490219_L_Velazquez_SS_PROOF_v3_032917 (1)

THE LA EDIT
Volume
APR
01
No.
01
2017 Cost $10.00
Southern Louisiana Art + Culture Magazine

The LA Edit
Magazine
Editor In Chief
Laney Velazquez
Copy Editor
Kailey Broussard
Lafayette Representive
Dominique Castille
Lake Charles Representive
Anna Buller
Special Thanks To:
Brittany Racca, Aimee Cormier, Sloane Labiche,
Nina Velazquez
Inquiries:
thelaeditmag@outlook.com
COPYRIGHT The LA Edit 2017
No content is to be used without written,
explicit permission from the editor
in chief.
Editor’s Note
For the longest time, I complained that we didn’t
have a magazine for the younger crowd. I was always
taught that at some point you have to stop
complaining and start creating solutions. I felt
like Southern Louisiana needed. An outlet to showcase
our boundless talent and culture; to share with the world
and each other. My goal is to bring all the great artists I
know of (and ones I am continuously meeting) together
for a common good. Money, or even recognition on my
part, was not my driving factor, but it is a start of something
great, I believe. During this journey, I stopped to
think about why this project was so important to me. My
boyfriend at the time told me that my art [photography]
was pointless. That I was just pressing a button. It hurt at
first...Then, I was angry. Anyone who creates knows that
what you choose as a creative outlet isn’t an arbitrary notion;
it’s a need that is never satisfied. All expression of
one’s inner-self is precious and time-worthy. Art is what
makes us introspective and thoughtful. In the end, I’m
glad he said what he did. It inspired me to push my personal
boundaries and create this meaningful outlet for
me personally, as well as other young people with the
hunger for all things beautiful.
Laney Mae Velazquez
The LA Edit, IG: @itslaneymae

“AT SOME
POINT, YOU
HAVE TO STOP
COMPLAINING
& START
CREATING”

ART
+
CULTURE
BY
SOUTH LA

THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone
for making this
publication possible.
The community support
has been humbling. Your
enthusiasm drives our
inspiration. It has been
a privilege taking an idea
and making it reality.
Our goal is to provide
local talent a platform
to thrive and prosper; to
share eclectic abilities
and inspire the audience
to express their unique
voices.
CONTACT:
We are always accepting
submissions & new
contacts for upcoming
issues.
For inquires and
submissions:
thelaeditmag
@outlook.com
Social Media:
@TheLAEditMag
FB: Twit ter: Insta: Website:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-4
5-10
ART
Frederika Sullivan
Surrealist and Impressionist Art
FASHION
Three Little Birds Spring Inspiration
Photographed by Dominique Castille
11-12
BEAUTY
13
Sara Crochet / The Cro’s Nest
Solid Perfume

23
39-44
CREATIVE WRITING
Elliot Wade
Poetry + Visual Art
19-22
MUSIC
Julian Primeaux
Rock ‘n’ Roll artist hailing from the heart of
Acadiana.
29 33-38
FILM
“Forgotten Bayou” by Victoria Greene
Feature Documentary Film: Forgotten Bayou
A riveting documentary on the Bayou Corne industrial
diaster. Interview with director, Victoria
Greene.

“My main goal in art is to make people see things
(perhaps in themselves) that they wouldn’t see
in any other piece of art. I want to
capture raw human emotion in all my face
and figure paintings. ”
FREDERIKA SULLIVAN - ARTIST
Frederika Sullivan is an artist
from New Iberia, Louisiana who
focuses on surrealism elements and
impressionistic aspects in paintings
on various mediums.
A SHORT INTERVIEW:
Q: When did you realize creating was
something you had to do?
A: I’ve been drawing since I could
hold a pencil. I knew how to draw a
face before I could sign my name.
Which creative medium would you
love to pursue but you haven’t yet?
Earth Art, as in rock gardens or crop
circles.
In your opinion, do you need a
degree to be an artist?
No, it doesn’t make money.
What role does an artist have in
society?
The artist provides a way for people
to learn how to think out the box.
What is your defintion of an artistic
outlook on life?
I think the defintion of having an
artistic outlook on life is being your
own person, not being just another
average person.
What memorable reaction have you
had to your work?
My dad never fails to tell me how
happy my paintings make him. It
makes me happy that a person could
feel that way about my art.
What food, drink or song inspires
you?
I always find myself eating takeout
while I’m painting something at
home. When I’m feeling really good
I’ll blast The Beach Boys.
What is your dream project?
Body Art! I’ve wanted to be an artist
in a nude art walk for such a long
time now.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve
been given?
“When you’re not liking how your
painting looks and you think it’s no
good, take a nap, go for a jog, get
out of the studio. In the time you’re
away from the painting you’ll gain a
different perspective on it or maybe
even learn to appreciate it as is.”

