Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arpège Lundyn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Arpège , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
My main goals in life are to be happy and fulfilled–I’ve worked regular jobs and they do the complete opposite for me. I’ve been called stubborn because I’d rather work no job than be unhappy for the sake of a check but I figured if I’m spending that time working my craft, I’ll get where I want to be. As of now, that philosophy has worked in my favor and I’m in the best space I’ve ever been career wise.
And there’s nothing more satisfying than watching the seeds you’ve planted flourish.
Arpège , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My love for music–growing up listening to my dad’s records–is the reason I fell in love with art. It’s what made me want to dance, sing, act, and be in front of the world. I wanted to provide others the same joy I got from the artists I love. That catapulted me into a world beyond what I could’ve imagined where I discovered a passion for writing, producing, and directing, as well as a plethora of other creative hobbies. Art’s special ability to connect communities and introduce different perspectives is also what inspired me to, along with receiving my BFA in Dance, also attain a BA in Psychology.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
When I first began dancing, I was a part of a small studio off Crenshaw and Slauson. It was called Jump For Joi founded by Eve Douglass. Her main priority was to positively influence the children in the community through art of all means. It was there I fell in love with dance, but it was also where I learned how to sew; where other children were able to find a passion in painting and/or drawing, and where as a collective we made lasting friendships uniting over a love of art. We may not have had all the resources but it opened the door for many to find an interest they may not have found otherwise. Unfortunately, a lack of resources also meant if some wanted to get more serious in their craft, they had to look elsewhere, often at a higher rate. Subsequently, for others that meant they quit.
When it was time for me to move on, I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships in my dance training that permitted me to get to where I am now. However, dance is an expensive art form all around and sometimes I wonder where I, or others who gave up, would’ve been if the support necessary to thrive was there.
There are a myriad of reasons as to why I continue to do what I do creatively, but one of my main goals is to create my own studio. It could be primarily dance or I can incorporate other art forms such as music and film. Overall, I want to reach a level of success where I can bring back my resources, provide top training with easy access, and all the opportunities I’ve had–plus those I haven’t–back to the city I love; inspiring new generations of creatives.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
This is a 20 year lesson I am just beginning to unlearn.
In my daily life, I used to find as many ways to not take up space; I learned how to sneeze quieter, move to the back of the class, and not speak unless I’m spoken to. I generally don’t like discussing my accolades, future plans, or my art, but I know it stems from a lack of confidence that I’ve often disguised as humility and privacy.
While that may be true in varying degrees, I’m now learning –thanks to an amazing community that constantly reminds me how “cool” I am– that I can still be private, while simultaneously celebrating my accomplishments. The era I’m now in is The Celebration of Me. I’m learning that I can never get to where I want to be if I don’t recognize the greatness others see, in myself.
I’ll forever stand by what a blessing 2020’s lockdown was for me. As a dance major, I took my classes on Zoom at home in my room. With me and a screen I could barely see, I grew the most in my artistry because I didn’t feel the pressure of eyes directly on me. I could f*ck up without heads turning, I could be silly, I could go full out in my most dramatic fashion because overall I didn’t know who was watching or when they were watching. I got back into music, began painting, crocheting, and writing more. I got to break out of my box and create in peace. It was also during that time that I directed my first short film “Deserve” which went on to receive awards in multiple film festivals.Contact Info:
Image Credits
Steve Disenhof (Feature Photo) Doug Kaye