The Value of Make Believe

I think one of the best feelings of being a performing/artist (besides the connections made while creating work together) is when your efforts and skills are acknowledged. Being an artist (or creative person) can require giving loads of time to ideas that often go unseen, unheard and unnoticed making it tempting to walk away and leave projects unfinished. Drawing and composing sketches day after day you might wonder “Will this ever make it to the light of day?" or "Will anyone even show up when it’s done?” However, eventually with the right support and consistency you will have the opportunity to share those creative works that have meant so much to you. 

Years ago I got to be a headlining performer at the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival held in Tompkins Square Park with my own group. Even though I had played a number of international music festivals in Spain, France, Greece and elsewhere and toured throughout the country it was playing in my own backyard that truly revealed to me how far I had come on my artistic journey. Similarly, I couldn’t help but feel giddy and a bit taken last week when I got to see this recent Kate Spade campaign which I worked on earlier this year. I guess there’s something about coming home that always feels magical to me. This job in particular was also unique because I was asked to essentially “play” myself! How fitting for someone who teaches voice, movement and authentic expression.

This Fall I’m wondering how can I continue playing with all the things that I love to do. If you want some inspiration for your own play practice, come join me this Thursday when Elias Meister and I offer our first livestream lunchtime Porch Session.

And to see this photo and it’s accompanying video in person, just take a ride on the B/D/M/F train to Broadway Lafayette.

Hope to see you somewhere soon!