ORI DAGAN, JAZZ SINGER-SONGWRITER – CREATORS/ARTISTS/PEOPLE IN THE ARTS DURING COVID-19: WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THEM

Posted on May 6, 2020 by strecker

Black jacket portraits by Peter Nguyen/ Blue jacket photo by Dan Brown

JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative life in the arts?

ORI DAGAN: Cancelled gigs included my first tour of Quebec and my first European showcase opportunity, but I am very lucky because most of my out-of-town gigs will be rescheduled as opposed to cancelled, thanks to my agents at Station Bleue. The main thing that changed in my own creative life – and personal life, see below – is not being on the Toronto jazz scene at all hours of the night. Whether I’m playing a gig, absorbing inspiration of a concert, sitting in with my friends or trying out a song at an open mic I’m at one of these places on far more nights than I’m not. So, it has been a bit of a shock to my system to say the least to be home so consistently.

As a performer I’ve adapted to the situation by creating an online gig, live streaming from my Facebook page. I started this on March 27th which was Sarah Vaughan’s birthday and have since kept it going every Thursday night. The transition from performing in the clubs to performing to social media has been challenging to say the least. In the clubs I had the luxury of collaborating with other inspiring musicians; online, to accompany my singing I’ve had to brush up on my piano chops which were getting rusty. It’s also quite different not to see and hear an audience. On the plus side, I’ve been able to reach audiences far beyond Toronto, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. More than ever I think that people feel the need to escape, to be entertained, to smile, to cry, to feel joy or catharsis through song. I am really grateful to be able to still connect with people through music.

JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?

OD: I have been feeling very creative as a musician and have been focusing my energy on practising the piano, which is a discipline I have struggled with my whole life. So that has been very positive and productive. While I have not yet been able to translate that creative energy into songwriting yet, I’m working on incorporating this into my routine. In January I got approved for a FACTOR grant to write an album of original music and I am planning on writing a song, if not several songs, inspired by our current situation. There certainly is no shortage of inspiration in these surreal times.

JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?

OD: Being home all the time is a huge change! I have to hand it to my husband for being so supportive of my career and accepting the fact that I’ve been usually out at least 5 nights of every week – it has been quite nice to spend more time with him. We have been eating at home almost every night and I shamefully admit that I don’t cook but he is inspiring me to learn. With a background in filmmaking, he has played a big role in my career as the producer of all my music videos. He now produces my weekly show on Facebook, making sure it looks and sounds as good as it can technically. We recognize that we are lucky to have one another and are doing our best to be there for our family and friends however we can.

JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

OD: There are so many in our industry who are struggling – artists, venues, industry members – without work for the foreseeable future. The hardest part about it is the uncertainty. Not knowing when this will change, and not being able to plan for the future. I’m grateful that for the time being the Canadian government has been supportive of arts workers, and hope that it will step things up with small businesses including music venues as the crisis unfolds.

JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

OD: Frankly it is quite scary. I worry in particular about the future of live music and the survival of live music venues. Our line of work as musicians was already in danger before this epidemic, with many music venues struggling to stay open in the 21st century due to astronomic costs of running shop contrasted with the decreasing need for consumers to leave their house to be entertained. My hope is that whenever things return to a more “normal” routine, patrons will be so inspired to go out and support the music after having this freedom taken away so suddenly.

JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?

OD: Music is everything to me and being able to connect with people through music is a gift I cherish. The Facebook Live performance series on Thursday nights has been keeping me focused and sane. Last week I did a show that was entirely by request and the response was overwhelming! I took 22 requests, all of which were given to me in advance and included some songs I learned for the occasion. I did not want to leave anyone out so I fulfilled all of the requests and the show went overtime by 25 minutes. It has been amazing to see the generosity and kindness of people tuning in and supporting this endeavour, sending tips if they are able to do so.

A few weeks back I was selected to be part of the #MusicTogether series which was sponsored by Ontario Creates, Arts & Crafts, Shopify and Slaight Music. So, for that particular episode, I wanted to pay it forward by supporting a charity. I announced that half of my tips that week will go to the Daily Bread Food Bank. It was amazing to be able to raise $212 – according to the charity’s website $1 buys a nutritious meal so that was 212 meals! I am very much inspired right now by kindness and looking for more ways to work with charities.

JS: What are other creative people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?

OD: Everyone has their own way of dealing. I have friends who have completely lost their inspiration to make art, while others like myself are more driven than ever to channel creativity and find new ways of reaching audiences. Besides live streaming, while others have found ways of editing videos together so that music can be produced in a time of physical distancing.

Artists are often extremely sensitive humans, so I think the most important thing is for us to be able to reach out when we need to in order to maintain sanity. Staying safe and staying sane. Overall, I think one of the greatest blessing through this crisis is that we can remain connected virtually – otherwise the forced isolation would truly be dangerous to our well-being.

JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?

OD: The absolutely saddest has been the people we have lost to COVID-19: heroes like John Prine, Ellis Marsalis, Lee Konitz. Most of the stories I hear about artists involve cancellations of shows, tours, etc which are sad but not tragic in a health crisis. I feel that we are pretty lucky to be living in Canada – I can only imagine the many struggling artists in the United States with a far less stable situation there. This is a time where being kind, generous, and conscious has never been so important.

JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?

OD: I have been particularly inspired by artists who are adapting to the crisis in positive ways. For example, the Niagara Jazz Festival, run by husband and wife team Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea, has been presenting an online series of performances and interviews with Canadian artists. Singer-pianist Jim Clayton does a live stream literally every single night at 9pm to raise money for the Glad Day Bookstore Emergency Fund. My friend Laila Biali launched her March 27 album “Out of Dust” as planned despite having to cancel a massive tour; she recently embarked on “Quarantunes,” a series in which musicians in her band recorded their parts separately and were edited to still produce beautiful, engaging videos.

