We recently connected with Chandra Lynch, Jamaal McCray N/A and have shared our conversation below.
Chandra Lynch, Jamaal McCray, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Jamaal: Theater is all about storytelling, entertainment, and communion. So I learned informally by watching a lot of movies, reading comics, playing with action figures. Then I seen a professional play for the first time around 17, it was powerful. Then I seen some people do horrible and that gave me confidence. The rest of my technique I learned in IU Bloomington theater and drama program. Most kids had at least 5 years or more experience than me so I had to absorb as much as I could if I wanted to excel. I learned the history of the craft, then I learn how to do character work and script analyst, I learned all the elements that make up a production. I took directing and play wrighting classes. I had a couple of true artist professors who truly cared, encouraged me, and saw the value of me and my ideas. And I starting producing my own projects. The most essential thing I did was getting on stage and learning outside the program to fuel my craft. I also studied psychology, gender, history, and encountered life in general. I learned my own worth as a black artist within and in spite of a purely Judeao-Christian Eurocentric environment who had no idea what to do with its black students. The biggest obstacle was being alone for a while I figured out how I fit in socially. College was such a scam, dealing with the money, the prerequisites, the poor communication amongst departments. By the time I connected with the telecommunications or fine arts student it was about time to graduate.
Chandra: I have had a passion for photography ever since I was nine years old, capturing memories with my trusty cardboard disposable cameras. As technology improved and I upgraded equipment, the one thing that never changed is how I rely on emotion to inspire me. If only I had been more confident in myself earlier on – asking questions and interacting with other artists – then perhaps my creative business would have taken off much sooner. Networking and building relationships has become an invaluable skill that continues to help shape the success of my photographic & creative journey today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Jamaal: Professionally and for fun I do Theater and Film. I am good at Acting, Writing, and Directing. Theater serves my being in several ways: being creative and spiritual, challenge and achievement, focus and discipline, communion and power, collaboration and entertainment. Doing plays and movies are essentially without purpose and mostly used to exploit peoples attention and perception of reality. The business of it all is saturated with greedy hustles, emotionally unstable outcast, insecurity and trendy politics. But, practiced and studied seriously, done with integrity, with open discourse, very little censorship, transparency with business practice, and all done the mutual beneficial intent for artist, staff, and audience in mind, the medium can unlock the secret to understanding reality. I’m proud of what we do at Ankh Productions. We have a code of quality that I rarely see, we have excellent taste, when you see or experience a project by Ankh Productions you might love it, you might even Hate it but you can’t deny its beauty. It’s because our work is not based in subjective urges and fears of inadequacy. We are not looking to vomit our insanity on people, it’s not our audience or client job to solve our issues. I value a peaceful and abundant life and not looking to humiliate myself by purging my indecency in public. I like art, I like wild objective art, I want to be the best I can be, and simply want to share these awesome, cool, beautiful projects with different humans. A lot times you’re paying $20 or more to see swill in order to support a representative of a cheap cause, for some mid level academic non-profit fix. All the lights and stage, all the props, all the best actors in town but no soul, no message, no culture, no transformation, then why? No judgement but its way too much of this kind of experience. It’s just not the case with Us; with all that or just a black chair and some lamps we got magic. Its exciting and stressful but I bet on Ankh ever time. And I’m sure the people who use us or view us will be positively inspired and/or subdued in some way.
Chandra: I am a photographer, actor, creative director & social media strategist. I feel like i was born a photographer. I always wanted to capture how i observed the world in that way; even before I knew photography was a “thing”. Acting was a little different, I always had the interest in movies & stage plays and could see myself doing them, but I was way too shy to actually try it out. In high school, I was forced into getting on the stage & to my surprise I LOVED it. Any shyness completely disappeared when it was time for action. I went years without these creative outlets in my life while pursuing a medical career & over time so realized that I could not be without art. I ended the medical journey & started my photography business and through networking & building relationships with clients, I ended up meeting people in the acting world. I went to an audition on a whim & booked a leading role then signed with my first agent a few months later & booked a lead spot in a commercial. From there, my acting career & photography business blossomed. I gained my business partner, Jamaal McCray after becoming rather established & added on the production side of things; we began producing our own original theatrical works & started a YouTube channel. Our creative, groundbreaking, unique & poignant stage plays really sets us apart from other stage productions. We truly provide an experience like no other [that’s always a new audience members response]. While working to promote our business, I learned that I also have a great knack for the social media marketing & branding side of things. I saw what my creative & unique approach was doing for our business & I wanted to use my skills to help other creatives flourish, particularly Black creatives. So I started implementing social media management & support as well as branding support to help my fellow creatives show off what they do so well, so that they too can use their craft to fund their lives & feed their souls. I’m proud of myself for building a life of doing what I love, although I was always told an artist can not support themselves off their art/skill alone; and that I help other creatives see that this is a possibility for them as well.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists is an important part of any society. Through their creative works, they bring beauty and richness to our lives, reminding us of the power of art and its ability to connect us across time and space.
