GETTING RECOGNITION: AN INTERVIEW WITH HANNAH BULL
Houston Hall of Fame by Hannah bull, photo: created by Traci Lavois Thiebaud
As cities scramble to find the next “it,” what happens to what is already there? Is an event designated to recognition important? Yes, actually. It’s important that these hard workers deserve the credit that artists rarely receive. Whether you are a visual, performing, or whatever the name is today artist, it’s essentially the same thing: You enjoy the work, but you are more than likely never going on a vacation, so recognition is about the only kind of pay that you’ll see in the near future. Luckily, people care. People like Hannah Bull care. Alongside artist Dom Bam, Bull has selected people she sees most deserving to be honored and to become a household name, or rather, used in a sentence at Agora. We caught up with Bull to get the scoop on the Houston Music and Arts Hall of Fame.
Where did the idea for a spotlight on the the behind-the-scenes “stars” of the Houston scene come about?
It originally started as a project I was going to do by myself. Moving to Houston, I had met so many incredible people that changed my viewpoints, my sense of self, my awareness and had inspired me to create art in a completely different fashion. I wanted to commemorate these people and give them a conceptual headpiece so that other people could see them in a different perspective lense. People see the product but sometimes they don’t see the work, dedication, perseverance, quality, taste, authenticity and spirit that goes into making an entertainer, performer and all other various artists.
I remember having a conversation with Dom Bam at the Boulevardier about the project and it became clear to me that I couldn’t do this project alone if I wanted to give it the quality it deserves. I asked Dom if he’d be interested and he quickly said yes and picked his subjects. I then asked six other artists that I look up to if they wanted to caravan with us and they seemed just as interested and passionate about it, so the cog wheels began to turn.
As a visual artist, where does your inspiration for the art come from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from notions of nature, beauty, peace and love. I am in search of the primal within the civilized man and the tension that exists within all elements of humanity. I have this inner desire to escape the city and return to the forest. Lately, I’ve been inspired by the artists that already live in the jungle with me.
What is the ultimate goal of this project?
The ultimate goal of the project is to bring awareness and light to all pillars of the Houston Music and Arts Community including those behind the curtain.
What is the process of selecting the honorees? Is it a group vote, or a vote that is up to the public to decide?
It’s actually up to the artists and community support. Through social media, it’s easier to see who people love without having to cast a vote. I compiled a list of movers and shakers to make sure it represented all facets of the Houston music and arts community; dance, comedy, band managers, production, music, improv, writing etc. I then asked eight artists (including myself) to choose from the list, each artist chose 2 people. This event is quarterly and ongoing so we can induct all of the pillars in our creative community.
What does it take to be inducted into the Houston Music and Arts Hall of Fame?
There are many things that could get you into the Hall of Fame. Hard work, creativity, quality, taste, beauty, style, progression, dedication, and passion are all elements in concocting something beautiful. If you do something that changes people, that makes Houston more vibrant, that adds to the collective creative community in a positive way, you could be inducted into the Houston Music and Arts Hall of Fame.
You can find out and rsvp to the Houston Music and Arts Hall of Fame here.
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Rob
