WHAT IS IT
Imagine a group of artists meeting, building a relationship, and experiencing a new discipline all in the space of 10 minutes. Art can serve as a vehicle to changing a lifetime. I am proposing a performance in which drawing and dancing collide, a performance which transforms the perspective of artists to explore a new discipline otherwise unknown to them. Like the three stages of a growing relationship: the encounter, the dig, and the union, the participants come face to face with something new and develop a friendship; from the first ‘handshake’ to the realization of a strong bond, thorough understanding, and deep respect.
WHY THIS
I have found a need to widen the horizon of many fine arts students, as the departments don’t seem to favour interdisciplinary encounters. For instance, if a student is in art education, many studio classes as well as many education classes are off limits- they are not reserved for the art education students specifically- these students are stuck at the bottom of the ravine between art and education. Similarly, drama students stay clear of the music faculty, and the dance students hardly frequent the ceramics majors. Yet, all these courses are offered in Concordia University, and ‘getting connected’ is actually promoted. It is for this reason that I have designed an event allowing for such interaction to happen; learning to connect simply, deeply, and through the instinctive medium of art.
WHO AM I
I am an art educator, soon graduating from 4 years at Concordia University after an eventful journey through lectures, labs, and internships which have taught me more than the methods and reasons for teaching art; I now have what it takes to learn as well as teach what it means to be human. The knowledge transmitted about the history of painting and the principles of design, among others, serves as a vehicle to learning the lessons that will get you through life; building relationships, working hard, determination, etc. I have been involved in community art projects since elementary: entry into a contest to create an artwork representing the passage of time, creation of a logo for the school radio, creation of a cartooning class for children on Saturday mornings, development and implementation of unit plans for a women’s shelter, to name a few. Through this involvement I have gained the ability to organize and manage a project, independently or with a team, in keeping with the requirements of the recipients. The result has been much more than a physical work of art; it has created the opportunity for the development of friendships, a new appreciation for art and a deeper understanding of the world. Although my previous work has mostly kept inside a certain category, I now step even further, out of the box, experimenting with a live performance. I expect much evolution and positive outcomes; after all, as they say: “ose et tu cueilleras une rose”.
MY GIFT TO YOU
In return for your trust and openness, I would like to present you with the opportunity to allow for the creation of special bonds between two arts disciplines. The 10-minute performance will involve people drawing or dancing, interacting through movement and observation, getting to know each other more and more as the line between both slowly disintegrates. The result will include a greater understanding and respect- tolerance at the very least- between artists of different specializations, and may lead to an everlasting friendship.
Feel free to contact me for any clarifications or to inform me of your interest in my project. You can e-mail me at lignedaction@gmail.com .
