-So who is behind Sea Sick Mama, and where did that name come from? Where did you guys start, how long ago, where are all of you guys from?
There is really only one person behind Seasick Mama (a lot of people spell it wrong), and that person is myself Marial Eve Maher. I am sort of a lion tamer, New York City artists being the bloody tooth lions. Seasick Mama actually came from a Neil Young song called, For the Turnstiles, which goes as follows:
"All the sailors
With their seasick mamas
Hear the sirens on the shore,
Singin' songs
For pimps with tailors
Who charge ten dollars
At the door."
I believe Seasick Mama is a metaphor for a prostitute, which I think is really clever--so I let myself think I am right. I started Seasick Mama about 14 months ago, when I first moved to New York City (from Rhode Island)--and found myself working as a receptionist at a recording studio. I moved to NYC to be an artist, and this job was the fucking farthest thing from that. BUT the mundane job of answering phones and kissing ass was paying the bills while the idea of Seasick Mama developed, which was the concept of "canvas-to-clothing."
-What type of art do you guys seek out when starting new projects or seasons? Does everyone always agree on the same thing?
My mother always said to me, "Marial, Your goal in life is to be your own boss!" And personally, that has been the best advice anyone has ever given me. Seasick Mama is my baby, my ambition, and my production--so selfishly I can choose who I work with and what the final product will be, without some nagging differences from a partner. (I do plan to partner up with another creative, but I have no found that person yet.)
But the type of art Seasick Mama typically seeks is the artwork that will translate onto apparel beautifully but with new innovation and creativity. I want people to think, "Wow! I have never seen that on a shirt before." The most current project that is under development is SEX ON THE CITEE which is the 2010 summer collection that is focusing on photography. There is a specific criteria for photographers to follow and submit their work.
There is really only one person behind Seasick Mama (a lot of people spell it wrong), and that person is myself Marial Eve Maher. I am sort of a lion tamer, New York City artists being the bloody tooth lions. Seasick Mama actually came from a Neil Young song called, For the Turnstiles, which goes as follows:
"All the sailors
With their seasick mamas
Hear the sirens on the shore,
Singin' songs
For pimps with tailors
Who charge ten dollars
At the door."
I believe Seasick Mama is a metaphor for a prostitute, which I think is really clever--so I let myself think I am right. I started Seasick Mama about 14 months ago, when I first moved to New York City (from Rhode Island)--and found myself working as a receptionist at a recording studio. I moved to NYC to be an artist, and this job was the fucking farthest thing from that. BUT the mundane job of answering phones and kissing ass was paying the bills while the idea of Seasick Mama developed, which was the concept of "canvas-to-clothing."
-What type of art do you guys seek out when starting new projects or seasons? Does everyone always agree on the same thing?
My mother always said to me, "Marial, Your goal in life is to be your own boss!" And personally, that has been the best advice anyone has ever given me. Seasick Mama is my baby, my ambition, and my production--so selfishly I can choose who I work with and what the final product will be, without some nagging differences from a partner. (I do plan to partner up with another creative, but I have no found that person yet.)
But the type of art Seasick Mama typically seeks is the artwork that will translate onto apparel beautifully but with new innovation and creativity. I want people to think, "Wow! I have never seen that on a shirt before." The most current project that is under development is SEX ON THE CITEE which is the 2010 summer collection that is focusing on photography. There is a specific criteria for photographers to follow and submit their work.
-We noticed you guys praise your Direct To Garment Digital Printing, for those that don't know how is DTG different from traditional silk screening and other methods?
Oh man, DTG is the McDonalds of convenience. I hate to say this, but I actually have no fucking clue how to silk screen, and really have no desire to learn after discovering DTG. Anything, anything, anything you can design on a computer screen, I can print on a t-shirt. Photoshop is the screen, the design board, or your canvas. Once your finished, you press PRINT, place a t-shirt or any kind of material on a plate, and in slides the t-shirt, out slides a beautiful masterpiece. The quality is fantastic as well, crispy imagery, stunning details, and super soft to wear.
-Who and what can be found at a SSM release party that you guys organize?
The SSM release parties are always extremely fun: celebrating the new collection, the artists work, live music, socialites, and free stuff. The last SSM release party can be seen on KARMALOOP,
link here: http://www.karmaloop.com/tv/?ep=52626124001
The next release party will be after the holidays, sometime in February for the new collection SEX ON THE CITEE. We are anticipating a more traditional opening for the photography show the really captivates the creativity and professionalism behind Seasick Mama, but to also give whatever photographer I choose to work with a proper opening.
The next release party will be after the holidays, sometime in February for the new collection SEX ON THE CITEE. We are anticipating a more traditional opening for the photography show the really captivates the creativity and professionalism behind Seasick Mama, but to also give whatever photographer I choose to work with a proper opening.
What are some tips for throwing a good party like what is key in gettin people in and havin a good time? Open bar? Big names?
Well, Seasick Mama has grown a lot over the past year and has made tons of friends and followers. The key to getting people in the door is building a family. New York City is huge and there are hundreds of creative people that want to surround themselves with good energy, and I think Seasick Mama delivers that. But when it comes to a good time, the open bar helps :) also, giving away free products and having great bands play. One of my favorite bands is Hank & Cupcakes, they fucking rock.
Can you give us a little bit more info on the grant program you have set up? Does each seanons artist get one or is it annual? And what are some of the main giudlines?
Seasick Mama started a grant program back in March, but things got to complicated. So the way we reward artists that are involved is with royalties.
-What's next for SSM? Any plans on extending your product line?
What's next...what's next? Well, I will continue to produce more collections for people to wear.
I working right now into bringing the "canvas-to-clothing" concept into the retail world, installing artwork into storefront windows--as a more inviting and exciting experience.
But I am also want to bring Seasick Mama into the producer world, because I can make things happen, turning Seasick Mama not only into a clothing line--but an entity.
What's next...what's next? Well, I will continue to produce more collections for people to wear.
I working right now into bringing the "canvas-to-clothing" concept into the retail world, installing artwork into storefront windows--as a more inviting and exciting experience.
But I am also want to bring Seasick Mama into the producer world, because I can make things happen, turning Seasick Mama not only into a clothing line--but an entity.
-Anything else you would want our readers to know about SSM?
Well, assuming your readers are all talented creative geniuses, I would just want them to know that Seasick Mama is always open to new ideas when it comes to the concept of canvas-to-clothing. I am always looking for new collaborations, but also even just printing shirts for your own gallery openings. Seasick Mama just teamed up with Eric Helvie, a brilliant painter who had an opening at OAK, a hip retail shop in NYC. He came to me to print some shirts for him, because he knew my limitations were endless. It went really well. I am open to more opportunities like that, so I can keep experimenting with the DTG printer.
Lastly, it would be our pleasure to mail you one of our Lousy Right tees! Let us know who to address it to and what size you want. Thanks again!
I actually saw your t-shirts, and I WOULD LOVE LOVE LOVE one. I think they are rad.
Thanks a bunch, your tee is on the way.
Check out Seasick Mama and of course check out our tees here.
