We were lucky to catch up with Diana Lopez soto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Diana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Im interested in the relationships we have with material and the memories, stories and choreographic choices that get awaken through these relationships. In NOMADA. it all started with terracota pots. The first smell I remember as a child, one of the strongest memories I have of my grandmother and our community as we shared coffee around the fire and meals made in terracota vessels. The flavour of the clay sips into the food and drinks, the senses awaken and remember the connections we have with Earth. These memories informed the concept research, field work and process of creation of NOMADA. All elements and stories inter-wined have been part of the initial memory of terracota and the vital roll it plays in our lives and that of my family’s nation. It has been 10 years of research, and each year was a life transforming experience. The concept developed into a story, the story took us deeper into ritual and celebration, the choreographic impulses got translated into rigging systems that materialized reciprocity in motion and connection… The projections supported all systems and stories and the composition gives tactility and texture to projections and movement… I still feel that after launching the project, there is so much that can be done, the process doesn’t stop at launching. I believe the process continues and grows into involving the perceptions and support of audiences.

Diana, 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 have always been interested in movement and the study of the body in movement and in relationship to space and material. My movement practice integrates martial arts, vertical dance, qgong, gyrokinesis and ritual. I have a BFA in visual arts and 20 years experience in performance art, contemporary circus, dance and site-specific work. As I matured into my career I embraced the multidisciplinary of my practice and this has nurtured growth in my collaborations and direction of my work. I am also a student of the land, focusing on pollination, restoration and stewardship. I aim to carry this integrity and values throughout my art practice and life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Unlearning is remembering. Different teachings throughout our lives and careers affect the direction of our path. They are not wrong or right. They may just not be conducive for you at that time and space. One of the greatest teachings I have had to learn is that perfectionism is different from integrity. One holds ego forward and the other holds spirit. In the stage I am these days, I must hold the present as the gift I am been given and the only one I can offer to others. Through life challenges and body injuries, I have learned that all of these lessons are guiding me to be the best I can be. The process carries much more weight and connection. Adaptation has more depth than outstanding pain for aesthetic or impact value and takes us closer to life transformation. Every cycle and season of our lives are transformations, and I have Infinite gratitude to what we hold, and where we are, who we carry and who cares for us. There is so much more to remember in this world, but the greatest lessons come from life experience, deep awareness and connection.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to cultivate deep relationships between art and land. Creating opportunities to share stories, ritual and conversations that can nurture awareness about ancient wisdom and challenges our nations endure. My work speaks from the personal to the universal. These days, I carry in my heart my community in Michoacan, who suffer from water shortage. Lakes, springs and rivers are drying. The consequences of fast moving industries and one sided actions that are not founded in reciprocity. I wish to bring awareness and honor the communities of indigenous peoples who are stewards of these sacred waters and continue to celebrate and do ritual for our waters to flow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dianalopezsoto.com
• Instagram: @uarhicreations
• Facebook: Diana Lopez S.
• Other: vimeo/dianalopezsoto

Image Credits
Photographers: Greg Wong,Vita Cooper, Craig Meschino, Marcela Rojas
Performance Collaborators: Irma Villafuente, Victoria Mata, Rebecca Carney