JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Lackland Texas – The Air Force Services Center releases new episodes of the highly anticipated Artisan Air series, now streaming on AF Live app only.

The new series showcases the creativity and depth of talent in both the Air Force and Space Force.

“The Air Force Services Center recognizes that people are its greatest asset, accordingly we are putting audiences behind the scenes of service members’ lives and are engaging audiences with a new 30 episode series,” comments Richard Cooper, Strategic Marketing & Branding Specialist. “Our Over-The-Top (OTT) media channel, AF Live APP, will feature our Artisan Air series and showcases Airmen’s and Guardians’ most coveted interests.”

The series releases five more 30-minute episodes highlighting a mix of talent ranging from visual artists, musicians, and poets. Five new episodes will be released every Thursday through June 29th.

The series was recorded from September through December 2022 in Austin, Texas.

In addition to the series release, AFSVC plans to release songs from the episodes to music streaming platforms, adding to the Air Force’s extensive music catalog. At the end of the series release, the work of 13 musicians and a spoken word poet will be packaged in a digital album available on various streaming platforms on June 29.

“In part, this program is a tribute to all U.S. Airmen and Guardians who, at a moment’s notice are ready to risk all in defense of our great nation,” said Gary Lott, Chief Integrated Marketing and Branding. “Additionally, a special thanks to the Air Force Service Center for trusting us to execute new concepts that highlight our people on a more personalized level.”

Additionally, all eligible Department of Defense ID cardholders will have the chance to win a limited-edition vinyl recording. Watch for more details on the AF Live app for iOS and Android.

About Episodes 11-15 Streaming on June 8

Set to debut on June 8th, Artisan Air continues to roll out its programming on the AF Live app. The new series takes a look at five new airmen and guardians and their extraordinary talents outside of their military duty. Each episode tells the story of dedication to craft and service to the nation. The following episodes will roll out on June 8th from:

SSgt Kenneth Diaz Figueroa is a Latin music artist who was born in Puerto Rico and goes by the name of Yahmil. Born into a musical family, he started playing at a young age with his parents. From the start he has gravitated to pop music, and with a few songs released he found his love for Latin music. For Figueroa, music is an escape and brings him happiness. Although his priority is serving his country, his music is his life, and finding that balance is key to his success. In his episode, he performs 4 songs and talks about his determination to inspire others.

Songs included are  “Ahora Me Llamas” a song about your partner realizing what they lost post-breakup and the emotions of reliving and letting go of the relationship. “Conexion” is about meaningful connections between a partner or friend, whether it be through body language, conversation, or intimacy. “Tu Me Gusta” is about telling someone different ways that you like and adore them. “Jeane Apretao” is dedicated to all women, in this song Yahmil expresses his admiration for all women no matter their size, personality or background.

SSgt Roberto Hernandez Nieves is a talented artist from Puerto Rico who goes by the artist name Bob Snow. In his episode, he talks about his influences and processes by taking the viewer with him as he creates a new painting. He explains,  “I use drawing, perspective, color, human anatomy, and irony involved in processes of human development to exhort the viewer to reflect on our condition, current issues and appreciate the beauty of things in their maximum expression of simplicity.”

For Nieves, “Art is a constant interaction of my inner self with the outside world and the importance is to touch hearts to the point that when I am no longer on this earth, my impressions, thoughts and postures will continue conversing with the world. It will remind them that matter – it is nothing without essence, that love can do everything and that the greatest blessing we can have in our lives comes from within. There can be nothing outside, if inside we are empty.”

SrA William Rosado is a talented musician who goes by the name Rio. For Rio, his music is his escape from everyday life and through it he can come away feeling revived and renewed. In his episode, he performs for the first time three of his songs on AF Live. Included is the song, “Fadeaway,” which is about letting the stressors of life fade away by taking a step back to reflect and appreciate the journey life has become. “Civic” is about driving, he comments, “I always hear famous rappers rapping about foreign exotic cars and I wanted to make a song that made me feel good about driving my regular Honda Civic Si. I mean, I love my car. And there aren’t many things that feel as good as listening to some good music when you’re just cruising.” “Celebrate” is about times when it is okay to not be okay. Sometimes the everyday hustle is too much, Rio comments, “I spent a long time reflecting on my life and wanted to create something that I could share with everyone else. I hope this song helps people realize that it’s okay to take a break.”

