We had the good fortune of connecting with Maz Joachin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maz, how do you think about risk?
With animation being so underdeveloped in The Bahamas it was an enormous task to consider doing one. My team and I had a lot stacked against us, from the technical aspects to the funding, we were met almost immediately with challenges. Though these challenges and risks oddly gave us a deeper sense a drive and purpose, we’d solve problems that seemed impossible and tried to prove it could be done. Overall, my feelings are that a good risk could often times yield high rewards.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So I primarily work in sequential art and animation, the latter leading me to create the studio streetlight animation studios.

The thing that sets my work apart would have to be the level of the animation itself, not allowing the limitations we had to dictate the look of the work has given it a unique and eye catching quality.

I’m extremely proud of the reception I’ve gotten from the public, in particular the young artist of my country. You can see they see themselves in you and doing comic books and cartoons stops being a distant dream when someone who looks like them accomplishes it.

With the release of Nassau rock months away I’m super excited for everyone to finally enjoy what we’ve worked so hard on.

Working with Bahamian artists and animators as an apprentice over the years has given me a lot of insider knowledge and experience. So though the journey from there onwards wasn’t easy I was definitely well equipped.

I value hard work and imagination, I hope that when my work is seen that fact is immediately apparent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You have to check out as many of the Art galleries as you can.

Tern
The national art gallery of The Bahamas Sixty to sixty

“The pub” it’s the sorta place where you’ll probably meet your next best friend or your next fashion rival! All while having a beer and a good laugh but it has to be at night any other time is to normal.

“ICE” ice is like an Art gallery basquiat would hang out in. You’ll find painters, poets, writers, photographers and rappers all over this place and believe me the conversations will range from Marxism to who’s your favorite anime character sometimes within In seconds apart.

BHRA “the tracks” now I admit I only recently started checking out this place thanks to my good buddy Roger, local photographer and car enthusiasts but if you want to see Bahamian car culture check it out on Friday nights.

“Dundas center for performing arts”
If you happen to be in town when their season is open check out any of the plays, you won’t regret it. Nicolette Bethel and the staff down there put on amazing performances and it can’t be said enough how exciting it is to watch the actors come to life.

“Arawak Key”
The ultimate pit stop for down home Bahamian cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. They’re doing an amazing job at nurturing the growth of the young Bahamian collective.

Instagram: Mazjoachin

Facebook: Maz Joachin

Youtube: Nassau rock

Image Credits
Gabriel Turnquest ( black and white portrait)

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