"So Fresh and So GREEN", interviewed me. Thank you Madam Toussaint !

MARTHALICIA MATARRITA ON BEING AN ARTIST IN THE MILITARY

p l a t o o n [#3] by Jesse Wright

During the holidays my attention turns to those in the military among others. And well, art, music and the environment are always on my mind so I decided to ask my former schoolmate, the incredibly passionate artist Marthalicia Matarrita, a few questions about the unique position of an artist in the military.

She is one of the founders M-Squared Art Productions; a collective grounded in the four elements of hip-hop. M-Squared integrates art and music into the party landscape of New York city with Marthalicia’s specialty in live painting. In this interview she explains how she managed to express herself in the military with her boots.

Madam Toussaint: Please state your branch or the military, your rank and your years of service.

Marthalicia Matarrita: Army National Guard, 91 Bravo Combat Medic. I enlisted on October 1999, and received my HONORABLE DISCHARGE papers on 2005, ending rank: e-4 Specialist. (6 years Active Reserve, and then 2 years inactive for emergency purposes, in case of a home war).

Were you ever in war when you were in the military?
I was called for duty while I was in college in New Paltz, on September 11, 2001 and I was mobilized at my military Unit ground, stationed in Yonkers for three weeks. 342 Forward Support Battalion.

I was activated to join another military medical team on 2004, heading to Iraq: but never left, due to change on my papers and far too many valuable medics and no reserved ones here on U.S. ground.


Were you able to produce art while in the military? Was it encouraged or discouraged?

I remember boot camp, last week of training, where all the hard core physical and mental training past, and the recovery began, I remember the sergeants grouped our platoon together, and made a pow wow on the polished floors of our barracks, as we cleaned our m16’s.

This unique talk or get to know your sergeants/ soldiers day, prompted the sergeants curiosity and he asked around the room, our real reason why we joined the military. Many I have overheard, enlisted for college tuition, as I did. Others enlisted because of the adventure. And a few were there because their parents forced them into it.

It was my turn to reveal my intent and reasoning of wearing these boots, and I told them the following:

I joined because of the G.I. Bill and the ability to help me through college.

“

What is your major in school?” I said “ART”. Many turned and looked at me in a confused way. ART? Doing what with that? Not a lawyer, doctor? banker? etc ART? Young girl you could have done that with out the aid of the military.

The elder sergeants started to laugh and pointed at another soldier and continued to ask around the room. I sat there looking up at him, and feeling laser then I came in. As if the importance of me joining wasn’t valued the same as those that were joining for the above degree.

I didn’t talked about my career after A.I.T (Advance Initial Training), and joined my reservist unit in Yonkers New York. I doodled here and there, but to many it was just that: doodling. We didn’t have enough time of our own or a place to make art.

TIME WAS VALUABLE even for the laid back National Guard unit that I was in. You just can’t do nothing, even if you cleaned the main floors 5 times, you have to do the same floor over and over again. It didn’t made any sense to me, but for them, a soldier not doing something productive was a useless soldier. Art was as equal to the being useless.

“FRIDA OF BROOKLYN” by Alex Bershaw

Because she’s that cool Marthalicia can dress up like legendary artist Frida Khalo in Brooklyn, NY. Check out those boots!”


Do you feel being an artist gave you a different perspective on things while you were in the military?
I am not sure how to answer that because all soldiers had different perspectives and backgrounds, but I have to add, that there was one significant thing that did separate me from the others and it was “style”. ha ha ha.

We were all given regulated military issued clothing. Upon our reservist status and the not so strict commands, I placed it upon myself to buy a new pair of military boots, but the ones I chose were restricted. (They were the green JUNGLE BOOTS that I wore while I was on Ground Zero, and the many art programs as well). I bought them anyway, and wore them at FORMATION. Since then I saw my boots as a symbol of my FREEDOM of choice the freedom of expression by using non military issue uniform into my attire. Weird but true.

Thanks so much Marthalicia. For more on Marthalicia Matarrita check out at marthaliciaart.blogspot.com

January 11, and January 14, 2010. Showing Marthalicia’s art with Lexi Bella the curator, and then a SOLO art show at Fresthetic Brooklyn. Tshirts and prints will be sold.

