Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Shaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by connecting with the things I have loved since childhood – being in nature, reading, daydreaming, movement, and exploring new places. In recent years, I have learned the importance of slowing down, allowing the brain time to wander and the body to find equilibrium. From that place is where creativity flourishes for me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a choreographer and filmmaker based in the Bay Area, CA. My work explores the intersection of perception, movement, sentience, cultural behavior, and aesthetics. Growing up in the rugged coastal town of Santa Cruz, CA, I developed an immense love for nature, learning, and travel at a young age, which I actively apply to my creative work. I hold a BA in Philosophy from UC Berkeley and trained intensively in dance and acting from a young age. I am currently the Artistic Director of Montage Contemporary Company, as well as a company dancer with ArcTangent Dance Company, and in, 2020, was selected as one of five choreographers from across the country for Regional Dance America’s NCI.
My first documentary film, “Telephone”, co-directed with Krishna Washburn, brings awareness to the important art form of audio description for dance and is the first screendance film created specifically with a visually impaired audience in mind. “Telephone” has been featured in the New York Times and screened across the country including at Mill Valley Film Festival, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, New Museum Los Gatos, and more. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting a virtual screening later this month.
I am currently launching my own production company, while entering the development stage of my upcoming documentary “The Kid in Blue”. Stay tuned – more details coming soon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity: I believe asking “why” is one of the most important things as an artist. Being curious about one’s self, those around them, and the motivating factors behind the work we do is imperative to building meaningful and authentic creative experiences. Approaching curiosity with both an introspective and collaborative lens will truly deepen one’s work and keep us all grounded to our individual purpose.
Presentness: I’m a big fan of thinking through problems but have had to be careful not to revert to overthinking or overworking artistic endeavors. Sometimes I need to simply to get out my head and into my body, whether that means rocking out to music in the living room or taking my dog out for a hike and observing the greenery. Being present opens up those channels of creativity, so find what helps you feel alive!
Tenacity: A creative journey isn’t easy and it is important to define for oneself why you are doing it and what success looks like. Celebrating your wins along the way is important, while always striving to deepen and grow. Sticking with it will be hard at times but maintaining your curiosity and “why” will help. I’ve also learned that it is important to truly think of an artistic career as a marathon and not a sprint – I believe that mentality is tenacious in itself!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Like many artists, I am a big fan of “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Her words of wisdom and the guided program truly helped me break down creative blocks and navigate self-doubt. I maintain a daily practice of writing morning pages and love going on artist dates to spark inspiration. (If you don’t know what I am referring to, it is a hint to read the book)! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.heathershaw.us/, https://telephonefilm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathershaw.us/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-shaw-107906160/
Image Credits
Lauren Hoskins, Kaitlyn Ryan, Toby MacNutt, Camille Tokar Pavliska, Ian Sanborn
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