We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Patrick, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Understanding more of my value and individual magic has been an on-going lesson; however, realization hit pretty hard this past summer as I pursued a path of becoming an independent artist. My journey as a dance instructor/artist has been rather consistent for nearly 20 years. I feel satisfied now with the information, tradition and unique aspects of my teaching and ability to connect with students and artists of all ages.
This past year was one where I committed to becoming more of a full-time artist to primarily include my teaching from studios to public schools within the Atlanta area. I maintain a contract position as an enrichment substitute at a local charter school (Drew Charles Charter); lending to a more flexible schedule upon my request. I use this flexibility to accept opportunities to teach and choreograph when they present themselves, as well as step back into the shoes of that as a dancer/performer at the age of 42. Most recently performing as a dancer with Dominion Entertainment’s – Black Nativity (featuring some of the finest singers, musicians and dancers). This was a goal of mine since I first saw the production last year.
Income received from substitute teaching comes to a halt when school breaks occur (such as summer break). As last summer approached I purposely made a decision to stress less about the impending interruption with [my] direct deposit pattern. I was simultaneously continuing my art sketches and projects; becoming more excited with the direction my arts was going. It started to open up to the idea of including prints digital prints. I had not yet developed the confidence to sell my art for the type of income which would have certainly assisted in creating some form of cushion. I increasingly became more social media shy and very reluctant to show my work. The only time which I saw myself, could feel my essence connect and express was when I was teaching dance and/or drawing.
As I trusted that things would line-up for me so that I may support myself through the gap I began saying “yes” to almost any invitation to teach for summer programs. I had not discussed–to my personal and financial benefit–any negotiations (or) true desires for rate-of-pay. Neither had I fully committed much time in thinking of what I am actually worth as it pertains to compensation. This led to me accepting positions which were at a rate below that which I had previously called my “minimum rate’, as well as under conditions outside of my control. Eventually I was able to admit to myself that my experiences had some form of fear attached as the conductor. This fear was a result my un-checked subconscious notions that I could not have what I most desired. My desire via dance, at that time was to experience the electric energy of teaching a room full of dance artists who could express their passion from a seasoned place. Basically, I felt it was time to either work with more adults (or) experienced artists who could best handle the speed and interpretations to music that I felt ready to put out. I have experience with all ages, but I craved to truly “go in”–as people sometimes say.
To cap off my temporary disappointment all of the classes were for children (some of which were recreational). What that meant for me was that I had to change my mind all together. I now needed to get past my personal feelings and find a way to not suffer while teaching which came only through letting go of what I thought I most wanted. In retrospect, I now know that I was getting what I most “needed”. I needed to show myself that I can–upon demand–work with kids recreationally. If given the opportunity to ‘know my audience’ there is an aspect of my creativity that is pure magic. Pure imagination!
Finally, I learned that an artist must be bold enough to initiate the conversation of a personally satisfying rate. I learned that should I choose not to accept an offer (which would ultimately place me in a position of sacrifice) it will be okay, and a way will be made. I learned that all things eventually work out and has always been the case. I learned to trust the gift within and to call it Magic. I have learned that my personal worth and value can only be set by me and should be daily rediscovered. I learned that I must validate and love those things which come from me–my imagination expressed. The validation comes inevitably through a series of ‘being’ and being creative.
PKreative!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I know that most artists art able to claim that their gifts showed-up in their lives very early on. My story is no exception in that for as much as I can remember (and I can remember a lot) I was distracted by simple things–lost in thought. Many notes went home attached to my chest by a safety pin to explain to my mom how much of a wonderer I was. Eventually they figured the solution was to avoid sitting me near a window where I would most likely be looking out.
It was not until middle school where my focus changed as the performing arts were introduced into my pattern. First came chorus which for me a few things came up as an interest. I enjoyed singing, but not necessarily first thing in the morning when my class would have occurred. The true highlight for me though was witnessing my choral teacher (Ms. Carolyn Foreman) play the piano while standing and looking at each of us while singing our parts along with us. Such multitasking! I was so intrigued by someone’s ability to play the piano without looking at their hands. And I would later find out how complicated chorus sheet music can be, but not until much later. When she would play using one hand while simultaneously directing us with opposite hand I remember feeling the sound she produced was still full and complex as if playing with both.
Within my 7th grade year I was both in orchestra, as well as chorus. Cello was my instrument which I found to be unique in appearance and sound. I was fortunate to have a very strong violinist as an instructor–Ms. Pamela Ellis. I was intrigued by her ability to play our parts (which required on-the-spot transposition). Over the summer I taught myself the bass clef notes on the piano utilizing what I learned from playing the cello (also in bass clef).
Piano instruction was introduced by my 9th grade year and was later considered a self-proclaimed strength. My grade did not reflect my ability to play because I was slow to take to music theory and would not retain the history of composers (specifically dates and categorizing genres). At this same time was I introduced to DANCE! In my heart I am more of a dancer and was beyond excited to be able to do something that put me in the mind of Michael Jackson’s Thriller rehearsal footage. My first dance class was an all-male class taught by C. Michael Tidwell. I now feel fortunate to have had so much exposure at an early age–All idioms are currently being expressed in my life.
