A small lamp illuminated 15-year-old Elizabeth McGovern’s face as she played for a small, applauding crowd lingering outside Kitchen Sink Studios Friday.
As Elizabeth sang original songs and covers, she had her crowd’s emotions in mind.
“There’s a quote that says ‘music is what feeling sounds like,’” Elizabeth said. “My goal with music is to get through to people, and have them feel something.”
The singer-songwriter was one of the artists spotlighted at Kitchen Sink Studios during First Friday.
Kitchen Sink Studios is a creative consulting firm owned by Kory Kapfer and Nicolas Hower that specializes in using artistic design techniques to tell clients’ stories.
The gallery has hosted local artists each First Friday since 2008, with the exception of the summer months. The owners wanted to support the local art scene in Phoenix, Kapfer said.
“We’re all artists. Every day, we’re artists in one form or another,” Kapfer said. “We may not be painting, but we look at our craft as an art. Supporting art is a natural thing in us.”
Local artist Daniel Shepherd’s paintings were on display in a small gallery, as McGovern sang outside.
Shepherd, who taught himself how to paint, created seven abstract pieces for the exhibit.
The hardest part of painting abstract art is knowing when to stop, he said. Shepherd believes that when a piece looks beautiful to him, the work is done.
Similarly to McGovern, Shepherd’s goal for First Friday was to have his audience feel something.
“Looking at paintings is pretty powerful, looking at something that’s nothing but feeling,” he said. “I hope people liked them, but some people won’t, of course. If anyone feels any strong reaction, that’s okay with me.”
Heidi Abrahamson, 55, was one of the visitors who felt very passionate about his art.
“I love his work. It’s fresh, and I love the colors. It’s wonderful … the warmth and depth [in his work]. It’s absolutely fabulous,” Abrahamson said.
Located at 828 N. Third Street, Kitchen Sink has also spoken to student groups from ASU about their work, Kapfer said.
Contact the reporter at alicia.canales@asu.edu
