INTERVIEW: Morgan on Frame Worthy Gallery

THIS art gallery is different and it's special...you may have seen its artists at the movies or on television!

Frame Worthy Gallery represents two-dimensional artwork made by multifaceted film and television industry artists who have talent that extends beyond the big screen. They are painters, photographers, sketch, and multimedia artists who are also actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers, working primarily in the Southeast. 

Morgan Wellens, Founder & CEO, Frame Worthy Gallery

Featured artists have worked on and behind the scenes of projects such as The Resident, Doom Patrol, The Gifted, and more.

Up and coming actor herself, Founder and CEO Morgan Wellens granted me an interview to talk about the new art gallery...

wanderlust ATLANTA: Where are you from? What’s something Atlanta should know about you? 

Morgan: Long story short, my great grandparents on my Dad’s side traveled in through Ellis Island from Lithuania, I was almost a “Wellinski”! On my Mom’s side, I’m related to five U.S. presidents, one of whom was responsible for the largest bathtub in the White House. For me, I was born and raised in Georgia. Most people are surprised to hear I’m a native Peach. I have seen how the art scene has grown over the years, and continues to evolve. I hope to make a positive contribution to that. 

Morgan Wellens (right) with Anissa Matlock

wanderlust ATLANTA: What was the catalyst that led you to becoming an Actor? Entrepreneur?

Morgan: I am really big on my bucket list, and in 2017 I decided to check off being an extra on a movie set. It was a downtown, overnight shoot. I remember watching the sunrise from a hotel balcony, unsure if I would make it to my 9-5 on time, and thinking, “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Being an entrepreneur is in my blood though. My grandparents used to have a thriving costume jewelry business back when clip on earrings were all the rage. Growing up, I saw my parents follow their footsteps, I learned to walk in the isles of Scott Antique Markets.

We lived the entrepreneur lifestyle, which doesn’t always look glamorous. Not everyone can feel secure in uncertainty, but seeing them thrive gave me the confidence to leave my 9-5 to pursue acting, and, now, open a gallery. 

Morgan Wellens with Kai Grebe

wanderlust ATLANTA: Michelangelo said, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it." With what philosophy do you approach your art?

Morgan: You know, they say “10 years is the overnight success”. It’s not exciting or sexy, but it’s probably the quote I live by the most. Hard work, perseverance, and consistency matter. Half the battle of being an artist is working at your craft every day, because breakthroughs come with time and repetition. I try not to attach the “success barometer” to my work. I’m an artist because I create. If success comes, I’ll be over the moon, but more than that, I love what I do which keeps me in the game through the rough times and rejection. 

Morgan Wellens with Alex Ross

wanderlust ATLANTA: When you have time to play tourist, where/what are some of the destinations in Atlanta that you most enjoy?

Morgan: I have to be honest, I’m a sucker for Ponce City Market. I love walking the Beltline and being around all that energy.

I also enjoy visiting the Forward Warrior wall in Cabbagetown. For those who don’t know, it’s a long stretch of the most beautiful murals you’ve seen. Afterward, I might pop over to Little’s for some sliders. 

Artwork by Eleonore Dendy

wanderlust ATLANTA: Why do you feel it's important for budding artists to not give up, to press forward with a career as an artist if they're truly passionate about it?

Morgan: The grind as an artist is HARD. But honestly, most every career path in life is hard! Would you tell a doctor to go to school for less than 8 years because it’s a “waste of time”? Why then, as artists, isn’t it normalized for us to put in the same kind of dedication to our craft. We need artists. They change the way that we see the world. They expand our minds and open our hearts.

Artists can show us a vision for the future when we can’t see it for ourselves. We saw a black president on the big screen long before Obama ran for office. Right now, it feels like possibility is at our fingertips and people are ready for change. We are craving and lifting up stories and visual work from new voices and underrepresented audiences. Make sure your voice can be heard.

Morgan Wellens | Artwork by Aaron Simmons

Frame Worthy Gallery launched its online marketplace last month, so head over there and do some holiday shopping and be sure to follow them on social media (Instagram/Facebook) so you can regularly see what's new! They will also have pop-up locations throughout Atlanta and a primary in-house presence at RoleCall Theater at Ponce City Market. The featured artwork ranges from modern to abstract, whimsical, and thought-provoking. There's practically something for everyone!

