We asked some of the most talented folks in the community to talk to us about projects they’ve worked on that they still think about, projects that really meant something. Have you had such an experience? Are you looking for inspiration for your next project? Check out the stories below, they are exciting, entertaining, and most importantly – inspiring.
Gerald Decker
My most meaningful project I’ve worked on has to be my newest film, Cul-De-Sac. I was at a very dark period of my life and nothing seemed to be working out for me and I knew that if I didn’t do something to change my story I’d whither and die creatively. I decided I really needed to make a new film without compromise so at the very least I’d know that I had given my dreams every ounce of myself and no matter what happened I wouldn’t’ have any regrets. I didn’t even have an idea of what exactly the film would be, but I knew that if I opened up the idea that there was a film inside me I could make with no money I’d find it. I gave myself a deadline, set up a detailed calendar, and spent the first week opening my mind to whatever came my way. What came to be was a story about very desperate people forced to weigh the value of two lives and choose which was worth saving. At the center of this struggle was a young woman with Down Syndrome. I’m not sure why I made that decision at the time but if felt right. Then while casting the film I met Erin Hurley at the very last moment. And to be honest once I did I knew I had made the right choice. And working with the very special actress elevated the entire film and brought meaning not only in the films message but personally for me and the entire cast and crew. It was an unforgettable experience and I’m glad I took the chances I did to make it happen. Read more>>
Sequoia Emmanuelle
As a photographer and director, one of my favorite things to do is to connect with people that I am working with. It’s even better when I have repeat clients and we develop an ongoing relationship and grow our work together. Read more>>
Pam Uzzell
In 2009, I joined a walking tour in my own neighborhood in South Berkeley. Unlike some walking tours which show picturesque places and share interesting historic tidbits, this was a walking tour with our city council member to discuss the consequences of the newly installed parking meters lining the streets of the business district in a neighborhood that was historically Black and working class. This neighborhood was still reeling from the effects of the 2008 housing market collapse and recession. To see the city add parking meters in front of businesses that were struggling to keep the doors open really felt like getting kicked while you’re down. I began chatting with a woman next to me who introduced herself as Mildred Howard. I couldn’t believe that I was meeting the person behind some of the most iconic public artworks in the Bay Area. Mildred shared with me the story of how her mother, Mable Howard, brought a lawsuit against the local rapid transit system in 1968 when the transit system was being built in Berkeley to stop the plan that would have destroyed that particular section of town. I thought, why have I never heard this story? Do other newcomers to this neighborhood know this story? That was the beginning of a 9-year film project called Welcome to the Neighborhood, documenting the history of a neighborhood in a city that has struggled with inequity and disparity, both historically and currently, around race and class. The goal was to preserve the history of an influential activist and organizer, Mable Howard, follow the story of her daughter, an artist whose work explores the theme of belonging and home, and show the cultural and political vibrance of South Berkeley. Ultimately both Mildred and I were priced out of Berkeley, a reality faced by many residents who once thought they belonged to that special city. Working through this story shaped who I am today as a creative by clarifying to me the themes of belonging that have existed in my work all along. Read more>>
Laura Kirar
The most meaningful project I ever worked on has been the one that is ongoing, the project that I consider part of my life’s work and destiny – Hacienda Subin in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Back in 2007, while traveling in Mexico and starting a material exploration in natural fibers, I discovered an abandoned & ruined hacienda and I have been restoring it – slowly – until now. It is incredibly meaningful not just because it is a project of my own, but this project – for my family – has been a teacher to me. I learned to do business in another country, learned a new culture and language, gained knowledge on new and old building techniques, worked hand and hand with local artisans, and because of this property, I became a part-time archeologist and full time dog-mom to 14 street rescues. Above all Hacienda Subin has served as a place for creative inspiration, for gatherings of fascinating people and a refuge for friends and family who all come to take in “the good vibes.” This place – this project – has laid the foundation for a very well-lived and interesting life that is meant to be shared. Read more>>
Yuki Murayama
I had the opportunity to work on a meaningful project in collaboration with the University of California Riverside Research team. Our focus was addressing the serious environmental pulmonary issues in the Salton Sea area, specifically targeting young residents. We embarked on creating a children’s book that aimed to explain, in an easily understandable way, what is happening inside their bodies. Read more>>
Avonti Adizahyr
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on would have to be my latest creation entitled “All The Feels”. It’s more than just a book, it’s an experience of evoked expressions where lovers of art can become completely immersed in poetry, photography and all things #CREATIVE and feel the energy as they dive deep into my works. They can experience my heart through my words with poetry that transitioned into song and wisdom captured from the world around me. Read more>>