My friends Jennifer Walls and Heather Luckhart, who normally host “Singular Sensation: A Monthly Musical Theatre Open Stage” and “120 Blues Night” at 120 Diner respectively, have both adapted the event online for Facebook, and as a result members of our community are able to connect with one another in a time of isolation. Beyond the Toronto jazz community there are some incredibly inspiring stories, most notably rock band The Arkells, whose lead singer Max Kerman has been doing a daily Instagram live show at 1pm which includes tutorials for fans on how to play the band’s music. The recent telethon #StrongerTogether featuring Canadian artists was beautifully done, with over $8 million raised for Canadian Food Banks through the single “Lean on Me.” Plenty of kindness, positivity and inspiration exists in the face of this crisis.

JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?

OD: Musicians can be supported in many ways. For those of us who are able to perform via live stream, there is usually a way that you can contribute specified. You can also buy recordings from musicians’ websites, or through a great platform called BandCamp which waives its fees on the first Friday of the month so 100% of the contribution goes to the artists (#BandCampFriday). I have a lot of colleagues who are offering music classes online – I feel that is an amazing way to support a musician while at the same time developing one’s own musicality, a total win-win!

JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?

OD: I would be so grateful to folks who are able to be part of my live stream show on Thursdays. As we speak, I am getting ready for the first “double-header” as I’m trying a 2pm slot in addition to the 7pm slot – two live shows. The stream goes live on my page at www.facebook.com/oridaganjazz and the schedule is on my website. The show is free to watch, and while tips are appreciated there is absolutely no expectation as I know many folks are in hard times. That said, if you are watching and enjoy the show, a “share” on social media goes a long way to helping any artist spread the word about what they do. Besides tuning in to my show folks can support my music by buying CD’s from my website: www.oridagan.com.

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DENIELLE BASSELS, SINGER-SONGWRITER-BANDLEADER – CREATORS DURING COVID-19: WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THEM

Posted on May 6, 2020 by strecker

JAMES STRECKER: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?

DENIELLE BASSELS: In the beginning, over 5 weeks ago, it took a while for me to get creative. I was too busy trying to catch all the balls that were suddenly all up in the air. It took a good two weeks for the dust to settle, but when it did, I felt more creative than I have been in long time.

JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?

DB: I had to make a decision to stay in Toronto and eek my way through everything without income or go to the country to the safety of my family and the fresh country air. The catch was that my family is very intense all day every day, so that’s really been a challenge. I chose wisely though. I’ve been safe, fed, and have been connecting with my adorable little nephews. There is so much to be grateful for. Glad it won’t be forever though! I’m also glad I’ve discovered Zoom meetings and virtual get togethers to touch base with friends and loved ones.

JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

DB: I guess my primary worry is that we will lose the momentum and the relevance that we have worked so hard over the years to build up. A lot of things have gone on hold. My record for one. We were smack dab in the middle of recording it when COVID struck.

JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

DB: It seems it will take some time before we can start to perform regularly again. Will we have as many options? Toronto has had a bad time in recent years of losing many coveted music venues. Will the venues that we depend on now still be open for business when the world gets back to its “new normal?” Will we all have to become more savvy at internet apps? Is that the future for artists?

JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?

DB: Expanding my horizons. I’m writing more than ever and have joined groups of songwriters to stretch artistically. I’m upgrading my instrumental skills and learning as much as I can about the technological side to music such as production, internet apps for presenting works of art and film editing. Learning new skills makes me feel more positive about the future.

JS: What are other creative people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?

DB: Many of my colleagues are using this crisis as a chance to self-reflect, to rediscover what is important to them as people and as artists. Many of us are working together in one capacity or another. I find myself creating more collaborative relationships than I’ve ever had in the past.

JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?

DB: I feel like we take care of each other here. I haven’t heard any sad stories about artists in my community. Knock on wood. Maybe it’s because I’m not as connected in isolation, I hope that’s not the case. I try to stay in the know and make sure all my contacts are safe and well.

JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?

DB: I’m loving the front row experience to my favourite artists offering free online concerts at home. It’s so encouraging and inspiring to see the artists that I most look up to forgoing the bells and whistles and just playing from the heart. I’m seeing people come together for each other. One artist in our community has called his entire roster of musicians and friends just to check up on them personally and make sure they are well and not in need. That’s just beautiful.

JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?

DB: Artists in times of crisis will do what they know, they will perform or create art to lighten hearts and inspire hope and strength. Look out for artists in your community that need help. Buy their work if it’s online. Attend an online concert, donate, subscribe, like, follow, share their work if you like it. Ask questions.

JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?

DB: Listen to my work online! If you like it please spread the word. Send me a message, keep in touch. 🙂 Purchase music if you can. Bandcamp offers the most revenue from sales to artists, they also allow the opportunity for fans to make donations. Spotify isn’t so good for artists, but sharing the music is helpful.

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DIANA STUDENBERG, SINGER OF ALT ROCKERS TROPE, EXPLAINS “THE MUSIC ITSELF CHANGED ME A LOT, IN PROVIDING A VEHICLE TO EXPRESS SOME REALLY CHALLENGING EMOTIONS FROM EXPERIENCES THAT I’D BEEN HOLDING ONTO, IN SOME CASES, FOR YEARS. I DIDN’T FIND THAT THERAPY HELPED AS MUCH AS ACTUALLY WRITING ABOUT IT.” … A REVIEWER INTERVIEWS PEOPLE IN THE ARTS

Posted on May 5, 2020 by strecker

JAMES STRECKER: Please tell us about one or more projects that you have been working on or have recently completed.

DIANA STUDENBERG The two most recent projects that I’ve been a part of that have had releases are:

– The rock band I’m in, Trope. Trope is a 4-piece alternative rock band with progressive elements and we’ve completed recording our debut album ‘Eleutheromania’. We just released our cover version of the Tears for Fears song ‘Shout’ and will be releasing more music in the coming months.

– I co-wrote a song called ‘I Choose’ performed by Alessia Cara in the new Netflix animated feature ‘The Willoughbys’.

