JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Lackland Texas – The Air Force Services Center releases new episodes of the highly anticipated Artisan Air series, now streaming on AF Live app only
The new series showcases the creativity and depth of talent in both the Air Force and Space Force.
“The Air Force Services Center recognizes that people are its greatest asset, accordingly we are putting audiences behind the scenes of service members’ lives and are engaging audiences with a new 30 episode series,” comments Richard Cooper, Strategic Marketing & Branding Specialist. “Our Over-The-Top (OTT) media channel, AF Live APP, will feature our Artisan Air series and showcases Airmen’s and Guardians’ most coveted interests.”
The series releases five more 30-minute episodes highlighting a mix of talent ranging from visual artists, musicians, and poets. Five new episodes will be released every Thursday through June 29th.
The series was recorded from September through December 2022 in Austin, Texas.
In addition to the series release, AFSVC plans to release songs from the episodes to music streaming platforms, adding to the Air Force’s extensive music catalog. At the end of the series release, the work of 13 musicians and a spoken word poet will be packaged in a digital album available on various streaming platforms on June 29.
“In part, this program is a tribute to all U.S. Airmen and Guardians who, at a moment’s notice are ready to risk all in defense of our great nation,” said Gary Lott, Chief Integrated Marketing and Branding. “Additionally, a special thanks to the Air Force Service Center for trusting us to execute new concepts that highlight our people on a more personalized level.”
Additionally, all eligible Department of Defense ID cardholders will have the chance to win a limited-edition vinyl recording, enter here https://gleam.io/WjSMG/artisan-air-vinyl-giveaway. Watch for more details on the AF Live app for iOS and Android.
About Episodes 21-25 Streaming on June 23
Set to debut on June 23rd, Artisan Air continues to roll out its programming on the AF Live app. The new series takes a look at five new airmen and guardians and their extraordinary talents outside of their military duty. Each episode tells the story of dedication to craft and service to the nation. The following episodes will roll out on June 23rd from:
- SrA Jonathan Bell -802d Force Support Squadron, JBSA Lackland AFB
- A1C Colton Richards – 27th SOSS, Cannon AFB
- Capt Cydnée Reese – 350th ARS, McConnell AFB
- Capt Jacob Bryant – Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB
- A1C Mandie Simon – 20 EMS, Shaw AFB
SrA Jonathan Bell is a 802d Force Support Squadron based at JBSA Lackland AFB. A musician and rapper, Bell started performing at a young age. His love of music encompasses all genres but his current influences are based in R&B, gospel, and pop music vibes. In his episode Jonathan performs three original songs including “Black Tesla” a fun and catchy song that is about coming of age and feeling oneself riding a Black Tesla.
Reflecting back on the new series Bell comments, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity and I am grateful to have been part of something huge like this. Who said you couldn’t chase your dreams and serve your Country at the same time?”
A1C Colton Richards is a 27th SOSS based at Cannon AF. The Airman who found his love for filmmaking when he received his first camera. Teaming up with a group of high school friends Richards has a portfolio of over 15 short films. The themes have ranged from comedy to thrillers, horror and mysteries. In his episode Richards talks about his passion for indie filmmaking and the diversity of roles that one needs to play during the filmmaking process. He debuts his original film titled “Pills,” a thrilling mystery about a young woman who experiences extraordinary phenomenons while taking prescription pills.
Capt Cydnée Reese is a 350th ARS based at McConnell AFB. Reese goes by the name Cydnée Alyxzan’s and is a singer songwriter who found music at 17. Her influences ranged from Soul and R&B to 1960s Big Band. With her songwriting, she creates beautiful unique songs and draws influences from friends, family and her life to tell stories that everyone can relate to. Cydnée comments “The opportunity to mix and match the new and the old is always fun! Experiencing my music in different ways keeps even the oldest songs fresh and reminds me of my love and passion for what I do.”
In her episode she performs three original songs including “Everything Beautiful” is a song that explores the positive moments love has to offer. Reese comments, “The honesty in the lyrics are relatable to anyone who has ever been deeply enamored with another as she dives deep into both literally and metaphorically how it feels to be in love.” “Shape of Your Love” is off her EP Adoration Collaboration. And while it takes the listen on a comical love story trip, the lyrics display unmatched romantic imagery. “Ain’t Gon’ Beg” is the sassy epitome of “know your worth” and refusing to beg for love.
Capt Jacob Bryant is part of the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB. He is a landscape photographer who grew up in rural New Jersey. Growing up his dad had a dark room in their house and influenced his passion for photography. He received his first camera for his high school graduation and found his love for natural park photography. In his episode he talks about his creative process and the excitement of getting that one shot. Bryant was based in Texas when he started to find his creative voice, as reflected in his art show that highlight photos taken from Big Ben Natural Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Piece 1: Guadalupe Peak // The Top of Texas Measuring at an altitude of 8,751 feet, it is the highest point in Texas, this was the scene at sunset right before hiking back down in the dark.
- Piece 2: Lightning “While some shoots are planned and methodical, coming across this brewing storm cloud was anything but. I hastily set up my gear, shot hundreds of exposures while being poured on, and waited for the perfect frame. I was greeted with a few photos with crisp bolts of lightning.”