Spring Inspiration
Shop Three Little Birds
Photographed By Dominique Castille
T
hree Little Birds located in a Lafayette, Louisiana is a boutique catering to all fashion
needs of those seeking garments that make a “uniquely you” style statement.
There are countless pieces that effortlessly reflect artistic inspiration. With spring
in full swing, these looks were inspired by a mix of eye catching colors and bold patterns.
Lace and florals bring a feminine flair. Crop tops, delicate slits and carefully coordinated
jewelry lend these ensembles a punch of edge. Skirts and dresses dominate the shoot
giving ultimate fashion freedom for all upcoming festivals and outdoor events.
MUA - Cait Pierce / Hair - Mia Grissom from Five Elements / Styled by Bri Sanford /
Production by Krisan Rowland
Models left to right: Sara Crochet, Emily Day, Bri Hunter, Emily Kelley, Farrah Graham,
Jessi Segura

Shop Three Little Birds:
1019 Auburn Ave, Lafayette, LA 70503
Phone: (337) 456-3092
ishopthreelittlebirds.com
IG: shopthreelittlebirds
FB: ShopThreeLittleBirds
Photographer:
Dominique Castille
IG: dominiquecastille
dominiquecastille.co

Beauty
Sara Crochet of The Cro’s Nest / Solid Perfumes

The Cro’s Nest: handcrafted solid
perfumes & colognes for the Southern
Belle or Swamp Boy in all of us.
Each tin is filled with a special concoction
created by Lafayette’s local
busy bee Sara Crochet.
Not only do they smell really good,
its takes moisturizing to a whole
new level. The Cro’s Nest jam packs
every tin with a specialized blend
of essential oils, along with coconut
and jojoba oil; giving customers
really happy skin! All perfumes and
colognes are from a beeswax base
and then incorporated with other ingredients
to give each tin a unique,
handcrafted purpose. You can find
more information by going online to
thecrosnest.co.
Southern Belle - Floral notes with a
hint of Cedarwood
Feelin’ Jazzy- Jasmine of course!
Hunny Do- When floral met citrus.
Swamp Boy- Pine and floral notes
with their buddy Vetiver.
Woody- Just imagine all the pine in
the world.
Bugg Off- A blend of Citronella,
Lavender, and Lemongrass essential
oils. Bugs hate all these smells!!!
NEW: Caravan- Patchouli and some
other rosy goodies!
How did I get into making my products?
Last summer, I had a friend come
visit from France. She had spent
about a year in South America
traveling and picked up the art
of macrame while there. During
her stay in Lafayette, she learned
about the possibility of vending for
Art Walk but did not want to vend
alone. I had been very interested in
solid perfumes since I was a little
girl, as I once had a locket with a
solid perfume in it, and I found this
a perfect opportunity to finally take
upon this craft. I spent almost a solid
24hrs playing apothecary to get
some products out for that particular
upcoming Art Walk and haven’t
stopped making them since.
How do you go about formulating
new and different scents?
It’s all trial and error. I have about 5
essential oils in each perfume. The
blends are extensive, so it takes a lot
of letting the beeswax dry, smelling
the concoction, and either being
satisfied or starting over again!
We live in such a mass produced
“buy-it-now” society where everything
is click or short drive away.
Why should people continue to
make things by hand?
I believe that making and buying
handcrafted items builds a community
connection between the creator
and the customer. I love being an
artisan because I get to know my
clients personally. They come back,
they make me smell their wrists in
public, they are happy and satisfied
with their purchase. This makes me
strive to create even more! It’s a
circular flow of good energy. This is
important in a small town like ours,
buy leauxcal y’all!

