Audio Visual Update

As promised, this week I’m going to share updates of some projects I’ve been working on. One is regarding new artwork I’ve been creating and the other is an audio project I recently completed.

Let’s start with the artwork. Last year Dean & I attended an incredible event called ArtPrize. It’s a 2-week long art competition held in Grand Rapids, MI. Our amazing friend, host-extraordinaire and Michigonian? Michigonite? (basically she lives in Michigan) Amy invited us to attend. #amyrocksThis event is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Art is on display all over the city. Whether you are walking down the street, passing through buildings, hanging out in parks or crossing bridges the city is steeped in artwork of all kinds. Officially the website describes it as “an independent international art competition…it celebrates artists working in all mediums from anywhere in the world.” #myjam

I left that week feeling inspired, full of so much delicious food (cuz Amy knows how to show a gal a good time) and committed that I would submit artwork for the following year. #goals

Well kids, time to cross that item off my to-do list because I am thrilled to share that I have submitted my artwork and been accepted to participate in ArtPrize 2022. #woohoo

Once your entry has been accepted you then need to connect with a venue to host your artwork. You do this by using a portal that ArtPrize has created which compiles all of the artists and venues registered for the event. They give a whole set of instructions about reaching out to venues and what information to include when trying to make a “love connection” (my words, but it feels right).

Before I even had a chance to send any messages I was contacted by one of the venues that they wanted to host my artwork. To top it off it was one of the venues that I specifically remembered from last year. It has a great vibe and gets a lot of foot traffic. #hellyeah

In total I have 4 pieces; 1 eye & 3 animals (giraffe, sea turtle and bird). I’ve finished the giraffe, I’m almost done with the sea turtle and then I will create the bird. #LandAirSea

I had to submit an Entry Statement about the artwork and the more that I work in this style the more I am loving it and see a larger idea in play.

Here’s part of what I said: “On their own a single dot is simple and common, however when the dots are gathered together something new is created and magic happens.” #deep

More to come on all of that but I’m really excited to see where this goes.

My audio update is that this past week launched an audio drama I recorded for the Eclectic Podcast Network on a show called the Half Hour Audio Hour. Each month they record drama scripts focusing on the work of women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ playwrights.

This type of project is a different type of process than my audiobook work. It’s more similar to the kind of process that goes into a stage production with rehearsals and script analysis, but then the final product we recorded in our sound booth.

Part of the draw for me in taking on this project was getting to work with my talented friend & director, Rachael Proulx. The other factor was the script India Rodgers created was so beautiful and compelling, I just couldn’t pass it up.

Here’s the link to the podcast. The name of my project is Salacia. The performance is about 25 minutes, and they also include an interview with the playwright at the end which adds about another 10 minutes to the audio. #bonusfeature

I love getting to work with such a talented bunch of artists, as well as partnering with an organization that is so intentional about having a space for marginalized voices.

I hope these updates gave you some encouragement to take a step toward something you want to make happen. No matter how big or small, do one thing today to move toward that intention. You never know where it may lead.

Thanks for listening and please share this post with someone who may enjoy this type of nonsense. #peaceout