- Piece 3: Milky Way If there is one thing West Texas, and Big Bend in particular, is known for, it’s the nationally renowned dark skies, widely considered the darkest in the lower 48. Here, the milky way rises above the rock formation called the Mule Ears.
- Piece 4: The South Rim Apart from Guadalupe Peak, if there is one additional iconic view in Texas, it is from the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains in Bend Bend National Park. This was a memorable trip as it was the one and only time family was able to visit me due to COVID-19 travel complications. But my brothers and I backpacked this route and watched an incredible sunrise from the Rim. This picture is illuminated by the moon in the blue light of dawn.
- Piece 5: The Mule Ears The Mule Ears are an iconic rock formation in Big Bend National park, aptly named as they resemble a pair of mule ears. I was greeted by a pastel sunset in this desert landscape.
- Piece 6: Reflections in Salt Flats was shot at Guadalupe Mountains National Park’s salt flats which rarely flood. But on Labor Day weekend, 2021 local rainfall flooded the flats presenting a rare opportunity for a unique picture.
- Piece 7: Sierra del Carmen West Texas is known for both its desert and mountains. Here in Big Bend, we see blooming ocotillo and prickly pear cacti leading into the Sierra Del Carmen range of Mexico
- Piece 8: Crescent Moon A Crescent Moon rises over the desert during a colorful sunrise in Big Bend National Park.
Looking back at the project Bryant comments, “I’d like to thank The Air Force Services Center for their vision for this entire project. The United States Air and Space Forces are mission-first organizations and all Airmen and Guardians do their part each and every day to ensure that the United States remains vigilant and prepared. Rightfully so. But the Air and Space Forces couldn’t do their missions without their people. These forces are comprised of individuals, individuals with unique and too often hidden talents, hobbies, and passions and I’m glad some of those individuals are being recognized for their creative talents as well as honored to be included amongst them.”
A1C Mandie Simon is a 20 EMS based at Shaw AFB. Mandie is a young talented painter who enjoyed making art from a young age. She primarily uses oils and likes to incorporate texture in her photo realistic portraits. In her episode she talks about her journey to becoming a commissioned painter and has her very first art show. She displays various paintings including a photo realistic painting of her cousin with a symbolic meaning, a painting with the challenge of capturing her subject squishing her face and getting the braids just right, a painting of Blue Ivy from a reference photo – to name a few.
In addition to the new episodes, Capt Cydnée Reese and SrA Jonathan Bell will be releasing three songs each on June 23th. Their journey along with the other artists will be available on the AF Live app, and on all music streaming platforms.
To catch the new series download AF Live app for iOS and Android.
- SrA Jonathan Bell -802d Force Support Squadron, JBSA Lackland AFB Youtube | Spotify | Soundcloud | IG
- A1C Colton Richards – 27th SOSS, Cannon AFB YouTube
- Capt Cydnée Reese – 350th ARS, McConnell AFB Website | Youtube | Facebook | Spotify | Twitter | IG
- Capt Jacob Bryant – Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB Website | Facebook | IG
- A1C Mandie Simon – 20 EMS, Shaw AFB IG
Full Session:
Wk 1
MSgt Trevor Clark – 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB
SrA Adrianna Parson – SHAPE International Band NATO HQ SHAPE/ Mons, Belgium
TSgt Amy James – 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease ANGB, NH
TSgt George Linen – 765th ABS, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal
SSgt Jonathan Delise – 553rd Air Force Band, Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA
Wk 2
SrA Clarissa Tweed – 36 LRS/LGRV, Andersen AFB
SSgt Derek Skelton – 147 ASOS, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base
SrA Daryl Bowden Jr. -15AMXS, Offutt AFB
SSgt Connor Remboldt – 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field ANGB
SSgt Sarah Brice – DINFOS, Fort Meade, MD
Wk 3
SSgt Roberto Hernandez Nieves – 823d Red Horse SQ, Hurlburt Field, FL
SrA William Rosado – 1st Combat Camera Squadron, JBCharleston, SC
SSgt Kenneth Diaz Figueroa – 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island ANG
Capt Lindsay Cordero – AFGSC CCX, Barksdale AFB, LA
TSgt Ashlyn – 69th Cyberspace Squadron, Schriever Space Force Base,CO
Wk 4
TSgt Aaron Evins – AFPC Evaluations/ Recognitions, Randolph AFB
SrA Nina-Sophia Pacheco – 134 Air Refueling Wing, 572nd Band of the South, McGhee Tyson ANG Base
SrA Sarah Porrazza – 4RS/MXAAS, Andersen AFB, Guam
TSgt Seth Groves – 434 OSS, Grissom ARB, IN
Maj Kim Panagsagan – USSF/S8, Pentagon
Wk 5
SrA Jonathan Bell -802d Force Support Squadron, JBSA Lackland AFB
A1C Colton Richards – 27th SOSS, Cannon AFB
Capt Cydnée Reese – 350th ARS, McConnell AFB
Capt Jacob Bryant – Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB
A1C Mandie Simon – 20 EMS, Shaw AFB
Wk 6
TSgt Nicholas Brown – 31st Munitions Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy
SSgt Erasmus Hartsfield – Andrews AFB
2d LT Touacha Her – 349 AMW, Travis AFB
Special Bonus Episodes
Streaming at www.AFLive.tv
Website: https://theaflive.com/