November 2019 edition of the Holland Herald, pages 46-47
https://www.holland-herald.com/archive/#2019_11_46
As publication criteria goes, things have to be cut. I respect that, however, I really wanted to share the original copy with you. There are so many truly wonderful and talented people in this city that I wish could have been highlighted.
Here they are ...
1. What is your approach to photography and what are recent projects you are proud of?
When I take a photograph, my intention is to capture the very moment of those living it. What it truly is … To freeze time infinitely … To capture the ultimate nature of the object. My desire is for the viewer to feel every element of the photograph, as if being placed at that specific place and at the precise moment it was taken. I aspire to preserve life’s journey.
I’m particularly proud of my recent contributions to the growth of artists4artists.org, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides Emergency Recovery Grants to assist artists experiencing career-threatening crises. We raised $70k for Houston artists in need in 2019.
2. What do your love about your hometown Houston? Why should we come and visit?
Deep Texas pride and communal ties. Houston is a hub of common good and self sufficiency. You’ve never had a friend like a Houstonian. By any means necessary, we bond together to take care of our own, whether it’s a catastrophic flood or an entrepreneurial endeavor. We’re diverse in every aspect – gritty and bootstrap. GQ Magazine named Houston the “new capitol of southern cool.” Rightfully so. There’s something for everyone, and if you know what you want, we can make it happen in spades without being flashy about it. You can “throw down” in cutoff shorts and a tee-shirt or the highest fashion. No one cares. We just like to have a really good time, ya’ll.
3. What is the art scene in Houston like? Favorite galleries for photography and contemporary art?
WILDLY CREATIVE. Massive, artist-dedicated studios such as Sawyer Yards and Hardy and Nance Studios are open to the public offering events, exhibitions and markets featuring original art work and the opportunity to meet the artist. Houston has countless galleries, and my top three are Space HL, gallery a.m.p.s and Reeves Art + Design. We have a beautiful Contemporary Art Museum, and for photography, an absolute must is Houston Center for Photography, a major proponent in education contemporary culture.
4. Tell us about popular events we can't miss!
“And they call the thing rodeo” (Garth Brooks, recording artist): The world’s largest Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It’s a buck wild, solid month in March of “acting” how the rest of the world perceives Texas. Don’t have a cowboy hat? No problem; pick one up there.
The best and truly authentic culinary Texas experience takes place in October on Rockin’ Star Ranch in Brenham, Texas. The charity-driven Butcher’s Ball is an incredibly fun celebration of food, drink, music and education, while also bringing awareness to sustainable farming and ranching practices. Soothe the famed “meat sweats” with an ice cold Lone Star beer.
The saying “everything is bigger in Texas?” certainly applies to the best weekend in April: Houston Art Car Ball and Parade. “The Art Car Ball teeters somewhere in between the all-out artistic chaos of Burning Man and the debaucherous revelry of Mardi Gras.” (Houston Press) Parade day is equally as entertaining as spectators enjoy 250 radically altered vehicles and moving sculptures.
5. What are your all time favorite restaurants in Houston?
Impossible question. Houston is one of the greatest restaurant cities in the nation. The options are so diverse and numerous that it must be broken down to context. Of course, I’ve never turned down an invitation to haul ass on the Bangkok Fries at Bar Boheme and I’ve been dying for the opportunity to say, “The best egg rolls come from Jimmy Wok.”
These are my faves, by genre:
Comfort:
Field & Tides, Brennan’s of Houston, Shipley Do-Nuts
Chef Drivin:
Nancy’s Hustle, Theadore Rex, Xochi
Ethnic:
Himalaya, Kata Robata, Mala Sichuan Bistro
Casual:
Backstreet Cafe, Oishii, Local Foods
Meat:
B&B Butchers, Killen’s STQ, Georgia James
Burger:
Burger-Chan, BuffBurger, Hubcap Grill-Heights
Brunch:
Pondicheri, Superica, Backstreet Cafe
BBQ:
Feges BBQ, Truth BBQ, Harlem Road Texas BBQ
Mexican:
Ninfa’s, Spanish Village, Teotihuacan
Sweets:
Fluff Bake Bar (Full Stop.)
6. Any new additions to the culinary scene you can recommend?
You’ve not seen or tasted Spanish cuisine quite like this. The truly extraordinary and out of the ordinary, MAD Houston will leave all your senses, blown.The delicious, locally sourced food and beautiful atmosphere of Rosie Cannonball is a perfect synthesis of the southern European flavors of Italy, Spain and Portugal.
7. Which coffeeshops have great cappuccino AND great design?
All of them. My coffee spot and hang out since my teenage years has been Brasil Cafe. In recent years, they ante has been upped with The Bodega for entrepreneurs to utilize as a retail pop up space, and Flatland Gallery is a multipurpose art space featuring three-dimensional work, films, performances, and culinary and dining experiences.
