COVER STORY .

Erin Anderson


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Published: Sep 16, 2009

Each salon operator interviewed for this story spent time and lent devotion to my slew of questions — much like they do at their salons. Below are some of their thoughtful answers not included in our feature.

City Paper: Why use a hair salon?

EA: It's a place people come to for no less than a half-hour where they can chat, sit quietly, relax and read while they're getting their hair done by people that they feel comfortable and trust enough to do. For most people, this experience is a positive one. This is the catalyst for why I wanted to embellish my space into one where local artists and artisans showcase their work. It's a chance for the salon to function as an open house — the artists bring in a whole different crop of people who are there to celebrate and support their family/friend's work, and the potential client quotient is raised. We know because we have seen it in action.

CP: You've done all this music and graphic work. Who knew you did hair?

EA: Hair had always been something that I was interested in since I was a little girl, but never thought to get into it professionally. But as the world has become so much more tech-focused, I realized that learning a trade and doing it professionally is the quickest way to ensure that I wouldn't be chained behind a computer all day long. I'm a kinetic person, and get depressed if I sit for too long.

CP: You've said that the best art exists outside of the confines of money, and that you wanted to see it blow free and easy. Any other reasons for starting this up?

EA: Selfishly, showing the art at the salon allows me to fulfill a dream of starting a collection of art for my home. I love the idea of surrounding myself with things made by people I know. It makes my life more meaningful.

CP: Why continue on like this?

EA: It fills my soul. There are many yucky parts to running a biz, like crunching numbers or doing paperwork. So, to be able to switch up the art every two months is akin to burning sage to clear out a space from bad energy. It keeps the environment fresh. Also I think it's a good practice to turn one's work space into a party place on the regular.

CP: Can you tell us about one of the most definitive artists ever to set foot in your salon?

EA: The most poignant show so far — and maybe ever to be here — would definitely have to be the June/July 2009 show. Karen Stone showed her long-awaited "Hairtraits." ... When I started doing shows, it was a natural thing to have portraits made out of hair. But whose hair? Karen, who teaches art at Drexel, and in her own life is extremely conceptual and prolific with various forms of art-making, always is pushing the boundaries of possibilities. She came up with a collaborative idea between the salon and herself: We asked clients if they would like to volunteer to have their "hairtrait" made. They filled out a "hair story" questionnaire — the good, the bad, and the ugly of their past hair experiences. They submitted their answers along with a photo of themselves. After their haircut, we saved their hair in bags so that Karen could use that as the medium to make their portrait. Not only was the concept amazing, but the execution was remarkable. It was scary how well they were rendered. One of the clients actually shrieked and ran out of the room because the likeness was so dead-on. It was a special show.

CP: Any upcoming season highlights?

EA: The next show is an artist I have been sweating for a while. Her name is Erin Ferrel. She is an amazing painter, very detailed paintings of the most benign of Philadelphia buildings but using high chroma and odd cropping. Very cool.

CP: How is your space different from a club or traditional performance venue?

EA: I think just expanding people's minds beyond the norm. Yeah, this is a salon by day, but by simply moving some furniture outta the way, it can become a performance space. During "Hairtraits," Karen's husband, Dale, set up in the massage room to play jazz. The drum kit was right next to the mediation fountain. I found that hilarious. I mean, why not? Our salon floor, incidentally, is the best floor for dancing in the city. It's old linoleum, very slidey and great to bust a move on. We have had many a DJ work the floor here.

(a_amorosi@citypaper.net)