JS: How did doing these projects change you as a person and as a creator?

DS: Trope changed me as a person for many reasons. The music itself changed me a lot, in providing a vehicle to express some really challenging emotions from experiences that I’d been holding onto, in some cases, for years. I didn’t find that therapy helped as much as actually writing about it. What I didn’t realize is that being in Trope would also accrue some of its own intense challenges. It’s definitely been a crazy journey, but, ultimately, I’m extremely grateful for it. I’m thankful every day that I get to sing in Trope. It’s completely changed me as a creator because it’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever worked on, and just taught me the value of crafting and just doing the work, no matter how long it takes, or how many tries.

2- Working on the Willoughbys’ song with incredible songwriters and getting to see how they do their thing was really something. And outside of the song, actually being included in the early scratch days, vocalizing in the booth, working on characters and just being around so many people in animation really expanded my mind. It was amazing and humbling to observe that ecosystem. And also see just how much work goes into creating an animated feature. It introduced me into a new passion for voice acting, which is an art form I was never really familiar with, but also gave me perspective on how I approach my band actually. Many of the people who worked on this from the creative to the distribution side have so much experience, that it was just a fortunate situation to be able to listen to those conversations and try to soak up as much information as possible on the creative process, to distribution, marketing, sound mixing, storytelling etc.

JS: What are the most important parts of yourself that you put into your work?

DS: I’m not sure… I think the most important part of myself is my care for the work. In tandem with that I think is just being as honest and exploratory as possible. I think writing about things that really stir me up intensely does more service to work too, because if it’s something I personally feel is worth saying, it’ll just come out better in the sense of, a more cohesive and laser sharp emotionally clear piece of music. I’m extremely fortunate to get to write to such vast, complex and layered instrumentals.

JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?

DS: I tend to overthink things… my brain is very active and ping pongs a lot. It looks for alternatives, patterns, solutions, problems, possibilities. You name it, I’m thinking about it :)! That makes it challenging at times to write the Trope stuff, because sometimes I see an infinite amount of possibilities. Getting in the right headspace of exploration, freedom, response, presentness, intention takes work for me. Once I zone in and understand what I want to say, it’s a bit easier. I’ve been getting better at just shutting off the voices, but it’s still a work in progress.

JS: Imagine that you are meeting two or three people, living or dead, whom you admire because of their work in your form of artistic expression. What would you say to them and what would they say to you?

DS: Oh. I’d love to meet Jeff Buckley. And actually, Kurt Cobain, and David Bowie. I would thank them for their incredible artistic, heart and soul contribution to the planet and ask them about the creative process. What inspires them? Were they hard on themselves? And in my dream-world, maybe they’d tell me [in a British accent of course] ‘it’s all be okay babe, the essence exists around you already and you don’t gotta overthink it, have fun, connect and most of all love. love matters, it’s worth it, most people try to shut it out, but they yearn for it. It’s what keeps this whole ball of dust going. hey here’s a drink, you could stand to drink a bit more, you’re a bit stiff, ya can’t bring what you’re holding onto to the next life y’know, loosen up a bit… is that moustache hair on your upper lip? Don’t worry love, at the end of the day… it’s all just rock n’ roll.’

JS: Please describe at least one major turning point in your life that helped to make you who you are as a creative artist.

DS: Meeting my producer Moonhead was I think the biggest turning point for me as an artist. His mentorship taught me so much. Fields of knowledge… on the creative process, artistry, honesty. I’m extremely grateful I get to work with such a talented, experienced and committed human being. Other than that, really the other largest contributors have been a flurry of very challenging situations sprinkled with abuse lol… seriously though, nothing screams ‘evolve’ louder than pain.

JS: What are the hardest things for an outsider to understand about your life as a person in the arts?

DS: This is great question after another :). Honestly – the focus. I suffer already from severe ADHD, I make lists to remember stuff and this career path is so all consuming. It consumes your mind, your time, your sanity. It’s probably extremely unhealthy to be so obsessed. But I just don’t think things get made and shipped unless there’s this intense energy and focus and work put into it. Also, the only certainty is in one’s ability to do the work. So, given that, all I can do to calm the voices in my head is work harder. Also – if I don’t play music for a few days because I’m in marketing or logistics mode, I become a mess. My thoughts darken, my whole alignment shifts, self-esteem drops, etc. I can’t speak for others, but I think I’m just ultimately not the mentally healthiest person, and I’m also not the kind of person to take my demons out on others, or revert to addictive substances, so I heavily rely on work and art to survive. I think that’s perhaps hard to understand when you’re maybe wired differently.

JS: Please tell us what you haven’t attempted as yet that you would like to do in the arts? Why the delay so far?

DS: Oh, there’s so much! I’d like to produce and act in a short film, write a solo album of progressive acoustic songs [more for myself than anything], and publish a poetry book.
I actually have started compiling some of my favorite poems and regarding the solo album… it’s something I’m more interested in doing down the road, maybe in 5 years from now. Right now, musically I’m loving writing the Trope stuff, and Divine Astronaut [which is another project I’m in that’s electronic alternative]. Regarding the short film… I really just need to invest more brain cells into coming up with a concept. I know I want to tell a story, I’m just not sure what that is yet. Like anything else… I just need to do the work and throw some paint on that blank page.

JS: If you could re-live your life in the arts, how would you change it and why?

DS: Oh my… that’s a loaded question for me. It’s loaded because it would have been nice to feel safer to explore and express my true self more freely from a younger age… and/or known how to deal with an environment of judgment. I think that kills creativity. Fear can really suppress the spirit, if at a young age you don’t know how to fight against it and even worse – if you’re in denial of being affected. And I really just didn’t know how to. And I’m still teaching myself. I think ultimately, everyone learns differently. I’ve had a lot of learning via judgment and tough-love, and on the one hand that’s helped me undo some patterns or shocked me out of them as well actually. But there are dangerous by-products of that too. If, in my experience, the self-esteem gets too low [like plummeting], it makes it challenging to assimilate those lessons into love. And art is love. It’s creation. No amount of explaining that we must make it about the work, works when you’re just too low or an empty shell. Or it didn’t for me.