Rawle Harding
I am currently working on a meaningful project right now it’s my new body of music that I plan to release next year early in 2024. This project means so much to me because it’s the first time I’m peeling back more layers of myself and really being vulnerable and raw. Read more>>
Wellon Bridgers
One of the most humbling opportunities I have had is to work with clients on custom pieces that commemorate a particular memory, experience or even person. From clients capturing a favorite view of their honeymoon to celebrating overcoming a particularly difficult season of life, these opportunities to create unique paintings are so humbling. I also love collaborating with husbands to surprise their wives for art as gifts–it’s always a bit of a risk to surprise someone with such an investment and statement piece, but (fingers crossed) we’ve had only happy receivers so far! Read more>>
Jacqueline Morley
A client came to me with interest in taking her father’s military dress uniform and making it a purse. As a daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I was honored to work on this project. Many times we have these sentimental items that no longer have a use in our procession, but extremely meaningful. How can we use or repurpose, to continue displaying a deep respect to their story? I thought her idea of turning it into a purse was an amazing idea. She has since taken it to the VA hospital to show her father and has had many people taken and moved by the sentiment. Another project that I enjoyed was taking a crib bumper and turning into two keepsake quilts for a client’s teenage daughters. These are the sentimental projects that give me joy in my work. Read more>>
Maraia Mariselli
I think the most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is a mini music festival called GrrrlFest, highlighting 15 female fronted bands ranging from indie rock to hardcore punk. I’ve been putting it together for about 6 months, the show hasn’t happened yet, it’s in august, but the process alone of planning it has been meaningful. How women are treated in not just punk and hardcore scenes, but various alternative music scenes has improved, but there are still changes to be made. Creating a safe space at my shows is my biggest priority, and I think this fest is gonna contribute a lot to the local community. I want this fest to inspire girls and honestly anyone to start a band and throw shows. Read more>>
Josh Ransom
Two huge parts of my life are music with COSMS and the adoption of my sons. I never really thought that those two things might intersect in some way, but they did with my job with Kids in a New Groove (KING). It’s always been important to me to do work that matters. As Program Manager, I match music mentors to youth experiencing the child welfare system to create these bonds that bolster tomorrow’s Austin musicians. By creating trusting and meaningful bonds, the youth (and the mentors!) grow into versions of themselves that are not only more confident, coordinated, and more regulated, they sound great too! Read more>>
Grace Hong
I’m really excited about the projects I’m bringing to life at the moment across multiple dimensions of my life – from a career perspective, my art and creative self-expression, and what I’m involved in on the non-profit and impact side. I’ve spent many years cultivating my artistic pursuits in isolation from my work as a corporate executive and business strategy consultant, and I’ve always had a strong calling to give back and do good in the world. Over the past year or so, those things have started to come together in a meaningful way. Read more>>
Ruby Huggins
We are always working on making this community space grow to best fit the needs of the patrons and employees, but the latest expansion of our company (Handsome Boys Hospitality) has allowed us to work on some exciting updates to the 2-year-old Slashers. Joshua Schmitz has built so many unique businesses out of the 5126 E Colfax location over the years, from Bellwether Barber shop, coffee shop, custom clothing, and finally Slashers Dive Craft. We are so grateful to work in a creative space where we get to listen to feedback and come up with new fun things all the time. We have a new summer menu of craft cocktails to roll out alongside the updated back patio and barcade end of July 2023! Full of all your favorite games, drinks, and horror movies, there is so much more fun to be had! Read more>>
Stratis Mortakis
I’ve been lucky enough to work on a good range of creative projects so far; from big budget videogames to small indie animation and short films. I like having the option to try out my ideas and I find that at its core the creative field is more about knowing your audience. When I was younger I used to think that the audience is something you should not care about in the sense that it would limit your creative vision. And while that is certainly true to a good extent I learned from experience to look at myself as an audience too. In the same way that I get angry and frustrated if a Bladerunner movie sequel or prequel hits the mark or not, if a reprinted version of a Geof Darrow comic book has the colors right, it’s fair to say that any videogame and art project I work on must have some audience out there waiting to see if it all works together in their eyes. It’s part of what I find meaningful in projects I’m involved in. In the same way that I look out to be inspired by other artists and what they produce, I also strive to create artwork with intent. Read more>>
Alex (Henax) Lopez