Marthalicia is working on a documentary about the process through which art is created through Marthalicia and her circle of artist friends.

The documentary is still in process. Part two will be announced soon for those that want to participate. Stay tuned for more on Marthalicia’s “Artist Process” documentary.

Posted: 17 Dec, 2009 |
Categories: FRESH INTERVIEW | Tags: Alex Bershaw, Frida Khalo, Jesse Wright, Marthalicia Matarrita, military | By: Madam Toussaint.
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Re Cap: On the highest honor on my life time, I was a guest speaker in N Y U

How do I begin to express how I was, and how I felt at the NYU Latino Art Gallery & Book Discussion (open to the public) event. "Memorial and inspired" as I said to myself while embracing each of the guest panelist at NYU. Getting my art and other stuff from being displaced in this auditorium and getting ready to leave the crowded room of students that have heard all 8 of us that late Wednesday afternoon, on November 4th.

I never dreamed that art can take me this far! I never placed myself were people would ask for my presences for any art related functions such as public speaking. It's true. And it's not because I never valued my art as such, I just kept creating, because I thought that's what's you suppose to when you love something so much; you keep believing on it for it to exist, not for fame.... But I sure do understand why I have to continue it and it's not only for it's existence but for the many voices out there that are like mine or similar. The day before this presentation, I really got very nervous.
I even wrote notes and recited in front of a mirror. I spoke with Crystal Clarity who was also another featured artist as well for this event the night before, and what I have learned from her is "Courage". Not just courage to be on front of an audience( if your publicly on the spot light as often as a live art performer, the audience are your peers your friends your community, it becomes natural/normal.). What I learn from Crystal in our conversations, was that we as artist do struggle very much not just to maintain content with what we do, regardless of it income or the lack of it, but the persistence and fire to believe in it in a place and time that we are all in. Our conversation the night before helped me reline my thoughts better and even objectives as well, as to how in the world would I will be able to make a speech about my life and my art journey in 20 minutes, and what I wanted to give back to the NYU student body.

Arriving to NYU wasn't easy, because I was carrying my large laundry cart that had various art works for display. Andre Trenier ( an art battle champion), linked up with me on the 4 line and traveled from The Bronx to our destination. We were greeted by Jasmin who was one of the people that coordinated this out reach and discussion panel orientation, and the one that lead us to the auditorium / room. There I was a room filled with many students seated and getting comfortable before the presentation begin. I automatically saw Crystal Clarity from a far, and approach her and my other friend who linked me up to this great opportunity, Vanessa Martir, a novelist and a writer, who published her books a few years back. I also saw many other guest speakers who I either heard from and never met in person, and others I have heard from word of mouth.

Marthalicia a guest speaker at NYU November 4th from Marthalicia (m)2 on Vimeo.

I was like DANG ... They are here... ? WOW was I privileged and so stunned that I even stood there and smiled (kinda grinned so big), that the others did the same right back me... tee hee Andre and I helped placed my art work on the either the easels and also hang a few onto the walls. THANK YOU BATTLE ART BUDDY!!!!! And then I was reminded to start getting ready and have my seat. I took one look at the audience and then sat so quietly and oh so nervous. The hosts of the even introduced us one by one, and then allowed Vanessa Martir to start the program; and so it begin. Guest speaker number one stood up and discussed the following: Her upraising, her passion and what she herself had accomplished, one being a published book by the name; WOMAN'S CRY that was published on 2007. It was her that invited me to this program, and since I owe it to her for letting me help and tell my story as best I could on this day.

After her verbal presentation, along followed Alicia Anabel Santos, an author from Harlem, who is currently working on a film called:"Afro Latinos: The Untaught Story". I was privileged as well to see her presentation and her current documentary that day as well. I has mixed feelings after viewing the film, mixed in a sense the exploratory of the history that made up the Latin culture on all the south, Central and the Caribbean islands.