There’s nothing I love more than a coffee and booze cocktail. I can’t thank “the Robins” enough for giving us Double Trouble. Saddle up to the handmade sand art counter with your laptop, or relax with a deliciously different frozen cocktail on the patio.
Launch your day with Giant Leap Coffee, serving premium locally roasted coffee and locally sourced snacks. The custom, futuristic-faceted ceiling and Space City vibe excite the astronaut in all of us.
8. Tell us about your favorite places for afterwork cocktails. Which bartenders do you trust with your drinks?
If you’re looking to shake the day without frills, Warren’s Inn is your best bet. If it’s dram you’re after, Reserve 101 or Anvil Bar and Refuge have the BEST selections of spirits and craft cocktails, while Julep exudes a Southern decadence. Obviously, order a Mint Julep.
I’m a neighborhood dive bar enthusiast and simply must recommend the unassumingly funktastic Big Star Bar, Poison Girl and Grand Prize Bar.
Houston is beautifully represented by so many talented mixologists and bar programs, Lindsay Rae of Two Headed Dog is about as legit as they come, and always up for the unassuming bevvy or a concoction that will blow you out of your boots.
9. What's the coolest thing one can do in Houston? (Tell us about fun places)
EAT SHOP ROCK on Mid Main. Houston’s Cultural Arts and Entertainment District along the 3500-3700 Blocks of Main Street highlight local talents and cool cats — be sure to wear your boogie shoes.
A true cross section of our city is the Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market, You’ll see the likes of Justin Yu and other renowned chefs loading up for the week. Grab a taco from El Topo food truck and take home a bag of Texas pecans from Rio Grande Organics.
On the first Thursday of every month, Goodnight Charlie’s Honky-Tonk has two-step lessons and live county music. Yee-haw!
Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers boat tours, kayak launches, walking tours and so much more. It should be noted that you can make our bayou “burp” with a single button. Perhaps the coolest of all is the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, one the city’s early underground reservoirs.
Need relaxation? Seek refuge at the Rothko Chapel, an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief.
10. Where do you relax in nature?
Temperatures as hot as the sun’s surface (not a tall tale) doesn’t stop us from getting outside. We’re so fortunate Houston has so many dedicated green spaces to enjoy. Hermann Park is tops with it’s ever-changing landscape for exercise and contemplation in its urban forest, scenic trails, architecturally impressive bridges, the bayou, lakes, fountains, gardens, a choo-choo train and pedal boats.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center keenly transports visitors out of the city without having to actually leave. Let yourself get lost — the path loops around. Eventually.
Gathering friends for a trip to the Menil Museum and a picnic on the lawn afterward is another favorite way to relax outdoors.
11. What's the perfect entertainment for families?
Houston rivals New York City for live entertainment seating. From massive arenas, the ball park, theaters, opera houses and intimate settings such as the White Oak Music Hall and The Secret Group. Or, you can take the family to the Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston or my favorite, the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
12. Nicest boutiques to shop for local fashion and design?
Kuhl-Linscomb offers more than 100,000 square feet of display area covering two city blocks, making it the largest privately owned design and lifestyle store in Houston. It’s a campus of showroom buildings housing everything you could ever need – or want. Better extend your trip!
Houston’s own Chloe Dao showcases her signature flair at her DAO Chloe DAO boutique. Season 2 winner of Project Runway, Chloe demonstrates her expert understanding of women’s bodies.
Revamp and repeat with the leading vintage thread dealers, Vida Antigua Collective and Retropolis. Need more? The Montrose District has a plethora of second-hand shops for the most discerning, retro fashionista.
13. Which hotels would you recommend to friends?
I’d recommend the Montrose Suites by Dunyha, which are as comfortable as a cozy house with all the amenities and luxury of an elegant hotel. You can float along the lazy river in the shape of Texas at the Marriott Marquis or take on a round of virtual “Top Golf” at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. For Texas hospitality and historic value, Hotel ICON and The Lancaster Hotel are unbeatable.
We need an extra tip for the business traveller: this could be a co-working space, a good restaurant for a business lunch, a coffee and work bar etc. Can you recommend anything like this?
Lux without Country Club dues … set 43 stories above the downtown skyline, Strato 550 is the power lunch destination, serving Mediterranean-inspired food, superb wines, classic cocktails and stellar views. Have lunch in the expansive dining room or book an AV-equipped conference room for a productive meeting with family-style service.
On the east side of downtown, The Annex HTX is a co-working community with all the perks of an office that offers daily, monthly or yearly memberships for a desk, private office or conference room. Bonus: You can grab a coffee or a bite at Tout Suite just a few doors down. I recommend the Grilled Cheese and all the macarons.
Know before you go! Read houston.culturemap.com for everything that’s going down in the Bayou City.
About me:
A native Houstonian, Emily Jaschke is an award-winning photographer with several photographic and written publications, as well as exhibition credits. Established in 2007 as a lifestyle + editorial photographer specializing in portraits, commercial and special event photography. Emily has a deep appreciation for the arts, is a strong believer in community and possesses a deep love for music, humor and the human condition. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Houston.
