typical DJ late nights.
One app they can’t go without: The weather app – crucial for planning parties.

SO far the weather for 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Portland is looking perfect! 😎


Last book read: “Dilla Time” – a biography of Jay Dilla, a musical genius and pivotal figure in hip-hop history.
Favorite podcast: “Maintenance Phase” – a podcast about fatphobia and the weight loss industry, filled with humor and political insights.

Connect with DJ red tide

• On Instagram @redtide207 which is regularly updated. DM on Instagram for bookings.
• Substack for occasional mixes and writing about dance music.

Upcoming events:
🗓️ On June 14th dj red tide is djing for Nebula! A Queer Party at Geno’s Rock Club that will feature incredible burlesque and drag performances and will close with a dance party.
🗓️ On Friday July 19th DISCO DUNGEON and I will be at Flask Lounge for a takeover of Friction Friday.

ADDITIONAL Resources:

Portland Outright: 
Website: www.portlandoutright.org
Instagram: @portlandoutright

Boston Area Palestine Mutual Aid
LinkTree: linktr.ee/bostonareamutualaid
Give directly to this community water project: Venmo @wellforthepeople with “water” in the subject line

More Palestine resources:
Middle East Children’s Alliance: https://www.mecaforpeace.org/
US Campaign Palestinian Human Rights: https://uscpr.org/
Palestinian Youth Movement: https://palestinianyouthmovement.com/
Jewish Voice for Peace: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/

🎟️GET PRIDE TICKETS HERE!🎟️

Bob Peterson: Flask Lounge’s Featured May Artist

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From Street Art to Sobriety: Bob Peterson’s Journey of Creative Resilience

This May, Flask Lounge features artist Bob Peterson (@dollydarko27) following the debut of Geo SanGiovanni. Visitors can explore Bob’s distinctive work, which blends graffiti and street art, throughout the month. A special meet-and-greet event on Friday, May 10th, from 7-9 p.m. offers an opportunity to connect with Bob in person and hear more about his journey of creativity, community, and sobriety. Mr Dereloid, one of Bob’s favorite local DJs, hosts Foundation Friday at 9 p.m.

From Manchester to Portland: Finding Community and Inspiration

Relocating from Manchester to Portland marked a pivotal moment for Bob, providing him with a supportive environment that nurtured his creativity. “In Manchester, there wasn’t much of a vibrant street art scene,” Bob shared. “Coming up to Portland, it’s a lot more immersive. There are probably 50 or so people who are really into it. Everybody is inclusive and not as gatekeeping as you expect any scene to be coming in as an outsider.” This energetic atmosphere inspired Bob to push the boundaries of his work, creating a space where he could flourish alongside other artists.

Art as a Path to Sobriety

Bob’s path to recovery is linked to his art, which became a medium for expression and healing. Reflecting on the influence of sobriety on his creativity, Bob remarked, “When I got sober and was able to focus more on my art, it showed. My art really propelled me to the next level, and my focus was all there.” This clarity allowed him to pour more of himself into his work, capturing the dualities of darkness and light into his pieces.

“I remember how far I’ve come and how much my art has resonated ever since sobriety. So it’s been a positive spiral ever since then.”

Artistic Style and Inspirations

Bob’s art combines various influences, from the intricate work of Salvador Dalí and Vincent van Gogh to the raw creativity of graffiti and street art. “I draw a lot of inspiration from graffiti and street art, which I’ve been kind of immersed in most of my life,” he explained. Bob also finds inspiration in the people around him, particularly his fellow artists in the local scene. “My art is like a daily journal of my emotions and life, so I express myself through that and hope it resonates with people.”

Graffiti Etiquette and Artistic Ethics

As a seasoned street artist, Bob maintains a code of ethics that emphasizes respect for other artists’ work, particularly within collaborative spaces. “It’s generally considered tacky to tag over anyone else’s work, especially if it’s well done and there’s thought put into it,” he said. He values collaboration and the inclusive nature of Portland’s art community, where artists gather regularly to share their work and support one another.

A Special Connection to Flask Lounge

Flask Lounge holds a special place in Bob’s artistic journey, offering a platform where his work finds a receptive audience. His collection features seven pieces, four of which are part of his black-and-white stencil series. “I thought they went really well against the brick wall and the ambiance of the place,” Bob noted. One of his standout pieces, a 30×40″ piece named Track Cat, took two days to complete and remains one of his favorites. For Bob, displaying his work at Flask was an emotional experience, saying, “It’s the place I’ve come to the most in Portland over the years…so to have some of my best work hanging on the walls of my favorite place definitely brought a little tear to my eye.”

Looking Ahead

With aspirations of a solo gallery show and plans to publish a book documenting the street art scene, Bob remains rooted in his passion for art and the supportive Portland community. He recognizes the importance of channeling creativity as a form of positive compulsiveness, encouraging other artists struggling with addiction to “channel [their] compulsiveness into something positive.” For Bob, art is both an outlet and a beacon of hope, offering a path toward a brighter future. “I’ve never woken up in the morning and picked up a marker, pencil, or object and made art and regretted it afterward.”

Rapid-Fire Questions with Bob Peterson

Favorite Color: Purple, although “it’s always changing,” Bob said.
Favorite App: Instagram. He explained, “I live on it.”
Favorite Food: Spaghetti.
Favorite Restaurant in Portland: Otto’s Pizza.
Dream Gallery Partner: “My homie Wilt.”
Favorite Musician/Band: Pavement and Sonic Youth.
Ideal Artist to See at the Las Vegas Sphere: Pretty Lights.
Favorite Tree: Willow.