PHOTOGRAPHY : Projector
Series
BY Blake Bumpus / Depouille
Depouille--the moniker of Blake Bumpus--is the unpronounceable,
unspellable, and perhaps entirely fictional
Cajun French phrase for “one who is a mess”. He’s a multi-disciplinary
artist who focuses on photography, music, and
science fiction literature. Whatever the method, he uses art and
the scientific method to ask questions and make statements
about the world, and he has far more questions than he does
answers. He’s fascinated by Dadaism, Abstract Expressionism,
chance and control, improvisation, phenomenology, and finds
beauty in everyday life.
A Short Interview:
When and why did you start photography?
I started photographing when I was 16 years old in 2008. I first
experimented with long exposures on a point and shoot camera,
and made my first light paintings. It broke my previous
assumption that the camera sees as we do--but really, with a
camera, with the right settings, you can see in a way the human
eye could not and I was fascinated with that concept and I’ve
never turned back.
What is your favorite thing to capture in your photographs?
My favorite things to capture, by far, are reflections and multi-exposures
of trees and buildings. It sounds a bit silly and
mundane, but with reflections, we don’t really notice how
beautifully it bends and distorts light until you photograph it,
and with multi-exposures, I’m fascinated by the way one is able
to rearrange and re-imagine the world without the use of any
photo-manipulation software, and how it challenges the assumption
that we sometimes have that photographers are the
observers who are looking at subjects, when really we’re both
simultaneously--but that’s an essay for another time.
Is there something you always ask to yourself/think just before
you push the button ? How do you feel about the onslaught of
visual mediums we consume daily has an effect on your art (as
in not doing anything “new”)?
Before I press the button, I try to get into that “flow” state of
mind where I’m shooting intuitively. It’s interesting to me--I
spend all of this time outside of a shoot learning about composition
and exposure and all of the logic behind those things, but
at the heart of it, when it comes to the moment before the actual
photo, I almost go into it blind, acting on whims and what
my heart is feeling.
As far as trying to make anything “new”, well, I think that’s an unrealistic
way of looking at art. The first few postmodern novels
was actually written in the enlightenment era in the mid
1700s and the dadaist in the early 1900s subverted all notions
of what is art even by today’s standards. So the question
becomes, not “what can I do that hasn’t been done before?”
and more like “what kind of art can I make that only
I could make?”, and that comes from practice, asking the
right questions, and knowing a bit about yourself.
What is it that interests you most about the concept and
philosophy of photography? what rules do you live by while
shooting? what rules do you think are meant to be broken?
I look at all art as just another form of language--music has
it’s own grammar and vocabulary, sculptor has it’s own language
and vocabulary, photography has it’s own language
and vocabulary--you get the idea. In this sense, it’s less
about following or not following rules, and more like asking
“what do I want to say, and how will people understand it?”.
But there are certain, objective rules when it comes to composition
that will only confuse a viewer if you break them-
-but at the same time, a perfectly composed exposure can
also be boring. My favorite art is the kind where the artist
does something that you normally shouldn’t do but actually
pulls it off because of his or her greater understanding of
visual grammar and vocabulary, making me wonder “how
did they pull that off?” So, what’s interests me most about
photography is that I talk about things that are beyond verbal
language--I can show the outside world where we all
live in from my very personal point of view.
You can only take 5 more images your entire life: what do
you photograph?
Oh, that’s a hard one, but I’ll give it a go.
1) A self portrait of myself after I’ve done something
particularly impulsive or foolish.
2) A certain beach in the Pacific Northwest that is meaningful
to me.
3) A portrait of a certain someone who knows me, in a way,
more than I know myself.
4) The stars from atop Mount Rainier.
5) My 1984 rotary powered RX-7 (sport car), if I’m ever fated
to have a working one gain.
His work can be found at:
Facebook: Depouille Art
IG: depouilleart

Models: Paxton Brown,
Sara Crochet, Cayla
Zeek, Mat thew McElveen,
Gretchen Grant, Rene
Reed, Johnny Trosclair &
Fiona Cook.

JULIAN PRIMEAUX
Music
Julian Primeaux hails
from Lafayette, Louisiana.
He is a fouth
generation musician,
bred out of rock ‘n’ roll and
southern gospel roots.
He has toured across the
United States as well as Europe.
When & why did you start
playing?
I was 8 when I started playing
guitar. Basically, my
mom had me take lessons.
I did that for 2 years, then
when I was 11 was when the
bug really hit me of being
really into it. Falling sleeping
with the guitar on me. Now,
If I don’t play I feel weird.
Which famous musicians do
you admireand why?
There’s a big list in a lot of
ways and a lot of underground
ones. Two of the biggest,
ebb and flow through
my life, some various reasons,
Van Morrison, since I
was little; also, Sam Cook.
For me, both are insanely
talented. Great singers and
great songwriters. Their
interaction with the band
and how others are inspired
by them is great. There are
some deeper truths. That’s
like a more broad general
source. Other inspire me
in other way, in pieces.
What are you working on
currently?
Right now, I’m working on
the next record for 2017,
which is all written and recorded.
It’s part of a trilogy
about the human heart
and the feelings you have.
The first is about living and
life and second and religion,
god and death. All
were recorded at the same
time. The latter is a little bit
more stripped down than
the previous.
Are you religious?
No, I just like the stylistic
approach of the gospel
music. I don’t like to be
preachy in telling people
what to believe.
Favorite venue you’ve ever
played at?
So I have a few, but three
that come of mind: Hard
Rock Café in Prague. Its
4 stories and 2 underground.
Europe is so different
as opposed to America
because of the age and
history there. That particular
show promoter took
us backstage, originally
made for a king hundreds
of years ago or so, and
as the city flooded, they
raised a level. It looks most
like a dungeon of a castle.
There’s tons of memorabilia
too. A place we played
in this past tour, in Hamburg,
Germany, is where
The Beatles got their start,
early on when still very
rockabilly and gritty. We
were running late coming
from Switzerland and we
get there and are told t
set up on the bar. We had
to play and stand on the
bar. No mic stand, just a
mic hanging from a small
rod in the ceiling. That was
really wild. I’ve stood on
bars before but not for the
whole show! Also crazy
to know you’re where The
Beatles got their start. Another
place that was really