I would say that all of my projects have meaning in my life because they were all relevant to me in a season of my life that was filled with turmoil, pain, loss, and regret. However, I am excited about my upcoming EP/Album called Haus. As the name suggests, it is going to be way “housier” than my other projects as well as incorporating new elements with old ones. I can finally say that this EP/Album is going to be what I originally wanted to write when I first started composition at 14. Read more>>
Donna Downey
So much of my art is based in capturing the beauty in the broken. The pure vulnerability of the human spirit. There is connection through the expressive mark in which viewer and artist meet. Whether I am working in Figurative, floral or abstract the voice in each mark I make and the colori choose is about the human connections that alte our lives on a daily basis. the feminine is very important to me. It is the reason I teach and connect with other artists through my Patreon, It is the Community of creatives and women that have made the most impact on the direction of my art. When my marriage. of 20 years ended in divorce it was women creators that surrounded me and helped me find my voice. This series, my “O Series” was the pivot point. As the now divorced spouse of alcoholism I chose to process and unpack the grief through my own 12 step series of art https://www.donnadowney.com/pages/o-series Read more>>
Martie McNabb
For over a decade, I’ve had the honor & pleasure of creating safe spaces for people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientations, genders etc to share the stories of the Things that matter. People have brought photos & objects, to both in-person and virtual story-sharing gatherings, on a variety of themes from my collection of 24. Cards, Letters & Thank-you Notes; Tails, Paws, Beaks & Claws; Shoes, Boots, Bags & Hats and Scars, Tats & Piercings to name a few. Read more>>
Bill Armstrong
Commission to work in the Sistine Chapel Read more>>
Matthew Ricketts
I am currently working on an operatic adaptation of Robert Service’s iconic 1907 ballad poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee” (in collaboration with librettist and fellow Canadian Royce Vavrek). We have had two developmental workshops (in NYC and in Dawson City, The Yukon, respectively) with plans for further development through Vancouver Opera in 2024. Having grown up with this beloved piece of Canadiana, memorizing it with my Father as a summer project, reciting it around the campfire at Cub Scouts and when camping with my family, “The Cremation of Sam McGee” is a project that is closer to my heart than almost any other, reaching far back into my own history—and Canada’s history—to engage with a story that is, essentially, about our relationship to nature, our relationship to industry, our interpersonal relationships and the meaning of a promise made….with a generous dose of spooky surrealism! Read more>>
Alexandra Hall
In 2016, I developed a public art program, Art This Way. Art This Way works to raise funds, advocate for public art, educate the public, and liaison between property owners and artists to bring large scale professional art installations into Fort Wayne. The program operates under the 99-block zone of the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District. Read more>>
IZZY
“Inez”, my first EP has to be my most meaningful project I’ve done. This was the first time I was open with my life experiences through music words. Although I’ve always written songs like this, this would be the first time I’ve let others hear what I have to say with songs I’ve written with a guitar and notebook. Not only was I being open with my experiences but I introduced all these songs through the character, Inez. Inez is someone who is very naive, innocent, and very inexperienced in life but she’s so eager to find out who she is and where she belongs. Inez is a part of myself that I wanted to share with everyone because she is someone who represents who I was at some point and still am. I believe she also represents so many other people who walk through the world with the same innocent and naive eyes until life hits them and they don’t anymore or they still do. No matter what she is there for everyone (including myself) through the music to show that no one is alone through their life journey no matter where you may be in life. Besides from that, recording the songs with my friends who play guitar, bass, and drums was absolute fun. We had recorded all the songs in about 5 hours and the reason it took such little time was because we had been playing those songs live for a while so once we got to recording we had the songs set in stone. Recording the vocals was a whole other part of its own. I spent about two months in the recording studio for vocals just doing them over and over again until I got somewhat of a good result. Although the Inez is not perfect in any way, she is the most truthful character I’ve created with these songs, I love what the music and lyrics represent and I could not be more proud of what came to be. Inez will forever be apart of me. Read more>>
Christian Spriggs
Christian A Spriggs Jr., also known as Trig the Optimus is an American rapper, writer, publisher, father, influencer, and entrepreneur. A motivational artist creating change. He believes that all people should feel safe and have role models in their lives that lead them down the path of physical and mental wellness. He lives his mission. He is currently releasing innovative art. His song Shorty from his debut album “Right Now”, illuminates the violence, drug use, and deterioration of our Hip Hop culture. Artists are using drugs and violence to medicate the internal fear, anxiety, and pressures brought on by social injustice. They are afraid to be themselves. The current culture is crushing people’s lives. Read more>>
Valerie J Runyan
The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on of late have been: re-igniting my virtual writing retreat as a membership, adding an attached read and critique membership, while creating a continuing space for my core writing tribe. Here is the backstory for all of these components, that make up my location-free niche business. Read more>>