For me, love lifted me up. Seeds of hope really made all the difference. I wasn’t able to do that for myself as significantly at first. I stayed in it, and kept working, but for the first long stretch, things felt like a slog and very uphill because I was also trying hard to undo patterns and writing a lot. I really needed people who believed in me. I needed to cut out the people who were naysayers, abusive, and even those who don’t see me as an artist actually. And then I was able to see that I’m worth investing in. I mean we each are worth investing in. That’s when I was able to clear the space to work more intensely. I’ve always been an extremely hard worker, but there was so much murk, that I was spinning my wheels at first and wasn’t as effective as I am now.

So, to come full circle – I’m actually extremely grateful for all the windiness, and how challenging it’s been on different levels. I think I have things to write about because of this. It’s my journey, and honestly… there’ll always be things that maybe I wish were easier earlier, but for me, that’s not the stuff that fuels me as a writer. I also wouldn’t take it back because I love and admire the people I’ve met along the way. And who I get to collaborate with. I’ve built lifelong friendships with a small handful of people who are very special to me. In the end, I’m very fortunate I get to do this.

JS: In your creative life thus far, what have been the most helpful comments you have heard about your work?

DS: What’s helped me a lot was ‘That’s not good enough! What’s your intent? That’s generic garbage lol. It doesn’t matter what other people think, or if it’s ‘good’, write what you need to write about.’

JS: Finally, what do you yourself find to be the most intriguing and/or surprising things about you?

DS: My long-windedness is very surprising.

Thank you so much for this interview. Thanks for the thoughtful questions and sharing our music.

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JOHN MACMURCHY, SAXOPHONIST, RECORDING ARTIST, COMPOSER – CREATORS DURING COVID-19: WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THEM-

Posted on May 4, 2020 by strecker

 

JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative/artistic life in the arts?

JOHN MACMURCHY: The creative input from colleagues has evaporated because of social distancing. My income has vanished because there is no work.

JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?

JM: The constant low-grade stress from isolation and loss of income is sapping my emotional energy and I find it difficult to motivate myself. I have ideas galore, but I’m not in my own house and everything is in limbo which results in a state of immobility.

JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?

JM: Like most musicians, my professional life is the major part of my personal life; I miss my friends desperately.

JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

JM: I worry that so many fine musicians will be lost to economics or depression.

JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

JM: I’m concerned that the streaming services which have already decimated our income stream will be further strengthened by people’s current dependence upon it.

JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?

JM: I’m concentrating on dealing with other personal matters that need my attention.

JS: What are other creative/artistic people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?

JM: Some are practicing like crazy and some are creating videos for social media that are keeping us alive. I don’t have the technology for that.

JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

JM: The American doctor who killed herself was also an amateur musician. Also, the death of John Prine was particularly poignant because it was something he might have written about.

JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

JM: The daily upbeat videos from artists of all ages and genres.

JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?

JM: Increase the CERB to $3K/month and make it a permanent basic income.

JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?

JM: Make my ex-wife honour our separation agreement.

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KATARZYNA SADEJ, MEZZO-SOPRANO: CREATORS DURING COVID-19: WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THEM

Posted on May 2, 2020 by strecker

Photo: Juan A. Espino

JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative/artistic life in the arts?

KATARZYNA SADEJ: It’s been a very hard time for all artists and entrepreneurs. I think we are all struggling with a sense of mourning for the cancelled and postponed-until-further-notice projects. Right when this crisis got really bad, I had 2 especially busy months of very exciting performances, which were all canceled or postponed. When you prepare for something (and MEMORIZE) for so long, it’s devastating for something like this to happen. I know that so many people in the world are in the same boat, and we’re all in this together. Many of us are now doing frequent online performances and some of my friends have even started regular series, which is just lovely to tune into. Most of us are also doing this with no or very little compensation, so it’s truly an effort of love and devotion to our art forms.

JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?

KS: Honestly, I have felt a surge of creativity simply to keep myself active and inspired. There have been days where I’ve felt very deflated and depressed. But I have been learning new songs and trying to be as creative as possible, and it’s been a meditation and remedy for the situation for me. The alternative is sitting in a corner and crying about the sad state of the world and unfulfilled performances. This is a situation we cannot control right now, so falling into an immobile depression is simply not an option for me.

JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?

KS: Well a lot of interactions with friends and family are online, which is different for sure. I am grateful to have my family in Canada close by during this crisis, as I did choose to spend this isolation period in Canada.

JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

KS: It’s hard to tell the damage this crisis will have on arts’ organizations. I wonder how many can survive if this isolation goes on for a longer period of time. I am, however, confident in the arts surviving as a whole. If this situation creates an opening for innovation and new ideas, we can look forward to that when the crisis is over.

JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?

KS: I am creating as much as possible and posting many things on my social media threads. Again, I feel that arts can help spread positivity and inspiration, so I gladly post frequently for my followers and supporters.

JS: What are other creative/artistic people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?

KS: Again, I have a few friends who have started regular concert series online. One is concert pianist Daniel Vnukovski, whose series I highly recommend if you love extraordinary piano playing. Follow him on YouTube via his channel for more information: https://www.youtube.com/danperforms

JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

KS: The saddest is the loss of performances that musicians have been preparing for months (sometimes years), and often memorizing these performances. The amount of work and soul that goes into a high-class performance is only something another musician truly understands. The cancellations are absolutely devastating. And if you’re not sure that the performance will ever happen, it’s like you’ve devoted so much time to something that just won’t be. I dare say that it’s the loss of the performance itself that hurts much more than the loss of the income from that performance.

JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

KS: I’ve been touched that many performers have donated so much time to provide entertainment and hope for the global population. It’s a simple thing we can do, if we have a voice or talent.

JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?

KS: Follow as many online series as you can, donate to them if you can, and as soon as the crisis and isolation are over, go to as many concerts and performances as you can.

JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?

KS: Honestly, I am happy if anyone tunes into my online posts – if they share them, if they appreciate them. I have gotten some beautiful feedback and it’s been encouraging in these tough times.

Here is a Playlist I created on YouTube with my self-isolation shares. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel (believe me, it’s a great support for me to simply subscribe).
Self-isolation shares: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHKUoKpKxYzYI9-F9c1acfcHWhXdX4isH
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/katarzynasadej

Please also follow me on my other social media threads:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatarzynaSadejMezzoSoprano/
Instagram: @katarzynasadej
Twitter: @MezzoSadej

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CHRISTINA PETROWSKA QUILICO, PIANIST & ARTIST – CREATORS IN THE ARTS DURING COVID-19: WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THEM

Posted on May 2, 2020 by strecker

JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative/artistic life in the arts?

CHRISTINA QUILICO: I believe that life in the arts will be changing for the next year. I will be teaching piano online, adjudicating, giving academic courses online.

JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?

CQ: I am finding it difficult to be as creative as I would like to be. Many of us are depressed not knowing whether our recordings will be happening soon and when our concerts will be rescheduled.

JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?

CQ: The good is that I keep in touch with my friends online more. My children and grandchildren are more available for Skype, FaceTime because they are always online now. Streets are quieter and wildlife is around more which I find comforting. The bad is that as artists we do crave more personal contact than online. Having discussions over a meal or a drink is much better than online. Listening to live music in a concert hall is thrilling. Online the sound is not as rich or vibrant. I am grateful for my dogs. Petting them gives my fingers a real touch. We need to experience that touch when we pianists play, and, let’s face it, piano keys are hard. We need to imagine something warm and vibrant.

JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

CQ: I am afraid that a lot of artists will not be able to survive financially and therefore not artistically. This is tragic because we need young talent to inspire us and keep the arts thriving.

JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?

CQ: As I said before, a lot of artists will have to find alternative ways to make a living. In Universities, a lot of part-time instructors will not be able to teach their regular number of hours. It will be very difficult for them. Online teaching is good during the present COVID crisis, but I am worried that it will become the norm. Nothing replaces real face to face teaching.

JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?

CQ: I am trying to get through as much paperwork as I can. I am also trying to learn all the repertoire (4 piano concertos and a concert of solo piano pieces) I need to perform and record so that when the crisis is over, I will be ready. I am also trying to rest and relax as much as I can. I never seem to find the time so some days I need to meditate.

JS: What are other creative/artistic people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?

CQ: My composer and performer friends are trying to continue with all their plans or make new plans if their concerts were cancelled. Battling negative thoughts has been difficult but we commiserate and support each other. Friendship is extremely important at this time.

JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

CQ: I am trying not to read very sad stories. It becomes too depressing. If I know the artist who is suffering, I will try to reach out to talk. Losing jobs and questioning your artistic future is devastating.

JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?

CQ: I hope that with age comes some wisdom. We must be positive and hopeful that the changes will help the arts in some new ways. Some of us are finding new creative inspirations in our lives. Having some extra time to reflect has been very good for a lot of us. Livestreaming like the Met Gala was absolutely wonderful and inspiring. Hopefully, the COC will do the same. It was exciting to watch and listen the Met stars sing from their hearts and homes.

JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?

CQ: Speak up as much as we can to keep the focus on how important the arts are and have been throughout the ages. Music feeds our souls and we need to keep reminding everyone of this. Great music has been written in the worst of times and has survived.

JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?

CQ: I would be very happy to have people listen to my CDs on Spotify. I also have hundreds of videos online on YouTube. Everything from Mozart, Grieg, Chopin, Liszt, opera, jazz, Southam and new music. That would help CD sales online and keep the record companies like Centrediscs, Naxos, and others. We don’t want to lose them and the support they give to Canadian music and artists.

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KATARZYNA SADEJ, MEZZO-SOPRANO, IN THE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM “OUR LADY OF THE KITCHEN” – WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MY CREATIVE LIFE?

Posted on April 29, 2020 by strecker

Photographer credits for four photos immediately above: Juan A. Espino, Andre Surma, Tom W. Bertolotti, Lucyna Przasnyski

JAMES STRECKER: Please tell us what you want the public to know about your recent completed projects and/or the ones you are actively working on. What is it for each one, why is it, and how was/is it done?

KATARZYNA SADEJ: Well probably the most interesting project currently in process, and certainly one of the most exciting in my career, has been my participation in the documentary feature film “Our Lady of the Kitchen”. This is the story of how a painting that was stolen from Poland by the Nazis during the second world war ended up hanging in the kitchen of Craig Gilmore and David Crocker; and, how this same painting was repatriated back to Poland by this loving and generous couple. I perform in this documentary, costumed-up as the original woman from the painting by Geldorp. Among the numbers I perform musically, accompanied by the incredible concert pianist Daniel Vnukovski, who also gifts us with some incredible solo piano in the film, are solo songs and duets with tenor Craig Gilmore (one of the heroes of our film). The big number is a Chopin song, with the poetry changed by me to reflect on current affairs. The documentary has a powerful message for human rights, LGBTQ rights, dignity and equality. Having the opportunity to participate, perform, and voice my own concerns for certain sentiments, intolerance and hatred prominent in the world today, has been a very poignant moment for me. You may wonder how a stolen painting and human rights come together in this film, so you may want to follow my frequent posts about this whole process and please do anticipate the release of this film in a few months’ time.

To find out more about the background story for “Our Lady of the Kitchen,” here is an article released by our very own CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-may-21-2019-1.5142647/poland-s-lgbt-community-gets-unexpected-allies-because-of-a-painting-looted-by-nazis-1.5142713

JS: What kind of audience will this project interest? What new audience are you also seeking? Why to both questions?