Connect with Bob and Flask:

Art, Identity, and Nightlife Converge: Geo SanGiovanni’s Journey

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Exploring Resilience, Expression, and Community at Flask Lounge

In Portland, Maine, Flask Lounge fosters creativity and community. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Geo SanGiovanni, an inspiring artist whose life and work exemplify the power of art to transcend boundaries and explore personal identity. Geo’s multifaceted background as a former band member in New York during the 90s scene adds a rich layer to their artistic expression.

Geo, a long-time Portland resident and a voice for marginalized artists shared their journey into the art world—a path marked by challenges and triumphs. From early struggles with acceptance due to their sexual orientation to finding solace and expression in abstract art, Geo’s story is a testament to resilience. Their art, characterized by vibrant neon colors and transformative black light effects, now graces the walls of Flask Lounge, making it a beacon of inclusivity and artistic innovation.

Art as a Medium for Healing and Expression

For Geo, art has been a sanctuary, a place to heal and grow. They spoke passionately about their evolution as an artist, from facing criticism and doubt to embracing their unique voice through abstract expressionism. “I think because I was so intimidated by form in art, I became an abstract artist and became more expressionistic,” Geo reflects. Their work at Flask is not just visually striking; it invites patrons to experience art in a new light, literally and metaphorically. By day, the artworks radiate calm beauty, but by night, under black lights, they come alive—mirroring the dual lives many of us lead.

Breaking Barriers: A Space for Artistic Freedom and New Beginnings

Thanks to Kris Noyes, the creative force behind many of Flask Lounge’s recent endeavors, Geo and other artists have found a new canvas for expression. Kris has led Flask’s transformation into a non-traditional art space that breaks down the conventional boundaries of art presentation. Geo praised Flask for its innovative nature, stating, “Flask kind of blows all that out of the water.” This approach democratizes art, making it accessible to young artists who might otherwise never have the opportunity to be featured in a gallery or museum. Geo added, “Being able to be seen at Flask is a low threshold, and it’s exciting because I don’t have a lot of money. I’m a pretty poor artist financially, but I’m super grateful to be received by Flask and have a chance to make a splash in Portland, be seen, and have an influence.”

What I appreciate about abstract art is the opportunity for each viewer to see something different. As I’ve taken in Geo’s pieces every night around the dance floor, I’ve come to see the varying patterns, colors, and styles of each piece to represent the movements of different dancers. Some people have more structured dance moves, others move wildly—I see these differences mirrored in Geo’s pieces and I’ve loved chatting with patrons about what they see.

–Kris Noyes

Influences and Personal Struggles

Geo’s artistic influences include abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat and local Maine artist Abby Shawn, who has significantly shaped Geo’s approach to art. “I can get really into detail, and it’s really soothing and calming, and it’s helpful for that reason,” Geo mentioned, discussing the meditative nature of their creative process.

Despite these artistic achievements, Geo has faced significant personal challenges, notably being disowned by their family due to their queer identity. This experience has deeply impacted Geo, fueling their commitment to use art as a means of advocacy and support for others experiencing similar rejections.

Economic Challenges: Sustaining Art in Portland

As Portland becomes increasingly expensive, the city’s creative scene faces significant threats. Rising costs are pushing artists to the outskirts, challenging the diversity and vitality that define Portland’s art community. “Portland is becoming more and more expensive every day to the point a lot of younger folks that don’t have a lot of money have to move out, and that’s really hurting the art scene in Portland,” Geo remarks, stressing the need for affordable spaces like Flask that offer artists a platform to be seen and heard.

A Dynamic Community Contributor

Geo is deeply embedded in Portland’s creative community. As a seasoned art model and co-founder of the Portland Drawing Group, they support other artists, particularly from marginalized groups. “It’s been really great to help other models be seen, especially queer and trans models. It really helps me get past my own judgments about my body,” Geo explains. Their efforts are crucial in providing visibility and opportunities for queer and trans models, helping them be seen and appreciated for their true selves.

Recently, Flask hosted the Portland Drawing Group, featuring a drag queen as the model. The event was highly received, and plans are underway to make such events a regular feature at Flask. “One of the things I live for is creating spaces for other artists. So thanks to Flask for being that way.”

Looking Ahead: Geo’s Aspirations

Geo is enthusiastic about potential collaborations, such as with the Portland Museum of Art, which could bring their work into new and prestigious contexts. They dream of a future where venues like Flask continue to break molds and foster a rich tapestry of artistic voices.

Bonus! Get to Know Geo: Rapid Fire Questions

  • Favorite Color: Fuchsia pink
  • Favorite Utensil: Scraper
  • Can’t Live Without: Coffee with oat milk
  • Favorite Podcast: “New Mainers Speak”
  • Favorite App: WMPG

Conclusion

Geo SanGiovanni’s journey underscores the importance of supporting marginalized artists and providing opportunities for their work to be recognized, particularly in non-traditional spaces like Flask Lounge. By promoting diverse artistic expressions, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant art scene.

Connect with Geo and Flask:

FEELS – Dance Party

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EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!

FEELS – Dance Party

on By
EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!

FEELS – Dance Party

on By
EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!

FEELS – Dance Party

on By
EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!

FEELS – Dance Party

on By
EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!

FEELS – Dance Party

on By
EVERY. FIRST. SATURDAY. at Flask we bring you FEELS – a night showcasing the finest selection of dance music from our talented local DJs. Plan to get down to a variety of genres including house, techno, breaks, disco & more.
This month our special guest is Isirap! James is a fresher face in the scene coming from Denver. He’s an excellent beat selector with impeccable taste for the deep, groovy & soulful house music. This will be our first time spinning together and I’m v stoked to make magic behind the booth!