cool was Paradiso. There
was a live concert of Nirvana
there, an old church
turned into venue. Beautiful
places.
Describe your first show
ever
I kind of have two, the
first one I did was when I
was 3 at Randol’s. My dad
is a musician; I was three
at the time and I end going
on stage and singing
the song that was on.
First real one though, was
Acadiana Middle School
talent show. I played a
Nirvana song. Very interesting,
still have it on
VHS somewhere. It’s funny,
we weren’t good but
it was the beginning of
things.
When did you realize you
wanted to play for a living?
I was 11 when I really
liked playing and by 12
or 13 it was my passion.
I love this more than anything
else. When you’re a
kid you want to an astronaut
or G.I. Joe, but it’s always
been music for me.
Which means not having
kids or having things get
in the way of that.
What is the best advice
that you have been given?
My uncle used to say
this thing when I was
younger, when we would
have bands, with different
singers at any given
time. He said, “One monkey
don’t stop no show.”
The show must go on.
You gotta make it happen.
That might sound
silly but I’m too stubborn
to give up and I find ways
around these problems.
Once you learn you can
make something happen
regardless, it’s really
empowering. Like I’ve
played shows without
drummers.
I’ve learned different
things from different
people but: Live life for
you. Find your own truth.
Everyone can tell you
different things about
what you should do
but your life is your
yours and to hell with
what other people say,
they’re not living your
life. No matter what
keep going and never
give up. Even when
people told me I should
just get a real job, well
then I would have never
gone on European
tours. Not every day is
sunshine and rainbows
but you make the most
of it.
How do you manage to
stay both personal and
original in your creative
endeavors?
For me, it’s complicated,
I don’t let what’s
going on around me to
influence, like “oh this
is popular, so I should
do it.” There’s people
I’ve known or seen,
in studying their different
approaches to
business and success,
I guess this sometimes
works, for attention
or success, but I feel
like of the people that
inspire me aren’t into
that [popularity].

I’m into what I’m into and unapologetic
for it. It sets your mind differently.
People think what’s going to sell
and they’re putting walls and boundaries
in their creativity. Sometimes
you’re not actually doing it, you’re
channeling: Like a lightning rod, receiving
and transmitting the signals.
What kind of jobs did you have before
your career took off?
Well, side jobs when I was younger,
first, was selling fireworks. I lied about
my age to sell fireworks on the side
of the highway. Then, a pizza place in
high school. Then, a television station
[KLFY], then I worked in waste water
treatment then the Cajun Dome doing
sound. Then, music for a living. It
was all me, drums with my feet, tambourines
and bells on my feet, while
playing guitar. I would do these made
up tours where I would hit the road
and go into bars and find the places
to play and get a gig and play then go
onto another city another night. Now
I have a bunch of great musicians that
I play with.
What was the biggest opposing force
that you encountered on your creative
journey?
Band members quitting. Maybe that’s
more so a Louisiana thing. I pride
myself in being professional and
my word in my bond. So that is that
difficult thing, to live and die for it. I
like being in a band that works like a
gang.
like before my day people where in
one group and that’s what you did,
not in 10 side projects. Scheduling
conflicts is something that is difficult.
Especially about money, as its mostly
money driven. If you don’t have
money in this world it’s a lot harder
to make it. I think it used to be financially
different. People made money
from the musician’s music, now it’s
turned into paying out of pocket instead
of others making money off
each other. I know some people are
great but don’t have the money to do
it. I come from a punk rock DIY perspective
about it.
What emotion in the human experience
inspires you the most and why?
This is where I sound like everyone
else but love and everything associated
with love. Everything sort of in a
way revolved around that, if you have
love, all is right, but then the lack of
love is a whole different thing. Perhaps
if someone is racist there is a
lack of love. Love kind of informs everything
we as human beings do and
don’t do. That even influences life
and death. I’m a sucker about ballads.
Facebook: Julian Primeaux - Music
julianprimeaux.com
Spotify: Julian Primeaux
Though, even the biggest artists
make less than artist 20 years ago,

