"Hoosier Interviews: Who's In Indiana? Pt. 2"

Despite the image some individuals may have towards Northerners along with the opinions of Indiana's Hoosiers, some of the Hoosiers are climbing their way to success...and what better way to acknowledge them than on the Internet?! There are plenty of us all from various age ranges, backgrounds, and talents. Local musicians (including Wally West, Samuel London, Manuel King, Tarrah Mychelle, Larry Redding, Bird B, T-Krazy, Benzo, The B.E.A.T, and Komain just to name a few), dancers, professors and people fighting for change (such as April Lidinsky), activists, poets, actresses and actors, writers, athletes, college students striving for success, artists, and more. Basically, anything you name, I can disclose at least five individuals gifted in each category. Overlooked, (I know), Indiana is seldom acknowledged for much with the exception of being noted as a place of origin for few celebrities, the idea that Indiana enacted the law for sterilization in eugenics, and it's connection to racism, but underneath the image (and those facts), people are working! From shows with our favorite local musicians, to projects and events pushing for equality and change, to plays, successful programs, and art events. Anyone that knows me, KNOWS I LOVE art. Basquiat, Banksy, Frida K., Keith Haring...but I'm going to expose a few of Indiana's very own artists on the come up! The artists I'm showing off to you all are artists of the group SYNDICATE which is one of Indiana's very own all male art group consisting not only of different personalities, styles, and goals but also different talents. I sat down and talked it away with two of my buddies who are members of SYNDICATE to offer a little more information on what they do, what they are striving for, and why.

Myron Waddell, also known as "Mizzy" or "Mizzle-dwarf" is a native of South Bend, Indiana and defines SYNDICATE as:

"A group of gentlemen that have come together to enhance culture in one way or another" (Myron Waddell). He continues by stating that "there are several rappers: Wally West, Swisher Jones, and Bambino Bankz. Mike Mass is an upcoming tattoo artist. Last but not least we have a few visual artists: Terrible Tony, Speedy LaFlame, and myself" (Myron "Mizzy" Waddell). After explaining that he doesn't consider himself an artist, he continued that he enjoys expressing his creativity through art. Mizzy's main focus is centered towards using what he's learned and relating it to his work! After inquiring about the success of SYNDICATE and his expectations as to where he will be in the years to come, he responded with this:

"No big breaks at the moment. We've all been honored enough to receive an immense amount of great feedback for our work, though. We’re all constantly working to better our crafts as a group and more importantly, as individuals. I think we’d all love to get paid to do what we’re talented at, whether it’s the rappers getting record label deals or opening up a gallery for the artists. Most importantly we just want to have a lasting effect on the culture of art for years to come...I don’t think about where I’ll end up too much. I just want to be happy and I want my friends and loved ones to be happy and successful. I believe that once you have all the pieces around you that complete you, the real dream comes true. That’s my end goal. Happiness. " 

Below is a temporary site to view SYNDICATE artwork and clothing: http://syndxx.tumblr.com/.

 Mizzy

Following Mizzy, I spent some time chopping it up with my high school friend, Mike Mass ("Massey") who also spoke on being a member of SYNDICATE and how he expresses his art. Massey, age 24, is also a native of South Bend, Indiana and focuses on art while shifting his artwork on paper into tattoo art. After asking Massey to speak on his focus he explains where his love for art came from: "I started drawing in like the 3rd grade. Art just so happens to be one of the ways I'm good at expressing myself. Now that I'm older I've learned to appreciate it more and use it for more positive aspects like entrepreneurship or galleries. I love the fact I can pull all the weird shit out of my head at anytime I want and literally show you what I'm thinking. Always been an appealing aspect that kind of keeps me deep into it. Like a super power except they can't come alive off paper... Yet". After giving credibility to the other members of SYNDICATE, Massey continues with: "My dream is to obtain power over someone who doesn't deserve to have power. I have many dreams though...mainly to just be happy with what I'm doing, have a good life, and die a good man. If I end up making a lot of money doing it, then I'll be comforted by the fact I could change a lot. I plan on ending up in London or something with the people I came in this with at a private table with our cell phones in the middle, and the first one to answer, pays the tab. Haha word to my brotha Miz though" (Massey). Massey concludes that after acknowledging the challenge of his transition and the progression of his art skill, his biggest break is his progression with tattoo art. " I'm shooting for the stars, see where it takes me. Living the Journey" (Mike Massey). Both Mizzy and Massey have shared some of their artwork with me to share with you all! 

Massey 
Instagram - MassRenaissanceXX
Twitter - @DemiGawdXX Facebook - Mike Mass Tumblr - StayyoungneverDie

Check them out and support the dream! In the meantime, be sure to check out some of Indiana's other artists including:

Amanda Joseph (http://www.zggallery.com/joseph.htm), Tearanie Fisher (https://www.facebook.com/tearaniefisherphotography), and Liz Coleman (art and fashion). Be looking out for more interviews with some of Indiana's hard workers and honorable mentions including fancy folks with cameras and beats, professors from local universities, students of all education levels that are making their way to the top or have done something for the community, more artists and activists, leaders, and others. Also, "like" my blog @ http://brikhousedelights.blogspot.com/ and follow my discussions on relevant topics and issues in society and our communities. From the bottom on up and until next time!

With Realness,

Bee Elae

1/21/14