I met Brooklyn podcaster Miller Pike in 2018 at Carmelos – we dug each other’s style and shot together on the street and in the studio a few times before realizing we had a lot of similar ideas about the local arts scene. We both wanted the world to see what’s going on in Bushwick. I wanted to do this from a fashion and photography perspective and she wanted to do it from a more generally creative perspective. At the time, Miller was launching a local, monthly salon series called #ApartmentPARTY, as a way to get in touch with that Bushwick community. Now, she has a podcast called “AP Studio Files,” so it felt like the right time to get in touch again.
How does Bushwick impact the work that you do?
Oftentimes people will ask me how I met an artist and generally the answer will be “through the scene”. Deep down, I feel this is a really special time for the creative community of Bushwick, and I want to make sure it’s recognized on a global scale.
What were you trying to achieve with #ApartmentPARTY?
ApartmentPARTY was originally created as a way for me to feel more in touch with the Bushwick community. Personally, I was in a massive place of growth and I knew I needed to feel connected to the creatives here, and it really helped me at the time.
What do you feel the Bushwick art scene is missing?
I feel the art scene is missing its elders. For the podcast, we recently did some research and found that, as of a 2019 study, Bushwick’s population is about 60% under the age of 35, which was significantly higher than surrounding areas in Brooklyn…I would love to see some age diversifying in the creative community.
How did the podcast come along, and what was the driving idea behind it?
Mid-summer 2020, I felt extremely disconnected from everyone, which was a very relatable feeling at the time. I started thinking about “What does joy look like in a community setting going forward” and about ways I could continue to support creatives in New York City in a safe mid-COVID kind of way. The idea of interviewing creatives and having a lasting time capsule of these individuals throughout covid was a great way to stay connected to this community.
I understand you’re really focused on creating community, why?
When I moved here from Texas, I left a really big creative support network that I was used to relying on. Since I enjoy socializing and bringing people together, I love to be able to introduce friends, make connections and support people. And it’s hard to make a community in New York City and I think unless you go about it with purpose, this place can be extremely isolating.
The latest episode of “AP Studio Files” features an interview with Bella Rocha, a folk singer based in Ridgewood.
All photos taken by Corey Jermaine for Bushwick Daily.
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