Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Matthieu Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ryan Matthieu , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I take risks every day. Some big. Some small. This practice has become so instinctual that it may go unnoticed, but the reward is always the same.
I make the choice to live as boldly and with as much authenticity as possible. This is the one thing that no one can duplicate. My brand of magic is not for another person to make. And neither is yours.
This will shine a light upon you. The risk comes with how others receive you. You may shine too bright for some who have yet to do their own shadow work. Pay these people no mind. Those are not your people. Shine brighter so that your people can find you. Be a beacon.
Find that thing that makes you uniquely different. Then go about the business of polishing it until it becomes your style. This is your super power. This will be your greatest triumph and comfort in a world built to bury you.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Ryan Matthieu Smith. Im a director, designer, and performer working in film, theater, drag, and circus. I am a native of Oak Cliff. I have created for projects throughout DFW and far beyond. Most successfully, I am the Production Designer and the Costume Designer for the Hurricane Bianca films starring Bianca Del Rio, Rachel Dratch, Alan Cumming, Cheyenne Jackson, and Rupaul. Most recently, I performed on the Samuell-Grand Amphitheater stage in last summer’s Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Upcoming projects include The Tempest for Shakespeare Dallas, Summer of Cirque: A Pirate’s Adventure at the Gaylord Texan, The Festival of Bad Ideas at Theatre Three, and Hamlet for Shakespeare Dallas. I’ll also soon be creating for Cirque d’Hiver in Paris. I serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Boards for Shakespeare Dallas and North Texas Performing Arts Repertory. I’m an Indigenous Two-Spirit Artist. I’m very excited to bring my passion home to Texas where I believe visibility and representation are vitally important.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In my teens I learned that I had an eye disorder that would take my eye sight from me. My drive pushed me to achieve my goals and to see the world before that moment came. This machine like ability to only move in one direction took me all over the world. From NYC, to Alaska, Europe and back to Los Angeles. I was in such a hurry, I never looked back.
In my mid twenties, I did in fact lose my eye sight. I was forced to reevaluate what it meant to be an artist. I had been a performer and a visual artist all my life. It was the only identity I knew. I began exploring other aspects of creating art that didn’t involve my eyes.
I learned that I was a writer, a director, and a producer. I began curating my own work. Going blind awakened so many more talents that I never knew I possessed. I learned that not having eye sight had nothing to do with having a vision.
I followed this belief and it took me very far and eventually back home.
I returned to Texas for some surgeries and with two years of recovery, I had my eye sight restored Everything that I have accomplished since that moment has been out of pure joy and love. The joy of sharing stories and a love for collaboration with others.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Having survived to tell my story, my goal is to thrive. I’m on a mission to empower as many people as I can. Take risks. Demand to be seen and heard. Take up more real-estate. Celebrate ourselves in such a way that we in turn teach others how to celebrate us. Tell your story as only you can deliver it. Connect your story to the story of others. Do this for yourself and for humanity. Create Art.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/rymatthieu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthieu13
Image Credits
Stephanie Marchant