Thank you for reading!
-"EJ" Emily Jaschke
photographsbyemilyjaschke.zenfolio.com
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The Pish Piano
Filmed + Edited by: Emily Jaschke
Teenage Pianist Faces Harvey With Courageous Performance
Emphasizing the Power of Music
Written by Johnston Farrow, CultureMap Houston Music Columnist
(The condensed version was published here: http://tinyurl.com/CultureMap-JF-PishPiano)
In the aftermath of Harvey, heartbreaking tales of destruction and loss across Houston were countered by those of individuals and organizations that put their lives on hold to shelter, feed and console the thousands that lost their homes, possessions and sense of security.
Houston’s music scene was no different.
One video, shot during Harvey flooding, profoundly captured a small experience of what many of Houston’s professional and amateur musicians faced during and after the storm.
Friendswood resident Kambiz Pish, whose house took on three feet of water, spent five days stuck on the second floor with his wife Maryan and 15-year-old daughter Pega. He took a moment to wade downstairs through the muck to make coffee. Mercifully, they still had clean running water and working gas to cook with.
Cabin fever setting in, Pega, who has taken piano lessons for eight years, slogged through over a foot of standstill water to perform an impromptu rendition of her mother’s favorite song, “Mariage D’Amour” by French musician Paul de Senneville.
“I’m going to make you happy and play you something to cheer you up,” Pega told her parents as she began to tap on the keys.
Pish picked up his only working camera – several others they used to document cherished annual trips to national parks across North America perished in the waters – and started to record. While news outlets covered similar stories of other pianists plinking away at waterlogged keys, recalling the orchestra playing as the Titanic sank, Pish’s video, literally and figuratively, strikes a chord.
Pega stands in her water-soaked front room and eloquently plays the keys of the Schafer and Sons piano she picked out with her piano teacher a few years prior, the piano she helped pay for with money she had saved up. Some of the notes are slightly off-key, likely due to the water damage. The performance is powerful – melancholy but confident, mournful but courageous. Her mother, slightly hidden by the doorframe, dances with solemn grace in the background. At one point, Pega hesitates, smiling to the camera, as if to brush off the absurdity of her recital space.
“It’s very emotional the way the notes are composed,” Pega said of the song, following her first day back at school at Clear Horizons in the Clear Creek school district where she is in the 10th grade. “I think it was something with so much devastation around us, it was something that was happy, it was nice to play.”
The Pish’s weren’t the only ones to lose their beloved instruments. On a whim and after quick search on Facebook, Pish contacted CultureMap contributing photographer Emily Jaschke to document the damage firsthand. There she witnessed several pianos lining the curb on Pish’s street. Enlarge that to a scale of millions of residents and one starts to get a sense of the immensity of what Houston musicians of all levels of expertise are dealing with after the storm.
Pish knows something about starting over. He immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in 1984. He is rebuilding his life once again, tearing out drywall and flooring, the piano still standing in the same spot, the same room, now without walls.
“I was going to take it down,” Pish said of the video after it started to illicit a response from thousands of viewers. “But I thought there was more to it than the flood. This gives some hope, a positive message. Something about music changes things.”
The flood waters finally receded, and despite rusting wire distorting it's notes, the piano still carried a tune, evidenced by Jaschke’s video she captured of Pega once again playing "Mariage D'Amour," to cheer up her parents only days earlier as the waters ravished her home. Strings bowed, but not broken.
~
Thank you Pish Family of your original footage contribution,
your bravery, your music, and allowing me to document your community.
Thank you Johnston Farrow for writing this beautiful piece.
]]>The definition of "home" can widely differ from where you pay mortgage or rent. Is "home" where you were raised, or where your family lives? A neighborhood bar, or a place you've traveled to where certain adventures were had?
After a little banter, we agreed that home is indeed where the heart is, but also a nostalgia inducing connection brought on by a barrage of pleasant memories. While, where I currently reside feels more like home than any place I've ever laid my head, and maybe a dive just a few blocks away ... I have a deep connection to The Bay, down south of Houston. There is something incredibly calming about warm, salty air gently sweeping your face and the faint sound of a seagull overhead. It's home. It's where I grew up and embarked upon adulthood. It's where loved and lost, and created the most precious and everlasting memories of my life.
You can imagine I jumped at the opportunity to photograph this cute little family by The Bay. BONUS: I enlisted my childhood friend to assist with reflector and bag hauling duties. (Thanks, Boom-Boom!)
Most importantly, my client chose this spot because this is a place where they spend a lot of time together. Thus, making the perfect backdrop for their family photos. When you sit on a boardwalk that you've ran down a 100 times, it becomes more than a just place, or "cool spot" to have your photograph taken. It's representative of you, your heart, and H O M E.
The photograph becomes more than a piece of art. It's a memory captured infinitely. Therein lies, my photographical initiative.
XX-EJ
"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly." -Van Morrison