​
We
Lagniappe Records is a
music lover’s gem located
in downtown Lafayette.
They specialize in
new and used vinyls, such as
rare LA 45’s and 78’s, as well as
turntables and speakers. The
store is dedicated to enriching
the community around them
with listening events, art walk
participation and music lessons.
It also doubles as a independent
music label for artists,
expanding their reach to Euclid
Records in NOLA, T-Bone in MS,
End of All Music in MS, End of
An Ear in & Waterloo Records
in TX, The Groove in TN & Capital
City Records in BR, LA. Two
birds named Agnes and Milton
also inhabit the shop and greet
customers. Right of the store
entrance is a map where vistors
can mark where they are
from with a pin. Below is an interview
with the co-owner, Tes
s.
When & why did you start your
store?
June 27th, 2013. We had the
idea to open a store a few years
before we actually did. We
started online for the first couple
of years. Patrick and I were
on the road a lot playing music.
At one point I was on the road
9 months out of the year, so it
was important to me to dig our
roots somewhere.
Why Lafayette, as opposed to
another city?
were living in New Orleans
(and Nashville) and felt like
New Orleans didn’t need another
​record store.

Lagniappe
Records
PLACE OF INTEREST

VINYL, TAPES
& S***

What were your favorite record stores growing
up and how did they influence your decision
to open up your own record store?
Patrick and I were both touring musicians for
a decade. And if you’re into records record
stores is where you end up when you’re on
the road.​I personally love Euclid and Domino
Sound in Nola, but End Of an Ear in Austin, TX
and End Of All Music in Oxford, MS are some
of my favorites too, but there are many others
as well... Also, I worked at 3 record stores in
Austin, Los Angeles and Athens between being
on the road.
In your opinion, what makes shopping at an
independent record store like Lagniappe different
from shopping at a big box retailer like
Best Buy,etc?
​
Well, the fact that we’re NOT a big box store
and our music knowledge and selection is better.
What was the first record you ever bought
and where did you buy it?
​Prince 1999 at Sound Shop in Southland Mall
in Houma, LA
Can you tell us about some of your most
cherished records, either in the store or in
your personal collection?
Too many to mention.
What is your personal “holy grail”? (i.e. the
one rarity you’ve been looking for forever.)
​
A Carole King​ 45 with Road To Nowhere
What is the most frustrating &/or frequent
question you get from customers?
​
The most frequent: They still make vinyl records?
Lagniappe can be found at:
313 Jefferson St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
Website: lagniapperecords.com
Facebook: Lagniappe Records
Instagram: lagniapperecords

Fromage: More Than Just
Grilled Cheese
Fromage is a quaint
little eatery located off
New Iberia’s historic
downtown area. A flurry
of customers order and
wait for a sandwich and
soup experience that goes
beyond the traditional
definition for these
comfort foods. From
classics like Monte Cristo
to the French inspired
Jambon et Fromage, there
is something to tickle
the taste-buds of all self
proclaimed sandwich
connoisseurs. Whether
it’s a table for one or a
group of hungry foodies,
there is a place at Fromage
for everyone. While you
wait, you can peruse the
art decorating the walls,
showcasing local artist. A
vision brought to life by
Karl Boudreaux, owner
and manager of the
restaurant. Each month
features a new artist,
with pieces for sale to its
patrons. His passion for
food began in working
at a local family-owned
restaurant Jane’s Seafood
(where he continues to
work at to this day.) When
asked about his philosophy
on food he states, “I like
simplicity. Simple food
done well.” Fromage’s
menu undergoes changes
every few months to keep
things fresh and give
customers opportunity to
find new favorites. New
soups are often featured
as the “Soup of the Day.”
His goal is to develop the
restaurant into a chain.
145B W Main St,
New Iberia, LA 70560
Phone: (337) 321-9543
Facebook:
Fromage

Jambon et Fromage
With French inspiration comes forth the
name for this sandwich, consisting of
white bread topped with black forest ham,
fine gruyere, creole mustard and tarragon.
Gouda Supreme + Tomato Basil Soup
A personal favorite of the editor. White bread
layered with roasted mushrooms topped with
gouda cheese. Paired with a savory homemade
tomato basil soup, perfect for colder
Chicken Caesar Sandwich
As the name suggests, in the vein of a
chicken caesar salad. Includes spinach.
Garden Salad + Butternut Squash
Apple Soup
A blend of garden greens, cheddar cheese,
purple onions, carrots and tomatos. Paired
with a fresh blend of squash and apples.

