Interviews with Artists and Athletes: Sean Oshima

At Making Movement, we have the opportunity to work with some amazing people who inspire us in our everyday lives. These interviews shed light on how they excel in their art or sport.

What bands or musicians have influenced you the most?

Growing up I listened to The Beatles, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, and Gillian Welch with my family. Later I became interested in more pop influenced songs of John Mayer, Maroon 5, and Michael Jackson. I think I draw off of music from the folk styles that my parents play, as well as the pop that makes me want to move.

Are there any physical activities that you enjoy or that you feel compliment your musical performance? 

I love to dance. I'll dance in slippers in the kitchen. I'll dance at a club. I'll dance a a contradance in a barn or with a partner to pop music. I love to partner dance, to connect and communicate with someone without words. Music moves me.

When you hit a creative block, what’s your strategy to get through it?

The ocean helps me be creative. I love to be by the ocean and feel small; it puts things into perspective. Musically, trying to just check in with songwriting a little bit every day. Treating it like a job. Writing even when I don't want to. 

What books or authors do you recommend to your friends most often?

Poems by Nayyirah Waheed. The Name of the WInd by Patrick Ruthfuss. Mink River by Brian Doyle.

What are the foods or drinks that you try to consume everyday?

I try to consume so much water. I love to drink water. I try to eat amazing, locally grown foods of all shapes and sizes. I also try to consume a donut everyday. Maybe two.

What do you do on your days off?

On off days I spend time with friends. I cook them dinner. I go to see movies. I dance all night. I make more music.

What rituals do you have before and after a musical performance? 

My brother and I (we preform together) try to make sure to give each other a little back pound massage to loosen up before each show. It's very grounding. We also hug. After a show I just want to talk to and meet and hug everyone. Maybe eat a donut. 

Learn about and listen to more of Sean and the Oshima Brothers on their website, or follow on instagram.

Interviews with Artists and Athletes: Jack Hauprich

Jack is one of our coaches at CJ Strength & Conditioning. He’s also a wrestler, firefighter, and strongman competitor. He can deadlift 485 pounds, squat 365 pounds, and run a six-minute mile.

What are your greatest athletic accomplishments?

There have been lots of accomplishments that I’ve been privately proud of, but they aren’t the things that make headlines.  It’s going back to the gym after a disappointing competition.  It’s doing the training instead of hanging out at the bar.  It’s not quitting.  My greatest accomplishment is always right around the corner.

What are the foods that you eat every day?

My diet is not my strong suit.  I’ve recently begun really trying to eliminate processed foods because I got used to just throwing protein bars and snacks into a bag for the day.  To eat right you have to slow down a little -- it’s going to take a little more time, and that’s something I never have enough of.  I’m working on it though!

What supplements do you take everyday?

None, but I go to see two of the most knowledgable massage therapists in the industry that I’ve ever met at Making Movement!

How often do you train a week and for how long?

I usually train six days a week for about 12-16 hours a week.

What are your favorite bands or music to listen to when you train?

It depends on what I’m doing!  I like Eminem and Skillet.  When I’m lifting heavy, it’s Skillet.  When it’s a “grind” kind of workout -- fast and light -- it’s Eminem.  During rest periods I listen to Disney Classics.

What do you do for your rest days?

Catch up on things I neglect when I’m training -- haircuts, chores, tidying up, crying profusely in the corner.  But I also do other stuff -- hanging out with my friends, training at the firehouse.  

What books or authors do you recommend to your friends most often?

Verbal Judo and Champion Mind.

Learn more about Jack and CJ Strength & Conditioning.

At Making Movement, we have the opportunity to work with some amazing people who inspire us in our everyday lives. These interviews shed light on how they excel in their art or sport.

Interviews with Artists and Athletes: Annie Bailey

At Making Movement, we have the opportunity to work with some amazing people who inspire us in our everyday lives. These interviews shed light on how they excel in their art or sport.

What are your greatest artistic accomplishments?

The Account of The Royal Tar which was on exhibit at the Farnsworth Art Museum in a show called The Art of Disaster is probably my most significant artistic accomplishment. It’s a 35 foot long hand-painted illustration of the final voyage of the Royal Tar presented in a vintage wooden shipping crate. There are knobs on the top of the box that enable the viewer to crank through the scroll which is illuminated from the rear of the box and framed in a vintage gold and black viewing window. Inked images depict the devastating true story of the vessel named the Royal Tar which was transporting a circus from Canada to Portland, Maine when it burned and sank in Penobscot Bay in 1836. 

Truthfully though, I think my most significant accomplishment has been to keep maintaining a creative practice. It is so easy to get side-tracked and be extremely tough on yourself when you work alone in a studio. Continuing to show up and do the work feels like a big accomplishment.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My days tend to vary quite a bit. I work best from about 9am-11am and then again from 1pm-3pm. Some days are productive, some less so. I strive for 3-4 hours of actual painting a day, which is usually flanked by all the other things that come with representing yourself as an artist, like marketing, writing proposals for grants. residencies, and doing research for upcoming projects.

When you work, what is your choice for music?

Classical music or alpha waves are my go to studio music choices. 

What are the foods that you eat every day?

Breakfast is usually leftovers, salad with egg on top, or banana and peanut butter. Oh, and coffee! For lunch and dinner I eat a lot of beans and rice, vegetables, and canned fish, like sardines and herring. Cheap and healthy is my jam.

What do you do on your days off?

When I take time off I like to get outside and play! I hike in the Camden Hills, swim in the ocean, and occasionally go sailing. There are always home chores to get done, too, and I enjoy the satisfaction of keeping things in order.

Are there any physical activities that you enjoy or that you feel compliment your art making?

Expressive movement (like dance) and cardio activities (like running and swimming) are ways that I help maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. I often find that creative ideas will come to me while I’m out on a long run, too. Recently I have started a sitting meditation practice before I begin a big painting. I’ve noticed a looser, more expressive painting quality emerge since I started meditating. 

When you hit a creative block what’s your strategy to get through it?

Practicing patience, getting outdoors, exercising, reading or talking to other artists is the most effective strategy for me.

What books or authors do you recommend to your friends most often?

I love The Art Spirit by Robert Henri, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard, and Orion magazine.

See more of Annie's work on her website or follow her on instagram.