We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Andrea Meshel Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle Andrea Meshel below.
Michelle Andrea Meshel, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
The source of my generosity emanates from a profound belief in the transformative power of art and its ability to address the pressing social issues that afflict our global community. The Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival (PTAFF), with its unwavering commitment to artivism, serves as a beacon of inspiration. By providing a platform for independent artists dedicated to social justice, PTAFF fosters a space where their voices can resonate on a global scale.
Witnessing the artists who participate in PTAFF, fearlessly confronting issues like poverty, gender inequality, racism, and mass incarceration, instills a deep sense of admiration and gratitude. Their unwavering dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on systemic injustices is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This dedication resonates deeply within me and fuels my own commitment to supporting their endeavors.
Furthermore, the festival’s emphasis on empowering emerging and established artists alike aligns with my belief in the importance of nurturing creativity at every stage of an artist’s journey. The willingness of PTAFF to take risks, to provide a platform for artists to tell their stories without constraint, mirrors my own belief in the power of unfettered expression to provoke meaningful change. As artists, we bear a unique responsibility to confront and challenge these injustices through our work. The very essence of PTAFF embodies this ethos, serving as a rallying point for artists to stand up against the inequities that persist.
Ultimately, my generosity finds its roots in the acknowledgment that art has the potential to be a catalyst for social transformation. The dedication of artists who utilize their craft to effect change, as exemplified by PTAFF, serves as a constant reminder of the impact that can be achieved through creative expression. It is this recognition that propels me to support and champion their efforts, knowing that their work is instrumental in creating a more just and hopeful world for all.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At PTAFF Film Fest, prepare to embark on an exhilarating cinematic odyssey! Join Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival to immerse yourself in an electrifying weekend of film, art, and inspiration at the beating heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
At PTAFF Film Festival, you can anticipate an enthralling array of international films that will challenge your perspective and ignite your passion for change, live performances and art exhibitions that pay homage to the profound beauty of artistic expression, as well as dynamic panel discussions featuring luminaries and visionaries from the industry and networking opportunities with fellow film aficionados, artists, and groundbreaking filmmakers.
Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival takes place at ArtShare LA in Downtown Los Angeles on November 3rd, 6-10PM and Nov. 4, 11AM-10PM! Tickets are available from the ptaff website: www.ptaff.org!
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?
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The ability to learn and adapt is crucial in any journey. In a rapidly evolving world, being open to new information, technologies, and perspectives is invaluable. Read widely, seek out diverse viewpoints, and be willing to change your approach when needed. Take courses, attend workshops, and engage in lifelong learning to stay relevant and informed. To be adaptable, it is necessary to embrace curiosity and stay hungry for knowledge. I advise people to seek out opportunities for learning, whether through formal education, workshops, or even self-paced online courses. Be open to feedback and new experiences, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Resilience and Perseverance:
Challenges and setbacks are an inevitable part of any journey. Resilience means bouncing back from difficulties and maintaining your determination to reach your goals. It’s important to understand that failures are learning opportunities, and they can provide valuable insights that lead to future success. I reccomend that people learn to develop a growth mindset and view failures as stepping stones towards improvement. Cultivate mental and emotional resilience through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or seeking support from a mentor or community. Surround yourself with a positive and supportive network.
Effective Communication and Relationship Building:
Success often depends on your ability to communicate effectively and build meaningful relationships. Whether in personal or professional settings, strong communication skills allow you to articulate your ideas, collaborate with others, and navigate complex situations. This includes both verbal and written communication. Practice active listening in all of your communities–at home, in school, with your friends, seek to understand before being understood, and hone your ability to express ideas succinctly. To form long-lasting meaningful work and private relationships, empathy and emotional intelligence, as they are essential for building strong relationships. Engage in networking opportunities and seek out mentorship to learn from others. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace your individuality, stay true to your values, and remain committed to your personal and professional growth. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival calls to the hearts of creatives who are deeply committed to advocating for a more positive, socially conscious world. PTAFF’s ideal client or customer is some engages their creative talents, or is someone who desires to engage in socially-conscious art. PTAFF’s vision embodies various forms of art such as theatre, spoken word, painting, sculpture, or photography to shed light on pressing global concerns like poverty, gender inequality, homelessness, hunger, abuse, racism, trafficking, war, incarceration, and grief, among others.
These artists and consumers are passionate about making a positive impact on society and are dedicated to using their art as a tool for change. They understand the power of storytelling and artistic expression in bringing attention to issues that affect our global community. They are willing to take risks and push boundaries in order to create meaningful and impactful work.
The ideal client for PTAFF is someone who sees art as a means to address injustices and contribute to the larger conversation about social change. They are committed to transforming lives, offering hope, and advocating for a more just and equitable world through their creative endeavors. They value the platform and community that PTAFF provides, recognizing it as an opportunity to amplify their voice and contribute to the broader movement for social justice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ptaff.org
- Instagram: ptafilmfestival
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptafilmfestival/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptafilmfest/
Image Credits
2016 Donna Dymally Photography
