We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ari Spence a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ari, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
It was 2019 and I was set to graduate law school. I had already worked at one of the best known civil rights firms in New York (arguably the country). I had already been cited as establishing new case law in prosecutorial ethics. I was already working in an office in Executive Boulevard at the District Attorney’s Office, as an intern. To those around me, my legal career seemed like a slam dunk. It could have been, too, if I decided to continue.
I came to a jarring realization in my third, and final year, of law school: none of that was what I wanted. My whole life I wanted to be a creative. I wanted to write, to perform, to make and share art with people. However, growing up in a trailer by the river did not make that a practical choice. Now, I was an adult with a dying mother and a choice to make. The time had come to choose my happiness or practicality. I chose my happiness.
I graduated law school, degree in hand, and turned my back on the legal profession. I haven’t looked back.
Ari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was in my third year of law school when I worked an immersive event as a paid actor. I had an incredible opportunity to meet and interact with creative, passionate people who showed me that the arts is viable as a career path. Since then I’ve discovered that the key to happiness is doing whatever makes you happy.
I’ve worked as a lawyer. I’ve been an actor. I’ve been a singer. I’ve been a batista, a dogtrainer, a bartender, a cook, a tour guide, a producer, a director, and a writer. I’ve worked with the living, the dead, and otherwise otherworldly. But right now my focus working at my alma mater, St. Thomas Aquinas College, as an adjunct English professor and Learning Specialist for students with disabilities and further developing my Paranormal research for Legally Haunted.
I’ve worn many hats over the years, all of which have taught me the importance of living life. Each role has contributed to the person I am today: a creator and an explorer.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Freedom! I can create the world(s) I long to experience. I get to play by my own rules and invite others to join me. It’s about forging a community with similar individuals who dream of a world different than this one.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I’ve faced the most push back over my non-linear path. A good majority of people are uncomfortable with change and uncertainty. If you’re an artist, you have no choice but to revel in it. People outside of the community don’t understand why I would work 16 hour long days, endure unstable pay, and constant job insecurity because I “want to make stuff.” They don’t understand that, in spite of all the challenges and economic disadvantages, the catharsis of art is worth it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legally_haunted/profilecard/?igsh=MTk4YzlsbGpleWV2eg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cR1vCZUBiDayeDxa/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/legally_punk?igsh=MWdpMDdzc2JmZnljdw== https://www.instagram.com/tomb_tales/profilecard/?igsh=ZnZidThvODFxbTE3
Image Credits
Frank Marquette, Murder Cafe Shayn Jones, Inquiries of our Reality Podcast