Throne

(ASL Performance of a song by Angelo Haley)

Gianinna Koszegi

Arizona State University

Gianinna was born and raised in Arizona, but is a full-blooded Hungarian. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from ASU May 2021 with a BA in English (Creative Writing) and minors in Technical Communication and Film and Media Production. From the moment she took her first class back in high school, she found a love for ASL that overtook her heart. For six years now she's been studying the language and the culture, and that love is only growing. Instagram: @give_me_a_sign_official , @pepper.mint.poison , @author.gianinna. Website: amazon.com/author/authorgianinna.

Angelo Haley is a professional musician/songwriter from Chandler, Arizona. After picking up a guitar at age 12 in Las Vegas he continued studying music through high school choir and musical theory/piano at UofA and ASU. At a young age Angelo fought his way out of addiction and found music as a way to channel himself, his emotions, and his experiences. Angelo can be found on Spotify and Instagram @angelohaleyofficial.

Interview

1. What was your inspiration for this piece?

My good friend Angelo Haley had written and sung Throne. His lyrics, the themes of dealing with demons and trying to feel worthy, is something that I can understand and identify with. I heard it and knew I had to interpret it.

2. What is your creative process?

I don't know if I have a process. If I do, I'm certainly not cognizant enough to identify it yet. All I know is that when I hear a song that stirs deep emotion within me, the only way to get it out is to sign. 

3. What are some influences on your artistic process?

I know I've said it before, but emotion. I feel everything too much; whether its sadness or joy. The only way I know to deal with it is to let it out. Write, draw, sign, it's all the same to me. They're all mediums through which I can express those emotions and share it with others who feel like I do.

4. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work?

Angelo and I actually went to ASU together. And we attended the same ASL classes! It was by chance that we met and made this music/ASL connection. But hey, all the best things in life happen because they sneak up on you when you're not looking for them.

Editors’ Comments

The beauty of "THRONE" lies in its simplicity. There are no distractions; only the body that speaks in ways words are unable to fully capture.