KS: For any projects I do, including traditional classical music and opera performances, I always seek to interest people that are generally not in that world. I think it’s very important to always think outside the box and try to encourage people to give higher art a chance. “Our Lady of the Kitchen” is certainly a vehicle for that because it will reach many different people and hopefully many countries. What I say is not meant to look down on other genres of music (I have been known to jam pop tunes myself), but to emphasize that bridging the gigantic gap that now exists between classical music and popular music really should be narrowed. Why, for example, can we not see a real trained opera singer, with vocals of highest caliber, perform during the Academy Award ceremony? Because, right now, the vast majority of the public does not respect or understand operatic singing.

JS: In what ways was/is this project easy to do and in what ways was/is it difficult to realize? How long did it take and why that long?

KS: I have been involved with the documentary for about a year. The translations I did and the poetry I wrote, and the singing practice – all of that took a lot of time. But I tend to prepare things carefully and with my full heart in it. The actual filming has been over 2 years now for the director and producers. Some people are often afraid and feel that it’s too difficult to delve into such projects, which deal with human rights issues and politics. I personally felt compelled to participate from the very start and feel that certain human rights in the 21st century simply must be addressed.

JS: How are you planning to promote, market, and sell this project to the public?

KS: I do frequent posts about it on my social media to boost interest from my followers.

JS: Please give us a brief autobiography, some stuff about yourself, that is relevant to this project.

KS: This project is so special to me because I have really devoted a lot of my career to propagating Polish music (and not for the purpose of making money, believe me!). To be able to present something like this, where I can embody my work in the Polish music field, include my own poetry, and stand up for dignity and human rights all at once, is so unbelievably humbling. I am so grateful to have such a project emerge as a highlight reflecting years of work and learning. It’s also a huge pleasure to be involved with such a talented and amazing team that is creating this entire film.

My family also has an interesting history, having escaped communist Poland in 1988. I was always drawn to Polish music when I was studying music at University and it came easily to me to sing Polish classical songs. I felt like I was in my element. In December 2019 I also released a two-volume album of rarely-known Lutoslawski songs with pianist Basia Bochenek, which can be heard on all music streaming platforms if you search for my name on them. That project took 2 years, to get all the recording done, just so that we could show the world these fabulous 33 songs that barely anyone has heard of.

JS: What’s next in your creative life?]

KS: Much of it, as you might imagine, is on hold because of COVID. I am anticipating a recital tour of Atlantic Canada with concert pianist Daniel Vnukovski, performances as Carmen, a debut in China, a debut with Los Angeles’ Jacaranda series, and others. But other than live performance, which is on hold until further notice, I do have a few interesting side projects.

One is that I will be involved in helping promote another fabulous endeavour, this time by Polish sky-jumper Tomasz Kozlowski. He will be beating a world record in 2021, by doing the highest ever-recorded sky jump, from 45 KM above the earth. He graciously approached me a few months ago to see if I would be interested in participating in this project’s promotion. Of course, I agreed, so much so that I will jump out of an airplane with him in the coming months! I am hoping that, despite my huge fear of heights (which I’m willing to face), this can get some of my followers to support this ambitious project, which is aimed at raising funds for victims of climate change related environmental emergencies. I am also dedicating another project I have been working on – a series of me singing in various locations in the wilderness – to help promote Tomasz Kozlowski’s campaign. Please read more about this ambitious endeavor here: www.jumpfortheplanet.com

Aside from those projects, I am also working on creating online performance content which can hopefully bring some entertainment and positivity to people at this time. I am working with the “Our Lady of the Kitchen” documentary project constantly; and, also, I’m collaborating with other musicians online, which has been a huge pleasure.

Here is a Playlist I created on YouTube with my self-isolation shares. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel (believe me, it’s a great support for me to simply subscribe).
Self-isolation shares: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHKUoKpKxYzYI9-F9c1acfcHWhXdX4isH
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/katarzynasadej

Please also follow me on my other social media threads:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatarzynaSadejMezzoSoprano/
Instagram: @katarzynasadej
Twitter: @MezzoSadej

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CHRISTINA PETROWSKA QUILICO: PIANIST FOR 60 YEARS, ARTIST, AND LATENT EGYPTOLOGIST DECLARES “WE OVER-ANALYZE TODAY. I WANT TO GO HAVE A BEER WITH BACH AND MOZART. THEIR MUSIC SPEAKS TO ME AND I WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH THEM ABOUT THEIR PROCESS OF COMPOSING” … A REVIEWER INTERVIEWS PEOPLE IN THE ARTS

Posted on April 29, 2020 by strecker


JAMES STRECKER: Please tell us about one or more projects that you have been working on or have recently completed. Why exactly do they matter to you and why should they matter to us.

CHEISTINA QUILICO: I have been performing professionally for 60 years. I began playing with orchestra at 10, made my orchestral debut with orchestra in New York at 14 and so it continued. I am happy to say that I have performed and/or recorded 45 piano concertos already and 50 CDs. This summer I decided to take a break from performing to learn new repertoire. I am scheduled to perform the Tan Dun piano concerto twice next season with the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and record 3 other concertos by Larysa Kuzmenko, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Christos Hatzis with Marc Djokic, violin and Sinfonia Toronto, Nurhan Arman, conductor, as well as record a solo piano CD of works by Alice Ping Yee Ho. I am also a Full Professor of Piano Performance and Musicology at York, so I have been completing teaching, grading and adjudicating online.

JS: How did doing these projects change you as a person and as a creator?

CQ: Learning new repertoire and exploring the evolving work of composers I have worked with before is a mesmerizing and magical journey. I do a lot of art so working with new colours in the different styles of keyboard technique and orchestrations is extremely inspiring for my own art.

JS: What might others not understand or appreciate about the work you produce or do?

CQ: One of my Granddaughters once said to me: “Why do you have to practice? Don’t you know how to play the piano already?” Many people don’t understand the hours we need to spend at the piano to learn the notes, style, dynamics of our repertoire. Even when you have performed the pieces, they still evolve and need work. Keeping repertoire fresh is a difficult job sometimes. Also, as a Professor I need to research, read and prepare lectures and to create interesting classes. Especially now, when courses have to be taught online. It seems to be more work. I was fortunate enough to have several courses ready with PowerPoint presentations.

