We were lucky to catch up with Sj Janosky recently and have shared our conversation below.
SJ, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
For starters, great interview topics and questions! I’d say for the topic I chose (Taking a risk), I’ve been taking them most of my life. Taking risks is what fuels me, keeps things interesting, and keeps me on my toes. Especially as an artist. I am originally adopted from Guatemala, but raised in Pittsburgh, PA. It’s a small city, has a small town feel about her. If you haven’t been yet, come for a weekend visit. You won’t regret it. Check out the Cultural District while you’re there. I loved growing up in the Burgh, and was in a dance studio by the age of four. Even then I was always pushing to try for the more advanced dance classes; being put with the older girls to perform along side them for our annual recitals. So much fun. When it was time for my high school years, I had two options: audition for CAPA (our Creative and Performing Arts HS), or go to an all girls catholic high school… …so I auditioned my butt off for CAPA, and got in – thank you Ms. Amy! One of the most nerve racking experiences of my life, but also the most rewarding times of my life. It was a chance to turn everything around and create a better sense of purpose, and future for myself. For myself, and for most artists, we can tend to lean into our craft and discipline when we are at a loss for words, still processing, needing to transmute an energy. Or simply just feel or release. It’s a lifestyle. It’s who we are. And really no matter where you go, or what you do in life, your original passion will always find you, and be within you. It’s eternal.
After high school, I made a big decision to go out of state for college. I attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York, where I also studied Dance. As well as, anthropology, photography, and psychology – all amazing classes and instructors.
There is not a course there you could take and not learn something from. Even the folks I met, friends I made a long the way, and are still close with to this day, had so much to offer to my experience. Learning new cultural dances from my international dance friends, picking one another’s brain on some difficult issues from our classes, and just going out to the city every weekend to try new foods, meet so many unique and interesting people. There were some rough times, too, of course, but I was constantly being so fulfilled with the world around me, I craved more. For my junior year I had the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad in Florence, Italy. I wouldn’t have the chance to study dance for the year unfortunately and was pretty nervous to go. Continuously asking myself ‘would I last a year abroad?,’ but I couldn’t imagine not going. And regretting that decision for the rest of my life.
Fast forward, after I graduated from SLC and wrapped up my academic career (for now), I had new life decisions to make. What do I do, and where do I go next? Eventually I’d move to Dearborn, Michigan (about 15-20 min drive outside of Detroit) and work for a non profit for about two and a half years. I went through a period where I wanted to take a step back from dance, since that is all I had really known. It was somewhat of an existential “crisis” for me, so I decided to move back home to Pittsburgh to reground myself. The next three years I had spent there was just what I needed. Our city creatively and artistically was thriving, and I was meeting so many new faces and talents. Got to work for a couple dance companies while I was back, but something within me still wanted more.
It’s funny, while writing this out, so many memories are flooding in. I am feeling very grateful in this moment. Every step of the way I followed my intuition, and know that everyone I have met, all my experiences that I’ve had (good, bad, and in between), have led me to right where I am and supposed to be.
I am now currently Chicago based, co-managing a photography studio in the neighborhood of Pilsen, and continuing on dance and other opportunities here in the windy city. I had moved here with the plan to only stay a year, but the pandemic flipped all that upside down a bit. I have no regrets though. Again, I have met so many wonderful, lively, and talented folks out here. While I am still dancing here and there, and always will, I can’t help but think that is the very thing that has always been my driving force. The passion to get up and move everyday. Keep the energy flowing through my day to day connections, conversations, and decisions. And that no matter where I end up, my need to feel, and stay connected; whether through dance and the arts, I will always trust in meeting who I’m meant to cross paths with, and the experiences that come a long with it. I am actually packing last minute today for a trip to Peru. I will be participating in a 7 day ayahuasca retreat, hiking Machu Picchu, and doing various forms of volunteer work. I absolutely cannot wait.
If anything I want to say thank you Canvas Rebel for the opportunity to be a part of this particular experience and interview. I haven’t quite shared my journey like this, and even procrastinated a bit. But in turn, this really just triggered all my best memories/ and a space to share my story. And for anyone who made it this far, thank you for tuning in, I would love to connect! I absolutely love hearing of people’s life journeys, and learning new knowledge from the world around me.
In short, take that risk. You never know where you’ll end up or who you will meet a long the way. The world is yours.
my warmest hugs,
sj
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?
Hola my name is SJ. I am a dancer, instructor, and creative curator. I grew up in the dance world and throughout my lifetime thus far, have been a part of multiple dance companies. As well as engaging in community out reach programs through some of the said dance companies; creating academic (and dance) curriculums for all of my wonderful students that I’ve had the pleasure in working with over the years. It wasn’t until recent years, when I moved to Chicago, that I started working closely with other artists of different disciplines. I’ve also had that pleasure and opportunity now that I am co-managing a photography studio right in Pilsen. This experience really opened a lot of doors for me, as far as, diving further into my photography pursuits and passion. As well as, curating performance gallery events, and hosting.
What sets me, and really anyone from another, a part is, our drive and individual ‘why?’. We all have these precious journeys we’re on and stories to share through our art forms. It’s really magical in a sense. Especially here in Chicago, with so much raw talent and that hunger to do more, be more, but with unique style and steeze. We feed off one another, and are constantly being influenced (genuinely). I’d say for me personally, although I am a bit of a natural loner, if you put me out on a dance floor, or any creative space/venue, I will be so driven to meet and connect with everyone. You never now who you’ll meet, and what creative ideas may come about.
I am most proud of my genuineness, and ability to feel and connect with all walks of life. Meet people where they’re at, and make the most out of that coming togetherness. I am then able to channel that energy through dance, modeling, photography and imagery. Being able to tailor my skillsets and expertise to any particular project, took time and practice, but is also very much a gift. We’ve all had to start somewhere, and it’s never too late to begin, like, yesterday!
For anyone reading this, and wanting to connect, you can find me on instagram @bluemoonnsj, or via email [email protected] – send me a note, I will respond x
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Honestly, I think we all have the potential to be an artist/creative. It’s just many people don’t know how to unlock that part of themself, are afraid to, or simply don’t want to, and that’s okay, too. And of course this isn’t all non-creatives’ view point, but I have witnessed and have experienced, people wanting to box artists in to a particular art form or category. Or that it must be presented a certain way to be considered art, or the artist an artist. Maybe not so much nowadays, but just wanting to pass a gentle reminder, that artists come from all walks of life, and life experiences. That just because one might say they are a dancer, dj, or photographer, that doesn’t mean we only limit ourself to one discipline and will only produce what society thinks we should. The very essence of our being and reason for being an artist is to draw outside the lines, take those risks, leave our audiences moved, and with food for thought.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Good question. I’d have to say I learned pretty quickly and earlier in life, that one could have 20+ years of professional dance experience under their belt, but someone could come a long and take a lead dance role opportunity, for example, right from under you with only 5 years experience. In the heat of a moment that could be devastating for some. Thinking you worked all your life for this moment, and just because someone is maybe more technically gifted than you with only a few years experience, they receive the opportunity over you. For me personally, I do empathize, but I think that’s what keeps the dance world, or any art form/industry fresh. It keeps the competitiveness alive. And everyone should be allowed to pursue their passions (of any art form), no matter if you have thirty years experience, or one. Within these moments and experiences, there are lessons to be had and shared. Anyone who truly considers themself an artist understands this inevitable, and ultimately welcomes all perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sjfotos.com
- Instagram: @bluemoonnsj
Image Credits
Tony Smith
Jamie Benjamin
Tunji