Creation from Isolation: Evolving Alongside My Art

The function and flow of any theatre production rely on collaboration. Directors, technicians, actors, designers, and more rely on each other’s work to make meaning: without lights, no set is complete, and without direction, no actor is prepared. Though I am relatively new to the process as a whole—I began acting in 2017, as a high school freshman—I have come to love the interdependence of it all, because it has helped me learn so much about how other people create, and what that means for myself as an artist. For me, creative inspiration is drawn from other people. Most of my visual art pieces—collage and otherwise—have been inspired by individuals, and my performance art and writing are no different. Every face I encounter, every hand I touch, every word I hear, manifests itself in my art in one way or another. Human interaction is my motivation to create, so, if you’re like me, isolation has triggered a monumental artistic shift.

The past few months have changed me in ways I can’t explain, from unexpected highs to life-altering lows. On too many occasions, I have fallen numb to isolation, my fingers shaking too much to hold a pencil, sometimes losing the precision necessary to work a keyboard. Monotony has taken over: I spend mornings awaiting sunsets, Wednesdays awaiting weekends. My life has become a cycle of waiting, which has certainly not helped my art, nor, frankly, my sanity. Thus, finding things for which I don’t have to wait, projects I can tackle right now, as well as building a community of other artists who inspire me, have helped me immensely in my struggle to regain a creative rhythm.

This summer, I was asked to join a St. Louis creative collective called 21 Artistry, founded by St. Louis University High seniors Philip Hiblovic and Albert Harrold. The team is comprised of teenagers across the St. Louis area with a passion for art, spanning a multitude of backgrounds and disciplines. Together, we strive to increase visibility for all young artists as well as spark social change through our creations. My experience with them has been so amazing: from their constant support, to their brilliant ideas, to their incredible passion for the work they do, every moment spent with them (even in a virtual space) makes me a better artist and person. I encourage you to find a community like this—a group of people who share your passion and push you out of your comfort zone. Though we’re all missing the organic conversations that spark from sitting next to someone new in class, there are many ways to reach out virtually! Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, join clubs within your school (mine just held a virtual activities fair!!), and talk to your friends about artists you admire, books you’ve read, and Instagram accounts you follow.

I understand, however, that sharing your work with others may be a bit intimidating at first, or you could just be searching for how to pick up your old habits. If you are more self-motivated, as I have been most of my life, find smaller tasks you can complete every day to keep yourself focused and create a sense of accomplishment. That could include keeping a bullet journal with doodles and reflections, writing a page of a larger work, or completing smaller works in a sketchbook. All of these help me keep my mind on track, especially amidst the chaos of college applications and auditions. I also love keeping Pinterest boards about just about everything—collage inspiration, fashion, home decor, travel, and more. These are just a couple fun ways to keep a creative mindset. :)

I’ve also really loved exploring how other artists have been adapting to the new circumstances the pandemic has brought along with it. Especially in the theatre world, artists are being forced to take on an entirely new medium just to keep their art form alive. I was supposed to spend this summer at Northwestern University’s National High School Institute to study acting for the stage, but that was sadly cancelled. Along with the online classes they offered, the Institute did an amazing job keeping us updated about innovation in the theatre world through their weekly “Happiness Emails.” This week’s email showcases a production of Fannie Lou Hamer: Speak On It!, through the Goodman Theatre (presented at Chicago parks), a list of self-tape audition tips, and a BuzzFeed article about the best single shots in motion pictures, among many others.

Though I can’t wait until we’re able to be together again, this has been a vital transitional period in terms of my art. Finding new ways to create, especially in a time when art is so necessary to spark social change, has been a transformative experience. I hope that you all can use your creativity for good, now and forever. :)

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Today’s #featuredartist is my friend and fellow 21 Artistry member, Ava Mandoli. She runs a photography business called Photography by Ava—her photos are breathtaking. My words won’t do them justice—you’ll have to see for yourself.

I am #currentlyreading Collected Stories by Gabriel García Márquez for my English class. He uses a lot of really cool magical imagery and ~symbolism.~ So far, I love his style, imaginative storylines, and strong narrative voice!!

Until next time,

Mimi