Artist's Statement
I knew
from the start that I was going to choose the song There's No Business Like Show Business for this project. For as long as I can remember I knew that I
wanted to act. I remember watching
Audrey Hepburn movies as a very little girl and being so drawn to the beauty of
it. Performance holds a strong spiritual
draw for me, and that song moves me deeply.
I have a testimony of the righteous influence that can be had through
performing, and I feel very reverently toward that iconic song.
The
role of a performer is one of the strongest aspects of my identity. My role as a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints is an even stronger part of who I am. That is why I chose to combine There's No Business Like Show Business
with I am a Child of God. There are so many musical mash ups out there,
like this one by "DeclanMakesMusic" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNVbdRWnf40. I have always found music incredibly
inspiring. My mother is a professional musician,
and my father is something of a music guru.
I was raised with an immense appreciation for the power of music, and
that is something that plays a huge role in my life. For these reasons, a musical mash up was my
first instinct for this assignment.
The
series of images entitled "RETROSPECT - An American Classic
Revisited" represent the ways that an existing image came to hold different
meanings for different people over time.
The idea has morphed as the country has grown. My Textual Poaching project represents the
way that the idea of "Showbiz" has become a deeply spiritual thing to
me as I have grown.
The two
labels of actress and Mormon have been so interesting to wear together,
especially outside of Utah. In Dallas, I
only ever met two other LDS actresses, only one of whom was fully active. I was amazed I found any.
I have
encountered resentment in the theatre industry for my religious convictions,
and some firm disapproval from members of the church for my career choice. I have found that the only way that people
ever come around to respect my choice is when I wear that identity up front and
without shame or hesitation, and with the confidence that I am using my gifts
in the way that Lord would have me do.
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