Morgan said, "The grind is real when you make the decision to become an artist for a living. Working restaurant jobs, gigs, driving services, you name it. If you are an artist, there's a good chance you're hustling. My goal is to help our team follow their dreams within the industry by taking over the 'left-brain' work so they can focus on the creative stuff.”

(Photos courtesy of Frame Worthy Gallery)

INTERVIEW: Actor Jonathan Horne

The first time I met Jonathan Horne we played horseshoes. But that was another time and another place.

When I learned that there might be a possibility of interviewing one of the actors in Freed Spirits, the now-showing world-premiere at Horizon Theatre, I immediately thought of Jonathan. I'd seen him act before and and was genuinely impressed. And he's also brilliant in Freed Spirits. 

Jonathan graciously agreed to an interview and I found myself blown away by his insightful answers to my questions. He's humble, articulate, and totally loves his craft. There's a considerably interesting and complex human being underneath his meek demeanor...

Jonathan Horne (Photo courtesy Jonathan Horne)

wanderlust ATLANTA: Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

Jonathan: I'm originally from Asheville, North Carolina, but my family moved to Atlanta when I was eight; I'm a transplant, but consider myself a "naturalized" Atlantaen. I live in Smyrna with my wife, Laura!

wanderlust ATLANTA: When did you first begin acting? Was it purposefully or accidentally?

Jonathan: I was forced into it, actually. I had to participate in a school system-wide "oratorical recital" in sixth grade. My fear of being in front of people was bested by my fear of getting a bad grade. 

My dad suggested doing the "St. Crispin's Day" speech from Shakespeare's Henry V—the argument that students can't understand Shakespeare is bunk, by the way—and my mom directed me. 

I had a real "Aha!" moment while doing the speech. Henry's bravery became mine and I felt the awkward sixth grader with a wooden sword and homemade tunic fade away. I went to a small Christian high school, so I always kept getting thrown into productions when kids dropped out due to grades or sports, and it wasn't until I played Hamlet my senior year that I knew this was what I had to do with my life. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What was the catalyst that led you to a career on stage?

Jonathan: I had been teaching English and theatre for three years after college in the hopes that I could still be tangentially connected to acting while making "real people money". I was completely miserable. I finally just reached a point where my desire to act trumped any desire to "stick it out." I saved up money for a year to help subsidize my year long apprenticeship with the Shakespeare Tavern and have been incredibly fortunate to be working fairly steadily ever since!

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's been the biggest "Wow!" moment of your acting career?

Jonathan: By far it has to be playing Joseph (John) Merrick in 'The Elephant Man' at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It was the most physically, spiritually, and emotionally demanding, as well as transformative, experience of my career and will be incredibly difficult to top—though I can assure you it won't stop me from trying! 

There are so many things that can go wrong with a show, so when everything just gels in a transcendent way, you can't help but go "Wow!" The show really helped me break into the larger Atlanta theatre community, for which I will always be thankful! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What have you enjoyed most about working on your current project, "Freed Spirits" at Horizon Theatre?

Jonathan: The ensemble! This cast became close knit stupidly fast. They are such an amazingly giving group of actors and we all mesh with each other so organically! Sometimes the fun you see on stage is pure acting, this show is mostly real fun crafted into a story!

wanderlust ATLANTA: "Freed Spirits" is your Horizon Theatre debut. What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?

Jonathan: I was brought on to read my character—Byron—for a twenty-minute presentation at the Decatur Book Festival three years ago. Lisa Adler kept bringing me back for more workshops and readings, so I was fortunate enough to see and be a part of the show and character's evolution over the past three years! 

Lisa has also been incredibly gracious and kind to me, especially bringing me on when she had never worked with me before! I also have tried to make it a point this year to branch out and work at new—for me—theatres; so I'm thrilled to get to work with new people, directors, designers, etc.! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Are there any similarities between you and Byron White, your "Freed Spirits" character?

Jonathan: As Daryl kept tweaking the script, Byron and I became closer to the same person. I had the opportunity to keep jumping into this world over the period of three years as the play was developing, and each new draft felt eerily closer to reality—early in the process, I was dating my future wife who I had mercilessly pestered to go out with me ala Byron.

