Lipstick Rodeo launch party at Rolling Still
Comes with a kiss
Taos-based Lipstick Rodeo makes no bones about it — their magazine celebrates women and their “awesomeness,” but also features the work of talented guys in their Dudes column. From rollerblading artists in Aruba, writers in Maine, and the Seco Robot, the magazine connects creatives, resources and audiences in much the same way as the early Taos Society of Artists. This week, they launch Lipstick Rodeo.org and their companion YouTube channel.
Magazine founder and editor — and Tempo contributor — Anee Ward has lived and worked in Taos for the past 25 years as an artist, gallery owner and writer. The inspiration for the literary/ art publication came from her brilliant friends.
Anee explains, “Some of the best moments of my life have been laughing on the phone with friends. The kind of laughter where you can’t catch your breath. It was over the phone businesses were invented, lives were lost and lives were lived. I wanted to see how these conversations might grow with a collaborative focus.”
Tempo invited Ward and a few contributors to answer a few questions about their involvement with Lipstick Rodeo.
Jean Cherouny, Anja Marais, Madeline Bennett, Mary Bennett, Heather Waskelwicz, and surprise guest SECO BOT sat down to talk, along with Ward.
Anee Ward: Jean can you tell Tempo a little bit about our friendship and becoming a part of Lipstick Rodeo?
Jean Cherouny, (Aruba) Art and Living Well Contributor: I do not consider myself a writer but when you asked me to write about my practice as a rollerblade-inspired artist, I was intrigued. We have a long history. I remember painting in your kitchen and being inspired by all the colors we used. We were ski buddies and artists who loved sports and art.
AW: Your rollerblade art is such a culmination of this vibrant history.
Tempo: Why is collaboration so important?
Anja Marais, (South Africa, Key West, Taos), Style and Art Contributor: The magazine is more than a collaboration, it is an intricate web being spun over multiple issues that will connect the creative spirit. A network of talent and vision that will beget more artistry.
AW: Well, that was certainly eloquent, no wonder you are in marketing, as well. I have been mesmerized by your mixed media and environmental art, your expansive use of the neutral spectrum, found objects and natural spaces is truly unique.
Madeline Bennett, (Maine and Arizona), Living Well and Art Contributor: I graduated with a BFA in 2020 during COVID, and since, it’s been hard to adjust to creating art for myself.
I’ve been excited by Lipstick Rodeo’s prompts featured in the magazine. They have helped me get back into more of a regular creative practice and reading through the site inspires me to see things differently.
AW: We think you are great! Your painting of ladies having cocktails in the bathtub reminds me of Matisse with a girl power twist.
Mary Bennett, (Portland, Maine –
Mother of Madeline), Living Well Contributor: This project has allowed me to go beyond the boundaries of my home, my city and my state and interact with artists and audiences from across the country. Writing for various editions has helped me crystalize my role as a woman, mother, partner and family member.
AW: From letters to your daughter to neighborhood romps in your Kitty
slippers, you have kept our audience entertained and reflective.
Tempo: Why is it so important to connect with creatives around the globe?
Heather Waskelwicz, (Portland, Maine) Lady Boss and Art Contributor: It has been an honor to have the opportunity to dip into the variety of artists’ experiences and capture a bit of that luscious Lipstick Rodeo Vibe and, if I’m fortunate, bring a little bit of that spirit back home to the East Coast.
I am beyond excited to return to this part of the country where I will spend nearly two weeks in Taos to soak it all in again.
AW: Jean, what can you tell us about Aruba?
Jean: I recently moved to Aruba to live and make art in the streets of a small town called San Nicolas. Here, there are muralists and artists selling their art in a gallery called ArtisA which stands for “Art is Aruba.” There is a social part of the community here that I love. People care about each other and it is felt.
Tempo: What about you, Seco Bot? SECO ROBOT, (Taos, New Mexico), Surprise Art Contributor: I think this kind of collaboration is fun because it brings together people that might not otherwise interact and makes connections of thought and intent on various levels. Anee has, not only a great eye for visual art, but she is able to curate very valuable experiences. kind of collaboration is fun because it brings together people that might not otherwise interact and makes connections of thought and intent on various levels. Anee has, not only a great eye for visual art, but she is able to curate very valuable experiences.