Monte Cristo
A blend of apple dipped in egg then
grilled atop white bread in honey
mustard, brie and prosciutto.

FILM:
Victoria Greene +
A
ward winning director and founder of Greene Bayou Films, Victoria has produced several short
films, some of which have been official selections of New Orleans and Baton Rouge film festivals.
Most recently her short film, “Monster in the Bayou” won the WIFT International Short
Film shortcase in the documentary category and also screened at the UNO Film Festival in
New Orleans. Victoria volunteers for numerous film organizations and for over twenty years
was involved with LPB (Louisiana Public Broadcasting) as an anchor/host during pledge drives. A member
of WIFT Louisiana (Women in Film and Television) and NOVAC (New Orleans Video & Access Center) Victoria
is a graduate of Louisiana State University, loves the Saints and Tigers, and lives in New Orleans with
her two pups, Lena and Reggie. Forgotten Bayou is her first feature film.

Forgotten Bayou
Bayou Corne, Louisiana, located seventy miles from New Orleans and forty-five miles from Baton Rouge
is just down the road from Pierre Part, a place where the top-rated television show, “Swamp People” is
filmed. However, few have ever heard of this bayou and the thirty-five acre sinkhole that dramatically
changed the area’s landscape. Once a thriving community of three hundred-fifty residents full of culture
and pure southern hospitality, it is now a shell of what it once was. Only fifteen families remain. Forgotten
Bayou chronicles the journey of those individuals whose homes and lives fell victim to this industrial and
environmental disaster. Featuring interviews from current and former community members, Texas Brine
employees, scientists, and government officials, this documentary conveys the nature of the conditions,
while giving audiences the room to make their own conclusions.

!st: Victoria Greene
2nd:Left to right: Victoria, Paul & Former resident
Johnny Mabile
3rd: “Drift wood Man” Adam Morales featured in
film
INTERVIEW:
Where are you from and
what is your film/educational
background?
Originally from Los Angeles, I’ve
lived in Louisiana for over thirty
years and am finally feeling like
a native. In 1992, I couldn’t wait
to leave New Orleans after being
transferred to Baton Rouge, and
three years ago I couldn’t move
back quickly enough, primarily
because of the film industry.
During my time in Baton Rouge,
I attended Louisiana State
University at night, for seven years,
worked full-time in marketing
and sales while simultaneously
volunteering as a host/anchor
during PBS pledge drives on
WYES and LPB (Louisiana Public
Broadcasting). It was during those
twenty plus years that enabled me
to interview various documentary
filmmakers. That’s when I fell in
love with this style of storytelling.
a documentary. Fast forward
fifteen years and I did just that
with Forgotten Bayou. Filmmaking
is my second career and it is
something I’ve worked very hard
to achieve with many challenges.
Of course if it were easy,
everyone would do it.
Who are your biggest influences
in film and why?
I love all different kinds of films.
From intense dramas, romantic
comedies often called “chick
flicks”, to documentaries. I watch a
lot of television and attend lots of
screenings at film festivals. Some
of my favorite documentaries
include those produced and
shown on public television, many
of which those focus on Louisiana
culture and its landscape.
Was there a particular event or time
that you recognized that filmmaking
was not just a hobby, but that it
would be your life and your living?
My first attempt at creating a
documentary occurred in the late
1990s when I assembled a team
of friends who worked for free
(and food) over the course of
several weekends. Unfortunately,
I never got beyond the editing
stage, so instead, wrote an article,
which was published, However, I
never lost the dream of creating
After losing my job in April of 2011, I
answered a cattle call in November
of that same year to be an extra
for the film “Pitch Perfect “, filming
in Baton Rouge. One day on that
film’s set turned into a half of a
dozen days followed by working
on another fifty or so films and
television shows. I never thought
of this being a hobby. Working
“Of course if it were easy, everyone would do it.”