I have two amazing parents and an amazing wife, but that's about where the differences end. I may or may not have just pulled clothes out of my car for the promotional photoshoot...

wanderlust ATLANTA: Horizon Theatre has a long tradition of inviting theatre-goers to meet and speak with actors after the show. What's your personal philosophy for the most rewarding actor/theatre enthusiast interaction?

Jonathan: Oh man, as an introvert this is always difficult. Honestly, I think the adage "they're more scared of you than you are of them" applies to a lot of us! Whenever I see a show, I always try to say something specific I enjoyed—a particular scene that was emotionally impactful, the way the actor dealt with a difficult scene, etc.—something that shows I was engaged and appreciative of the work that went into that evening. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's a show or project that you're working on that we'll see in the near future?

Jonathan: I'm getting the chance to live out one of my longest running theatrical dreams by playing John Proctor in 'The Crucible' at Actor's Express. I also recently got to work with Dan Bush (of Atlanta classic 'The Signal' fame) as the lead in an upcoming episode of 'Your Worst Nightmare' which will air sometime in November! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Where do you hope your acting career will eventually lead?

Jonathan: I really want to stay in Atlanta. I'd definitely love to work in Los Angeles or New York, but I really hope to be a part of helping make Atlanta a world-class artistic city. Honestly, If I can continue to make a living acting; I'll be content. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What advice would you give to aspiring actors, young or well-seasoned, wanting to act for the first time? 

Jonathan: There's no reason not to go for it! As far as theatre is concerned, there are several really great community theatres in Atlanta, as well as a vibrant independent film market here with tons of opportunities for aspiring actors! 

You don't have to be a "professional" to be professional though. Whether your goal is to act for the fun of it, or as a career, take it seriously. Also, always challenge yourself; you won't grow if you're comfortable.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What do you see as the greatest challenge AND the greatest success for the Atlanta acting community?

Jonathan: I think Atlanta is still finding its voice. We have so much opportunity and talent as an artistic community as well as a lot of national attention on us because of all the film and television being produced here. I want to see Atlanta actors/writers/directors become as well-known as our city.

Our biggest obstacle to that is that we have to fight the perception, sometimes earned, that we're unprepared and untrained, and a lot of people are helping to combat that. Drama Inc. in particular is a real force for training and community building.

Theatrically speaking, it's fantastic seeing, and now being a part of, all these newly produced plays that really speak to our unique culture. Our local playwrights are killing it! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: If you could act with any three actors, local or international, living or not, who would they be and why? 

Jonathan: I'm going to choose young Orson Welles, Gary Oldman, and Liv Ullmann. I have absolutely no idea what the show would be about, but I don't think it would matter. 

Welles because he was a visionary of startling proportions and his acting always feels so thoroughly ahead of its time. Oldman because I think he is the greatest living actor. Ullmann because her face contains universes of experience in the simplest of expressions...plus she could probably get Ingmar Bergman to direct us.  

wanderlust ATLANTA: I see "Soli Deo Gloria!" on your website and in playbill bios. Why is this important to you?

Jonathan: It's a constant reminder of why I do this, and whom I'm doing it for. Not every acting opportunity is going to be "missional," but when you get those opportunities to be a vessel for a larger truth, you pray that your work transcends the theatre. 

Tom Waits (and Jimmy Stewart in Harvey) said, "no one ever brings anything small into a bar." I think it's also true for theatre...you never know what the pain, doubt, or fears of someone might be when they come to see a show. 

It's casting a wide net, but sometimes you can touch someone's life in a spiritual way and help them on "the search", as Walker Percy called it. Also, it keeps me from believing both extreme ditches of "you're the greatest" and "you're rubbish." 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers/your fans?

Jonathan: Support Atlanta theatre! You can also visit my website for new and upcoming projects! 

Jonathan Horne Acting Reel from Jonathan Horne

Thank you, Jonathan, for the interview!

In case you were wondering about the horseshoes, Jonathan was in the Serenbe Playhouse production "Of Mice and Men". The contrast of Jonathan against the character he played was alone enough to convince me that he's a brilliant and wonderfully talented actor, and I look forward to following his career. I encourage you to, as well.

Readers, you can see Johnathan now in Freed Spirits at Horizon Theatre (on stage through Sunday, October 30, 2016) and follow his website and social media for other upcoming projects!