JS: What are the most important parts of yourself that you put into your work?

CQ: I put my soul, hard work, imagination, dreams and dedication into my music. I don’t want to let the composers down. I always want to do the best technically and musically when I perform, whether it is classical or new music. I also don’t want to let down the audiences who took time to come and hear me perform and spent money on a ticket. You want to give an audience the best experience and emotional journey through the music that you are playing.

JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?

CQ: Finding time for me to enjoy life. Working full-time as a professor and trying to schedule enough time for practice and research is extremely difficult and becoming more so. Leaving special time for my children, grandchildren, family, dogs is crucial and with everyone so busy it is tough. We also need time to let our creative juices come to fruition and finding or scheduling those precious hours is becoming even more difficult. I am so exhausted from all my work that falling asleep on my sofa in front of the TV with my dogs is all I can do sometimes. I want more free time.

JS: Imagine that you are meeting two or three people, living or dead, whom you admire because of their work in your form of artistic expression. What would you say to them and what would they say to you?

CQ: I want to go have a beer or whatever they are drinking with Bach and Mozart. Their music speaks to me and I would like to talk with them about their process of composing. I think that we over analyze today so I have a feeling that they would just ask for another beer and gossip about other musicians and composers. I love Egyptology and ancient history so the third person would be the Pharaoh Akhenaten. I would ask him what spiritual journey took him from worshiping numerous Gods in Egypt to believing in one God Ra. I don’t have any idea what he would say and that is the mystery of the past which fascinates me.

JS: Please describe at least one major turning point in your life that helped to make you who you are as a creative artist.

CQ: I was always creative as a young child, but I loved academics and did well in school and in writing. My piano teacher Boris Berlin suggested I try out for Juilliard. My Father was very much against this because I was 14 and he had hoped I would choose an academic career. He challenged me with a dare. He would consider it if I received a scholarship from Juilliard. I was accepted with a scholarship and so I began my journey as an artist in New York. Before then I found playing very easy and wasn’t sure what I wanted but I fell in love with the energy in New York. Still my favourite place.

JS: What are the hardest things for an outsider to understand about your life as a person in the arts?

CQ: I think that outsiders don’t understand the amount of time you need to spend working on your music and that you are working even when you are not.

JS: Please tell us what you haven’t attempted as yet that you would like to do in the arts? Why the delay so far?

CQ; I have been fortunate to have experimented with a lot of different genres and musical groups in my life. I performed all the virtuoso romantic music, concertos with orchestra, accompanied my late husband, Metropolitan Opera Star, Louis Quilico, in recitals of songs and arias. I have done a lot of experimental music with my first husband, Michel-Geroges Brégent, Québec composer. I worked with Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhuasen, György Ligeti, John Cage. These were the greats at the time I was a young artist. I have played jazz, premiered numerous compositions in all different styles. I have worked with electronics, played harpsichord. I think doing more online is something I need to think about.

JS: If you could re-live your life in the arts, how would you change it and why?

CQ: If I could re-live my life I would definitely not be in the arts. I would love to be an Egyptologist. I took courses for over 6 years and toyed with the idea of getting another degree. I have been to Egypt and love exploring. The other choice would have been an astrophysicist if I had been slightly better in math. I was very good in science and I love anything to do with discoveries in space.

JS: Let’s talk about the state of the arts in today’s society, including the forms in which you work. What specifically gives you hope and what specifically do you find depressing?

CQ: At the moment we are in a crisis. The Universities are definitely going to be teaching as many courses as they can online. Solo instruments, like piano lessons can be taught online. I just adjudicated over 100 videos for a music competition online. The problem is that it isn’t a level playing field. Each piano is slightly different and some better than others, which makes fair adjudication difficult. However, chamber music at the moment will be difficult to teach safely. I think we have to wait out the pandemic and hope that artists survive financially.

JS: What exactly do you like about the work you create and/or do?

CQ: I love creating paintings or drawings inspired by the music I play. I had written much poetry when I was younger and one of my biggest thrills lately was that David Jaeger, composer and producer extraordinaire used some of my poetry for his compositions. I also love the fact that I have had the opportunity to work on Baroque, Classic, Romantic and Contemporary Music. Working on different styles keeps my performance fresh and hopefully interesting.

JS: In your creative life thus far, what have been the most helpful comments you have heard about your work?

CQ: I have been extremely lucky in my life to have had a lot of reviews. This is sadly not the case for young artists today. I remember as a young Juilliard pianist to be thrilled to have had so many excellent New York Times reviews by critics who were knowledgeable about the repertoire and the piano world. For me it was the affirmation by these New York Times reviews, and those from Paris, France and the rest of US, Canada, etc. that kept me in the profession. Also, one of my teachers said after I received an especially “rave” review from the New York Times: Don’t be too confident. The next time they could say, “Didn’t live up to potential.” I always remembered that and tried to better my previous performances.

JS: Finally, what do you yourself find to be the most intriguing and/or surprising things about you?

CQ: My close friends and family know that I am a big animal lover. I love going to Farm Sanctuaries and bonding with cows, goats, horses and other animals. My daughters and I have 13 pets (6 dogs,5 cats and 2 guinea pigs). I also have a backyard sanctuary for squirrels and birds. The squirrels sit by the window and knock on the door for food when I am practicing. It brings me close to nature. That, and my passion for ancient history, especially Egyptology is something not everyone knows about me. Although my 2 dogs, a Pug and a Yorkie are often featured on my Facebook page, more than my concerts.

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KELSI MAYNE, SINGER-SONGWRITER WITH DEBUT ALBUM “AS I GO” EXPLAINS “IF I DON’T BELIEVE IN SOMETHING, MY AUDIENCE SURE AS HELL AIN’T GONNA BELIEVE IT EITHER!” … A REVIEWER INTERVIEWS PEOPLE IN THE ARTS

Posted on April 29, 2020 by strecker

      JS: How did doing “As I Go” change you as a person and as a creator?