as a background actor led to speaking
roles, all of which was was just a step
closer to forming my own production
company. Fortunately, the climate in
Louisiana was perfect for an aspiring
filmmaker and Greene Bayou Films
was conceived in 2012. I produced my
first short film in January 2013 and
started working on Forgotten Bayou
a few months later. I did whatever
it took to make my dream a reality.
Why did you get involved in this issue?
I was very curious about the sinkhole,
although not very knowledgeable
about its impact on the Bayou Corne
or our environment. It was not until I
learned that environmental advocate
Erin Brokovich would be attending a
community meeting that I decided to
take a ride out to Pierre Part and attend
that meeting, held on March 9, 2013.
The homeowners discussed their
fears, frustration and how after
seven months of being under
a mandatory evacuation, they
didn’t know when or if they could
return home. I immediately felt
a tremendous connection to the
residents and just knew that this
story needed to be told, and by me.
What was your biggest lesson you had to
learn and how did that lesson happen?
Sure there have been a few hiccups
along this journey, but due to my
business background, I realized how
important it is to be surrounded by
great people. I hired an experienced,
collaborative and talented team.
From our creative producers, John
Darling Haynes and Paul LeDoux
(also editor and cinematographer)
to composer, Mike Esneault and
Bradley Greer, our colorist, we
made it work. In 2016, consulting
producer, Diana Zollicoffer and associate
producer Gabrielle Gatto joined the team,
and the results are a beautiful and significant
documentary that I am very proud of.
Generally speaking, when we want to learn
about a film we talk talk to the director.
But collaboration is important. How
makes a fruitful collaboration?
For me, working with people I like and
respect ultimately results in a better
project. Yes, I am the director/producer
and leader of the team, but I think we were
successful because everyone understood

my vision and were passionate about the
project. To be a good leader means to recognize
the strengths and value of every team member.
Was there ever a time during this
project that you thought you might quit
and what were your biggest obtacles?
I often tell people that ignorance is bliss.
Had I known how hard this journey would be,
not sure I would have ever started. Obtaining
funding was the toughest challenge; assumed
that it would be easy to raise money. Now that
was a big lesson! Ran a successful Kickstarter
campaign, hosted five fundraising events, yet
I still contributed my own money to the project.
Quitting was never an option or ever
considered. The Bayou Corne community
residents put their faith in me and
shared their stories about their lives and
struggles. It was my responsibility to
make Forgotten Bayou happen, at all costs.
What role have film festivals played in the
life of Forgotten Bayou so far? Why are they
necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
I really wanted Forgotten Bayou to premier
at the New Orleans Film Festival in October
2016 and was honored and thrilled when
this happened with two showings. How
many filmmakers get to premier at the
Entergy Giant Theatre (formerly I-Max)
and see your film for the first time on
this huge screen? It was amazing! Most
of the individuals featured in the film
attended along with my friends and peers.
Since New Orleans, Forgotten Bayou has
screened at the Santa Fe Film Festival,
Cinema on the Bayou Fest (Lafayette, LA),
Retroperspective Documentary Film Festival
hosted by New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Film Foundation and April 7th, will be seen
during Crossroads Film Festival held in
Jackson, MS. We anxiously await hearing
from other festivals throughout the world.
Attending film festivals is inspirin. Plus the
panels and classes teach us about many
aspects of the industry including distribution
and getting out film out to the masses. I’ve
made lots of new friends and it’s humbling for
my film to be seen amongst those created by
such talented filmmakers. Film festivals are
an excellent means of gaining a following and
giving film enthusiast the opportunity to see it!
There was not one woman director
nominated during this year’s Academy
Awards and only 28% of indie filmmakers are
women. What are your feelings about this?
It’s tough finding jobs in this business,
regardless of your sex. I’m competing with
talented, young film school graduates and
others with more experience than myself, the
major reasons for forming my own production
company. I’ve been the only woman on a
team in my previous career and had to work
harder than the guys to gain their respect,
but I did. So I have the mentality that you
must earn respect and then will be rewarded.
I am not naïve and realize that only about
25% of independent filmmakers are women,
and it is an uphill battle every day to obtain
financing, top crew, etc. That just makes
me work harder and that includes lots of
networking. I attend film events, panels,
support local film festivals and am active in
WIFT. It’s important for women to support
other women and work together as often as
possible. I am fortunate to have a mentor and
mentee and will continue to nurture women
in the industry. As for the future, I hope to
see the major studios hire more women and
individuals of color, sooner rather than later!
What advice would you give to someone
who wanted to have a life creating film?
First of all, don’t get into the business
expecting to make lots of money. Do it
because you love storytelling and that you
can’t see yourself doing anything else. Get a
film degree, training, become an intern and
learn as much as you can from the best in the
best in the business. Follow your dreams. I
did, though it took a few U-turns to get there!
Why is documentary important – why
should we make documentaries?
Documentary filmmaking is important
and very powerful vessels to tell stories
about our environment, social issues, war,
politics and much more. Capturing history
and culture of communities in a time
capsule, documentaries are vehicles of
change, exposing others to new elements