There was a Question and Answer session to her showing and then followed J.F. Seary and educator poet and an actor. She had presented her poetry to us in a most professional and awe manner. The giving back from these ladies to the NYU community got me sitting on my seat as to WHAT IN THE WORLD WOULD I BE SAYING, what should I tell them or express where I would feel that they can take something home with them that can maybe impact their lives? WHAT? Phew... there was a 10 minutes break, I told Jazim that I had to use the bathroom, and out I ran to the nearest restroom... Can I tell ya, I was rehearsing again in the bath room and also as I was washing my hands.. I felt so nervous, as I looked up and onto the mirror, that my throat started to tighten up and also I started to slightly panic. I took several deep breath and stretched a bit, as if I was going to run a unexpected marathon. I ran back to the auditorium and open the door, and there I saw Glendaliz Camacho standing on the corner where the previous ladies has already spoken their art. Huh? wasn't it my turn, as I looked to her in a very curious and also confused way, she looked back at me, and jazmin explains that I took too long and if I didn't mind her starting next, I was like, sure no problem, (great for me.... more time to out line my words together, cuz I ain't that good talking).


Glendaliz is a co founder of La Menta Collective, and her presentation with writing and poetry sure made me laugh as I enjoyed her story telling and reveling dating story to us all. After she finished her works, and she walked back to her seat, I sat there staring at the table for a bit. Then Jazmin called my name, and I felt all my joined scream GO ON GIRL GET YOUR ASS UP THERE....! and so I did. I walked to the designated spot and explained to every one that I was so honored to be apart of this program with everyone there, and also explain that I was not a poet like those here that had already expressed their talents before you, I went further by also explaining that will briefly talk about my past, current affairs and activities and what I have hope to do in the up in coming future. Ahhhh I took a deep breath. Lets begin, is what I said to myself as I saw all those faces staring back at me. I smiled and told my story.
After my story I directed my attention to the audio visual people that were right behind me, and then signal them to begin showing the very short clip of "The ARTIST PROCESS" that was created by Tasty keith and the Bondfire family to the people in this room.

I took the advantage and breathed in some more... all eyes on the screen, and everything went silent. The filmed came to a closed and then there was a brief Question and Answers for me. Some asked about my military connection with that of art, how I managed to stay focus while being a full time mom, and others asked about how to maintain a life style such is this and pay your dues, and live comfortably in New York City.

I was signaled by the amount to applauds that my time was up, and boy was I thrilled. I do hope those that listened can take with them a big piece of me home. Then followed right behind me was Anthony Morales who talked about his findings of poetry and literature and being of Puerto Rican decent, then cam my home girl Crystal Clarity that I am so proud to know. You have to be there to have had your soul shaken by her words and how meaningful it was to connect with a fellow artist that do understand the hard work of being a lady, and artist, and a believer of positivity and how it all can work well with others in a WORLD of ours in this life time. I am so proud of her!

Last minute panelist Questions and Answers were given to us all, and hope honored I have been while really giving them the honest response as best as I have given to the students there. Last applause and then GOOD night.

Thank You for reading
alot of love to you all

~Marthalicia Matarrita

I am a guest speaker, one of many that will talk to the student body in NYU on Novemeber 4th 5:30 pm

(This photo was taken by: Chango Bi; at the 1 year BOND FIRE anniversary October 27h event at Bowery)

I have to say, I am still stunned that a dear friend of mine, extended her generosity to request my presence to a student body / organization in which I will discuss my art and the meaning and reason why I pursue it in today's life style.

Wednesday November 4th from 5:30-8:30. It will be held in the Kimmel Center for University Life located on 60 Washington Square South Room 802.

For the day of the event, you each have about 15-20min max minutes to show, talk about anything that you would like to share about yourselves, your work(past and present)and anything you want to educate the audience with. We want them to learn about you, the industry, how they can achieve their goals etc. Its a day to embrace the Latino art and learn more.

*You can visit our website www.nyu.edu/clubs/lucha to learn more about the group

In short we are the largest and oldest Latino based club at New York University. We strive to unify, educate and empower Latinos within NYU as well as our respective communities.Our general meetings are held bi-weekly in the Kimmel Student Center.

This is an opportunity for the NYU community to be able to learn more about the Latino art world and being able to recognize Latino artists as yourselves as prominently important as the American artists of today.

For the painters:
You can bring your artwork and we can have it for display around the room the day of the event. All I need to know is how many paintings, drawings etc. you will be bringing that day.
For the writers/poets:
You can bring copies of your books and be able to sell them the day of, if you would like. We will have time, most likely at the end of the event, to allow the students/audience to be able to buy books if they'd like.

-Jazmin Molina