Reflecting back Rio comments, “I think this project is something special. There are so many talented people that serve this country. The Artisan series is a great way to showcase these talents as well as highlight the unique abilities it takes to balance service and creating art outside of that. It is also probably the best way to show anyone interested in serving the country that you don’t have to stop pursuing your passion when you join. Although some of the public may believe service members are just cogs in the big machine, the Artisan series shows them that we are quite the opposite.”

Capt Lindsay Cordero goes by the name of Bones and is a fine artist, author and illustrator. Her art focuses on themes of mental health, children’s literacy, and conserving the coral reefs. In her episode, Cordero shows her paintings that take a visual approach to Depression and Anxiety. She also showcases her illustrations for her recently released children’s book, The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux. And she also shares her process to create her underwater scenes from her dives to capturing underwater seascapes and creating illustrations.

TSgt Ashlyn is a self-taught digital artist who focuses on self-reflection and self-awareness. In her work, she explores human nature through visually representing what it means to be honest, vulnerable, as well as sensual with women being the majority of her subjects. In her episode Ashlyn, talks about her series where she personifies the constellations by digitally drawing them based on their Greek stories. She also shares her sketches, as well as a self-portrait. This was her first public art show.

In addition to the new episodes, SrA William Rosado and SSgt Kenneth Diaz Figueroa will be releasing three songs each on June 8th. Their journey along with the other artists will be available on the AF Live app, and on all music streaming platforms.

In addition, all eligible Department of Defense ID cardholders will have the chance to win a limited-edition vinyl recording, enter here. To catch the new series download AF Live app for iOS and Android.

Connect:

Full Session:

Wk 1

MSgt Trevor Clark – 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB

SrA Adrianna Parson – SHAPE International Band NATO HQ SHAPE/

Mons, Belgium

TSgt Amy James – 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease ANGB, NH

TSgt George Linen – 765th ABS, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal

SSgt Jonathan Delise – 553rd Air Force Band, Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA

Wk 2

SrA Clarissa Tweed – 36 LRS/LGRV, Andersen AFB

SSgt Derek Skelton – 147 ASOS, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base

SrA Daryl Bowden Jr. -15AMXS, Offutt AFB

SSgt Connor Remboldt – 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field ANGB

SSgt Sarah Brice – DINFOS, Fort Meade, MD

Wk 3

SSgt Roberto Hernandez Nieves – 823d Red Horse SQ, Hurlburt Field, FL

SrA William Rosado – 1st Combat Camera Squadron, JBCharleston, SC

SSgt Kenneth Diaz Figueroa – 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island ANG

Capt Lindsay Cordero – AFGSC CCX, Barksdale AFB, LA

TSgt Ashlyn – 69th Cyberspace Squadron, Schriever Space Force Base,CO

Wk 4

TSgt Aaron Evins – AFPC Evaluations/ Recognitions, Randolph AFB

SrA Nina-Sophia Pacheco – 134 Air Refueling Wing, 572nd Band of the South, McGhee Tyson ANG Base

SrA Sarah Porrazza – 4RS/MXAAS, Andersen AFB, Guam

TSgt Seth Groves – 434 OSS, Grissom ARB, IN

Maj Kim Panagsagan – USSF/S8, Pentagon

Wk 5

SrA Jonathan Bell -802d Force Support Squadron, JBSA Lackland AFB

A1C Colton Richards – 27th SOSS, Cannon AFB

Capt Cydnée Reese – 350th ARS, McConnell AFB

Capt Jacob Bryant – Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB

A1C Mandie Simon – 20 EMS, Shaw AFB

Wk 6

TSgt Nicholas Brown – 31st Munitions Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy

SSgt Erasmus Hartsfield – Andrews AFB

2d LT Touacha Her – 349 AMW, Travis AFB

Special Bonus Episodes

Follow the Series:

Streaming at www.AFLive.tv

Website: https://theaflive.com/