My Statement. by Makayla

Family

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 15:58:11 UTC

I come from a family of so many creative souls. Members of my family are artists, musicians, writers, singers, and so much more. Due to this, I have always been inclined to create as that is much of what I have witnessed growing up. I always feel impacted by my family whenever I work on my own art.

Educators

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:00:32 UTC

The decision I made to pursue being an artist full time was made due to fine arts educators I have had in my life. My high school theater directors impacted me more than I ever thought was possible, but I have realized over and over again that I would not be where I am (and even possibly not doing theater at all) had I not met and worked with them.

Previous Work

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:02:53 UTC

As a Black person, I continuously am seeing the works of the white figures in theater history. However, my mind and body will always be more impacted by the works of those who look like me. It's important for me to be able to see works of those who experienced things like I do, who have been discriminated against, and have had to fight due to their black and brown skin.

My Blackness

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:04:23 UTC

In the work that I do presently and will continue to do, I always want my culture and blackness to show. My Blackness is who I am, and I care to showcase it through my art. Not just to prove a point, but to be able to encourage others who look like me. A value of mine will always be uplifting and telling black stories.

Everything

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:06:53 UTC

Whenever I tell people that I am a BA Theatre and Dance major, I'm always asked "what are you going to do with that?" Everything. I'm going to perform, I'm going to write, I'm going to do every technical aspect. I will be a well-rounded individual with experience in every area. I refuse to allow myself to only know one thing.

Uplifting Others

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:09:19 UTC

A goal I have for the work I continue to do, is to have an impact on others. On people who look like me, people who have been afraid to speak, or just people. I admire people who have impacted others with their work and led them to do something positive. That's what I want to do. What I will do. I will be a platform and light for others to look up to.

Students

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:11:41 UTC

Currently, as a student at a huge university, there are many other students who I can look at for inspiration, assistance, or just companionship. At this time of my life where I am now branching into the real world and the start of my career, this is so important. I want to work on being present with them. Any of these students can help me just a little, and I hope I can do the same for them.

Time

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:14:41 UTC

Time flies. We always hear that. I hear it nearly every day. I need to continue working on staying in the moment and using the present to create my ideas, as there is no better time than now. Reminding myself of how time can just rush by assists in keeping me from procrastinating my art, and continuously pushing towards it.

Limits

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:16:35 UTC

I am a huge believer in everyone having limits and boundaries that people should not cross. I have my personal ones that I have been getting better at establishing, especially in my creative work environments. No one can put out their best artwork if their needs and limits are not being heard. Limits are something I will always honor and value.

Voice

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:19:23 UTC

As a Black person, I have felt the need to be quiet for majority of my life. Whether it be about my issues, my ideas, or anything, I have rarely felt like I had the ability to speak in my life. This i especially true in the world of art and performance. The constant fear I have of my ideas not being accepted, or that speaking about my opinions on how my people are portrayed in various forms of media have held me back. But that is not something I can continue to do.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:22:35 UTC

I am someone who believes in affirmations. This one directly relates to the idea of being present and goes against the idea that the present is something to be scared of.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:24:04 UTC

Though this is literally just writing, it reminds me of myself. I write myself notes and reminders on sticky notes, which I then put up in my room. This is so I can look at them and be reminded of the important things.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:26:20 UTC

Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau is the first show I have been in that was written by a Black playwright. My senior year of high school. It took so long. This play will always have a special place in my heart.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:28:38 UTC

"Black is Beautiful", and that includes our artwork.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:30:48 UTC

When I saw this, I just felt a sort of connection. Like, in terms of theater, there is not a specific dream job for me. As long as I'm working in the theater environment, it's a dream job. SImple as that.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:33:20 UTC

This movie, along with Get Out, inspired so many black artists. Jordan Peele has become an inspiration for many Black artists, and I want to be the same way for others.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:36:58 UTC

This article is one that I related to heavily to when reading, the journey to appreciating my culture and background. On the journey to loving my Blackness, I found the courage to include it in my art.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:38:30 UTC

A sentence I wish I had heard a lot earlier than I did. Luckily, people have begun to let me know that this is true. It's helped me immensely.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:40:50 UTC

This image kind of is like my family and the educators I have had. They have helped build the ladder for me to climb to success, and it is still in the midst of being built. They are still continuously supporting me.

makaylaade — 2024-01-26 16:42:50 UTC

This image is sometimes how I feel when I make art that is true to myself. It feels like I can feel the presence of my family and ancestors, almost as if they are guiding me in telling stories.