They’re Starving, So She Is Too
Crystal D. King is giving up food for 30 days — or as long as it takes for three of her favorite local artists receive the support they’ve invested a combined total of more than 40 years to generate.
Recently, actress Mia Farrow went on a hunger strike for Darfur, but had to stop due to health reasons. Numerous others fast for religious reasons, but can’t hang on. Crystal D. King, a Greensboro-based copywriter has been starving for Greensboro based artists Josephus III , UpRite Lions and New York based artist Rugged-N-Raw for going on six weeks now and has no immediate plans to stop.
Her initiative, aptly named The Starving Artist Project takes one of the art world’s most commonly used clichés and turns it on its head. King spent the entire month of May fasting, and chronicling her journey and that of the spotlighted artists with photos, video blogs and articles.
During my inCOLOR hiatus I sat down to chat with her about her effort.
When did you first find out about or meet these artists?
Interesting story. I knew Josephus from high school, remember him from a kid growing up, graduated with his brother. Didn’t know they did music and poetry. Ran into them about this time last year.
What made you do it?
I’m lucky enough to do what I love and get paid for it. So many of my friends are talented and creative and they have choose between doing what they love and making ends meet.
What do you hope to accomplish from this project, besides getting these artists the attention they deserve?
After the initial 30 day fast, I would like to turn the site into a resource for local artists to showcase their work. I want people to be proactive and realize they can make a difference in all of this.
So is it a complete fast? No food whatsoever?
No food whatsoever. I do drink a Boost, with some broth, water and green tea.
Are you in any other way involved with the arts?
I write, but nothing. I’m a copywriter and I’m doing what I love to do. I do love [having places] to go to be around creative people. For so long we had to look [hard] for [those places].
What words of encouragement would you give to someone who chooses to do a hunger strike or fast for a cause they believe in.
Knowing that it’s possible, it may take a little while to get the ball rolling, but just don’t be discouraged. We’ve had so many people volunteer their services.
Do you think that the state of hip-hop and R&B will change so that it is artist driven again?
That’s our hope. Not bashing anything out right now, because there is a market for it. I came late to hip-hop having grown up overseas, but when I did discover it, I knew so many creative art forms within it. I want this next generation to find their voice through the music. Music has been a part of major cultural and historical eras; I feel like we are stepping away from it. Its people like Josephus III, UpRite Lions and others that are bringing it back.
How do you deal with naysayers about the project?
When I first told the artists, they were like, ‘That’s a little much,‘ but I want to give something of myself. I could give money, but I wanted them to know that they are supported; I wanted it to be more than a gimmick. There are some bars I am not willing to jump over, but historically, hunger strikes are very symbolic. This is not a movement about being famous or being discovered, but us discovering our voice.
Besides the artists that you are fasting for, who else inspires you?
All the people who have come out in supportive of this. I’ve come in contact with a lot of artists in Greensboro that I wouldn’t have known otherwise and are so gifted.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Eventually, I’m going to stop fasting and I need people to know that just because I stopped, it doesn’t stop for these artists. I don’t want the message of the movement to die down. We can accomplish a lot and have some real staying power.
11 Comments
Add your own
Whoever wrote this did these musicians a terrible disservice. The majority of the responses aren’t even complete sentences. I’ve enjoyed Poetry Cafe many times, so its good to see them getting some spotlight, but its a shame the writer couldn’t do a better job than just throwing up his notes.
Don’t let the poor write up keep you from coming to check out their events. Joesephus is an amazing poet and always brings a wealth of talent to his productions.
Kristen Jeffers
Jun 17th 09
07:52 PM
@bobbydenimore- Thanks for you feedback. I actually work with Josephus as well to promote his events and I was only working with what I was given by my subject. I would invite you to check out my actual article on Josephus on this site, which is a more in depth feature. This was more of a quick “getting to know about the issue” type article and I led people back to all of the websites so people could go digging for themselves. I do appreciate the feedback and trust me, I understand the need for these artists to get a good chance to be promoted.
klkk
Jun 8th 11
01:18 AM
It can be said with certainty that to buy a goods quality Coach Handbags just to our cheap Coach Outlet Stores where Cheap Coach Bags is heating sale, the shine and rustle of newTravel bag which is display in front of your eyes. If you like traveling, our shop satisfies the needs of you, all kinds of types and
styles for you to pick. It’s really a huge opportunity! D o you want to you’re your charming body in summer? I’ve got some news for you that our shop new products are on sale which is noble Coach Necklace, you can buy it at once. In short, you buy our goods is correct. We believe we will be one of your best and trustful partners!
Coach Outlet Stores is your best choice and is waiting for you to sign our products and enjoy best service, my dear friend! Sunglasses</strong>
se
jennyzheng
Jun 12th 11
07:22 AM
<span lang=“EN-US”>Wholesale Gucci Sneakersis a famous reality show in American. Its success lies in the people’s attention to the Discount Chanel. It has great influence in the fashion field. It means the product show in the program will cause a great attention.Replica Designer Handbags
Althea has great show in the program. She dress herself with Nike Shoes Saleand has a amazing determination. She deserve herAuthentic Air Jordan In the first opening show, she does win great appraise. However, she do have a strong redeeming quality. .</span></body>
28
myfoange
Jun 17th 11
08:00 AM
Tipps zur Baufinanzierung-cocktailkleider
<br >
Der Hausbaukredit versetzt den Bauherren in die Lage sofort mit dem ralph lauren prix Hausbau zu beginnen, die Tilgung erfolgt über Jahrzehnte hinweg in kleinen monatlichen Raten. Bei einem Finanzierungsprojekt dieser Größenordnung kommt dem Kredit-Vergleich eine besondere Bedeutung zu, schließlich machen sich bei einer Kreditaufnahme im sechsstelligen Bereich schon kleine Zinsunterschiede im Portemonnaie bemerkbar. Besonders günstige Angebote können die Direktbanken unterbreiten, ihre Bauzinsen liegen im Schnitt etwa unter 0,5% crystal rock unter dem Niveau von örtlichen Filialbanken.
