"Mama Tried" by Gina Kohn @mojaveinmyheart

Joshua Tree has become a haven for artists and adventurers,  travelers on their quest to feel that desert magic everyone speaks of.  Right in the center of Joshua Tree lies a row of artisan shops, a bar, the crochet museum, a salon, and the lovely La Matadora Gallery owned by artist and gallerista Colleena Hake.  

I recently made the trek to her gallery where the Defiled Thrift Store Art show is on display until July 2nd.  I loved all the pieces in this show and I was quite sad that my favorites had sold already.  Colleena was kind enough to do a Q & A for Visions and Vibez and we are grateful we can connect with amazing artists who are such visionaries and share their artistic brilliance.

 

Q:  Who are you and how did you end up in the high desert? 

 A: I'm a gallerista/curadora of la matadora gallery, as well as a performance artist, bookworm, thriftaholic, mosaicist, scorpio rising, recovering catholic, expert lip reader, & deaf/def cyborg. I was 22 when I first arrived (& camped) in Joshua Tree during a solo road trip across the southwest.  Much later in 2016, I realized my dream of living in Joshua Tree. 

Q:  The definition of Matadora is killer.  Tell us how you decided on this epic name for your gallery.

I used to collect black velvet matador paintings. When an artist friend painted a red velvet "La Matadora" for my Tucson gallery show "Matadors y Luchadors", the name stuck with me. I bought the painting and it was the first piece I hung in my Joshua Tree gallery. I'm not a fan of bullfighting, but I appreciate the fashion and culture... & the strong female archetype of La Matadora fits in with my mission statement. 

Q: Tell us about La Matadora Gallery

A:  So my mission statement is to "take a stab at showing post-mod art & cut through some bullshit." I wanted to create a space that felt inclusive and welcoming to everyone, as well as have fun & weird art happenings. Every 2nd Saturday of the month has been a continuous flow of art parties (albeit virtually during the pandemic) since I opened 17 June 2017. Besides showcasing various cutting-edge artists, I've hosted group shows with themes such as "Cactus Fetish", "Hot Dez Summer Coolest Cooler & Coozie Show" & Paint-by-Number art.  

Q:  There’s a magic about the desert and its people that inhabit it.  Tell us what that feels like for you

A:  It's definitely never boring, always an adventure, with many layers of mystery. Hopefully everyone out here feels the freedom to be themselves & make their fantasies come alive! I love seeing all that in action at my art parties. 

Q:  You are also an artist.  How would you describe yourself as an artist and your work?  

A:  I like creating get-ups such as my recent "Mirror-Maid" for the Desert Mermaid Parade party (with a kiddie pool set up in front of La Matadora!) Other get-ups include the Bionic Wonder Bread Woman, Lady Luck, Violet Crumble, Cactus Couture, and Tammy WhyNot?

I also create beneditos which are blessings for your cabin or condo. Each contains an original poem by me, as well as a lucky horseshoe, amulets, and good luck charms encased in resin. I also create mosaic murals, including the mirrored one with subway tiles & bicycle reflectors above La Matadora Gallery.

Q:  Do you feel like the changes happening in the high desert are affecting your business positively/negatively?

A:  From a business standpoint, the changes are positive, but I hope they're not at the expense of destroying the fragile desert. 

Q:  What is your purpose in this lifetime?

A:  To make my reality even better than my fantasy. I'm on bonus time after a near-death experience & want to make life a beautiful place for everyone. 

Q:  I ASK THIS IN ALL MY INTERVIEWS:  What is a question you wish I had asked and answer it  

A:  Who is my fave patron saint? I just found out that there's a patron saint for fallen away catholics (like me) & her name is St. Monica! 

 

Defiled Thrift Store Art is currently on display right now until July 2nd!

 Gallery hours are 12-5 pm Sat/Sun or by appt. 

 

Next art party is July 8th Saturday 6-9 pm: "Eternal Sunrise" with works by Melissa Monroe & Alea Bone (guest curator)

August 12th - Saturday 6-9 pm is the Extended Version of the Defiled Thrift Store Art show (by popular demand!) 

https://lamatadoragallery.org/

"God of Thunder and Rock and Roll" Beth Allen 

"Jeez" Dianne Bennett 

 

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DEAR CUNTY

An Advice Column

 

 

 

 Food Pick of the Week

Rincon Norteno off of Indio BLVD in Indio is my food pick of the week.  I don't give a fuck what anyone says, these are the best enchiladas in the valley.  If you think there is a better enchilada, write me and tell me and I'll tell you yes or no and then we can fight.  The service isn't the greatest but I don't care.