Visual Art was evident through drawings as a kid and early teen; however, I did not pursue it much until in recent years due to COVID-19 circumstances. I was working a remote mortgage position (an industry I financially relied upon during my dance journey). Although I was grateful for having a position that temporarily made me feel “secure” sitting at my kitchen table, tethered to a desktop computer was starting to have an ugly affect. I became depressed and discontent. So, I started drawing while in between calls and assignments. It became my distraction of sorts and helped to maintain my sanity. I was being satisfied through creation! I enjoy using any media available from colored pencils to chalk, etc.
The artist I am today embraces all talents which have been cultivated through the years. I still play the piano when inspired to do so. The songs I play are mainly what anyone would call “improvisation.” It would simply be me making notes/pitches agree (harmony and chord structures). Yet what is most interesting for me personally is that as skilled as I may sound there is still a large portion of my playing where I do not know what I am doing. Not completely. I do not have perfect pitch and it almost seems like I am playing through probability–being delighted by what occurs as I ascend and descend the keyboard. Only having a rough idea of what it would sound like and making any dissonance agree as much as possible.
If there is any sense of “mastery” to be felt in the most humble way possible it would be through my teaching dance. Most times I leave class feeling satisfied that during that time I would have been sensitive to the music, given as much energy possible physically, used my imagination and provide as much technique as the room allows. I have had experiences which has taught me to accommodate various levels of dance at one time. Open adult classes for modern dance (a genre that I often teach) would have at a given time a mix of beginners and advanced levels. When everyone leaves feeling that feeling of accomplishment that comes from an electric class I am convinced again of this being my purpose. Dance merges the musician in me while the structuring of choreography is a lot like painting–choosing which color goes where.
I am most proud of my ability to do it all–to some degree. “All” for me is anything which interests me at the time and not a personal proclamation of being able to do every thing, but I can if I wanted to. I am proud that I do not have to tell anyone else what I can do to feel fulfillment. I enjoy the curiosity which leads me to things and to where I am now.
I want people to:
*See the expression/emotion in my art
*Wonder how _____?
*See music through my dancing and choreography
*Feel through my expression(s) the ancestral, tradition, Soul and Spirit
*See God through me and everyone else
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I find artistic expression(s) to be very close to how I imagine God in that all things are an expression of what we call God. In a way, all things are waiting to be looked at or acknowledged. When I consider the most sublime things in nature such as an astonishingly colored flower or an ornate bird it’s at times comical how they have no ego to have crushed from not being acknowledged.
In a pure time of creating I have learned a way of detaching from my surrounding enough to be zoned-in. This distraction helps me to stay in what some would call a high vibration. It is my belief now that staying in this state of mind as much as possible is the healthiest way of not suffering. Since I have learned most suffering (if not all) is mental. The way I have learned to play the piano and maneuver around disagreeable notes is the same way I am learning to treat things in life. My apartment has been practically wallpapered in sketchbook drawings, digital prints and paintings of rewarding sessions of being in the zone. The escape is the reward. Finding my personal heaven (or) “happy place” is my reward. In dance, I am grateful for sound training which aids my ability to still be able to do it at an age when most retire from the stage. I am not sure we ever truly retire, but having the option to still do _____ is very rewarding for me.
I would advise myself and anyone to remain diligent in your desires. Find something which holds your attention outside of what another has placed before you. Be encouraged to find your bliss! Undoubtedly a daily pursuit for me but I aim to redirect my attention to those things in my life that I would most prefer. A Creative creates creatively–does his/her best with what is present.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
To always be in bliss! My goal is to no longer be impacted by things which happen outside of my control. To realize the lessons sooner that come from each experience in order to do it better the next time. I now know that the experiences had that I may call negative only help me to carve out the things I would most prefer. If I can reside within a creative headspace I can always make the best out of each moment. Altercations can be a thing of the past when I truly remind myself what is most important–to feel good. Turning my attention has proved to be a powerful tool for me both in real-life situations, as well as within my crafts. I can always choose another color to mix (or) blend. I can always combine another note (or series of notes ) to harmonize and phrase. I can enhance movements (or) modify them according to another’s level of experience. I can change and evolve.
When I am sharing with others I am driven by seeing in my head the end result of what I want to occur, but not being completely sold on what it has to be. It’s the plan-no plan idea that keeps me flexible. For instance, I used to compile songs onto my previous iPhone as a playlist for any type of class I may teach (i.e. Ballet Playlist). Once I upgraded and that same list was not transferred I became more open to teaching to streaming music services–such as Pandora. What this does for me is allow me to construct a phrase (or) set movement that would be done to unpredictable songs. I set the tone but allow myself to be surprised by the song. My students have learned to trust it almost as much as I have. I love making it work!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: PK Smith
- Facebook: PK Smith
- Youtube: Patrick PK / Pique Smith
Image Credits
Myself