Q: "Who are you and how did you become an artist?"
A:“Hiya! My name is Ehis (Ay-heese) and I am currently a Staff Writer at BuzzFeed. Since I was a little girl, I've always had a love of reading — and that love of reading turned into a love of stories and creating such stories that inspire and reflect people who look like me. Even though my job is less storytelling and more creative and voicy pop culture pieces, I still think of it as an art form because, to me, I'm creating something that, hopefully, will impact someone in a positive way — bonus points if it's a little black girl who want to see someone who looks like her doing what they love doing. “ Q: "What does Art mean to you?" A: “To me, art means two things: access and representation. I'll start with the first — art should be accessible to those who are looking for it. If you want to look at the Mona Lisa, you can find a print online or see it in person, or if you want to listen to a Mozart sonata, you can find a link online or stream it on Spotify. There shouldn't, in my opinion, be a barrier of entry to access art. Which brings me to my next point: art should be representative. Everyone who wants to consume art should be able to search for something that represents them — whether that be on a physical, spiritual, psychological, and/or metaphorical level. Am I getting long-winded here? Probably. I am a writer, after all. But yeah, to me, art can be anything, so long as it's accessible to and representative of those who search for it.” Q: "Why is Art important in 2020?" A: “Similar to my previous answer, art is so fucking important — am I allowed to curse? — especially in 2020 because in a time when so many people feel stifled and hopeless, art has the power to embolden and uplift — give hope to the hopeless, meaning to the wanderers, and inspiration to the drained. I would love for my art to put a smile on someone's face, or make someone chuckle for a hot sec, or inform them of positive and radiant news that they desperately needed to hear. In a time that is so dark and draining, art is a LOT of people's only source of light. I'd love, even for a moment, to be a flicker in someone's day. “
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Q: "Who are you and how did you become a performing artist?"
A: “My parents started me dancing at three years old. So art has always been my life. A decade of dance classes into choir, show choir and musical theater shaped me to move across the country from my home state of Illinois all the way to California. I am an actor, singer and dancer, and I provided Disney magic in DCA for the last six years! I also performed in live shows all around Southern California, and I cannot wait to share my art again!" Q: "Why Is Art important to you?" A: "To me art means home. It’s what comforts me in life. What makes me feel alive." Q: "Why is Art important in 2020?" A: "Art in 2020 is so important because it’s a way to reach people. Artists are storytellers and our job is to communicate. As humans we all want to be heard. Art is unique and personal, so there’s no limit to how to express yourself. With COVID shutting down our industry for the physical health and safety of audiences, it’s important we do all we can to bring back live theatre safely and allow artists to create again! I can’t wait until the world gets to see what we have in store for them beyond shutdown!” Q: "What inspired you to pursue a career in dance?"
A: "I remember seeing Houston ballet as a child and I fell in love with the art of ballet!" Q: "Why is Art important to you?" A: "Art is how I express myself and so much of who I am as a human." Q: "Why is Art important in 2020?" A: "Art is my therapy and outlet for release and a means of processing. Through 2020 my creativity and art have only been more inspired and fired up. I believe this is the time artists go to work. I am excited for new projects and coals in the fire!" Artist Bio:
“First and foremost, a storyteller. Multi-discipline artist Garrett Stevens loves to create. With a background in TV Development, and experience working with artist managers and television producers, he has a range of skills to put to work for you. When you require an eye for evocative designs, an ear for original melodies, and a demand for strong foundation in story and brand identity, MadeByGarrett has the solutions. Born in Atlanta, based in Los Angeles, he is a self-starter, self-learner and committed creator. He is an artist who believes in the adage “How you do anything is how you do everything”, to him there are no dividing lines between any two tools of an artist. Becoming a better composer makes one a stronger painter, becoming a more skilled photographer improves ones eye for design. Used in tandem, these skills can be used to create a powerful narrative that both entertains and educates. Garrett Stevens believes everyone can create and that creativity has no cap if you are willing to make it your life’s work, for him it’s exactly that.” Q: “Why does Art matter to you?” A:“So many reasons! It helps us empathize, and bridges the divide. It helps us heal, grow and explore the world in new ways. Art in all of its forms are exploratory tools given to us to help us adventure further into life. It educates, entertains, and helps us all to connect a little more than the day before. I love it.” Q: “Why is music so important?” A: “Vibration. Whether you choose to believe in ‘good energy’ or not I think you know it when you feel it. Music to me is a way of transmitting and translating those vibrations into charged emotions. The swell of an orchestra, the riff of a guitar, there’s a lot of power in those and I think structuring them in a meaningful way can change the world. Or at the very least make you smile, and sometimes that’s enough.” Q: Who are you? Why do you believe Art matters? In your opinion, why does Art matter to the world in 2020?
“A1. My name is Lexie McEntire. I’m a 22 year old actress, singer, dancer from Virginia. I got my BFA in musical theatre from Belmont. Before the pandemic started, I was based out of New York and contracted to start my first job as a cruise ship performer. I haven’t been performing all my life but I have been performing for a long time. I started theatre in high school and found a niche. I seemed to make myself and others happy when I performed and it became an addiction. A2. To me art is the purest and most full form of expression. Our culture today emphasizes the “chill” personality type. Being passionate and emotional in your everyday life is seen as a negative thing. But art is this one place where people still value the fullness of emotion; where we can go all out in expressing a feeling or idea, and be celebrated for that. A3. Art is important in 2020 because now more than ever we need ways to connect, empathize, and come together. Art can be a way to delve into ugly truths about society and face the dark thoughts we might otherwise avoid. That’s very important. Equally important though, is the kind of art that unapologetically forces you to smile, laugh, and walk out of the theatre/gallery/etc with a newfound pep in your step. I think we could all use a little bit of that right about now. Q: "Who are you and why do you believe Art is important?"
A: “Hi! I’m Emily and I am passionate about art and positivity. I STRONGLY believe art reflects life and life reflects art. I think art can reflect life through its ability to shows us our world, what’s happening, what we relate to, and often what needs to change. That change can be presented to us through inspiring pieces whether it be a tv show, a movie, a dance, a book, a song, even a social media post, etc., and then the art’s message comes to fruition in our everyday lives. I’m a performer who hopes to inspire change in our world for the better through art. I think one of our greatest tools for this is positivity. That’s why I am so so excited to be partnering with @Aerie as an ambassador for the next year! Aerie celebrates women of all different sizes, skin colors, backgrounds, interests, and other differences. They believe in a world full of body positivity, self love, and empowering others. I’m so excited to use my social media platform as an artist to be a part of their mission and be #aerieREAL !!” 💚 |