KELSI MAYNE: “As I Go” being my first album, this really challenged me in finding my voice and really discovering who I am and who I want to be as an artist. I’ve learned to just trust my “gut” above all else, which sounds simple but can be really difficult at times.

JS: What might others not understand or appreciate about the work you produce or do?

KM: I’m completely independent and am involved in every step of the process. From writing the songs, to sitting in the studio with my producer and experimenting with the production, to running my socials, to designing my merch, to booking our shows, rehearsals & travel, to producing and editing my music videos and even on occasion making my own performance clothes.

JS: What are the most important parts of yourself that you put into your work?

KM: Everything has to be genuine. If I don’t believe in something, my audience sure as hell ain’t gonna believe it either!

JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?

KM: Deciding when something is finished. You can tweak forever, but nothing will ever see the light of day. At some point you have to learn when to stop and move on.

JS: Please describe at least one major turning point in your life that helped to make you who you are as a creative artist.

KM: When I was in university, I worked as a “bevertainer” at a country bar (The Bull & Barrel). I would jump up on the bar or a table sing a song then jump back down and continue serving. It helped to pay for my education and I had a blast at the same time. It wasn’t supposed to be anything more than that, but it got me hooked on performing. Around the same time I was graduating, I had two different patrons on back-to-back nights tell me the exact same things: 1) What are you doing here? and 2) You need to take this to the big city. I was flattered by the first patron because a stranger has no obligation to compliment you or provide advice. Then when another patron says the exact same thing the very next night, I took that as a sign I could not ignore.

JS: If you could re-live your life in the arts, how would you change it and why?

KM: Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I pursued music before I graduated university, but then I realize all of the life experiences I’ve had which inspire me now, so I wouldn’t change a thing.

JS: In your creative life thus far, what have been the most helpful comments you have heard about your work?

KM: “I don’t like country, but I like your music” is the recurring comment I love every time I hear it. Country is such a small genre, so to gain recognition both by country fans and non-country fans, it makes me feel really good as both an artist and songwriter because I know I’ve connected with a variety of people. Growing up in Windsor, I was influenced a lot by Detroit music and loved hip-hop, rap, r&b and country equally, so comments like this makes me feel successful in embodying all of my inspirations.

JS: Finally, what do you yourself find to be the most intriguing and/or surprising things about you?

KM: Pretty random but I grew up as an elite highland dancer and also ran track while at the University of Windsor and have a U-Sports national bronze medal in 60m hurdles.

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CRYSTAL SHAWANDA, SINGER-SONGWRITER, EXPLAINS “I FEEL LIKE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO IGNORE THE DISTRACTIONS IN LIFE AND SEEK OUT WHO WE ARE TRULY MEANT TO BE. THAT’S WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERED TO ME” … A REVIEWER INTERVIEWS PEOPLE IN THE ARTS

Posted on April 27, 2020 by strecker

JAMES STRECKER: Please tell us about one or more projects that you have been working on or have recently completed. Why exactly do they matter to you and why should they matter to

CRYSTAL SHAWANDA: – I just completed and released my new album “Church House Blues”, and it is a definitive piece of art for me because I wasn’t trying to win over the critics or fit in anywhere, I just wrote and recorded what I know, what I’ve been through, where I’m going, and what feels good. I feel like it’s important for everyone to ignore the distractions in life and seek out who we are truly meant to be. That’s why this project mattered to me.

JS: JS: How did doing these projects change you as a person and as a creator?

CS: This project changed me because it has given me a renewed confidence, by choosing to embrace who I am, and recording and writing music that feels natural to me, rather than if it will be commercially successful. It also has a lot to do with working with my team True North Records who preferred songs I was writing, over the songs that were being pitched to me. I feel like they gave me back my voice as a songwriter, something I lost somewhere along the way.

JS: What are the most important parts of yourself that you put into your work?

CS: The most important parts of myself I put into my work is my heart and soul, my sincerity, and hope. Everything is very personal, I truly care about what I put out into the world, and hope it’ll help someone through whatever they’re dealing with.

JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?

CS: My biggest challenges as a creative person is separating my heart and soul from the business side of things, to not take things too personal when a piece of music is judged and rejected.

JS: Please describe at least one major turning point in your life that helped to make you who you are as a creative artist.

CS: A major turning point in my career that made me who I am, came pretty early in life actually. When I was 6, I performed for the first time on stage for people, and there was a funny part in the song that made everyone laugh, and I can distinctly remember feeling their energy, and I fell in love with that connection. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since, and it is what drives my performances as well as what I choose to write and record. I want to inspire people to go through their emotions, whether it’s sad and the music allows them to release it into the universe, or happy and the music pushes them to share it with everyone.

JS: What are the hardest things for an outsider to understand about your life as a person in the arts?

CS: I think the hardest thing for people to understand about my life as a person in the arts is everything, I do is an extension of me, and I invest myself so much that it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Also, the level of commitment it takes to be in the music biz is consuming, I miss a lot of important events in people’s lives, because my job is not 9-5 with weekends off, and I can’t put in a request for time off. Contracts are drawn up months sometimes a year ahead of time, and if I canceled, I could be sued. Some people I love eventually give up on me because of this, and some forgive me and try to understand, it’s not always easy but if it was everyone would be doing it.

JS: Please tell us what you haven’t attempted as yet that you would like to do in the arts? Why the delay so far?

CS: Something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t attempted yet is writing children’s books. I have ideas, story boards, sketches of characters, but just haven’t been able to bring it to fruition. The only reason I haven’t done it yet is the lack of funding, I have tried applying for grants but just haven’t had any luck yet. I’ll keep trying though, because it’s something I really want to do, especially since the birth of my little girl Zhaa Zhaa 3 years ago. Till I find the means I will keep writing and collecting ideas so that when the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready.

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