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At Studio Central, they help out Marissa (the facilitator of the space), and studio goers in any way they can. Sometimes this means more day to day tasks such as chatting and doing art, cleaning the space, taking on a volunteer role that isn’t filled for the day, and helping folks find supplies. Sometimes the projects they take on are more involved such as planning and running workshops, organizing a resource board, or planning an art show.
When asked to share a favourite memory Roan had this to say, “There are so many amazing experiences I’ve had with Artbeat so far, it's hard to choose just one. Overall, the connections I’ve made with regulars has been the most fulfilling. Everyone in the studio is incredibly kind and caring to one another, and I felt immediately accepted into the space and community. Some of my favourite memories are seeing the art made from workshops I run, and seeing that the art I’m sharing is reaching people. Folks often take my workshop ideas and make something I never would’ve thought of, that's ten times more creative than the initial idea.”
Roan loves writing poetry and short stories, and filmmaking, but tends to dabble in many different art types and styles.
“My position at Studio Central has definitely allowed me to expand my practice of art, and to play with materials again!”
I like art that’s a bit creepy, a bit silly, off-putting, or weird. So any new medium I try I like to put a twist on. I also like to focus on people, faces, and the human body in my art. I had a bit of time after my first year of university where I wasn’t feeling very creative, and funny as it sounds, dungeons and dragons got me back into art. I began drawing my friends' characters and it relit my love for drawing. My position at Studio Central has definitely allowed me to expand my practice of art, and to play with materials again!”
Roan likes the sense of belonging fostered within the organization and on the day to day. It works in tandem with the community drive to always be learning and growing. New projects, ideas, mindsets, and artists are welcomed everyday, and that made the transition into this position very easy for them. It also means that as a student, they feel like they can bring something new or updated to the table.
When asked about what they would like to say to the Artbeat community, they had this to say.
“I would say above all else to staff and studio goers alike thank you; for being so welcoming, supportive, and warm, and for opening your community to me.”
“In terms of advice, this pandemic has put us all through a lot, and personally that has meant developing a lot of patience with myself, and a lot of self reflection. I changed my degree, pursued jobs, courses, and experiences that were completely new to me, began transitioning, and discovered new facets of my mental health to care for and nurture. As vague as it is, I recommend letting yourself explore and move at your own pace. There is no timeline to life, as much as we are socially taught there is, and taking your time, trying new things, and looking inward can help you pursue avenues you’re really passionate about in all aspects of your life!”
Roan feels the world has many ideas about art, and mental health, often rules or assumptions about what they are supposed to “look like”. The truth is, art and mental health are very unique from person to person, and no matter how much you try to conform to expectations, your own unique fingerprint (so to speak) is always there. Recognizing that art practice and mental health care is entirely your own journey, and doesn’t need to fit into any expectations is a great step in developing a beautiful world around you.
A fun fact about Roan. They were really into musical theatre and choir in high school. They are a total music nerd, and still sings in a community choir with several friends to this day. Music making is definitely a passion of theirs. Because of their gender transition their voice dropped several voice parts last year and they had to learn all new parts only a couple weeks before a concert.
Our monthly feature is written by Artbeat alumnus C. Fay Shlanda.
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