in a way of cinematic form. It is story telling
and captures the heart and soul of the subject.
I’m a story teller and felt a very strong responsibility
with Forgotten Bayou to tell an honest story and
truthfully reflect the thoughts and beliefs of those
featured in the film, and remained neutral in doing so.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Forgotten Bayou continues to consume much
of my time, however; am in in the development
stage with John and Paul of a short documentary
that explores aspects of an indigenous South
Louisiana Cajun culture that is disappearing.
I’ve also written a few narrative short scripts and
hope to shoot sometime in 2018. In the meantime,
enjoying my Forgotten Bayou journey, attending
screenings and looking forward to distribution.
For more information about Forgotten Bayou such as
viewing the extended trailer, learn about upcoming
screenings and events, check out the website and
follow on Facebook and Twitter. Or feel free to contact
Victoria directly at forgottenbayou@gmail.com.
forgottenbayou.com
FB: Forgotten Bayou
Twitter: ForgottenBayou
IG: Forgotten_Bayou

ELLIOT NICHOLAS
WADE
Creative Writing
Elliot grew up next to a sugarcane field in between Cecilia and Arnaudville,
Louisiana. He says his art has always been inspired by his life and life as a
whole. Stringing along words into harmonious poetry was a passion he’s
had since he was young. Drawing pictures and writing vivid tales were a part
of his life from the start. Though he admits he hasn’t drawn much, except for
what you see in this section. His writing and art having helped him to cope
and understand all that life throws at him. His mentor to continue to pursue
these notions is his older sister, Nia, who is also a writer. “She inspires me
to be the best writer I can be and with that I get better every day.” With all
honesty, he believes without this medium he would’ve quite frankly lost his
mind. A self-described “ever-growing wonder” Elliot aims to enliven those to
find meaning in what he writes not for personal satsifaction, but for the audience’s
awareness of their interconnectedness with the human experiance.
He is majoring in English secondary education at University of Louisiana at
Lafayette.

I Insist
I gave my lover
the lighter
because i forgot
how to swim
I’m remembering
my toes
On the shoreline
in may
Forgive me & my
lack of humility
Oh arid sky.
With the narrow
sun edging close
The rain is near
There’s a cavern
beyond there,
A drenched one
black as ciel.
You will taste
the salt again,
Give me gills
when my lungs
fail.
I took back the
lighter.
I remembered how
to swim.
I felt the chill
on my toes
On the shoreline
in December.

NEIGE
THE AIR AROUND
ME THAT ONCE
FROZE MY BREATH
HAS WARMED BY
NOW,
BUT I’M STILL
FROSTBITTEN.
MY MIDNIGHT
INSOMNIA COLORS
THE WHITES OF MY
EYES,
BY HER VOICE, BY
HER CARESS.
IT’S TIME FOR ME
TO REST
& I BID THE
WORLD ADIEU.
THE CHANCES ARE
THAT I WON’T
WAKE UP,
BUT SHE’LL HOLD
ME ANYWAY
TO WORRISOME
SHADES OF RED &
PINK,
BUT IT CAN’T BE
HELPED
THE SECONDS,
MINUTES, HOURS,
DAYS PASS BY ME
IN CLUSTERS
WITH ONLY FAINT
MEMORIES OF
SIMPLER TIMES AS
REMNANTS.
EVERYTHING IS
COMING TO AN
END.
MY EYELIDS
FINALLY BECOME
HEAVY,
& I FEEL MYSELF
BEING LULLED TO
SLEEP,

PENDULUM
To be & achieve happiness
I must achieve sadness
To fall in love
I must first lose a love
To smile
I must first cry
Which is the reasoning
For my sleepless nights
The early morns I lie awake
I think of you
But in return
My demons haunt me
But darling,
To mend you
I must first
Be terribly broken
Even here
On the salty sun kissed borderline
To be home
I must be far, far
away

Am I Good?
Golden brown boys come
out ready when the
heat has passed.
Bland at first glance,
you pray for something
sweet.
I find solace in
strawberry jam.
I’ve never been fond
of the way honey
stays.
Hey, how’ve you been
boy?
Will you stay sickly
sweet for me?
Honey’s far too hard
to come by anyway.
You’re better off
staying red.
Take me with your
milk, sugar & cream.
Tear me apart, devour
me.
I hope to be sweet
enough for your taste.
I’m yours, you shaped
me. I’m yours, I owe
the world to you
I am not my own.
I am sickly sweet.

L’ Espirit de
l’escalier
Porcelain doll painted
perfect peach
Your glass green eyes
look far beyond my face
Air brushed & queen-ofheart
lips
Beauty marks bespeckle
your face because you were
beautiful
You were molded with a
thin waist
Thin Face
Made ti make room for
others like you
Quiet porcelain doll with
memorable eyes
What do you dream of at
night?
Your small hands were
made to be held,
Not to be hold
Do you dream of leaving
this place?

THE LA EDIT