We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Wijaya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.
Grace, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As a creative, our journey is a dance with vulnerability, a daring exploration of uncharted territories. Putting our work out into the world is akin to revealing pieces of our soul, susceptible to both applause and critique. It’s a journey where rejection and uncertainty lurk in the shadows, yet within that vulnerability lies the magic of creation. Taking risks as a creative is an act of courage, an assertion that our voice deserves to be heard.
For me, there’s an unparalleled joy in embracing these risks. The most monumental leap of faith occurred after high school when I bet on myself, leaving the familiar behind in the US to pursue a college degree in theater and film at Hanyang University in South Korea.
Leaving everything behind was a colossal gamble, however, that journey became a transformative odyssey. Amidst a different culture and surrounded by unfamiliar faces, I discovered not only the craft of storytelling but, more importantly, the courage to tell my own.
Since then on, I believe that true beauty lies not just in the final masterpiece but in the journey of unveiling it. The risk-taker emerges with newfound strength, armed with the wisdom that creativity flourishes when nurtured by audacity. For every rejection, there exists the potential for connection, understanding, and the profound satisfaction that comes from fearlessly sharing the essence of one’s creative soul with the world.
Grace, 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?
Grace Wijaya is a writer, director, and producer who was born in Indonesia and moved to the United States at the age of 13. After completing a film and theater program in South Korea, she went on to work on a number of cross-country film collaborations between Indonesia and South Korea.
Currently, Grace is attending the prestigious City College of New York and is in the process of producing her directorial debut, a short film titled “Singing in the Lifeboat”. The film is a collaborative effort between three countries and is aimed at offering a message of hope during times of uncertainty.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Early in my film career, I eagerly embraced every opportunity that came my way, even if the projects didn’t align with my creative spirit. Impatience fueled my actions as I confused constant movement with progress, fearing the stagnation of waiting. Yet, this eagerness led me down a perilous path; I felt burnout creeping in, and my sense of purpose waned.
The turning point came when I took a step back to recalibrate. Reflecting on why I entered the realm of art in the first place, I realized the importance of mindful choices. I unlearned the notion that every opportunity is a golden ticket and started valuing authenticity over sheer activity.
Embracing patience, I became selective about projects, focused on genuine connections, and maintained honesty in my work. The lesson was profound — busyness doesn’t always equate to fulfillment. While I might not be the busiest person in the industry, the satisfaction derived from purposeful, mindful choices eclipses the chaotic pace I once believed synonymous with success.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding facet of being a creative lies in the alchemy of capturing ephemeral feelings and moments, translating them into a universal language, and then sharing that intimate essence with the world.
In this sense, I feel like I’m not just producing art; I’m encapsulating the heartbeat of a moment, the echo of a sentiment, and the soul of an experience. The true joy arises when this crafted resonance resonates with others. Through shared emotions, we connect on a profound level, transcending individuality to embrace the collective tapestry of what it means to be human.
The ability to evoke, provoke, and inspire through my creative endeavors is a privilege. It transcends the boundaries of time and space, fostering a shared understanding that speaks to the core of our shared humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://singinginthelifeboatfilm.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracewhent/
Image Credits
Chyan Lo