<br >
Bauherren sollten mindestens 20% der Party cocktailkleider aus Eigenkapital bestreiten können, jeder Euro mehr senkt die späteren Kreditkosten und verbessert die Verhandlungsposition gegenüber der Bank. Diese sieht im Normalfall eine monatliche Anfangstilgung von nur einem Prozent der Kreditsumme vor, was häufig zu langen Laufzeiten von 30 Jahren und mehr führt. Wer genug Eigenkapital mitbringt, kann mit einer höheren Anfangstilgung beginnen und so die Laufzeit verkürzen, was wiederum die Gesamtkreditkosten senkt.
<br >
Der Baufinanzierungsvertrag cocktail dresses uk sollte dem Kreditnehmer eine Sondertilgungsrecht von mindestens 5% der Darlehenssumme einräumen. Wenn der Bauherr kurzfristig unerwartete finanzielle Spielräume erhält, beispielsweise durch eine Erbschaft, kann er den Kredit vorzeitig zurückzahlen und durch die verkürzte Laufzeit bares Geld sparen.
<br >
Die Wahl der richtigen Zinsbindungsfrist
<br >
Baufinanzierungen werden in der Regel beim Rosa Cocktailkleider juicy couture bags des Vertrages mit einer Zinsbindungsfrist versehen. Diese bestimmt einen Zeitraum von mehreren Jahren in dem der Kreditzins unabhängig von der zwischenzeitlichen Zinsentwicklung an den Geldmärkten garantiert wird. Bei der Zinsbindungsfrist stehen die Interesse der lender gegen die Interessen des Kunden. Der Kreditnehmer sollte hier hart verhandeln und versuchen tn chaussures in Niedrigzinsphasen eine möglichst lange Zinsbindungsfrist durchzusetzen.
<br >
ss
byasi
Jun 21st 11
03:25 AM
Ed Hardy outlet,take the realm of great satisfaction!
Ed Hardy shoes outlet,you will be the leading role in the party!
We have professional marketing team, as well as with the Ed Hardy purses outlet.
Except the stars, some well-known brand designers also showed up in this big partiesbirkenstock store.
33
louisvuittonreplicaluggageuk
Jun 21st 11
09:19 PM
Is visiting louis vuitton replica a LV outlet leather louis vuitton replica
replica louis vuitton outlet worthwhile? louis vuitton luggage Yes. Given fake louis vuitton the variety louis vuitton handbags of goods and louis vuitton bags also the discounts lv monogram provided for louis vuitton purses each,LV outlet coupons Lv bags for shopping LV handbags lv luggage and purses. lv replica Some customers lv bags sale who buy purses louis vuitton sale and handbags from louis vuitton outlet these outlet stores louis vuitton online are sent these louis vuitton store
zara
Jun 27th 11
10:39 PM
Burberry Outletline is the best choice when you shopping online.We provides you the best products with the best services and the best quality. There are several products are in hot sale. Burberry Bags which always follow the fashion trend and posses the exquisite craftsmanship. Then the Burberry Wallets are made from durable leather. With different colors and different fashionable appearance, Burberry Shoes will add a fashionable twist to any look. A lot of other products like Burberry Handbags, Burberry Clothing and Burberry Scarf ect, all with an amazing price and are on hot sale. We are dedicate to help find your favourate goods from Burberry Online store. Here, you can enjoy our considerate service. Hurry to come.<span style=“display:none”>chanel handbagsjhvkyufckgxhgc
shuijun12
Jul 5th 11
07:30 PM
Kate Spade charming babyliss flat iron and practical fun Christian Louboutin Pumps colorsPeople well versed in American Beats By Dr Dre fashion, Kate Spade will Ed Hardy T -Shirts know the extent of red in the United Christian Louboutin Boots States, from New York successfully fortune
xiaoxiao
Jul 7th 11
08:01 PM
Coach Outlet is one of the best suppliers. Our Coach Outlet Store online with fashion and luxury goods, as well as top quality, which many who are eager to get a young woman’s dream. Our Discount Coach , we always provide the best quality coaching products. You can buy high quality, but from our coach shoes with low prices of various products. If you come to our store, we recommend that you search for new domestic Coach handbags and coach sunglasses. These new products follow the fashion trend, and add new elements, to show women’s personality. In short, in our store, you can not only find high quality products, you can also get a first class service.
rtertew8
Donna2020
Jul 8th 11
02:06 AM
Welcome to order your favorite one on Coach Online! Our Coach Online Store has won great popularity Coach Shoes Coach Wallets Coach Sunglasses on the market. The Coach Handbags have exquisite workmanship.
The cheap Nike Dunk are the backbone of the Nike Dunk SB line. Our fashion 2011 Dunk Shoes saw the potential of tapping into the skateboard clothing market because Nike Blazer and sneakers were worn more as casual wear Nike Custom Dunks than for the actual sport.Thanks visit our Coach Outlet Online There is a wide range of bags to choose from Coach Online. If you want to consider the best quality bags for long term usage, you can think of getting Coach Wallets Coach Shoes. Coach Handbags sale and Coach Backpack and top quality. The new style of Puma Shoes from Puma Outlet is continuously updated in low and high versions with a variety of colors and materials and seems to be a favorite for designers nice Puma Ferrari Shoes Puma Fur Shoes Women Puma Sandals everywhere. h7
bobbydenimore
Jun 16th 09
03:14 PM