Stephan Crawford
Founding and helping to lead The ClimateMusic Project is the most meaningful work I’ve done so far. Founded in 2014, I had just finished a Master’s degree in environmental sciences and was looking for a way to apply what I had learned in the context of my creative studio practice. My initial thought was to create a kinetic sculpture that would mimic the processes of the carbon cycle, but one night in my studio I was mulling it over while tapping a metal rod against my workbench. The rhythmic tapping suggested music, and that was it. Fast forward 9 years, and we are now an interdisciplinary non-profit collaborative that includes experts across the arts, sciences, public policy, and technology. Our mission is to connect people to climate science and action through “science guided” music that inspires and motivates people to learn more about the climate emergency and to take action. We have reached audiences in 30 countries, and have partnered on events with leading national and international institutions, including the National Academy of Sciences, The World Bank, The World Economic Forum, and the European Union, among many others. Read more>>
Marteja Bailey
I never thought I could be an artist. A lot of self doubt existed within my past self. Once I had my daughter, I went through a pretty heavy postpartum depression. I struggled with depression my whole life really. So, a lot of my art is a reflection of all my sadness, my doubt, my everything. Read more>>
Alice Ness
As a Creative Director, my job is very project based. I actually work a few different jobs but I love that they all have the same underlying theme of being creative. Some weeks it can feel like I’m running around like a hectic little hurricane, but once the to-do list starts to get crossed off and a big project is completed it makes it all worth it. I love that in my Creative Director role, I can show not only the companies products in a creative way, but I can help others see themselves in our marketing in a relatable way. One project that’s ongoing is our influencer program. Giving artists within our network the opportunity to get their work seen on a national level and grow in their careers is such a phenomenal thing to experience. Anyone can see the professional higher budget content but when they see their own work shared, it hits so differently. I like knowing that this project that I oversee is helping someone else grow in their craft. Read more>>
Angelo Thomas
Every project I’ve worked on has been meaningful to me, but my second feature film, “DeRosa: Life, Love & Art in Transition,” was very special and personal. It’s a documentary that paints an honest—and timely—picture of the transgender experience, told through the eyes of Felicia DeRosa, an incredible person who happens to be a good friend of mine. Felicia and her wife, Gwen, who also features prominently in the film, trusted me to facilitate this opportunity to tell their story. Felicia and Gwen are extraordinary women and making this film was the most fitting way I could pay tribute to them. Read more>>
Carl Grauer
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. In 2017 as my mother’s condition was worsening she and my father made the decision to move to Poughkeepsie, New York where I live with my husband. My mother’s condition escalated quickly in the past few years and my father, husband, and I were placed into caretaking roles during the pandemic. It was a difficult scenario as many family relationships are fraught with complexity surrounding the end of life. It is a tangled dynamic of loss and acceptance, to say the least. Through the experience, a series of works grew from the need for solace and subject matter that would provide more comfort. I retreated into the solitude within our home and the space within which my husband and I live. In this body of work,“A Qu(i)e(t)er Interior,” I painted interiors of our home to create perceived emotions among materials, beings, and the light that was cast among them. It really ended up being a story of light and longing for catharsis while mourning the incremental loss of my mom. This series of work is a response to those feelings and a search for self-care. In this particular work, I observe the relationships among materials, beings, and the spaces in which they exist and a perspective that tracks varied emotions, different points of view, and how the light is experienced within. Both a place of comfort and safety, our home provided a stage to play out this series of stories about the passage of light. Light passes through the space within our dining room. It shifts with the time of day as the objects rest upon the table leaving remnants of our shared lives and the symbols they represent. Dinners are shared and cleared. Candles are lit and extinguished. I also explore the value and temperature of the light as it shines onto the wall, through the window, onto the hardwood floor, and onto the table; a table my father and I made. A table with which we shared meals, played games and conversed over. We care for each other within this space. Within this work, I ritualize the sacred moments we share. Representations, whether visual or sensory, possess an equivocal relationship with actual lived practices. The narrative of these senses is largely formed and they reveal the manner of and mortality with which these interiors exist. Read more>>
Holly Wilson
Sharing the work of indie authors has easily been the most meaningful project of mine. For example, I’ve read multiple advanced copies of books written by Noelle Bensen and each time I share my thoughts with my followers. Along with a photo showcasing her work. It brings me so much joy to share lesser known authors with my followers because I see how hard these authors are working to get their books out into the world. And when I find a new favorite indie author, I want my followers to see how great they are and love their books just as much as I do. Read more>>
