Could you tell us a little more about your background? How did you start getting interested in performing arts?
At 3 years old, I started in your stereotypical baby ballet class, and couldn’t stop! I continued dancing as a grew up, branching out into different styles and dance competitively. However, I still had a love for theatre, and performed in a variety of musicals, plays, anywhere I could get onstage! I followed my passion in postsecondary studies, and in 2020 I received a BFA degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from York University. During my studies I realized that my passion for dance and theatre did not have to be separate, and my artistic identity began shifting to ‘performance artist’, as I watched my creativity soar once I took away the limits and boundaries of remaining in one medium at a time.
From dance/theatre to performance…How does your personal life influence your art?
As an artist with ADHD and an anxiety disorder, I find that my artistic practice is not only a way to express the trials and triumphs of my experiences, but an opportunity to explore my subconscious, and learn more about myself. I strive to incorporate a sense of vulnerability and authenticity within my work, even from a comedic perspective, conveying real life thoughts at feelings for the audience to see themselves in , and create a atmosphere of community, relatability, and self-forgiveness.
What kind of creative patterns, routines or rituals do you have? How does everyday life inspire your work?
My creative process revolves around improvisation and experimentation. To derive authentic and dynamic movement, I utilise various improvisational scores with different prompts, and focus on breaking habitual physical patterns and discover new pathways and range of motion. Pulling inspiration from everyday thoughts, feelings, and experiences are also very important to me. I find great success in free writing prompts, allowing whatever is currently in my mind to come out on the page, and I then further explore any interesting words or phrases to inspire movement. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy deconstructing the simple routines and rituals of everyday life under the artistic microscope, to find beauty within the everyday ordinary.
What is your personal aim as an artist?
My creative goals revolve around creating my own work as the artistic director of my dance/theatre company BrickHouse Productions, in both live performance as well as dance film. I also plan to continue performing on any stage I can get on I aim to be in a place where I am creating to fulfil my soul, and that my work is in any way positively impacting someone out there. As an artist, I also find great importance in advocacy work, opening doors for my fellow artists, supporting them, and being a participant in a thriving artistic community.
What’s a moment from the last year you’ll always remember? If you’d known that you’d be isolated, what would you have done differently?
March of 2020 just days after they declared COVID-19 a pandemic, I distinctly remember the day I showed to my morning technique classes in my 4th year of my BFA degree, with only three weeks left until I was finished, professional performance and choreography opportunities lined up. Then we found out that the University was closing, and this was our last day of classes. At the time I was disappointed (but slightly relieved for the break), and I was grateful it has not affected any of my final year performances. We asked if we could do a large group improvisation together and halfway through, I took a short pause to look around the room at all the peers I had grown with over the last four years who have become such amazing artists. It was so bittersweet as I was so overwhelmed with the sudden shutdown and uncertainty of the future, but I was also extremely comforted and encouraged by all of these artists sharing and moving together, and knew it was going to be okay.
Through all the trials and triumphs of this pandemic, I don’t think I would have done anything differently. This pandemic gave me such an amazing opportunity for learning and growing. There were some really rough times, but they allowed me to see my future clearer, and re-align myself with what makes me inspired and excited about art and being a human on this planet.
How do you feel about being involved in an online residency program? How important is it to stay connected with the international art community?
I am so grateful to be a part of this residency! It has been so incredible to be connected with other creative voices again, and feeling the inspiration form their induvial practices and passion. I have always been so keen to explore the artistic community at an international level, and soak up the different talents and perspectives around the world, and this residency has already allowed me to do so. I am so excited to maintain these connections, continue networking, and follow the careers of these other incredible artists!
What are your thoughts about the theme ‘artist on standby’? Tell us a bit more about your project…
When reflecting on the theme ‘artist on standby’ I kept returning to the idea of ‘being ready to jump back in’ and realized how many times during the pandemic that I didn’t feel ready. I did not feel like an artist anymore. I was out of practice, I told myself that my art wasn’t good enough, or important enough to deserve attention. I felt fake. Imposter syndrome has been at an all time high for me since the start of this pandemic, and my project explores this phenomenon, as well as ways to pull myself out of the hole, and onto the path forward.
What do you want to achieve before things return to normal?
Although I know that confidence is a constant work in progress, I hope to have made progress in my battle with imposter syndrome, and learn to value my work even if it isn’t the best thing I have ever done. I am working on shifting my attitude to celebrate the process and the way creating makes me feel rather than the success of the product.
Any future plans/projects?
Since my diagnosis of ADHD a few years ago, I have been learning constantly about the neurological disorder, how much it actually affects everyday life, and how much people do not know about this condition. It is not just a learning disability. I am going to be starting a new performance film shortly that focuses on depicting and educating viewers around this subject. I am looking forward to collaborating with the other artists of various disciplines involved, and for the opportunity to explore myself and my experiences.