Sean Yseult talks Sacred Gallery NYC exhibition, White Zombie, New York living and more

by | Nov 5, 2015 | Coming Up, Culture, Entertainment, Music

Even by rock band standards, there is nothing traditional about the life that Sean Yseult has led. After finishing her degree at the Parsons School Of Design, she pursued (and co-founded) the legendary metal band White Zombie. Following the 1998 break-up of White Zombie, Sean continued playing in bands but shifted her focus towards design. Yseult Designs was eventually launched, now onto its sixth collection of high-end scarves as sold in stores all around the world.

Another area of the art spectrum, Sean has also excelled within the photography world. Her fourth photography exhibit – and first-ever presented in New York City – launches at Sacred Gallery NYC (424 Broadway) on Nov. 7 at 8:00 p.m. Titled Sean Yseult: Retrospective, Sean will be on-site for the exhibition’s opening event. For those unable to attend, Sacred Gallery NYC will be hosting Retrospective through Dec. 31.

I had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with Sean for Downtown, as set up through her publicist Howard Wuelfing. I absolutely recommend her 2010 book I’m In The Band, which I was able to ask a little bit about. For more info on Sean, please point your browser of choice to www.seanyseult.com.

sean ysealut

For someone who only knows you for your musical past, how would you describe what they’re going to see at your exhibit at Sacred Gallery?

Sean Yseult: Dark, sinister, historical, ethereal, sensual – the same way I describe New Orleans, actually! With a dash of Edward Gorey humor here and there…maybe you just have to see it.

How did the decision come about to have your first solo photography show in New York City?

S: It’s actually my fourth solo show, but my first in New York. My other solo shows have all been in New Orleans. I’m thrilled to be coming full circle back to New York, where I moved originally to study photography!

You earned your degree in graphic design from the Parsons School For Design. How does the New York City of those years compare to New York City when you visit it these days?

S: I lived in the Lower East Side and East Village. It was, of course, a lot more affordable and filled with freaks back then! Being one myself. I miss all of the Ukrainian coffee shops and freaks, punks and musicians, but the area still has some charm and interesting shops and bars and restaurants. I’m glad to see Otto’s Shrunken Head still around, and John Derian is still around the corner from where CBGBs was. My old neighbors Dick Manitoba and the Hells Angels are still around, but I miss seeing Joey Ramone walking down St. Marks!

What brought about your move to New Orleans? What does that city offer that New York doesn’t?

S: I fell in love with New Orleans the first time White Zombie passed through on tour. The crumbling mansions and graveyards, the 200-year old live oaks everywhere, the food, the people — it was, and is, just incredible. The history here is insane, from Storyville to mansions with murderous pasts. At this point, it is also more like New York City was in the ’80s, as far as being affordable enough for artists and musicians to live here, maybe even own some property, and still have time to be creative. That is what really makes it great!

How was the experience of putting together I’m In The Band? It read to me like it was therapeutic to be able to look back at the highs and lows of your old band.

S: That is accurate. It was crazy going through all of my boxes of White Zombie ephemera, but I felt like it needed to be done. It took over a year, just photographing and scanning everything. The writing came very freely. I would look at the photos collaged on that page, and write down whatever came to my mind, a lot like when you are listening to the director’s commentary while watching a movie. 99% of my White Zombie memories are fantastic, so it was mostly fun to relive.

Do you think you’ll ever perform the music of White Zombie again in a live setting?

S: Not according to our lead singer [Rob Zombie].

Do you have any musical projects going on? Is Star & Dagger still active?

S: Yes, Star & Dagger are working on new material and hopefully recording soon. I also still play occasionally with my band Rock City Morgue.

When you’re not busy with your music, art or design work, how do you like to spend your free time?

S: Going out and seeing live bands, traveling overseas, dining and drinking with good friends, and cooking for friends as well. Wow, I just realized I have turned into my parents! I suppose they did have fun so it’s not terrible, but it still so final to realize there is no escaping it. Oh, and once a week I meet the artist David Gamble in the French Quarter to play chess. Now there’s something my parents never did!

Do you have a favorite album of 2015?

S: I mostly listen to music pre-1930s so that’s a tough one. But one new one I have on constant play is the new record from Amplified Heat: What Do You Think About That. They are a killer trio of brothers out of Austin, the Latin Blue Cheer! I also love Lana Del Rey’s new record. I think everything she does is wonderful and haunting.

Finally, Sean, any last words for the kids?

S: Do your thing! And come to my opening at Sacred Gallery NYC on Nov. 7 from 8-11 p.m. I’ll be there!

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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