Dee Astell
I remember my first time chairing a convention. It was Westercon 70 (a western regional sci-fi convention) and I was like a deer in the headlights, wondering how the heck I had gotten there. I’ve learned a lot since that event, especially about building trust and good working relationships with local fan groups, because they can have lasting results. In my case, the WSFA (Western Science Fiction Association) and CASFS (Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society) became sponsors for Westercon 70 and my husband and I went on to become members of both groups. Read more>>
Cedric Christophorus
I am Cedric Christophorus, a filmmaker and media educator. I was born and raised in Indonesia, and my passion lies in telling human-curated and empathy-driven stories, infused with my unique cultural perspective within the entertainment industry. Read more>>
Minnie Lucas
This past year I have been creating more meaningful and personal art for my mental health. This is something I wanted to do for a long time. I was encouraged by my therapist to finally do it. A big project I created is about my relationship with my father. My whole life my father has been controlling and verbally and psychologically abusive. I still think of things he has done or said to me. I decided to write everything down he’s said that’s affected me and take a double exposure of the writings and my face. I wanted to show sadness, anxiety, frustration, and anger. This is how I have felt in the past. I want this series to help people who are or who have been in similar situations. I think it’s important for me to talk about my trauma because not everyone can. People who have been in similar situations need to know they’re not alone. I want to create more art about my trauma in the future.Read more>>
Garrison Oliver Gross
Director Sassy Mohen’s “How To Hack Birth Control” was the most meaningful project I’ve ever been blessed to work on. The digital comedy series strives to encourage, educate and empower audiences. Through the use of increasing levels of brilliant situational comedy, Sassy was able to share her passion for people and remind us all how important it is to protect women’s reproductive rights. Now more than ever, we can see the impacts of these rights on women’s overall health and wellness. Currently, The Series has accumulated a plethora of awards across the country, including Best Director at First Glance Film Festival and Best Ensemble Cast at DTLA Film Festival. Read more>>
Lisa Perrin
I recently had the experience of writing and illustrating my first book! In undergrad I double majored in Painting and English, because it had long been my dream to be an author/ illustrator. After college I spent the next 15 years or so as an illustrator, mostly creating covers for other people’s books. This time, though, I got to create the cover for my own. It took about 3 years, but the book will be in stores this September! The book is The League of Lady Poisoners; Illustrated True Stories of Dangerous Women, and the publisher is Chronicle Books. The book features the stories of about 25 accused women poisoners and shares more of the context around their crimes. Read more>>
Asia Pyron
In 2021, I had just moved to Nashville to embark on a journey of establishing my company, PYDANCE, in a city that lacks exposure to dance performances. During the first few weeks I’ve arriving, I stumble upon the Centennial Arts Center, a visual art community organization. I thought the building had a unique design as I noticed the grass-filled pit you can walk into. It was an outdoor patio that was one level lower than the actual building. I decided to walk into the center and ask someone about the building and why it was so different than any arts building I’ve seen before. I met the director, Josh Wagner, and he tells me the historic past of the building. I learned that the building use to be a public pool, but in the 60s it was shut down along with all 22 public pools in Nashville to avoid integration laws. The pool had been abandoned until it was reintroduced as Centennial Arts Center in the 70s. When rebuilding the center, they kept the structure of the deep end of what use to be the pool. The building that use to hold bathrooms and a snack bar is now a gallery and art center where community art classes take place. The deep end of the pool, remains a pit where performances and events are presented. Read more>>
Felipe Latorre
My recreation of Above & Beyond’s set in Mute, Mar del Plata, Argentina, from January 2020. Yes, it’s no original work. It would’ve made sense to name one of my tracks, but this set really changed the direction of my life.Read more>>
Patricia Kluwe Derderian
I developed a love for drawing while still a young child in Brazil before majoring in architecture. Now a painter based in Pinellas County, FL my work is inspired on both public and intimate spaces and the ways we gather and share these places. As a mostly shy person, drawing and painting became my way of thinking and expressing myself. It is my way to tell what I cannot tell with words. In my paintings I express my love for life, for traveling and people. First I paint for myself because that’s what makes me happy and complete, where I feel like I belong or where I should be. It is a translation of how I see the world and everything that I love about it. It is my own language to translate feelings. It is about love for me. Read more>>
Billy Joe Cain
Many people are empathically called to help end human trafficking after they learn of how it affected someone they know, or perhaps understand how it feels for themselves. I got involved myself after learning how easily children could become “groomed” into complicity by a threatening, controlling predator. It happened to my kids, right under my nose. Read more>>