Rafael Abreu-Canedo is a conceptual artist living in Pittsburgh, born in Brasil. He allows his ideas to dictate the media, but if he had to use one word to sum it all up, it would be “voice”. Not only having a voice through his art, but also giving voice to the elusive abstractions and systems that shape our lives. In this video portrait, Rafael enlightens us to the wobbly pillars of our society, catches one before it falls, and tells us why he stands for universal health care.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Tim Murray

Michelle Stoner is a poet who works for Carlow University’s MFA program and world traveler whose collection Flats and Riots has been said to inspire “true visceral living”. In this video portrait, Michelle talks about her process, which uniquely involves a piece of butcher block paper, and reads a poem inspired by a friend’s critical health care struggle.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Julie Sokolow

China Horrell is an artist at Specter Studios who paints and customizes delightfully horrific masks and props. In this video portrait, China shows us a gruesome, mounted Tickle Me Elmo, paints a mask before our very eyes, and tells us a personal story that illustrates the dire need for health care reform.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Julie Sokolow

Chuck LeGros  is a young writer and recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.  In this video portrait he introduces his typewriters to us by their first names, reads an excerpt from the intriguing novel he’s working on, and tells us why he is passionate about health care reform.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Sarah Huth
Camerawork and cinematography by Asher Marie Coffield

Jude Vachon is an artist, crafter, librarian, health care advocate, and founder of the amazing project Be Well! Pittsburgh.  She is also on the Healthy Artists team!  In this video portrait, Jude shows us her art made with office supplies, demonstrates the majesty of quilting, and tells us about the inspiration behind Be Well! Pittsburgh – Healthcare Options for the Uninsured.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Julie Sokolow

North Star is a multi-media artist who produces large-scale variety shows and performances.  In this video portrait, North Star plays a mesmerizing songs, discusses the joys of collaborating, collaging, and diving into the realms of the unconscious, and speaks out about the injustices she and others face who are uninsured.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Tim Murray

Davon Magwood is a comedian, writer, and musician living in Pittsburgh.  In this video portrait, we get to see some highlights from Davon’s comedy shows.  We also get to hear him meditate on his narcissistic stage persona, reveal the inspiration behind his jokes, and tell a personal story about visiting the ER while uninsured.

Video produced, directed, and edited by Julie Sokolow