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e-interviews
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by dean hughson |
December 17, 2008 |
Former Northeaster lives his art dream
Since 1969, Living Arts of Tulsa, Okla., has been steadfast in its mission of “presenting and developing contemporary art forms in Tulsa.” This multifaceted gallery provides a cultural center for Tulsa and education for all. Its artistic director, Steve Liggett, has been named to The Hot 100, Urban Tulsa Weekly’s annual list of the hottest movers and shakers.
Liggett, a ceramics and performing artist, is a former Northeast resident, and he recently discussed his life and art in an e-mail interview with Dean Hughson, a former Northeast High School classmate.
Dean: Steve, as a Northeast native, with your success in art in Tulsa, do you attribute any of it to your growing up in Northeast Kansas City?
Steve: “Absolutely! I grew up in a small rural community in North Missouri before coming to KC, and it was totally WHITE BREAD. I was not around any of the juicy, wonderful Italian compadres that I met in [Northeast] (or for that matter, any of the Black, Chicano or other folk that were culturally different than myself).
“A lot of my work now centers around giving voice to many different ethnicities, and I gained valuable information by being around Steve LanFranca and my Italian friends in [Northeast].
Dean: What has helped you in Tulsa build Living Arts? Do you see this type of organization as a possibility for [Northeast]?
Steve: “Wow, what a question. … Living Arts is a dream come true for me. It centers around the ‘presentation and development of contemporary art forms.’ My tenacity has helped build Living Arts — I worked a couple of other jobs until just a few months ago, being able to receive my first full-time check in September.
“Sure, people are hungry for ways to express themselves. [Northeast] would be a great place for creative activity to be fostered.”Dean: What are you currently working on in your artistic life?Steve: “Art and life have merged for me. Presently, I just finished an altar at Dia de Los Muertos in honor of my grandparents. But most of my energies right now are focused on programming Living Arts, raising money for a second position and preparing for a new building.”
Dean: Tell us about your family.
Steve: “I have been married a few times (four, but who’s counting?), and currently have a perfect long-distance relationship with my Sweetie, who is involved with the arts in Oklahoma City. We spend most weekends together.
“I have a 37-year-old daughter who lives in Baltimore with her partner of nine years. She is an art teacher for elementary aged kids there, and they have recently become foster parents of Lilly, who they got as a newborn.
“I also have a wonderful dog, Tweeter, who is 19 years old.
Dean: For the young people in Northeast High School, do you have any advice on how to achieve success in the art world?
Steve: “Well, it’s really advice for anyone in any world — follow your dream – and don’t let the rats get you down! Keep focused on what it is that you really feel like you want to do — work a few other jobs to make a living while you get there, but don’t sell out!”
Dean
Hughson is an eggman residing with his wife Yoly in Spirit Lake,
Iowa and sometimes Kansas City, Mo. Dean travels worldwide and
maintains a Web page at www.eggman.cc.
He is proudly a member of the Northeast Class of 1969 Tribe.
Dean can be reached at deanhughson@gmail.com and welcomes your
comments.
2007 Archives:
September Poetry of experience
2006 Archives:
August East Bottoms ‘Saloon’ is Tops & Around the World with Ray Mott
March Soda water building
2005 Archives:
October He Taught Northeast to Dance
