Video
Description
Graphic artist Tommy Feldman describes his life growing up in the Chicago suburbs, attending Columbia College in Chicago, meeting his husband Shane Windmeyer, moving to Bloomington Illinois, and setting up his business, Tyvola Design, in Charlotte North Carolina. [All times are approximate]. [00:00] Introductions. [02:00] Mr. Feldman describes his attraction to the South of the United States and to Charlotte. He discusses his formative years in Elmhurst Illinois and his love of art from an early age. He describes his experience as a young artist. [13:38] He describes his college experience, first at a community college and then at Columbia College, and his developing artistic style. [17:21] He talks about the challenges of his life after college as an emerging artist and the turning point in his life and his career after meeting his partner Shane Windmeyer. [21:38] He discusses coming out, the liberating experience of moving to Indiana University Bloomington, his admiration for Mr. Windmeyer's social justice goals, and the way that his artistic skills complemented Mr. Windmeyer's work. He describes specific projects they collaborated on in Bloomington. [27:56] He describes his move to Charlotte, and the continued synchronicity and mutual support in his relationship with Shane Windmeyer. [30:44] Discusses the AIDS Memorial Quilt, its extraordinary emotional impact, and his work assisting with bringing the quilt to UNC Charlotte in collaboration with the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) which he continued to work with as a graphic artist. [34:32] He discusses his reaction to developing technology with respect to his art. He reflects on his design work with Campus Pride. [39:02] He describes how he transitioned from working for others to starting his own business, Tyvola Design. He discusses his work with clients, predominantly Campus Pride and RAIN, with various additional assignments including design work for drag performers. [42:52] He discusses the entertainment guide Pocket Rocket, a four year franchise with a company in Atlanta that had poor profitability. He describes the positive side of this experience as giving him an opportunity to focus on highlighting people in the community. [47:02] Further reflection on his relationship with his husband, noting the importance of being individuals as well as partners. He gives advice for young people to accept themselves. [51:48] He discusses his outlook on marriage and marriage rights. [53:23] Final reflections and gratitude for his life.