There are a number of ways that societies can support their artists in order to ensure their creative success. Firstly, artistic endeavors should be supported financially with adequate funds from both private and public sources. This money can help pay for necessary supplies and resources, as well as provide living stipends so that artists can focus on creating art without worrying about making ends meet.
Another way is by providing access to galleries and other exhibition spaces where artists can showcase their work publicly. Not only does this give them exposure which can help them gain recognition, but it also gives the public an opportunity to enjoy and engage with art.
Organizing workshops, seminars, lectures and classes is a great way to equip artists with the necessary skills they need to produce great works. It is also important for societies to provide legal protection so that the rights of the artist are respected and their creative products are not abused or taken advantage of commercially without permission.
Finally, society can show its appreciation by celebrating artistic endeavors in both big and small ways. This can be as simple as taking some time to appreciate street art when you pass it on your way, or buying tickets to watch live performances or exhibitions. Showing our support helps remind artists that they do make a difference and that their works are appreciated and valued.
At the end of the day, the best way to support artists is by giving them space – both physical and mental – to create art without judgement or restrictions. This will allow them to reach their full potential and continue producing beautiful works for all of us to experience.
By fostering an environment of love and support, society can ensure that its artists remain empowered to create meaningful works that bring us all joy. We owe it to our future generations to keep nurturing the arts in order to preserve and share this integral part of our culture. To do so is to ensure the legacy of art lives on for years to come.
Ultimately, supporting artists is more than just giving them resources (although this is VERY important) –it’s about showing respect and appreciation for their craft and recognizing the impact they have on our communities, our personal relationships, and our philosophies. Doing so will help us celebrate this beautiful form of expression while also helping make sure that each generation has a chance to experience its beauty firsthand.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
In no particular order for free:
Freedom by Osho
Creativity by Osho
Fame Fortune And Ambition by Osho
The Empty Space by Peter Brook
The Actor in You by Robert Benedetti
Exterminate All the Brutes by Rauol Peck
Read yourself. As an artist, going on a self journey is always a worthy path. If you do nothing else do that. It’s worth more than money, and fame and awards. It’s worth winning and failing at. Seek the truth, seek balance and fairness don’t settle for lies or charming imagery. So many lost souls and devils in this art scene. Know thyself. Before, During, and After your career. If you don’t you will fall into many virtuous traps, cozy pits, and glamours hells. It’s a warriors path so have courage, discernment, grace, and strength. And protect your creative gift by taking care of your wellbeing. Study psychology and sociology and their sources and funders.
Artist scenes in the western world, because of the way they are funded, behave like cartel families so I suggest studying strategies of War and Peace and just add love in your intention. Thats have I carry myself as an entrepreneur. I cultivate and tend to mine and only seek mutually beneficial relationships. I try to keep out of people business and I will turn away anyone trying to interfere in mine. At the very least I owe everyone respect mind body and soul. I demand the same. Respect and cherish the individual. Respect and have humility with your audience. Be observant and skeptical of groups and investors and anyone looking to benefit financially, politically, or sensually from your work.
Learn the history of this theater and film: Nothing is new, seriously nothing. So learn from the victories and the mistakes of those in the past to have a chance at something original. And please site your references, its undignified to just take from our elders and ancestors and act like you discovered it like manifest destiny. You still get the same respect or even more by giving credit where its due. As a black artist I find offence with that practice, so don’t get caught.
Read more plays any play, watch more movies and really pay attention to them. Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett, Susan Lori Parks, Robert O’Hara, Robert Alexander, Amiri Baraka, Martin McDonagh, etc
When watching movies, pay attention to specific directors: Spike Lee, Tarantino, David Lynch, Ava, Peele, etc. A lot of non black and brown directors have less advantages in production and exposure but the make do with what they have. And the White directors have more but the aesthetic sometimes surpasses the privilege so learn their ways for you and yours. Good art can outshine politics.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ankhproductions.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankhproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ankhproductions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankh-productions-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ankhproductions8951
Image Credits
Lenny White, Indy Ghostlight & Ankh Productions